Introduction
Buying an apartment in a new building is an exciting milestone, but it comes with a big question: should you start renovation immediately or wait until the building settles? Each option has its pros and cons, and the decision depends on several factors — the timeline of settling, construction quality, your personal plans, and budget.
In this article, we’ll explain what happens to a new building after handover, what risks early renovation may carry, and how to minimize potential issues.
Why Do New Buildings Settle?
Every newly constructed building goes through a natural settling process due to:
-
Soil compression under the foundation, even if the foundation is solid
-
Moisture evaporation from concrete and other construction materials
-
Seasonal temperature changes, which can cause slight expansions and contractions
The typical settling period ranges from 6 months to 3 years, with the most intense changes in the first months. Full structural stability is usually achieved in 3–5 years.
What Defects Can Appear from Early Renovation?
If you renovate too early, you may encounter:
-
Cracks in walls and ceilings (especially plaster and paint)
-
Misalignment of door and window frames
-
Floor deformation (cracked tiles, lifted parquet)
-
Drywall joint separation and cracking
-
Uneven flooring due to shifting concrete screed
Pros of Renovating Immediately After Handover
Despite the risks, many owners choose to start renovating right away. Advantages include:
-
Quick move-in, without waiting years
-
No need for temporary fixes and double spending
-
Full design flexibility and access to all materials
-
Less disruption — fewer neighbors, less noise complaints
-
Lower prices on materials and labor (before inflation kicks in)
Cons of Early Renovation
However, early renovation comes with serious downsides:
-
High risk of defects and costly rework
-
Wall and ceiling cracks may appear
-
Doors/windows may warp due to frame shifts
-
Expensive finishes (like parquet) may be damaged later
When Is It Better to Wait?
If there’s no urgent need to move in, it’s better to wait 1–2 years. This allows the building to complete its primary settling, lowering the risk of future damage.
If waiting is inconvenient, you can do temporary, low-risk renovations:
-
Paint walls or use inexpensive wallpaper
-
Install affordable laminate flooring that’s easy to replace
-
Use sliding doors (less prone to distortion)
-
Avoid stretch ceilings — they may sag if walls shift
How to Minimize Risks If Renovating Immediately
If you can’t wait, choose materials and methods that handle movement well:
-
Flexible finishes like fiberglass or non-woven wallpaper, elastic paint
-
Stretch ceilings instead of drywall
-
Floating floors (laminate, vinyl, engineered wood not fixed to the base)
-
Adjustable door frames to compensate for small shifts
-
Avoid heavy drywall structures (which can warp or crack)
Final Verdict: Renovate Now or Wait?
It depends on your situation.
-
If the apartment is for personal living and you can wait — give the building at least a year to stabilize.
-
If it’s for rental income, you may renovate right away, but use flexible materials and expect minor fixes later.
In either case, it’s crucial to assess the risks and choose smart solutions to avoid costly rework.