Renovation Sequence: Why Parquet Should Be Installed After Electrical Work - Not Before

Imagine installing expensive parquet flooring during your home renovation, only to later discover that the outdated electrical wiring also needs replacement. What do you do? In such a situation, you’re forced to damage the newly installed floor, increase renovation costs, and lose valuable time. That’s why, to avoid these and other unexpected problems, it’s essential to carefully plan each stage of the renovation and follow the correct sequence.

Planning and Design Are the Most Important Stages
Before starting any renovation, take time to plan. Clearly define your goals, preferences, and priorities so you can visualize the final result.

First, establish your vision. What are your goals? Do you want to make the space more functional, change its design, or both? Identify your main needs. For example, if your goal is to improve kitchen functionality, consider factors such as workspace area, storage capacity, appliance placement, and lighting. In this case, the design should focus on practicality and convenience.

The next step is budgeting. Keep in mind that unexpected costs often arise during renovations, so determine in advance how much you can afford to spend. Your budget should include not only material costs but also labor, demolition, and waste removal expenses.

Experts recommend setting aside a 10–20% contingency fund. For example, if your renovation budget is 20,000 GEL, you should reserve 1,000 to 2,000 GEL for unforeseen expenses. This will help you avoid financial stress.

Choosing a design concept and style is a way to express your taste. Ideally, you may work with a designer, but if your budget is limited, you can find inspiration elsewhere - design websites, magazines, social media platforms like Pinterest, or even friends’ homes. The key is to create a harmonious and comfortable environment by carefully selecting your preferred style and colors. For example, if you like modern minimalism, choose neutral colors, simple forms, and functional furniture that also offers storage.

Preparing project documentation is also a crucial part of the process. It simplifies the workflow and reduces the risk of mistakes. Your plan should include room layouts, furniture dimensions, lighting placement, plumbing схемы, electrical plans, and other essential details.

Start with Demolition and Space Preparation
At this stage, you say goodbye to the old and prepare the space for something new. In reality, this involves removing old flooring, wallpaper, tiles, ceilings, and furniture - a noisy and dusty process.

The scope depends on the scale of renovation. In a full renovation, demolition includes removing floor coverings (parquet, laminate, carpet), wall finishes (wallpaper, paint, tiles), and ceiling structures (suspended ceilings, drywall).

Warning: This process creates dust and debris, so protective equipment is essential - goggles, respirators, gloves, and ear protection if needed.

Next comes the removal of old systems: electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating elements. This work should be handled by professionals to avoid risks such as electric shock, short circuits, fires, or water damage.

After demolition, clean the space thoroughly and move on to the next phase.

Start Renovation with Utilities Installation
Although removing old systems is part of preparation, installing new utilities is where the renovation truly begins. This makes sense because plumbing and electrical systems are hidden within walls, floors, and ceilings, so they must be installed before finishing work begins.

During the plumbing stage, pipes are installed along with sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures. It’s important to follow a predefined plan that specifies the location of all plumbing points - sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines, and more.

Electrical installation includes sockets, switches, and lighting. Plan how many outlets and switches each room needs. Lighting should be adapted to the room’s purpose - softer lighting for bedrooms, brighter for workspaces - and also consider natural light.

Warning: Electrical and plumbing work must be carried out by professionals to ensure safety and reliability.

Level the Walls and Prepare Surfaces
Before finishing work, walls and ceilings must be properly prepared. This is a critical step because surface smoothness directly affects the final result.

First, surfaces are plastered using специальный filler material to create a perfectly even plane. This ensures that wallpaper, paint, or tiles are applied smoothly without defects like bubbles or unevenness. Even minor imperfections can lead to cracks or peeling over time.

If plastering is not enough or decorative elements are needed, drywall structures can be installed. These can also be used to conceal коммуникации such as pipes and wiring.

Prepare the Floor and Install the Covering
If the floor is uneven, it must be leveled using a cement or concrete screed to create a solid base.

At this stage, you should also choose your flooring. Consider your preferences, needs, budget, and the function of each room. Popular options include laminate, parquet, ceramic tiles, vinyl flooring, and carpet.

Laminate - practical, affordable, easy to maintain, and available in many designs. It offers a great balance between price and quality.
Parquet - natural wood flooring that creates a warm and elegant atmosphere. It is durable and eco-friendly but requires more maintenance and is more expensive.
Ceramic tiles - water-resistant and easy to clean, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. They come in a wide variety of designs.
Vinyl flooring - modern, durable, and water-resistant. High-quality vinyl is especially long-lasting.

There are two common approaches to the order of finishing walls and floors. One approach is to finish walls first and then install flooring - this reduces the risk of damaging the floor. The other approach is to install flooring first to avoid damaging walls with heavy tools. However, this increases the risk of floor contamination.

Choose Lighting and Accessories
Lighting and accessories are the final stage of interior design, where the desired atmosphere and personality of the space come together.

Lighting should combine functionality and aesthetics. Different types include:
General lighting - provides overall illumination, usually from ceiling fixtures or chandeliers.
Task lighting - focused on specific areas, such as a desk lamp or reading light.
Accent lighting - highlights design elements like artwork.
Decorative lighting - creates mood, such as candles or ambient lights.

Accessories complete the interior and add individuality. When choosing them, consider the overall style, color palette, and proportions.

Curtains - should match the style and control natural light.
Mirrors - visually enlarge the space and improve lighting by reflecting light.
Furniture - should be functional, comfortable, and appropriately sized.
Decor - should reflect your taste without overcrowding the space.

Although the renovation process may seem complex with many stages, it becomes manageable with proper planning and professional help.

Most importantly, remember that at every stage of your renovation, NOVA can be your reliable partner. You can find everything you need in one place - tools for demolition, high-quality parquet, plumbing and electrical accessories, and finishing materials.

Visit us, get all your renovation materials in one space, save time, and turn your dream home into reality.