When Should You Order an Apartment Design Project Online?

Elena received the keys to her new apartment in November. She ordered the design project back in August — wanting to save time. Three weeks later, she was redoing 40% of the drawings. The actual ceiling height turned out to be 12 cm lower, and the wall between the kitchen and living room was load-bearing. Losses: 87,000 rubles and a month.

This mistake could have been avoided. An online apartment design project is a service that saves money and nerves, but only with proper timing. In this article, we’ll examine exactly when you should click “Order” to avoid repeating Elena’s experience.

Three Critical Moments for Ordering an Online Project

The right timing for a design project depends not on the calendar, but on three factors. Miss one — and the risks grow exponentially.

1. Physical Access to the Apartment

The working formula: Can enter the apartment + can make accurate measurements = green light for ordering.

Why is this critical? Developer plans differ from reality in 78% of cases. The difference can range from 3 cm to 1.5 meters. For built-in furniture, even a 2 cm error means rework.

Typical discrepancies:

Window sill height: ±8-15 cm
Ventilation duct location: displacement up to 40 cm
Ceiling height: ±5-12 cm
Partition thickness: ±3-7 cm
Pipe and riser position: up to 30 cm from the plan

Studio Polinov notes that project rework due to inaccurate dimensions costs on average 65-90 thousand rubles.

2. Stage of Utility Readiness

Critical information you need to know:

Exact location of hot/cold water risers
Sewage outlet location
Ventilation duct placement
Electrical cable entry points
Possibilities for relocating utilities

Typical mistake: ordering a project when the ventilation duct on the plan faces right, but in reality — left. Result — the kitchen set is designed for the wrong wall. Project rework + new measurements = +45-60 days to deadlines.

3. Clear Understanding of Renovation Budget

The online designer must know how much you’re willing to spend. This affects the choice of materials, layout, and technical solutions.

Divide the budget into three parts:

30-35%: rough work
40-45%: finishing materials
20-25%: furniture and appliances

If the budget isn’t determined, the designer will create a project that may be unrealizable. Reworking the concept for a new budget takes 2-4 weeks and costs 30-40% of the initial project price.

Five Stages of Apartment Readiness: When You Can, When You Can’t

Let’s examine specific situations and optimal actions for each.

Stage 1: Active Construction (apartment not delivered, no access)

Status: ❌ Full design project CANNOT

Possible: ✅ Preliminary layout solution

What this means:

At this stage, you can develop 2-3 layout options based on BTI plans. Cost of such service: 15,000-35,000 rubles. This helps:

Understand the apartment’s potential
Assess whether redevelopment is needed
Plan approximate budget

But you cannot:

Make working drawings
Select built-in furniture
Plan exact outlet locations
Choose finishing materials

Risks of ordering full project: 85% probability of rework, loss of 40-70% of project cost.

Stage 2: Apartment delivered, keys received, but measurements not made

Status: ⚠️ Wait 1-2 weeks

Actions: Order professional measurements

Why not immediately:

Even if the developer gave keys, accurate measurements are needed. Professional measurement includes:

Ceiling heights at each point (ceilings are rarely perfectly level)
Dimensions of all openings (windows, doors)
Wall curvature
Location of all utility points
Floor level

Measurement cost: 3,000-8,000 rubles depending on area.

Timeline: 1-3 days.

Most online studios conduct measurements themselves or work with verified surveyors. This is the first stage of the project.

Stage 3: Measurements ready, plans agreed

Status: ✅✅✅ IDEAL TIME for ordering online project

Why this is the best moment:

All critical data at hand
Accurate layout can be developed
Time for project and material selection will be used most effectively
While development is underway (3-8 weeks), you can resolve legal issues, obtain redevelopment permits

Optimal sequence:

Order project (timeline: 3-8 weeks depending on complexity)
In parallel: redevelopment approval if needed (1-3 months)
Receive project + start purchasing long-lead materials (tiles, doors, custom furniture)
Start renovation

This approach saves 4-6 weeks of total time.

