464 series apartment renovation

What is typical of a 464 series building

464 series buildings were built from the early 1960s, and the improved version from 1966. They are 5 storeys, with grey reinforced concrete panels and gypsum-concrete partition walls. The kitchens are small, but their size, whether the bathroom and toilet are combined or separate, and the ceiling height depend on the particular apartment.

In Riga this series is in Iļģuciems, Purvciems, Āgenskalns, Imanta, Dzirciems, Bolderāja, Ziepniekkalns, Vecmīlgrāvis, Sarkandaugava, Ķengarags, Jugla and Mežciems. In the Ministry of Economics study of 13 buildings commissioned in 1964–1978, they were found safe for continued use; for buildings of the later type, the roof U-shaped panel may have insufficient bearing depth. The roof is a matter for the whole building, dealt with by the association and the building manager.

Waterproofing in the bathroom

Waterproofing problems are mentioned as typical in the 464 series, so in a bathroom renovation waterproofing is the main job under the tiles. For CL 51 the manufacturer Ceresit states that it is applied in at least two coats so that the dry layer is 0.5 mm, waterproofing tape is worked into the wall and floor joints, and collars are used around pipes and the drain. The base must be dry, stable and clean, and a crumbling surface is primed.

Description of the work: bathroom waterproofing. For renovation in buildings of this series, see also bathroom renovation in a Lithuanian project.

Ventilation on the lower floors

Poor ventilation on the lower floors is mentioned as a typical question for the 464 series. In residential buildings the kitchen, toilet and bathroom are ventilated through natural exhaust ducts. The Fire Safety Regulations currently in force require natural ventilation ducts to be cleaned and inspected at least once every five years in rooms with gas appliances, and in other rooms at least once every 10 years.

Before the renovation, ask the building manager when the ducts were inspected. Do not cover ventilation grilles with tiles or ceilings. If the bathroom already has mould, read mould in the bathroom.

Risers, wiring and layout

Worn risers and electrical wiring are the second typical question. A riser is common property, so replacing a section of it needs the consent of the apartment owners' association, and the work is organised by the building manager; the pipes and wiring in the apartment up to the riser are yours. When the electrical wiring is reconstructed, it is fitted with residual current protection.

Panel walls in this series are hard to replan. If you want to change a gypsum-concrete partition, first find out whether it is load-bearing: for a non-load-bearing wall in Riga a plan and a construction notice are needed, and for an opening in a load-bearing wall a structural engineer's solution and an explanatory memorandum.

If the renovation affects old materials

The buildings were built before the asbestos ban, which came into force in the EU on 01.01.2005. Vinyl floor tiles and their adhesive may contain asbestos, and it cannot be reliably identified by appearance, only in a laboratory. Asbestos is dangerous if it is sawn, drilled or otherwise damaged. Asbestos demolition may be carried out only with the permission of the State Labour Inspectorate. Before demolition or renovation in such buildings, the employer finds out whether materials containing asbestos are present (Cabinet Regulation No. 852, paragraph 25).

Order of work in a 464 series apartment

1. What to find out Risers, ventilation ducts, old floor coverings; replacing a riser needs the association's consent.
2. Demolition The old finish, tiles and floor covering are removed.
3. Pipes and wiring In a full renovation, new pipes and electrical wiring are installed.
4. Bathroom and toilet Preparing the base, waterproofing in two coats, tiling, plumbing.
5. Rooms The walls are plastered, skimmed and painted; the floor is levelled and the covering is laid.

How long a renovation takes depends on the amount of work and the drying time of the materials.

How much a 464 series apartment renovation costs

Cosmetic renovation: from €100/m² of apartment area. Full renovation: from €280/m² of apartment area. Bathroom renovation (all work): from €3,000. Waterproofing in the bathroom: from €6/m². Prices are for labour. Materials are calculated separately in the estimate. Construction waste removal is not part of the renovation estimate.

An example for separate bathroom work: tiling 18 m² × €24 = from €432, waterproofing 5 m² × €6 = from €30 and installing a floor drain from €100, in total from €562 (these three jobs only; a whole bathroom renovation from €3,000). An exact estimate can be made after seeing the apartment. All prices: apartment renovation prices.

What the price includes in a 464 series apartment