A common everyday thing: the apartment clearly requires renovation, and there is little money. How to do inexpensive repair DIY apartments? It seems to be the simplest, obvious way: superficial redecorating. That is, wallpapering, whitewashing the ceiling, painting, fixing the creaky floor; Possibly replacing windows.
However, if you calculate the labor costs and consumption of materials, it turns out that by increasing the labor costs by half and the money spent by a quarter, you can give the apartment a completely different look, and for a long time. How much you need to invest specifically depends on prices in the region, but general methods, which can be used to make an apartment cozy and elegant inexpensively, are the same.
Saving Money when renovating an apartment with your own hands, like the Earth in ancient legends, it stands on three whales and a slowly hurrying turtle under them:
- We are not afraid of work. Nothing comes from nothing. Either money or labor.
- Wherever possible, we don’t change old things that are capital but have lost their appearance, but renew them.
- We place maximum savings where it will not affect the quality of work and will not be visible.
- We spread the costs of labor and money over time: having planned a renovation in the summer or fall, we spend a year preparing, and then we rush in and do everything quickly. Spending 200-300 thousand rubles at once is a problem, but breaking it up in parts over a year is quite possible. In addition, there will be time for measure seven times and cut once.
Where is it difficult to save money?
The only area where you will have to invite a specialist is to redo and strengthen the electrical wiring, if it is old and weak. The only way to save money here is to negotiate with a DEZ electrician. He will do the work in pieces, in free time, but the likelihood of hackwork will be even less than that of “branded” specialists: after all, he will then have to service all this.
It’s better not to skimp on electricity and wiring, but you can do some things, like installing sockets, yourself.
Tool
A good specialized tool makes the job much easier and cheaper. But buying it is expensive. Therefore, it is better to rent a tool as needed. In terms of costs, it will not cost much if you decide on the design in advance and draw up an approximate work plan for yourself.
Season
Plumbing
A sore point when doing cheap DIY repairs is replacing plumbing fixtures. If it is still “alive”, just dirty, then you can clean and paint it. How to do this will be described below. But if there are chips and cracks, then whether you like it or not, you need to replace it.
For such a case, here is some information for you: new residents, especially in houses above the budget category, often start major renovation, and excellent, brand new earthenware and cast iron plumbing ends up in a landfill. Landfill operators (simply landfill workers) have long since turned this circumstance into a profitable business.
They do not make direct contact with strangers via their office phone, but it is quite possible to reach them using word of mouth methods. The rate is from a third to half of the factory price for a household item. And don’t think that they will take you to the landfill and show you where it lies. In the back room you will be offered a choice of clean, thoroughly washed products, which you can immediately sit on.
Construction garbage
The next sore point is the removal of construction waste. The operation is not cheap and requires paperwork. Exit: basement, barn, cottage or closet and several used bags made of plastic sackcloth, bought for pennies. Construction waste does not sour or rot; it can then be poured into a container at the house dump, bucket by bucket. There is nothing illegal about this.
Overhauling even part of an apartment is expensive. The legacy of Soviet times still lives on in many, many thousands of apartments: wooden floors creaking from age, crumbling plaster, wonderful uneven ceilings. And this is only part of the problems, because there are still clogged water pipes, ugly batteries and dried out wooden windows. But what if you have neither the funds nor the opportunity to do extensive renovations, but you still want to refresh your apartment? Now we will look at how to do do-it-yourself apartment renovation quickly and inexpensively.
There are quite budget ways make your home look very presentable. At one time, I had to renovate an apartment immediately after purchasing a home, when all available funds had already been spent, and the need to make at least cosmetic repairs and refresh the interior was very urgent. There was only one solution: do the repairs yourself to save money.
Walls– this is the first thing that always catches your eye. Certainly, smooth walls and beautiful stylish wallpaper everyone will like it, but if for leveling and expensive materials there is no money, you can limit yourself to simply replacing old wallpaper. Just by re-pasting the wallpaper you will already transform the apartment. Find inexpensive ones thick wallpaper on a paper or non-woven basis is quite possible, and they can be glued even to not very smooth walls. Non-woven wallpaper hides minor irregularities especially well.
