Replanning an apartment: what can and cannot be done during renovation

Remodeling an apartment is like breathing new life into a familiar space. Do you want to combine the kitchen with the living room, create a cozy bedroom with a dressing room, or add a work area? With the help of modern technologies and a competent approach, dreams of comfortable housing become reality. However, remodeling is not only a flight of fancy, but also strict rules that are important to follow. Let's look at what can and cannot be done during remodeling, share popular ideas, and tell you how mechanized technologies simplify complex projects.

What can and cannot be done: remodeling rules

Remodeling an apartment does not begin with a hammer and paint, but with studying the legislation. In Russia, all changes in the layout are regulated by the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, local norms and BTI rules. The wrong approach can lead to fines, the need to return the apartment to its original state, or even problems with selling the home. Let's look at the key aspects.

What can be done:

✅ Demolish non-load-bearing walls, such as partitions between rooms, to create an open space.

✅ Build new partitions from lightweight materials, such as plasterboard, for zoning.

✅ Change the location of doorways in non-load-bearing walls.

✅ Combine the bathroom and toilet, if this does not violate ventilation and waterproofing.

✅ Expand the living space at the expense of a loggia or balcony, but only with insulation and approval.

What is absolutely forbidden:

❌ Demolish or weaken load-bearing walls - this threatens the safety of the entire house.

❌ Move "wet" areas (kitchen, bathroom) above the living rooms of the neighbors below.

❌ Close or reduce ventilation ducts.

❌ Install heated floors with connection to the common house heating system.

❌ Combine the kitchen with a gas stove and the living room without installing a sliding partition.

Before starting work, it is imperative to prepare a redevelopment project and coordinate it with the local administration or housing inspectorate. In some cases, permission from the management company or neighbors will be required. The approval process can take from 1 to 3 months, so plan the renovation in advance.

Popular Remodeling Ideas

Remodeling is an opportunity to adapt an apartment to your lifestyle. Here are some ideas that are popular among homeowners:

• Combining the kitchen and living room. An open plan creates space and is ideal for family gatherings or parties. To zone the space, you can use a bar counter, a sofa or glass partitions.


• Creating a dressing room. Even in a small apartment, you can allocate a corner for storing clothes. A popular solution is to convert a pantry or part of the bedroom.


• Expanding the bathroom. Combining the bathroom or adding part of the hallway allows you to install a shower stall, a washing machine and a spacious sink.


• Organizing a study. In the era of remote work, many are allocating space for a home office, installing partitions or insulating a loggia.

These ideas can be implemented in apartments of different sizes, but it is important to consider the features of the house. For example, panel houses have more load-bearing walls than brick houses, which limits the possibilities. Before starting work, consult an engineer or architect.

How mechanized technologies simplify redevelopment

Mechanized repair is a modern approach that allows you to perform complex tasks faster, cleaner and more accurately. Unlike traditional methods, where much is done manually, mechanized technologies use professional equipment for applying plaster, painting, grinding and other work. Here's how they help in redevelopment.

Firstly, mechanized plastering speeds up the alignment of walls after dismantling or erecting new partitions. Special machines apply the solution in an even layer, reducing the work time by 2-3 times compared to the manual method. This is especially important if you want to quickly prepare the room for finishing.

Secondly, mechanized painting and puttying provide a perfectly smooth surface. Sprayers distribute paint without streaks and drips, which is especially noticeable in spacious combined rooms, where any unevenness is striking.

Thirdly, the use of diamond cutting and grinding machines allows you to carefully work with openings and supporting structures. For example, if you want to widen a doorway or make an arch, mechanized equipment minimizes dust and damage. This not only speeds up the process, but also reduces the risks to the structure of the house.

In addition, mechanized technologies are environmentally friendly. Modern mixtures and equipment allow you to reduce the amount of waste and dust, which is especially important for repairs in residential buildings. And such methods also save the budget: less time on work - less labor costs.

Useful tips for successful redevelopment

For the redevelopment to go smoothly, it is important to think through each stage. Start with a clear plan: determine what changes you need and make a sketch. If you are not confident in your abilities, contact an interior designer - he will help take into account all the nuances, from ergonomics to lighting.

Don't skimp on approvals. Even small changes, such as moving a partition, may require permission. Unauthorized remodeling can be a problem when selling an apartment or getting a mortgage.

Choose a proven renovation company that specializes in mechanized technologies. Such contractors usually have experience with remodeling and know how to comply with building codes. Ask to see a portfolio of completed projects and clarify what equipment they use.

Finally, do not forget about comfort. Remodeling is not only about walls and floors, but also about your future convenience. Think about how the changes will affect lighting, ventilation and sound insulation. For example, combining the kitchen with the living room may require a powerful hood to prevent odors from spreading throughout the apartment.

Remodeling an apartment is a chance to create the home of your dreams, but only if you approach the matter wisely. Follow the rules, get inspired by ideas and use modern technologies so that the renovation goes quickly and without unnecessary hassle. A mechanized approach will help to realize even the most daring ideas, while maintaining quality and comfort. Ready for change? Then start planning today!