A lot depends on the quality of the finishing material, for example, how long the coating will last and how hygienic it will be. Wherein performance characteristics the material must fully comply with the functional purpose of the room in which it will be used. For example, in living rooms it is advisable to apply only paper wallpaper . Film or film are not suitable for this purpose. rolled materials, because they do not absorb moisture and do not allow air to pass through. In turn, this can cause a violation of the humidity regime in the room. Also, similar ones should not be used when arranging kitchens, bathrooms and toilets.
To decorate the walls in the hallway, it is best to use moisture-resistant film. Great option may become baseless self-adhesive films, fabric films, linkrust or vinyl. For finishing the walls of the bathroom, as well as other rooms characterized by increased humidity conditions, you should use only appropriate moisture-resistant materials, for example, oilcloth, baseless film or fabric-based film. Films consisting of paper based. As for the toilet and kitchen areas, it is recommended to cover them with film or roll materials, with the exception of linkrust.
In the selection process, patterns, texture and color of products play an important role. They can influence the perception of the room, as well as create the necessary comfort in the home.
Based on the purpose of the room, it is necessary to select the color of the materials. More relevant for work offices brown wallpaper. For bedrooms it is best to use blue tones.
The design of film materials and wallpaper also plays an important role. For visual expansion The room should be used when decorating the room with wallpaper that has a small pattern. The height of the room can be increased by using vertically arranged patterns.
In the process of finishing large premises Sometimes you can use a layout of wallpaper that differs in texture and color. This approach will require preliminary marking of all surfaces in the room, as well as cutting out shaped pieces from the wallpaper according to templates.
Wallpaper for residential premises should be selected based on the type of furniture available. If the room has light-colored furniture, then you should choose lighter or, conversely, darker wallpaper so that it forms the background.
It is worth noting that rolled materials, having a textured or film surface, visually reduce the internal space. In addition, color various wallpapers may look different in a room with both artificial and daylight. It is worth taking this into account when arranging your interior design.
Interaction of various building materials- a thing that needs to be paid attention to. Sometimes even the most original ideas do not have a worthy embodiment due to the appearance of inappropriate contrasts.
To avoid such mistakes, let's look at what characterizes each such combination.
Concrete + wood
The interrelation of these elements forms a clear interior based on contrasts of opposites. Grayness and coldness - the emotions that concrete carries, are completely dissolved in the warmth and homeliness created by wood. Any decorative and interior items installed inside such a room have a special accent that everyone will like.
The slightly rough surface of concrete looks great in the context of a smooth ceiling made of wood. Such a design move creates a special atmosphere that allows you to achieve highest degree peace of mind and peace of mind.
Using wood as the main material for ceiling covering, the variety of which differs light shade, allows you to relax while taking a bath and completely forget about the abundance of stone that surrounds you. It is this combination of colors in the interior that has the most positive effect.
A distinctive feature of such an interior is that specific planes are decorated using the same materials. That is, if these are walls, then they are made of concrete, if this is a ceiling, then wood is used accordingly.
It was possible to go even further and make a wooden floor, and also use this material to decorate other elements of the interior decoration, which are located in a horizontal plane. But the designers decided to limit themselves to a small percentage of visual load.
Cause visual effect. Concrete has a neutral color that goes very well with the brown shades of natural materials. Well, don’t forget about the emotional interaction that occurs as a result of using these names.
Steel + wood
Steel, along with concrete, is the main building material of our time. With the participation of these names, not a single event aimed at building various buildings and structures.
Therefore, it is not surprising that these two elements have similar characteristics, both physical and emotional. Just like concrete, steel lacks visual warmth and warmth.
Therefore, it is no wonder that in this case, when forming various options In interior decoration, wood comes to the rescue. All the same functions, in the form of giving comfort and a positive atmosphere, are required from wood in this case.
In addition to aesthetic properties, wooden elements in this case provide high level practical side. Being a poor conductor of heat, wood interacts well with steel as an excellent insulating material allowing you to maintain optimal temperature conditions.