There is another option. The previous owners left a couple of rolls of wallpaper in the apartment, which were of no use to them during the renovation. For example, I simply replaced a few particularly dirty and torn areas of wallpaper. It was enough to replace the wallpaper strips where they were most noticeably damaged. These are protruding corners, places near door jambs, in the hallway at the entrance, in the kitchen not far from the stove - all this will cost much less complete replacement, and the housing will look much better. 
Ceilings. If we are dealing with whitewash or layers of lime, it is best to clean them first. Numerous lime deposits that peel and crumble are not only aesthetically unsightly, but also harmful to health. It is not difficult to wash away lime; you must first soften the layers by wetting small areas ceiling with water from a spray bottle, and then clean off the plaque with a hard spatula or scraper. If there is old peeling wallpaper on the ceiling, it needs to be removed.
After cleaning, the ceiling can be additionally sanded with ordinary sanding paper, that is, sandpaper, and prime it. If the surface is smooth, without pits or cracks, it will be cheaper to paint the ceiling acrylic paint, it's better to use matte paint light pure tones. If there are small defects, the wallpaper will hide them. Wallpaper for the ceiling should be chosen white or very light, without a pronounced pattern and with very fine corrugation. Another economical option transform the ceiling - glue foam boards. 
Floors. If these are concrete floors, as a rule, nothing additional needs to be done with them in terms of preparation; they are quite smooth and durable. Creaking wooden floors- this is a much more serious problem, and their repair, at least over time, cannot be avoided, but the squeaking problem can be temporarily solved. Creak in wooden floors occurs when adjacent boards rub against each other. In particularly “loud” areas of the floor, you can drill several holes a regular drill and pour a little polyurethane foam. The foam will fill and seal the voids between the boards and the floor will stop creaking. This must be done carefully, without fanaticism, so that the floor does not swell.
Level out strong “waves” and unevenness wooden floors You can nail hardboard, plywood or OSB sheets on top. For the required strength, the thickness of plywood or OSB should be about 1 centimeter. As finishing coating For flooring, the most economical and durable is still linoleum. Fortunately, the choice of linoleum in stores is extensive. 
Tile. If we have already figured out the wallpaper on the walls, then what to do with tiled covering? Replacing the tiles, of course, may be a solution if the tiles do not stick to the wall, because there is no other way out. In rare cases when tile easily came away from the mortar, and the mortar itself adheres well to the wall, the tile is easy to restore by spreading it thin layer PVA glue and pressing it firmly into place onto the solution. The main thing here is to get it right reverse side tiles into their imprint on the mortar, and PVA glue will very firmly glue the ceramics to the mortar - checked! But if the tiles are holding strong, and buying new ones is expensive, you can work a little on what you have.
Firstly, the tiles can and should be washed thoroughly. Since it's tile, it will withstand much more aggressive cleaning agents than dish gel, but it will also look much better when it's cleaned off. limescale, rust and other traces of use. It is also necessary to clean the seams between the tiles. There is no need to be afraid of damaging the grout; on the contrary, you need to clean off as much grout as possible. Mold often settles between the tiles in the bathroom and it is very difficult to remove it from there.
After removing as much grout as possible along with unwanted flora and fauna, the seams can be treated with a special antiseptic. After this, they can be filled with fresh grout. It is better to choose a grout color that is neutral or close to the color of the tile. 
Plumbing. Carefully inspect your plumbing fixtures. Are there any cracks or chips? There is no need to change plumbing. Plumbing cleaning products will help make all sanitary surfaces look more presentable, and bright curtain for a shower will finish the job. By the way, you can refresh it with paint cast iron bath. Not from the inside, of course, but from the outside. But, shining with freshly painted sides, the bathtub will immediately take on a more elegant look. But if, after all, the inner surface of the bathtub is damaged and worn out, it makes sense to contact bathtub restoration specialists who will resurface the bathtub right at home new enamel. As a rule, such a service is cheaper than purchase and installation. new bath. Here's another option: make a bath curtain not only for the top, but also for the bottom (use glue and Velcro). 
Electr 
ika. Inspect all outlets. If you see melted plastic around the plug holes or even just dark spots, such sockets should be replaced without hesitation! Lamps are changed as needed. If they are intact, not obsolete and all the lights are on, you can simply remove them, wash them and hang them back. Do not forget to turn off the voltage in the apartment when working with electricians!
