Cosmetic repair: what it is, how to do it yourself, and what to pay attention to

Cosmetic repair is the updating of the appearance of a room without radically changing its layout or functionality. It usually involves surface work aimed at improving the interior: painting walls, replacing wallpaper, updating flooring, and other decorative elements. This approach allows for a quick and relatively inexpensive refresh of a room or an entire apartment. In this article, we will discuss what work is included in cosmetic repair, how to carry it out yourself, and what to pay attention to when choosing materials.

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What is cosmetic repair and what are its advantages

Cosmetic repair is a set of finishing works aimed at improving the visual and aesthetic condition of residential or commercial premises. It does not involve capital or structural changes (load-bearing walls are not altered, no re-planning is carried out, etc.).

Main advantages of cosmetic repair:

1. Time and cost savings. Unlike capital repairs, cosmetic work is completed faster and with lower financial costs.
2. Minimal amount of construction waste. Since there is no demolition of walls or complex dismantling work, the mess will be significantly less.
3. Quick interior update. You can easily change the color scheme, style of the room or apartment without resorting to serious construction work.
4. Convenience of doing it yourself. Cosmetic repair of a room by yourself is quite a feasible task if you have basic skills and tools.

When cosmetic repair is needed

• Wear of finishing materials. If the wallpaper is peeling, the paint is flaking, and the wooden floor has lost its appearance.
• Desire to update the design. Change the wall color, replace textured wallpaper, add bright accents.
• Preparing the apartment for sale or rent. An improved appearance of the premises increases value and attractiveness for buyers or tenants.
• Conducting a quick “restyling”. Before a holiday or important event, you want to make the living space cozier and fresher.

Main types of work in cosmetic repair

Cosmetic repair of an apartment or a separate room includes the following basic stages:

1. Preparation of walls and ceilings:

   • Cleaning from dust, dirt, old putty, and paint.
   • Priming the surface to improve adhesion.
   • Puttying to level and close cracks and irregularities.

2. Finishing walls and ceilings:

   • Painting: choosing paint (acrylic, water-based, etc.), applying in several layers.
   • Wallpapering: classic paper, vinyl, or non-woven wallpaper.
   • If necessary – decorative elements (molding, moldings, stickers).

3. Updating the floor:

   • Replacing the covering (laminate, linoleum, parquet board, etc.).
   • Restoring wooden flooring (polishing, varnishing).
   • Eliminating squeaks, replacing damaged boards.

4. Installation of new baseboards, thresholds, sockets, and switches:

   • Dismantling old elements and installing new ones.
   • Checking and replacing electrical wiring if necessary.

5. Replacing and installing lighting elements:

   • Installing new chandeliers, wall sconces, wall lamps.
   • Replacing bulbs with more energy-efficient ones.

6. Final cleaning and arranging the space:

   • Removing construction dust and debris.
   • Returning furniture to its place.

Stages of conducting cosmetic repair of a room by yourself

1. Planning and preparation

1. Assessment of the condition of the premises. Determine what exactly needs updating: walls, ceiling, floor, or everything together.
2. Choosing a design and color scheme. Think about how colors, textures, and materials will combine.
3. Creating a list of materials and tools. Calculate in advance the required amount of paint, wallpaper, putty, etc.
4. Preparing the premises. Clear the room of furniture or move it to the center and cover it with plastic or fabric.

2. Dismantling old coverings and treating surfaces

1. Removing old wallpaper. Use warm water or a special solution to ease the process.
2. Cleaning and degreasing walls and ceilings. If necessary, use sanding mesh or sandpaper.
3. Priming the surface. This will improve adhesion between the wall and new materials.
4. Puttying and leveling. Close cracks, chips, and irregularities with putty. In case of significant damage, a reinforcing mesh may be needed.

3. Finishing works

1. Painting the ceiling and walls. Paint from top to bottom, in several layers, to achieve an even color.
2. Wallpapering (if necessary). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding glue and drying time.
3. Updating the floor. If necessary, replace laminate or linoleum or sand and varnish the wooden floor.

4. Final touches

1. Installing baseboards, thresholds, sockets, and switches. Ensure the power is turned off before starting work.
2. Installing lighting fixtures. Choose lamps with appropriate brightness and color of light that will highlight the chosen design.
3. Final cleaning. Remove construction dust, wipe surfaces, and arrange furniture.

Choosing materials: what to pay attention to

1. Quality. Choose trusted brands and stores with a good reputation. Quality materials will help save in the long run.
2. Price. Consider your budget, but do not sacrifice quality for savings. Sometimes cheap materials wear out quickly.
3. Eco-friendliness. Whenever possible, choose water-based paints, natural glues, and wood with environmental certifications.
4. Ease of use. If you plan to do the repair yourself, pay attention to materials that are easy to apply and maintain.

Useful tips for successful cosmetic repair

1. Create a detailed budget. Determine the maximum budget and add 10–15% “for reserve” for unforeseen expenses.
2. Proceed step by step. To avoid confusion, complete one stage (for example, painting the ceiling) before moving on to the next (walls, floor, etc.).
3. Use quality tools. Rollers, brushes, spatulas, and other accessories affect the results as much as the materials.
4. Follow safety precautions. Use protective glasses, gloves, and a mask, especially during sanding or painting.
5. Check the results as you go. It is easier to correct flaws immediately than after everything has dried completely.

Differences between cosmetic and capital repairs

• Scope of work. Capital repair may include replacing electrical wiring, heating systems, plumbing, and re-planning. Cosmetic repair involves only finishing work.
• Duration. Capital repair takes more time, sometimes several months. Cosmetic repair can be completed in a few days or weeks (depending on the area and complexity).
• Cost. Due to the use of more complex materials and hiring professionals, capital repair is significantly more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can cosmetic repair of a room be done completely by oneself?
Yes, most cosmetic works (puttying, painting, wallpapering) can be done by yourself. It is important to follow the instructions of the material manufacturers and safety rules.

2. How long does cosmetic repair of a room take?
It depends on the area, condition of the surfaces, and complexity of the work. On average, cosmetic repair of a room can be completed in 3–7 days.

3. What materials are most commonly used for cosmetic repair?
For walls – wallpaper (paper, vinyl, non-woven) or paint (water-based, acrylic); for flooring – laminate, linoleum, or wooden boards with varnishing. The choice depends on the budget and design preferences.

4. How to choose a color scheme for painting walls?
Consider the purpose of the room and the desired mood. For example, calm pastel tones are suitable for a bedroom, while brighter and richer colors are better for a living room.

5. What to do if cracks appear on the walls after puttying?
This may indicate movement of the foundation (for example, in a new building) or low-quality putty. Try using a reinforcing mesh and more elastic putty mixtures. If the cracks are significant, a consultation with a specialist may be needed.

Conclusion

Cosmetic repair is a simple and effective way to update the appearance of a room or an entire apartment without significant time and money costs. With proper planning, selection of quality materials, and adherence to the sequence of work, you can transform your interior into a stylish and cozy space by yourself. Remember the stages of preparation, careful surface treatment, and neat wallpapering or painting – and the result will surely please you.