Also, insulation, which includes natural elements, can independently maintain a comfortable level of humidity, which eliminates the possibility of corrosion on metal products.
Here you can see an excellent combination of steel, in the form metal frame, supporting the upper tier of the building and the roof itself, as well as the wood that was used to cover this luxurious dome.
Wooden elements, unlike metal ones, have some limitations in size, so in this case we used original technique, which created the appearance of layering of planks.
Thanks to this, the resulting image turned out to be even more voluminous and bewitching, while maintaining the effect of the grandeur of the metal and the warmth of natural materials.
The reason for the visual effect. An excellent combination of strict lines and correct forms, the source of which is steel, with the somewhat rough and warm surface of wood. The formed image absorbs all these characteristics, which has a positive effect on its visual perception.
Glass + bright colors
Availability of transparent glass elements, having dimensions from the floor and ceiling, allows you to competently redistribute attention in the conditions of the existing corridor.
In this situation bright hues can peacefully coexist with the brighter shades with which the staircase is decorated. The screen, made of glass, in this case performs a dual function. It simultaneously separates and connects two components of one space.
Let's imagine this interior without glass screen. A cacophony of colors that generates a strong visual load is what will necessarily accompany small rooms, which is the presented zone.
It is unlikely that you will feel at least a little comfortable in such conditions. Decorating everything in a single neutral light is, of course, a way out, but it will not bring desired result, able to compare with the existing image.
The reason for the visual effect. Glass smoothes out any interactions between elements decorated in different colors. Plus, this material itself has the ability to give the room a special style and a certain charm.
White color + white color
White color It is used everywhere in the interior. The reason for this phenomenon is the ability of such a design to convey a feeling of spiritual purity and expand visual space any room. Let's take a closer look at the properties of this technique using a specific example.
Light and shine are the main stylistic components of the design of this bathroom. The dynamics of the radiance of all the elements used, which fascinate and attract attention from the first seconds, are based on the alternation of materials with different surface textures.
Matte, mirror or chrome - all these are descriptions of objects that make up the image of the presented interior decoration. Therefore, it is not surprising that every person who finds himself in such a room feels quite comfortable, without fear of slipping or accidentally staining something from the surrounding idyll.
Any light that enters here is reflected many times from the white surface, creating the illusion of a huge space. By the way, such a technique is well suited for those for whom such a topic as the interior of a small bathroom has become a real punishment.
Any element of the design of this bathroom, despite certain differences in design, is in principle neutral and does not draw unnecessary attention to itself.
This background, resulting from the use of exclusively white components, is ideal for small color accents. The red flower located on the shelf in this case is like an explosion that completely changes the idea of the formed image.
That is, you can always change the direction of the design with the help of small additions, the role of which can be played not only by flowers, but also by various accessories, as well as bright decor.
The reason for the visual effect. White color is a classic. In addition, it perfectly emphasizes the beauty of brighter elements.
White color + wood
This combination allows you to use a small amount of wood. Even a few natural elements are enough to revive the entire image, giving it life and special comfort.
A flight of stairs, made in exclusively white color, creates the illusion that the steps are floating in the air and do not lead to top floor, but into the realm of unearthly light and the brightest emotions.
With this combination of colors, only a few wooden spans are enough, the rest can be made from more cheap material. This is very relevant in cases where the family budget is not unlimited.
A staircase that has an open design, where the function of steps is performed by small ones, looks very original. wooden boards. This approach allows you to maintain the seriousness of the style of the formed interior and at the same time harmoniously weave in emotional touches home comfort, which, you see, is very important for a living space.
The reason for the visual effect. White color in the interior guarantees internal space the presence of an element of lightness and airiness, which is in no way affected by wood, which brings exceptionally warm emotional touches.
Black + white
An interior in black and white is a classic, and images created through the use of this stylistic technique are guaranteed to be successful.
This style is able to hide any imperfections in the room, is suitable for any scale, and creates a special mood where the feeling of refined style prevails, unique charm, and correct, and most importantly, healthy relationship to your person.