What can't you save on?
Window. It is quite difficult to repair them on your own, and besides, they are increasingly in use now plastic frames and vacuum double-glazed windows.
Faucets in the bathroom and kitchen. You will have to replace a low-quality faucet very soon, and incorrect installation can also lead to a flood. The same applies to flexible hoses: Probably half of all recent floods are caused by cheap water hoses.
Electrical and wiring. Faulty wiring poses a risk of fire or equipment failure. If anything sparks, crackles, or flickers, contact an experienced electrician. And also, under no circumstances change apartment circuit breakers(plugs) to more powerful ones. Otherwise, it may happen that the old wiring starts to burn, and the new powerful fuse will not even think of turning off, because it is designed for powerful wiring!
“May the renovations in your apartment never end!” - the passer-by throws over his shoulder and goes home. And you stand there and think: “Why is he doing this? Did you wish for wealth or, on the contrary,... tax you?” But really, the issue of repairs is an unpleasant matter for the average citizen. With today's prices for materials and services of construction Jedi, you will have to fork out seriously. And how much time and nerves you will have to spend, and even live in a ruined apartment! You wouldn't wish it on your enemy. But repairs are a vital necessity, and sooner or later you will still have to face them. Some craftsmen, even in times of crisis, still manage to renovate an apartment with their own hands quickly and inexpensively. But how do they manage to do this?
In fact, repairs are not as scary as the attitude towards them. If you are a resourceful, sociable person and know what a grinder, drill and trowel are, there is a high probability that you will succeed. We will devote this article not just to how to choose cheap wallpaper or to dilute glue for it yourself. We will share with you some interesting ideas and finds that will help you make quite a decent apartment renovation with your own hands quickly and inexpensively.
Lying on the couch
A piece of whitewash fell off the ceiling and flopped straight onto the bed? Then one thing is clear: there will be repairs! This means that some amount of money needs to be collected, and then mercilessly spent on materials. So start saving now. There is no need to plan repairs immediately: “I’ll start right tomorrow.” Take a few months off - you will really need them. This way you’ll collect some money, get everything you need, and most importantly, clearly understand for yourself what you really need to replace, paint, glue or remove. An apartment renovation done in a hurry with your own hands will certainly bring its own unhealthy results: it has come unstuck here, it is leaking here, something is missing here, and it is not clear why it is here. In the meantime, start small, but most importantly, with a plan.
Plan + goal = result
Keep a small notebook. In it you will write down all the ideas, prices and phone numbers of stores or specialists. But the main thing is that it will contain a plan for your repair and a cost estimate. The plan needs to reflect all your wishes: for plastic, suspended ceiling or just whitewash, new tiles in the bathroom, wallpapering or a couple of new sockets in the kitchen. Write exactly what you want. We decided on wallpaper - that means wallpaper, you want it decorative plaster- so so be it. Pipes are humming - replace it, a cracked toilet - throw it away. You may think that, based on your desires, you won’t be able to do an apartment renovation with your own hands quickly and inexpensively. But you probably don’t know this, and you’re only forcing yourself into limits. If it works, you’ll do it; if not, it’s not a big loss, it’s just a note in a notebook. Next, start making an estimate: what exactly do you need and in what quantity. How many meters of tiles, grout, bags of putty, wallpaper, chipboard and other things. You can always correct these entries.
To find out exactly what materials, what quality and price you will need, go to online stores and construction forums for help. Carefully study the characteristics and pricing policy, approximately calculate the consumption. And at the same time, learn how to replace a faucet, hang wallpaper or install drywall yourself. Determine for yourself: I can do this myself, but here you need to look for an electrician or plumber. Write it down.
Friends and comrades, or Ode to an instrument
Construction tools cost a lot of money, so it’s better not to spend money on them. Another option is to rent it for a while; it is rented everywhere. And it will be even better if you borrow it from acquaintances, friends or relatives. And be sure to thank the person for their help. How? You know better. Take this opportunity to ask if they can help you decorate your apartment. Especially if your friends are well acquainted with construction literacy. This will also help you do your own apartment renovation quickly and inexpensively, and also with high quality. And your friend will probably make a significant discount for old times sake.
