Apartment finishing stages, in order

Why the order matters

Most problems after finishing come from a stage done too early: tiles laid before the bathroom waterproofing was tested, or paint applied before the electrics were done so the wall gets broken again. Following the order saves money and time.

The stages

1. Take over the apartment and inspect it: area, heights, cracks and damp.
2. Design and furniture and lighting layout, before any first fix, so sockets, switches and plumbing land in the right places.
3. Any wall changes or demolition.
4. Plumbing first fix, then a pressure test before the pipes are covered.
5. Electrical and air-conditioning first fix: conduit, boxes, copper and drain routes.
6. Plaster.
7. Waterproofing of bathrooms and the kitchen floor, then a water test before tiling.
8. Gypsum ceilings if the design has them.
9. Floors and wall tiles.
10. Painting: sealer, putty and the first coats.
11. Doors and windows.
12. Sanitary ware, mixers, switches and sockets.
13. The final coat of paint, cleaning and handover.

Checks you must not skip

1. A pipe pressure test before plaster.
2. A water test of the bathroom waterproofing before tiling.
3. Photos of electrical and plumbing routes before they are covered, for any later maintenance.