In this case, in addition to color palette, the materials that were used in interior design deserve attention. Steel and glass are the names of the elements that formed the basis of such design components as stairs and stylish furniture.
Thanks to the presence of this factor, the interior decoration of the room acquired cosmic shades, which allows us to classify the image as ultra-modern and very original.
The reason for the visual effect. Everything here is like in black and white photographs, which, despite the subtleties of their thematic content, arouse keen interest among any public.
Brick + steel
Brick, as a building material, has been used by humans for several hundred and even thousands of years. Steel, as a highly functional metal alloy, was invented relatively recently.
That is why the combination of these elements in the construction industry almost always results in the creation of amazing designs.
The brickwork of the facade gives the entire building a somewhat vintage look, which makes the use of the metal from which the frames are made window frames and garage doors, somewhat unusual.
But despite everything, all these actions are quite relevant, and the resulting image was not only able to preserve a piece of history in its appearance, but also acquired new memorable modern stylistic touches.
The reason for the visual effect. The smooth mirror surfaces of the steel are in perfect harmony with the heterogeneity of the bricks that were used during the construction of the building.
Wood + stone
The combination of these natural materials in any case leads to excellent result, and the interior, in the creation of which a similar design move was used, is simply doomed to success.
In this case, the stone plays the role of a kind of stylistic anchor on which the entire design of this room is based. Choosing a relief structure stone wall allowed to provide interesting game chiaroscuro, the effect of which everyone can enjoy. Wooden steps perfectly complement the design of the staircase, making the interior decoration harmonious and visually attractive.
The combination of stone and wood in this case creates a magnificent image that has its own stylistic philosophy. It’s simply incredible how two materials that are different in all respects can complement each other, showing an example of incredible harmony, which has a special effect on the existing atmosphere, filling it with sacred meaning.
The surface of white marble, framed by wooden elements that were used to decorate the walls, represents a kind of altar that can be admired for a very long time.
The reason for the visual effect. These natural elements perfectly complement each other due to the fusion of completely different emotional components.
Let's give practical advice for the purchase of environmentally and hygienically harmless building materials.
Having started redecorating home, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the practical and decorative properties of building materials, but also to their safety (environmentally friendly).
Inexpensive Decoration Materials, which emit toxic substances, are not recommended for use in residential areas.
They can cause headaches, nausea, various types allergic reactions, as well as a significant deterioration in general health.
What building materials are environmentally friendly?
Safety criteria are primarily met natural materials- stone and, naturally, wood.
In addition, they contribute to the creation of a favorable microclimate, as they have the ability to maintain optimal humidity and temperature.
However, along with the advantages, natural materials also have disadvantages.
For example, wood has low fire resistance, and stone is heavy, which makes it an unsuitable material for the construction of multi-story buildings.
Often optimal choice- these are artificial materials created on the basis of natural ones, such as: glass, .
If we talk about unsafe building materials that emit toxic substances during operation, the black list is topped by inexpensive paints, as well as low-quality varnishes and mastics, the composition of which is characterized by the presence of copper, lead, narcotic compounds - cresol, toluene and xylene.
No less dangerous to health are:
- polyurethane-based thermal insulation boards;
- foams containing styrene and provoking the development of myocardial infarction;
- extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene - in order to reduce their flammability, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), which the European Chemicals Agency included in the list of the most toxic chemicals, is used.
Popular foods can potentially cause harm to health decorative coverings based on PVC (polyvinyl chloride): vinyl wallpapers, decorative film and linoleum.
What to look for when purchasing building materials?
Many articles about different materials you will find on our website - use the menu to find the information you need.
This knowledge will allow you to find a common language with the seller, as well as purchase the most suitable products.
Directly in the store you need to consider the following:
1. Products must have a sanitary and epidemiological certificate
To ensure the safety of the product, ask the seller to show a health certificate. This document confirms that the material has undergone special testing and does not pose a threat to human health.
Pay special attention to products containing chemical additives or waste from various industries, for example, textile or chemical.
This group includes fiberboard, chipboard and various polymer products.
