Cosmetic renovation is the perfect solution for those who want to refresh their interior without major structural changes. Unlike a full apartment renovation, this type of finishing work does not affect utilities or load-bearing structures. A budget renovation includes wallpapering, wall painting, flooring replacement, and decorative finishes.
In practice, I often notice that homeowners underestimate the potential of quick renovation. The cost of such an interior refresh ranges from $5–15 per square meter, which is several times cheaper than a full overhaul. A smart approach to choosing finishing materials allows you to achieve impressive results.
According to U.S. construction companies, cosmetic renovation increases property value by 8–12% with investments of only 2–3% of the apartment’s market price.
Main types of work in cosmetic renovation
Budget renovation starts with planning the scope of work. The main stages include:
- Surface preparation – wall puttying, leveling, priming
- Finishing works – wallpapering, wall painting, installing stretch ceilings
- Floor updates – installing new floor coverings or restoring existing ones
- Decorative elements – installing baseboards, cornices, sockets, and switches
It should be noted that the quality of preparatory work directly affects durability. In one recent project, replacing wallpaper without wall preparation led to peeling within 6 months.
The choice of building materials determines both the budget and the final outcome. Modern finishing materials make it possible to create a stylish interior design even on a limited budget. It’s important to find the right balance between price and quality.
Professional painters recommend using primer before wall painting — it increases coating durability by 40–60% and improves paint adhesion.
How to save on cosmetic renovation without losing quality
Affordable renovation does not mean compromising quality. There are proven ways to optimize expenses:
- Doing simple tasks yourself — wallpapering, painting
- Buying materials during discounts and seasonal sales
- Using quality but budget-friendly alternatives to premium brands
- Partial updates instead of complete replacement of finishes
Thus, smart planning allows you to reduce your budget by 30–40% without sacrificing quality. Considering the structural features of the space, some works are best left to professionals — for example, stretch ceiling installation or complex decorative finishes.
A quick renovation can realistically be completed in 1–2 weeks. The main factors are the correct work sequence and proper material preparation.