Handbook

Once the renovation is complete and the new interior design is ready, it might seem that the job is done. However, this is far from the truth. The property must be prepared for final acceptance, and this requires a final stage of quality control for both rough and finishing works.

 

If this step is skipped, the homeowner risks facing issues like:

• Uneven walls and ceilings;
• Improperly laid tiles;
• Bumpy floors;
• Doors that won’t open;
• Non-functional lighting and potentially unsafe electrical wiring;
• Leaking plumbing fixtures.

 

These are just a few of the potential problems that can arise from substandard work. Therefore, it’s time for the crucial role of technical supervision to come into play in the construction process.

It’s fundamentally incorrect to assume that technical supervision is only needed at the final stage to check the quality of the finished renovation. Technical supervision should accompany all stages of the work, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.

Let’s delve into the specifics of quality control for both rough and finishing works.

 

Supervision of Demolition Works

 

Yes, even during the demolition stage, strict control is necessary. Otherwise, demolition in one room might coincide with finishing work in another, leading to new finishes being damaged by dust and debris. Therefore, all accumulated construction waste must be cleared and removed before starting plastering work.

Key points in demolition include:

• Avoiding interference with load-bearing structures;
• Electrical supply to the property must be disconnected;
• Following strict guidelines when working with monolithic concrete, columns, and ceilings.

 

Laying of Utilities

 

At this stage, control is needed to ensure the exact implementation of all requirements in electrical and water supply schematics, following all calculations and specifications. This includes the calculated power limit of the electrical wiring, choice of cable and wire sections, installation of circuit breakers, as well as the diameter of pipelines, selection of valves, and taps.

 

Control of Wall and Ceiling Alignment

 

Cracks and irregularities in walls and ceilings are corrected, and their surfaces are checked with a system of beacons. Afterward, they are plastered, primed, and spackled.

The surface of the finished walls and ceilings can be checked with levels, protractors, and plumb lines. Special attention should be given to corners where defects are more likely to appear.

 

Control of Screeding and Flooring Installation

 

The quality of floor screeding after reinforcement and pouring is checked against beacons. In rooms like bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens, waterproofing is also done. Typically, floors fully dry out in 1 to 1.5 months. The surface is then checked again with a level.

After finishing works, the laying of laminate, parquet, or tiles is inspected. Starting the flooring installation requires checking the quality of sound and thermal insulation.

 

Control of Window and Door Installation

 

All gaps between frames and windows must be filled with mounting foam. The window sash should fit snugly against the frame and open and close evenly.

Run your hand along the window frame – you should not feel a significant airflow. Also, listen for outside noises to check the sound insulation.

The same applies to door installation. An important test is to leave a door slightly ajar – a properly hung door should not swing open or closed on its own. The gap between the door and its frame should be uniform, no more than 1 mm, and the door should open and close smoothly without any hindrance.

 

Inspection of Finishing Works

 

The quality of the finishing work is checked from the ceiling to the floor. Start by inspecting suspended or stretch ceilings for gaps and seams between them and the lining.

Then, check the quality of wall and ceiling painting. The paint should be applied evenly, without bubbles, streaks, delamination, or old paint showing through. Wallpaper application is visually inspected for pattern uniformity and overlaps. Bubbles, wrinkles, or peeling are unacceptable. Pay attention to corners and areas where wallpaper meets baseboards, sockets, and switches.

The surface of ceramic tiles is checked with levels and plumb lines. You can also turn off the lights and shine a flashlight on an object. The shadow cast on the tile should be straight, without distortions.

 

This knowledge is sufficient for a first-time check, but for a thorough and professional quality control, it is advisable to seek the help of a qualified and certified technical supervisor. If you need such supervision for your renovation, consider consulting with me, Olesya Blashchenko, a specialist in the field.