2. The material should not have a pronounced specific odor
If the product has a persistent “chemical” smell, it is better to refuse to purchase it.
Firstly, there is a high probability that it will release toxic substances.
Secondly, bad smell negatively affect the comfort of your home.
Wallpaper
Paper, textile and plant wallpaper(made from bamboo, reed, jute fibers) - their composition is dominated by natural ingredients that are safe and have good breathability.
Wallpaper from Eco Tapeter and AS Creation have excellent properties.
Vinyl wallpaper is based on PVC, so it is recommended only for the kitchen or hallway.
Insulation
Stone wool - has optimal practical characteristics and good environmental friendliness, which is why it is recommended for use in residential premises.
High-quality products are produced by the international concern ROCKWOOL.
Glass wool is fragile, so its use is impractical.
Expanded clay is environmentally friendly, but due to its low efficiency and complex installation, it is not used for interior work.
Polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene are durable materials that are low in cost, but due to low air permeability they contribute to the formation of condensation on the walls.
When burned, they release harmful substances.
Floor coverings
Parquet is an environmentally friendly, durable coating, but it is very important to choose a safe varnish. Can be laid in any room, including a child's room.
Cork covering- durable, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
Can be used for finishing floors in children's and bedrooms. Meister products are popular.
Carpet is an environmentally friendly and safe covering. However, if anyone in the family suffers from allergic diseases, it should be used with caution: mites can live in the carpet fibers.
Ceramic tile- reliable, environmentally friendly coating, but used only in the kitchen or bathroom.
Harmful compounds can be released by laminate and, to a greater extent, linoleum, so it is advisable to use these floor coverings only in the bathroom or hallway.
Not a single renovation or construction project can be completed without purchasing materials for construction and finishing. And here the question arises: “Where can I buy all this?” It is clear that every consumer wants to purchase building materials High Quality and at the same time save money. For those who have no experience at all in this area, this can be quite difficult.
Where to buy materials
Now you can purchase everything you need in several ways.
- On the construction market.
- In a specialty store.
- In a company that sells its products via the Internet.
- Using advertisements from catalogs or magazines.
The latter option is very popular these days. Nowadays it is quite possible to purchase quality goods via the Internet. affordable price. In addition, online stores always offer a fairly large assortment. If we talk about the price, it is lower than in stores due to the fact that buyers do not pay for renting the premises. And if they do, they usually pay a very small amount.
Online stores in most cases purchase all goods from manufacturers. Therefore, they can easily select everything that the customer requires. Their warehouses, if they have them, store very small quantities of the most popular goods. Just like large construction stores, sellers can provide customers with all the required certificates. Thanks to this, the risk that the purchased product will be of poor quality is minimized.
But still, most often, buyers turn to construction stores for help and visit the corresponding markets. And all because in these cases they have the opportunity to see all the materials with their own eyes and evaluate their quality. But this also has its drawbacks. For example, in construction markets you can often find low-quality goods. This may be due to the most for various reasons, starting with incorrect storage conditions and ending with the most banal fakes. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you buy only the smallest materials and branded items from the markets that are expensive.
But in construction stores you will most likely be able to purchase goods of appropriate quality. However, the cost will be quite high. Unless, of course, we are talking about hypermarkets or supermarkets. IN similar stores prices may be lower than others.
But be that as it may, let’s look at each of the above options in more detail to understand what the main differences are.
On the Internet
In online stores you can easily select and purchase any type of building materials. At the same time, you don’t need to stand in line or even leave the house. You can safely browse the entire range, select the appropriate product and order its delivery in any way convenient for you. Perhaps the main disadvantage of this method of shopping is that there is absolutely no opportunity to touch the product and see it in person, and not just in the photo. There is a risk that the color and shape chosen will not match what you require. This can lead to delays and problems during the renovation and construction process.
On the construction market
As for markets, they are able to offer customers a wide variety of products of varying quality and cost. We have already written about this above. If you are not an expert in such matters, then do right choice it will be much more difficult for you. You must clearly understand what you can save on and what you can’t.
