Green frame renovation requires detailed planning, proper budget allocation, and collaboration with professionals. Below, we will go through step by step what to pay attention to.
Assessment of the apartment’s condition and technical inspection
Before starting the renovation, it is essential to know exactly the condition in which you received the apartment from the builder. Often, new apartments are handed over in a ‘black frame’ or ‘green frame’ condition — and each requires different types of work.
Black frame means that the apartment is finished only with exterior walls and mostly structural elements — everything else will be needed: plastering, wallpaper, flooring, plumbing, electricity, and more.
Green frame already includes interior walls, plastering, and electrical wiring, but decorative and technical work is still required.
It is possible to find micro-cracks, improperly installed pipes, or electrical cables in the apartment. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a technical inspection at the first stage with a specialist — a plumber, electrician, and structural engineer will help you see the real situation. This will help you avoid costly mistakes in the future
Preparing a renovation budget and timeline
Renovation is one of the most costly and time-consuming processes, so it is essential to determine in advance:
- Overall budget — how much you plan to spend in total
- Cost distribution - what portion will go to labor and what portion to materials
- Time frame - when the work will start and finish.
Keep in mind that newly built apartments often have unplanned expenses — for example, additional wiring or an extra layer of underlayment on the floor. Therefore, it is advisable to add about 10–15% to your budget as a reserve for unexpected costs.
Choosing a design concept
Renovation is not just a technical process — it is also a creative activity. Before you start selecting wallpaper or tiles, define the overall design direction:
Do you want a minimalist, Scandinavian, industrial, or more classical interior?
Collect photos, ideas, and create an inspiration board where colors, textures, lighting types, and furniture styles are combined.
If this is difficult, consulting with an interior designer is the best solution. The designer will help you optimize the space, properly distribute lighting, and use the budget effectively.
Planning technical work
In green frame apartments, technical issues are the most important.
- Before starting the renovation, you need to decide:
- Where each electrical outlet and switch will be located
- How plumbing, heating, and air conditioning will be arranged
- Where the internet or TV cable should run.
Mistakes at this stage can be very costly, as later corrections may require opening walls and additional expenses. Therefore, it is better to first establish all communication plans, and only then start plastering and decoration.
Selecting materials — quality comes first
The result of a renovation largely depends on the quality of the materials. Often, homeowners try to save money by choosing cheap products, which can cause problems later — uneven flooring, wall cracks, leaks, and more.
Pay special attention to:
- Plumbing materials — pipes, faucets, and hoses should be high-quality and certified
- Electrical equipment — power cables and circuit breakers should meet European standards
- Floor and wall coverings — choose tiles, laminate, and paint based on durability.
Try to balance price and quality: it doesn’t have to be the most expensive, but the cheapest materials are not a good investment.
Selecting specialists
A good renovation is impossible with unskilled workers. Therefore, carefully choose your team.
Keep in mind:
- Find out if they have experience working on similar apartments;
- Ask for a portfolio or photos from previous projects;
- Set a written agreement on deadlines and prices;
- Require phased payments to continuously monitor quality.
If you cannot oversee the process yourself, you can hire a project manager or a designer with supervision, who will ensure the proper sequence and quality of the work.
The importance of humidity and ventilation
In newly built apartments, the walls are often still damp. Therefore, specialists do not recommend immediate painting or flooring installation.
It is advisable to leave the apartment ventilated for a few weeks so that the moisture naturally dissipates.
Proper ventilation should also be arranged, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to prevent mold and unpleasant odors in the future.
Final inspection and details
After the renovation is completed, don’t rush to move in. First, conduct a final inspection:
- Check if all switches and sockets are working;
- Make sure there are no leaks in the pipes;
- Verify that the bathroom floor is properly sloped (for water drainage);
- Ensure that lighting, doors, and windows function correctly.
If you notice any defects, it is advisable to fix them immediately before the apartment is fully furnished.
Conclusion:
Green frame renovation is a complex but very interesting process. The main principles are careful planning, high-quality materials, and collaboration with professionals.
Renovation is not just about aesthetics — it is the foundation of your comfort and peace of mind. If you prepare properly, the result will be a space where every day begins with pleasure.