Rough or fine finishing of an apartment: what to choose?

Popular types of apartment decoration in Ukraine

The choice of decoration can affect the appearance and functionality of a space, so it is important to consider individual needs and budget. Let's take a closer look at the rough and fine finishing of apartments in Ukraine.

Rough finishing – what is it and what does it consist of?

Rough finishing is the first stage when the apartment is not yet ready for use. At this stage, they carry out the basic work to provide the suitability of the premises for living – casting screed, installing windows and doors, carrying out electrical and plumbing lines.

What does rough finishing include?

Rough finishing of an apartment is a complex process that involves a number of mandatory steps and work to ensure the suitability of the future premises for a comfortable life. The major purpose of rough finishing is to create a functional base for further decorative work. Here is a list of elements and systems provided for the rough finishing of the apartment:

1. Double-glazed windows and entrance doors. The first stage of rough finishing is the installation of high-quality double-glazed windows to provide thermal insulation and reduce noise. They also install an entrance door for safety and security.
2. Communications inside the apartment – electrical networks, cable television, Internet cable and other communication systems. This is necessary for further convenient use of technical devices and communication.
3. Heating system. Rough finishing involves the installation of a heating system, which includes radiators and pipelines, to ensure high-quality heating of the room and a comfortable temperature in the apartment.
4. Floor screeding and walls levelling. One of the important aspects of rough finishing is creating smooth and durable surfaces. Floor screed levels the floor and prepares it for subsequent coverings such as tiles or laminate. The walls are also plastered to facilitate further finishing – painting or wallpapering.
5. Other works. The rough finishing may include other work, such as installation of drain pipes for sewerage, preparation for spotlights, insulation of walls and floors, if provided for by the project.

Advantages of rough finishing

• Provides for a basic level of comfort and safety in the apartment.
• Reduces the overall costs of construction or repairs, because some of the work can be done independently or by involving builders without specialized skills.

Disadvantages of rough finishing

• At this stage, the apartment remains uninhabitable, which means additional costs for rent or temporary relocation.
• It is necessary to spend additional time and money on finishing to make the apartment inhabitable.

Fine finishing – what it is and how to do it

Fine finishing is the final stage of finishing an apartment, when all work according to the schedule is completed and the room is ready for occupancy. This stage involves decorative work and installation of all necessary elements.

What does fine finishing mean?

Fine finishing includes:

1. Preparation for floor covering which is the next step. This could be laminate, parquet, tiles or other material of your choice.
2. Levelled walls and ceilings. This is mainly work with plaster, putty, primer; further on it is possible to cover the walls with paper or paintable wallpaper. At this stage of finishing, a flat and smooth surface is created for further decorative work.
3. Places for ceiling lights, sockets and switches. During the final finishing process, preparatory work is carried out to install ceiling lights, sockets and switches, in particular the location of connection points and the necessary holes in ceilings and walls.
4. Basic set of plumbing fixtures. The finishing touches include the installation of basic plumbing fixtures such as a toilet, faucet, bathtub and washbasins. This ensures that basic amenities are available in the bathroom and toilet.
5. Work area in the kitchen. In the kitchen, the work area is finished with tiles for convenience and ease of cleaning this area. Work is also planned to finish the floors and walls in this area.
6. Interior doors. Installing interior doors provides isolation between rooms and immediately completes the chosen style.

Fine finishing advantages

• The apartment is ready to move in and you do not need to move to another one during renovation.
• You can create an individual design and make the apartment comfy and cosy.

Fine finishing disadvantages

• Higher costs, because finishing involves decorative work and the use of expensive materials.
• It takes more time to complete all the works.

Fine finishing a new building – what does it look like and how to accept an apartment

Acceptance of an apartment in a new building with finishing is an important stage, which involves checking the quality of work and compliance with the terms of the contract. To provide for comfort and safety of your new home, you should follow the following algorithm of actions when receiving an apartment:

1. Walls and floors. Check the walls and floor for levelness and strength. Measure the floor to ensure there are no level variations. Also check if the corners of the walls are 90 degrees.
2. Windows and doors. Make sure that the windows and doors installed meet the specifications specified in the contract. Check the complete set of structures, how they open and close, and the tightness of the fit. Pay attention to the locks – they must work without defects.
3. Ventilation. Test the ventilation system, if present. Bring a lit match to the exhaust hole - the flame should pull inward or even go out. You can also use a sheet of paper - it should stick under the influence of traction.
4. Communications. If your apartment has switches and sockets, test them to make sure they are working properly. Inspect the pipes installed by the developer in the water supply system - they are partially visible, but this is important for the further functioning of the system.

Remember that receiving an apartment is your right and responsibility, and you can legally demand that the developer corrects any deficiencies, if any. Record all identified faults and defects using the handover report so that you have evidence if necessary.

How does the reception of an apartment with finishing take place?

Reception of an apartment involves the following stages:

1. Schedule of condition. Carefully inspect all the rooms, make sure that all work is completed efficiently, in accordance with the contract.
2. Signing an act of reception-transfer of the apartment. Together with the developer’s representatives, draw up a report that records all identified faults and the agreed conditions for their elimination.
3. Checking documents. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents: an act of reception-transfer, warranty papers for equipment and materials, technical certificate for residential premises.
4. Registration of a guarantee. Provide yourself with a guarantee from the developer for the quality of the work performed and materials.

What is the developer responsible for?

The developer is responsible for the quality and timely completion of construction. If you see any deficiencies after accepting the apartment, the developer is obliged to eliminate them within the warranty period.

You have the right to demand that the developer eliminate defects, as well as claim compensation in case of violation of the terms of the warranty.

When accepting an apartment in a new building, the fault report procedure and documentation are critical to protecting your rights and interests as an investor. Here's what's important for this:

• Contact the developer. You can usually obtain a copy of the fault report from the developer. It is important to contact the company and request an apartment inspection report before receiving it.
• Definition of details. The fault report may be different in form, but must contain the following information:
  • Name of the property – address of the property. The report must contain the exact address of your apartment.
  • Why was the schedule of condition of the apartment drawn up before its reception? The document must explain that the schedule was drawn up to conduct an inspection of the apartment before its reception for use.
  • Types of work to be performed – list of faults. The report should describe all identified faults in detail and the work that needs to be done to correct them.
  • Signatures of both parties – the investor and the developer. To confirm your agreement to the list of deficiencies and work, the document must be signed by both parties – you, the investor and the developer.

The fault report is drawn up in two copies, one of which, obligatory signed by all parties, remains with you.

Considering the importance of choosing a place to live and the optimal layout of an apartment, go to the Apartments in Lviv and Kyiv section to see the available layout options in our new buildings. We offer different types of apartments, layouts and design solutions so that each client can find the best option for themselves and their family.