So, when going to the construction market, always remain extremely vigilant. The fact is that in such retail outlets no one is responsible for how the materials were stored. Therefore, there is always a risk that due to temperature changes and constantly changing air humidity, various mixtures and paints will become unusable. As a result, sellers try to sell something that is no longer usable. They strive to make money from this and sell damaged products faster.
That is why, without any fear, you can purchase goods such as screws, sockets, nails and the like on the market.
In supermarkets and shops
As we have already written, this purchasing method is the most reliable. Naturally, prices in stores and supermarkets are always higher. But on the other hand, the likelihood of purchasing a counterfeit or expired product is reduced several times. Moreover, experienced sales consultants will be happy to help you with your choice and give valuable advice. After all, when purchasing building materials, you need to take into account many nuances. The room in which the materials will be used is of great importance. For example, there are products that can easily withstand low temperatures air. Are there any products that can be used for landscaping high humidity air.
But there is one caveat. Often, you may need time and patience to wait for the seller. But this is more than compensated for by the fact that stores offer various promotions and favorable conditions. This is kind of a nice addition to the acquisition. Also, stores often have discounts on delivery if you purchase goods for a certain amount of money. Moreover, delivery under such conditions may even be free.
As for the cost of products, its size is strongly influenced by the brand name. Manufacturers often inflate the price of their products only because their company is already very popular among consumers and has proven itself well. At the same time, you should not think that high price- This a clear sign high quality products. On store shelves you can easily find products of suitable quality at a lower price.
Printed publications, catalogs
This method of searching for building materials is not very popular. However, it is also worth mentioning. For example, you may stumble upon a suitable product in some catalog or magazine. As a rule, such advertisements are always accompanied by contact information. Companies often offer building materials with the option of delivery at a time and place that suits you. The corresponding catalogs can also be found on the Internet.
In construction hypermarkets
You can visit such retail outlets not only to find out how much a particular product costs. Buying from construction hypermarkets is also very profitable. And there are several reasons for this.
1) Large retail chains quite often hold large-scale promotions. If you come across such a promotion, you can easily save a decent amount of money thanks to the discount.
2) Surely everyone has a friend who is the happy owner of some special card in a network of stores. Using it, you can also save a lot of money.
3) Another reason why it is better to shop in hypermarkets lies in the need to purchase non-traditional, relatively rare materials. For example, we can talk about high quality or a specific brand.
4) It is better to visit construction hypermarkets in cases where a large quantity is required various types products.
When is the best time to buy building materials?
When the question of purchasing materials arises, another problem immediately arises - when is it better to buy raw materials for construction and repair? As a rule, in winter construction and renovation work are not held, but at this time of year many retail outlets hold various promotions and offer substantial discounts.
So, let's figure out whether it is really more profitable to purchase reinforced concrete products, bricks, and blocks in winter.
- In winter, all materials are much cheaper. This is due to the fact that selling prices are falling. Manufacturers provide their dealers with substantial discounts if they purchase goods for a certain amount. In addition, delivery of products to winter time years will also cost less. Dealers often work at a loss in the winter, hoping that demand will increase significantly in the summer. This is precisely the reason why the difference in price in winter and summer sometimes reaches 60 percent.
- In winter, unloading materials will also cost you less. For example, the price of a truck crane can be reduced by 15 percent when compared with the summer period, when the demand for this equipment increases significantly.
- Once you place your order, you won't have to wait too long. Everything you need will be delivered to you within just three days. It should be noted that in summer delivery of goods can last up to a month.
However, it would be dishonest not to say that there are also arguments for purchasing building materials in the summer.
- When goods are purchased in winter and left in storage until summer at a construction site, the likelihood that it will be stolen increases significantly. No, if the site is quite large, then there is no need to worry. But for those who build, for example, own house It makes sense to think about this fact.
- It is also worth considering that some materials may be damaged under the influence of environment. For example, cement should only be stored in a dry and warm room. And expanded clay, sand and crushed stone are prone to absorbing moisture. It will be quite difficult for you to dry them in the summer. The same applies to aerated concrete blocks. But reinforced concrete products should not be covered. Of course, if these are not floor slabs.
