Apartment finishing from scratch begins with the concealed works inside the walls and floors, and ends with visible works such as painting, carpentry and lighting. The correct order is what protects you from breaking a wall after painting it or damaging a floor after it has been installed.
In this guide we lay out the stages one after another, explain what happens in each one, and point out the mistakes that commonly occur in Kuwaiti homes, whether it is an apartment, a villa or an annex.
First: Planning and inspection before any work
Before any technician starts, set your budget, design style and your family's needs. Sit down with the designer or finishing supervisor, review the floor plan, and decide where each room, electrical outlet and water point will be.
Write a list of the materials you will choose early, because a delay in tiles or doors can stop the entire project. To learn more about this stage, read how to plan your apartment finishing successfully.
- Measuring the apartment and checking the floor plan against the actual site.
- Setting the budget and ordering priorities.
- Choosing the main materials before starting.
- Setting a realistic timeline for each stage.
Second: Demolition, preparation and construction works
If the design requires moving a wall, opening a doorway or closing one, this is the right stage. Any structural change must be reviewed by a qualified engineer, and never break a wall before confirming that it is not load-bearing.
After demolition and construction, the site is cleaned of debris, and depending on the scale of the work you may need equipment to haul away rubble.
Third: Concealed works: plumbing and electrical
This is the most important stage in the order, because everything in it will be covered later. Water supply, drainage, electrical and air conditioning installations are carried out before plastering, and must be tested before they are covered.
Plumbing
Test the pressure of the pipes before laying the tiles, because discovering a leak after tiling means breaking the floor. Learn about the best types of pipes for water installations, and understand the causes of water leaks and how to detect them early.
Electrical
Define the locations of sockets, switches, lighting and the electrical panel precisely before running the cables. Any electrical work must be carried out by a qualified technician, as an error there is a safety hazard.
Need help organizing the stages of your apartment finishing? The Tashtibatk team will inspect the apartment and give you a clear plan of stages and materials. Contact us on WhatsApp or call +201096413425.
Fourth: Plastering, insulation and flooring
Once the concealed works are approved, plastering begins to level the walls, followed by insulation of bathrooms, kitchen and other damp areas before tiling. In Kuwait, high temperatures also affect materials, so choose products that can withstand the summer heat.
Then flooring is installed. Compare the options in our guide to choosing flooring: parquet or porcelain before you decide.
| Stage | What happens | Why it comes here |
|---|---|---|
| Concealed works | Plumbing, electrical, air conditioning | They will be covered by walls and floors |
| Plastering and insulation | Levelling walls and insulating damp areas | Preparing the surface before tiling |
| Flooring | Ceramic, porcelain or parquet | Before painting and carpentry to avoid damage |
| Gypsum and painting | Ceilings, lighting and paint | Finishing works come last |
Fifth: Gypsum board, painting and carpentry
After flooring, suspended ceilings and concealed lighting are installed, which are among the most important decorative touches. See gypsum board and concealed lighting to choose what suits your apartment.
Painting follows once the plaster is fully dry. To choose colors wisely, review how to choose paint colors and wallpaper.
Finally, install the doors, wardrobes and kitchens. Make sure the carpenter takes measurements after flooring and painting are finished, so the sizes are accurate.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Painting before the doors or ceilings are installed, which damages the paint.
- Covering pipes and cables without testing them.
- Choosing materials after work has started, which delays the project.
- Neglecting the final cleaning after finishing.
Next step: Cleaning and handover
When all works are done comes the handover stage: check doors, sockets, taps and drainage, then clean the apartment thoroughly. Post-finishing cleaning differs from regular cleaning because of dust and debris, as explained in post-finishing cleaning.
In summary: start with planning, then the concealed works, then plastering and flooring, then gypsum, painting and carpentry, and finish with cleaning and handover. This order saves you time and effort.
If you want to carry out your project with a specialist team, learn about our apartment and home finishing service from start to finish, or contact us via WhatsApp, call +201096413425, email info@tashtibtk.com, or visit our contact page to request an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in finishing an apartment from scratch?
The first step is planning: setting your budget, choosing the design and inspecting the apartment. If needed, demolition and construction work follow, before moving on to plumbing and electrical.
Does plumbing or electrical come first in apartment finishing?
Both are done together in the concealed works stage before plastering, and they are coordinated so that their routes do not clash. Testing both before covering them is essential.
When should I start painting my apartment?
Painting starts after plastering, gypsum board and flooring are finished and the walls are completely dry. It is best done before installing the final furniture and cabinets.
How long does apartment finishing take?
The duration depends on the area, the scope of work and material availability. For an accurate timeline, request an inspection from the Tashtibatk team.