Suddenly, you find that the wallpaper is falling down, the ceiling is crumbling, and the whitewash is crumbling. This apartment is definitely in need of renovation. But first you need to decide what kind of repair you want to make. It is advisable to contact a specialist who will prompt and help you in this matter. Of course, you should not delay making a decision, because repairs can take years.

Several types of repair:

1. Minor repairs

The simplest and most inexpensive repair option. With it, you can slightly refresh the overall look in the apartment, but it is better to leave the dismantling of the partitions for later. Minor repairs will cost the least, because it does not affect the supporting structures, electrical wiring and water pipes. This type of repair is best done every few years. It can be divided into simple and complex. The first involves painting walls, windows, doors, wallpapering and replacing some furniture items. The second can be attributed to the replacement and use of new finishing materials.

As a rule, cosmetic repairs involve

• repair and replacement of old glass and window frames;
• wall painting or wallpapering;
• false ceiling installation;
• replacement of wiring, sockets, connection of additional ones;
• replacement of old tiles;
• possible renovation of the bathroom.

2. Major overhaul

Major overhaul - a more complex and expensive type of repair. You will have to sweat a bit doing it yourself, so it is better to contact professional repair services.

Major repairs can also be divided into simple and complex.

Simple:

• change floor covering, window frames;
• combine a bathroom with a restroom or several rooms with each other;
• make partitions between walls.

Difficult:

• dismantle old partitions and install new ones;
• make floor screed;
• change the layout of the room;
•  add arches, suspended ceiling structures, niches;
• transfer water pipes and change the wiring.

3. Author's repair

This type of repair involves not only repair, but also a complete reconstruction of the premises up to a change in lighting, furniture arrangement and design changes. Doing the author's repair you will not be able to save. But professionals will advise how to make this or that type of work cheaper. Instead of complete wall decoration, you can limit yourself to an interesting decor. The interior design plan falls on the shoulders of the architect-designer of the premises. It is he who will tell you how to complement the interior and visually enlarge a small room. Such a specialist must be chosen very carefully, because the consequences can be very deplorable. It is also advisable to view a portfolio of work that he has done before. Also, try not to let things take their course, but discuss important details, because the apartment is a reflection and character of the owner himself. Only you know what sofas and lamps you need.

4. Reconstruction of the apartment

Reconstruction involves:

• Installation of interior openings;
• Enlargement of rooms by combining with corridor space;
• Changing the location of the doorway;
• Refurbishment of the kitchen in the dining room;
• Vertical unification of the apartment by dismantling the ceilings between floors.

There are a lot of types of apartment renovation and in order to decide which one is needed, you need to contact a specialist and connect a repair team. You can choose different teams which are focused on different aspects of the repair process (floor, ceilings, electricity, plumber) or hire one team with a foreman who will control everything. The second option probably is more expensive but you won't be involved as much. In the case you put the repair work in the hands of one team they also will be in charge to buy all necessary materials, so you don't need to spend many hours in construccion shops choosing and buying materials.  But in the end, only you can decide.