But the choice, of course, is yours when to purchase building materials.
Requirements for goods
All building materials differ in their composition and properties. Thus, paints require reliable adhesion and wear resistance. If we are talking about wallpaper, then it should “breathe”, and ceramic tile should be pretty strong. And for absolutely all materials it has great importance safety. They should not contain any harmful components. Therefore, before buying materials, carefully study their composition.
Remember that in places with a dubious reputation it is quite difficult to find products of acceptable quality. Often the data indicated on the packaging is very inaccurate. This is especially true for local spontaneous markets.
Particular attention must be paid to what is included in the finishing materials. The main components should not include lead, zinc, or formaldehyde phenol. The latter can cause the development of serious diseases such as asthma and cancer. And this is not to mention the occurrence of allergic reactions. Walls treated with such materials require additional finishing and constant ventilation.
As for insulation, it is better to buy it in those stores that purchase directly from the manufacturer. In this case, the delivery and storage conditions are quite easy to check. Therefore, the chances that the acquisition will be successful increase.
Purchases made carelessly will not make a person happier during the renovation process or after its completion. Therefore, it will never be superfluous to have “your own” sellers on the construction market who can give you a detailed “tour” and, if necessary, can inform you when the product you need will be available.
Of course, those who live in a big city will not have any difficulties choosing stores and supermarkets selling materials for construction and repairs. In small towns, the choice, unfortunately, is not so huge. But even in remote places there is Internet. It is with its help that you can order everything you need for construction and repairs.
Video. Choosing a laminate
Not a word about design! We're going to the construction base.
How to choose lumber, doors, baseboards and wallpaper at a construction site so that you don’t have to return the goods. Who to trust with the selection of building materials. Advised by a practicing builder.
You have been planning the renovation or reconstruction of your home for a long time. We gathered even longer, met with private builders and representatives of companies, drew up estimates, assessed our capabilities and finally decided... Repair, and especially finishing and construction country house, is a serious matter, and requires at least a superficial understanding of the fact that not only specialists are needed who can implement design ideas, but also the materials from which, in fact, everything will be made. Today, since it’s autumn, many products are on sale at discounts, and we will talk about purchasing them. And practical builder Igor Tikhonov will help us, with whom we will go to study the assortment of construction bases and construction goods stores.
Let's start with the fact that one of the most simple ways extraction of quality materials - rely on a foreman or other specialist from among those who will perform the work. But they are not always ready to take on our concerns. Perhaps the best option is to become a supplier at a construction site yourself. With a competent approach to this exciting business, you will not spend a lot of time, and the work will be completely under control. By contacting workers or a foreman, you will understand the essence of the process and protect yourself from most abuses. And this happens quite often when money is given, as they say, “on parole.” We are ready to assure you that any foreman or supplier, upon request, will bring you any number of “pieces of paper” justifying the costs. But all checks, delivery notes and payment receipts must be collected and stored. To prevent you from paying twice for the same product. For example, in a situation where a not very conscientious foreman suddenly “remembered” that he had put his lining into finishing and offers you to pay for it. Therefore, even if you have neither the time nor the desire to work yourself, you will still have to supervise the work of the invited team.
Let's start with relationships with workers. If you still decide to entrust the purchase of materials to specialists, give money in small portions, check that what you brought matches what you ordered (at least in terms of quantity) and demand a report at least once a week. Such scrupulousness usually discourages the desire to “let something go wrong.” And in no case should you be a lord: give out exactly as much as is asked for the next purchase, and be sure to discuss what is where, what it costs, what the quality is, where they are going to buy what and why there and not elsewhere. This, of course, will not protect you from abuse, but at least you will reduce costs.
What will you have to delve into?
Now let's move on to practice. The fact is that you, without having the slightest idea about modern building materials and technological process, you decided to become a supplier at your construction site, there’s nothing to worry about. Since you’ve managed to earn money to repair or build a house, you’ll figure it out here too.
