Grey or white finish - what to choose in a new-build project?

What a grey finish is and what a white finish is

These words are used by developers and sellers. The content differs from developer to developer, so compare the finish description.

That is why, before choosing, ask for the finish description for both options and compare it room by room and job by job. If the description says only “white finish” without a list, ask for it to be supplemented in writing.

What to compare in the finish description

1. Walls and ceilings Whether the walls are plastered, skimmed, sanded or already painted, and in what coat they are handed over.
2. Floors Whether a screed or floor levelling has been poured, and whether a covering is already on it: laminate, tiles, parquet.
3. Bathroom and toilet Whether there is waterproofing, tiles, plumbing and a floor drain, or only pipe outlets.
4. Electrical wiring Whether the sockets, switches and light points are installed or there are only wires in boxes.
5. Doors and sills Whether there are interior doors, window sills and window reveal finishes.
6. Kitchen Whether the kitchen is included or only the connection points are left.

Once you have the list in front of you, it becomes clear which jobs are left to you. These jobs determine the renovation costs after you receive the keys.

When a grey finish is the better choice

A grey finish suits you if you already have your own plan: a different layout of rooms, your own choice of tiles and flooring, a different position of light points. If the developer's finish would have to be partly demolished, you would pay twice: for the finish already applied, which is in the price, and for its demolition.

A white finish suits you if the finished version suits you or if you want to move in sooner. Then there is less work left, and you do not have to wait for the screed and plaster to dry yourself.

New screed and plaster: why you have to wait

In a new apartment the screed and plaster can be fresh, and this affects when a covering may be laid on them. Manufacturers write this in their data sheets.

• In the data sheet for the Ceresit CM 17 tile adhesive, the manufacturer requires that a cement screed and plaster under tiles be at least 28 days old and have a moisture content below 4%.
• In the Quick-Step laminate instructions, the manufacturer states that a new concrete floor dries for at least one week per centimetre of thickness up to 4 cm, and twice as long if it is thicker. Under laminate the moisture must be below 2.5% (CM method), and below 1.5% with underfloor heating.
• In the Ceresit CN 76 data sheet, the moisture of a cement base under parquet, wood, laminate and resilient coverings is given as up to 2.0% without heating and up to 1.8% with underfloor heating.

The manufacturers' figures differ, so the data sheet of the product you will lay is the one that counts. More on this on the page how long screed, skim coat and tile adhesive take to dry.

Do you need a permit for finishing a new apartment

For interior work that does not involve renovation, reconstruction or demolition, construction proposal documents are not needed (Cabinet Regulation No. 529 (“Ēku būvnoteikumi”, Building Construction Regulations), sub-paragraph 7.1). The municipality explains that no documentation is needed for painting walls, hanging wallpaper or replacing a floor covering.

If in a grey finish you want to move a non-load-bearing partition or merge rooms, the situation changes. According to the Riga municipality's explanation, to remove a non-load-bearing wall a certified architect prepares a plan, and a construction notice is submitted in the Construction Information System as simplified renovation. For more on the documents see do you need a permit for renovation.

Under the Law on Residential Properties (Dzīvokļa īpašuma likums), non-load-bearing internal partitions and the finish of walls, ceilings and floors are part of the apartment. Load-bearing walls, walls between apartments and floor slabs are common property.

Smoke detector: the Fire Safety Regulations in force (Cabinet Regulation No. 238) require a standalone smoke detector in an apartment in an apartment building, at least one on each floor of the apartment. If it is not in the finish description, add it to your list.

How much completing a grey finish costs

Completing a grey finish is estimated job by job and area by area. For example:

Example: a 15 m² room with 40 m² of walls. Skimming 40 × €10 = €400 and painting 40 × €4 = €160, in total from €560. Laminate in the same room 15 × €6.50 = from €97.50. Prices are for labour. Materials are calculated separately in the estimate.

The price depends on the apartment area and the number of rooms, the condition of the walls, floors and ceilings and the chosen finish. An exact estimate can be made after seeing the apartment.

What can go wrong

• The finish description is general, and after you receive the keys it turns out that part of the work has not been done.
• A covering is laid on a fresh screed without checking the moisture, although the manufacturer gives the moisture limit in the data sheet.
• The developer's finish is demolished because it does not suit your plan, and you pay for it a second time.
• A partition is moved without finding out whether a construction notice is needed.