The expert gave advice on repairing an old five-storey panel house in an apartment
When buying an apartment in a five-storey panel house built in 1960, it is worth analyzing the state of communal communications and load-bearing structures. From the point of view of subsequent repairs, the house series is of particular importance, Alexey Orekhov, an interior decoration expert and General director of NATEK, told Izvestia on April 15.
"Khrushchevka, despite its outdated architecture, is still an affordable and massive type of housing, especially in Moscow. That is why it often becomes the first home for young families or an inherited asset. But behind the apparent simplicity there is a whole range of engineering, constructive and legal nuances that inevitably face the owner with the start of repairs," he said.
According to him, the owner should be aware that this is not just about cosmetic changes, but about complex work with a space in which every little thing matters.
"When buying a Khrushchev, you should start by analyzing the state of public utilities and load-bearing structures. From the point of view of subsequent repairs, the series of houses is of particular importance: in panel structures, almost all walls are load—bearing, which means that any radical changes to the layout are impossible without a project and coordination," the expert specified.
He added: those who expect to demolish the wall between the kitchen and the living room may find themselves in a situation where a technical conclusion will not give way to the idea. If the building is brick and belongs to the late series, it is possible that the redevelopment will take place faster, especially if the requirements of building codes and regulations are met.
"Repairs begin with dismantling — in most cases, you have to remove everything from old wallpaper to wooden floors that have long failed to comply with sanitary and structural standards. When replacing electrics, it is important to take into account that aluminum wires in Khrushchev buildings cannot withstand the load of modern household equipment — therefore, new copper wiring and the installation of a shield become not just desirable, but necessary. Plumbing is a separate topic: replacing pipes and radiators is standard practice, because leaks and breakthroughs in these houses are not uncommon," said Orekhov.
He stressed that for those who expect to save money through independent work, it is necessary to immediately outline the boundaries: putty, wallpaper gluing and laminate laying can still be mastered through video tutorials, but in terms of engineering and coordination, reaching a professional level is inevitable. Even stretch ceilings will require precise measurement and careful execution. At the same time, repairs, especially capital ones, involve planning: legal — in terms of approvals, engineering — in terms of replacing communications, and financial — taking into account rising prices for materials.
"Khrushchev is a space where literally every inch must be understood: compactness requires not just beauty, but functionality. Built—in wardrobes, sliding partitions, moving the kitchen into a niche, if the project allows - all this requires calculation and understanding how not to violate the norms. The legal side is particularly sensitive during redevelopment: any change related to "wet zones", ventilation or gas must be reflected in the design documentation. Otherwise, the owner may face risks when selling or being checked by the housing inspectorate," concluded Orekhov.
Earlier, on March 6, it was reported that 56% of Russians surveyed face conflicts and quarrels in a couple during the repair work. Most often, conflicts are caused by the choice of finishing materials, the choice of interior style, and budget issues. This is stated in the results of the Leman PRO research.
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