So, you already have an estimate in your hands. For example, you need concrete mortar and reinforcement for the foundation. We start conversations with builders about where and, most importantly, how to buy it, that is, how to take advantage of the discounts that any construction organization, a team of decent workers or a smart foreman have.
And now, attention, the most important thing: never be lazy to compare prices at construction sites and in different stores. Sometimes builders earn more from your ignorance than from the work itself.
When it comes to building a wooden house and you are unable to evaluate the quality of timber, lining, boards, use the services of a person who will create your home from all this, and take it with you to the store. Be sure that he will choose the best - after all, he has to work with this material, and with quality material The work is always more pleasant and it turns out faster. And then no one will tell you the catchphrase: “Well, master, you brought some goddamn crap, you have to add for the work...”
So, consulting with builders, comparing prices from sellers, you begin to “get into the swing of things,” and the result is, perhaps, ideal: the work is progressing, and everyone is happy. You didn’t spend extra money, the builders didn’t waste extra time; you have complete understanding. And with such good relations you will receive best quality work, reduce deadlines, and most importantly, control will be unobtrusive.
From foundation to roof
Now let's move from the lyrics to practice again. In what cases will we ask for help in selecting materials, and in what cases will we not? There are positions that you can really figure out on your own, but there are also those that you can’t do without professionals. And I would not recommend installing stoves and fireplaces yourself, heating equipment, with a number of reservations - electrics. But sometimes they help simple solutions. For example, if it is necessary to install a complex engineering equipment it makes sense to hold a hidden tender among different companies to choose optimal options and prices. The visit of a specialist is usually paid, but the money spent will most likely pay off.
When comparing prices, be sure to ask what the shipping and unloading costs are. Sometimes it happens that it negates the benefits of discounts.
Let's start with the basics and simplified diagrams. Let's say a house consists of a foundation of walls and a roof. For example, the foundation will require sand and crushed stone, concrete mortar and reinforcement, which are indicated in the estimate offered to you by a certain brand and nomenclature. If none of the supplying organizations is currently offering good discounts, we get on the phone, compare prices (and certainly including delivery), find out about discount programs... Then the walls are aerated concrete blocks, brick, reinforcing mesh, cement, sand ... The technology is generally the same. There is one exception: if we are talking about “living” material (timber, logs, lining), you cannot do without a qualified assistant. Important nuance: The declared quality may differ greatly from the quality of the shipped product. Therefore, the supply of lumber must be controlled both at the exit from the construction site (selection and sorting) and at the entrance (count, compare with the selection sheet, identify damage during loading and unloading).
If you are not a carpenter or cabinetmaker, then entrust the selection of lumber to a specialist who will work with them. You will save money, and he will save time.
As for roofing materials, it is advisable to visit any specialized company that supplies the necessary components (from roofing membranes to drainage systems).
Or better yet, more than one - choose according to the price-quality of service ratio.
From pipe to putty
Now about internal works. It all starts with communications. Plumbing purchases should be entrusted to a specialist, but money can be given to him only after discussing the network design, installation scheme, place of purchase, and discounts provided. It is necessary to discuss every step, even if you don’t understand anything about it. Ask, for example, why these items are so expensive, can you trust the quality, are there any guarantees...
You can undertake the purchase of electrical equipment yourself. Naturally, you should first agree with the builders on the quantity and range of products. Please note that electrical wiring can be different: according to the cross-section and material of the wires (copper, aluminum), operating conditions (for internal or external work). And problems are possible if, having decided to save money, you purchase a wire that does not correspond to the declared loads.
Having finished with communications, we move on to interior decoration. First of all, plasters, putties and drywall. Here you should contact specialized companies - they have a good turnover of all bulk building materials, as a rule, there are no expired ones, and the suitability of the mixture greatly affects the quality of the work. It is almost impossible to estimate the total required amount of plaster and putty, so we purchase it in several batches. Let's start small. We estimated the minimum layer thickness, total area and material consumption (how much square meters can be treated with a mixture from one bag) - and we make a purchase. Unfortunately, nothing can be optimized here: you can’t save on delivery, you’ll still have to buy more, and if there are surpluses left, you can’t return them to the store, and the material doesn’t last forever—it loses its properties after six months.