How to buy for free
There are many options. First, remember: it is better to buy materials for apartment renovation in the cold season - the price is much lower. But summer is construction season. In winter, you can come across a 50% discount in construction markets or a “Buy 2, get 3 for free” promotion! So you can buy the same wallpaper at a low price, but much more best view and quality. And if they lie for a couple of months in a dry pantry or closet, then nothing will happen to them.
Explore local forums, especially if you live in big city. There you will probably find many people who have already done inexpensive apartment renovations with their own hands. You will probably find photos of finishing, tips, addresses and phone numbers of specialists there. And you will also come across the heading “repair” and “remaining materials”. Periodically look at who is selling or giving away interesting things. People often end up with materials after renovation that no one will buy at the sale price, and it’s a pity to throw them away. So, you can buy a couple of bags of putty or even Spanish tiles for a ridiculous price. A person has an extra 2-3 meters left, there is nowhere to put it, but it will do just fine for you in the toilet. There you can also find the remains of a cable or grout “for a chocolate bar”.
More respectable people, when moving into new buildings, often exchange brand new plumbing fixtures or PVC windows for more expensive ones, and these are given away for next to nothing. Why? Because they want “Rehau” or “only France”, and such a window will do just fine for you. Anything is better than the old wooden one. When you get rich, buy yourself a Rehau.
Barter is power!
In war, all means are good. And even more so if you have started an inexpensive apartment renovation with your own hands. By the way, don’t forget to take “before” and “after” photos (just for memory). Each of us is an expert in something. For example, you are a car mechanic, and your neighbor often travels on business trips and does expensive repairs for people. But he hasn’t been able to assemble his car for a month now. Or maybe he got lost, wandering around law offices, and you, as luck would have it, are a lawyer. Help a person with a claim, and he will help you lay tiles or deal with electrical issues. Let it be in the evenings or on weekends - whatever is convenient. The main thing is that it will be completely free for him, and you will get an inexpensive apartment renovation with your own hands. Well, or almost our own.
We don't litter
Today you have to pay not only when you buy, but also if you throw away. You were remodeling, and you ended up with a lot broken stone and other garbage? Order a car for pickup? Stop! Go to the same forum and advertise: “I’ll give it away for free.” construction garbage! Pickup." Please provide your phone number and address. They will come, load and take away. Where? Someone is building a house, and they need crushed stone, but it costs money. Your garbage will completely replace it, and most importantly - for nothing. Yes to you too good help and another piece of advice to add to the box: “how to make renovations in an apartment with your own hands cheaper.”
Change old toilet and the sink, where do you plan to throw them away? If they are intact and fully functional, write to the forum: “I’ll give them to the builders. Pickup." You’re not the only one who wants to renovate your apartment quickly and inexpensively. Demand a chocolate bar.
New - well forgotten old
Buy new bath Today it is expensive and irrational to replace real cast iron with fragile acrylic. But what to do if your font is frankly yellow color and in colorful streaks? So, it won’t be possible to renovate your apartment inexpensively? With your own hands you can return the bathtub to its original whiteness! Don't believe me? Go to the store. Buy 5-10 packages citric acid and durable latex gloves. Send your family for a walk while you get busy. Pour 5 packets of acid into a liter of boiling water and coat the bathtub and sink with this solution (work only with gloves). Leave for 20 minutes and then wash thoroughly. Your bath will be like new! Don't like the result? Repeat one more time. If this time fails, then the bathtub will have to be painted. Fortunately, they sell a huge amount of bath paints, and they are easy to work with.
Sleight of hand and no fraud
Well, here are some tips for you on the topic “how to make renovations in an apartment with your own hands cheap and cheerful.” By following such simple tactics, by the time of the planned repair you will have collected the required amount of money, and will even be able to stock up necessary materials by itself convenient price. Or maybe you’ll already have time to do some work. Now all that remains is to buy the missing material and complete the plan on the appointed day.
If you reread the first page of your notebook marked “plans,” you will be clearly surprised. It turns out that what seemed overwhelming at first, you can easily master without extra investments. And if something didn’t work out for you, don’t be upset. It’s not without reason that they say that repairs cannot be completed, they can only be suspended.