Parquet, window systems and roofing materials It is advisable to purchase through highly specialized dealers and suppliers - they have comprehensive information about the product and know what goes with what.
We also need materials for partitions. We won’t analyze which is better: aerated concrete, tongue-and-groove slab or gypsum board. All this can be safely ordered at the right quantity based on the total area. True, drywall requires a slightly different approach. The number of sheets is calculated not so much by the area as by the perimeter (a standard sheet is 1.2 m wide and 2.5 to 3 m high). The volume of material for the frame is determined similarly. On the issue of quality: undoubtedly, imported manufacturers are preferable. But if you plan to build partitions from two or three layers of plasterboard, then it makes sense to buy cheaper material for the first layers and use good material on the outside.
Having built the ceilings and partitions, plastered and puttyed everything that is possible, we choose paint coatings. This is extremely difficult - even professionals sometimes doubt it. The choice is colossal, the range changes all the time, and the quality of products from seemingly proven manufacturers sometimes drops. So we go again to the method outlined above - we talk for a long time about all the problems of choosing coatings with the specialist who will paint, draw conclusions, and only after that we go to the store and begin to “torment” the consultants. If in general outline, then don’t buy the cheapest paint (even if it’s from a famous manufacturer), but you also shouldn’t buy the most expensive one (not every master knows how to work with it).
Walls of the house: a view from the inside
The next item is wallpaper. Not a word about design. Today we are talking only about quality, and here is what should be noted. The wallpapers that are popular today for painting (they are often chosen when they have not yet decided what color to paint the walls) are approximately the same in quality, only the abrasion resistance and ability to absorb expensive paint are different. Everything is simple here: the smaller the pattern and the calmer the relief, the more durable the coating and the less paint it will eat. Simple paper wallpaper is a very budget option, and we won’t consider it. As long as you have enough money to build walls, you shouldn’t skimp on wallpaper. A hit of all times - vinyl wallpaper. But how different they are... Price is not the last argument here, but not the main one. Take your time with the purchase, bring the person who will glue them to the store, listen to what he has to say, and draw your own conclusions. Perhaps on the next shelf there is approximately the same thing, but of higher quality and quite reasonable price.
Now the doors. Here the range of offers is extremely wide, the choice is yours, but preference should be given to those models that you not only liked, but also have wooden filling and door frames, made not from cardboard, but from normal wood. Small nuance: do not take simple panel doors if you are building a summer house - a few freeze-thaw cycles are enough for them to dry out. Let's move on to the selection of accessories. You need to choose only good hinges, and even more so handles and mechanisms. By the way, pay attention to Spanish and Taiwanese manufacturers - their products are of quite decent quality.
It is also worth focusing on delivery, or more precisely, on the acceptance of doors. Be sure to open the package and look for scratches and chips. Take a two-meter level, apply it and check whether the canvas is bent (this, unfortunately, happens), and replacing the product after acceptance can be problematic. In general, there is nothing to talk about trims and frames: just check the quantity, quality and consistency with the color of the doors (such “jambs” also happen).
Don’t be lazy to check everything - it can save a lot of time.
Regarding floors (laminate, linoleum, parquet boards, piece parquet), as well as windows (only double-glazed windows in wooden or plastic frames), then you will be well informed on these issues in specialized companies and stores.
Skirting boards. If you choose plastic ones, then take them with cable channels: it’s easier to attach, and you can always throw a cable forgotten during installation of wiring. MDF laminated plinth is also not bad - it can be matched to the color of the floor or trim and, importantly, can be purchased at a reasonable price. And if you do not have stacked parquet, but a pine tongue and groove floor, this is the optimal solution. Skirting boards made of valuable species - oak, beech, ash - require sorting and careful inspection. But if you are not a parquet or cabinetmaker, then don’t even try to evaluate them. This is exactly the case when only professionals should deal with procurement.
Igor TIKHONOV
Construction on zagorod.spb.ru