Stage 4: Renovation already started (rough work underway)

Status: ⚠️❌ TOO LATE, but partially possible

Real situation:

If rough work has started without a project, a full-fledged design project already has limited value. You can order:

Visualization of final finishes
Tile layout
Material and furniture selection
Lighting plan (if electrical work not yet finished)

What can no longer be changed:

Plumbing placement
Some electrical points
Structural wall changes

Partial project cost: 40-60% of full.

Stage 5: Apartment with rough finishes (screed, plaster, electrical ready)

Status: ✅ Can order finishing project

What includes:

3D visualizations of all rooms
Flooring layout
Wall elevations indicating finishes
Specification of all materials
Furniture placement plan
Decorating plan

Cost: 800-2,500 rubles/m² (30-40% cheaper than full project)

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

This option is suitable if the main utilities and layout suit you, but you need help choosing finishes and furnishings.

How Much Time to Allocate for Development

Understanding timelines is critically important for planning. Online projects are developed faster than studio ones, but time depends on complexity.

Typical Timelines for Online Project

Express project (minimum composition):

Area: up to 40 m²
Timeline: 7-14 days
Cost: 15,000-45,000 rubles
Includes: layouts, basic drawings, collages instead of 3D

Standard project:

Area: 40-80 m²
Timeline: 3-6 weeks
Cost: 60,000-180,000 rubles
Includes: layouts, full set of drawings, 8-12 visualizations, specifications

Full premium project:

Area: 80+ m²
Timeline: 6-12 weeks
Cost: from 200,000 rubles
Includes: multiple layout options, detailed drawings, 15+ visualizations, author supervision

What Affects Timelines

Accelerating factors:

Simple apartment geometry (rectangular rooms)
No redevelopment
Standard ceiling height (2.7-3.0 m)
Clear brief from client with examples
Quick feedback on stages

Slowing factors:

Complex layout (many niches, protrusions, slopes)
High ceilings (more than 3.2 m) — require complicated solutions
Frequent requirement changes during process
Need to develop custom furniture
Special requests (smart home, multiroom, complex lighting)

Real example from practice:

Studio “MY HOME” in 2024 developed 853 projects. Average timeline for one-bedroom apartment project — 21 days. Two-bedroom — 34 days. Three-bedroom — 48 days.

Online vs Offline: When Online Format is Optimal

An online project isn’t the best solution for all cases. There are situations where a traditional studio is preferable.

Online format is ideal if:

Standard layout without radical redevelopment If you don’t plan to demolish walls or move the kitchen to a living room — online will handle it excellently.
Modern styles (minimalism, Scandinavian, loft) These styles work well remotely. Fewer details = less risk of losing something in communication.
Limited budget Online projects are 30-50% cheaper than offline with comparable quality.
Tight deadlines Online studios work faster: no time for site visits, meetings happen online at convenient times.
You’re in another city If the apartment is in Moscow and you’re in Yekaterinburg — online saves time and money on designer travel.

Offline studio is preferable if:

Complex non-standard layout Studio or loft with 4-5 meter ceiling height, two levels, atypical spaces — such projects need personal contact.
Classical styles with many details Baroque, Art Deco, English classics require precise selection of decor, molding, fabrics. This is difficult to do remotely.
Premium segment with exclusive materials When the budget allows natural stone, rare wood species, custom designer furniture — tactile contact with materials is needed.
You want personal communication at all stages For some people, meeting with the designer in person is psychologically more important.

Hybrid Format — New Trend 2024-2025

An intermediate option is emerging: main work online, but 2-3 in-person meetings at key stages:

First meeting: discussing brief, measurements
Second: concept presentation
Third: final project acceptance

Cost: +15-20% to online format, but -25-30% to full offline.

Readiness Checklist for Ordering an Online Design Project

Before clicking “Order project,” check that you have everything necessary.

Mandatory Information (don’t start without this)

Accurate apartment measurements (heights, lengths, widths of all rooms)
BTI plan or from developer (even if there will be new measurements)
Photos of all rooms (minimum 4-6 angles each)
Location of all utilities (risers, ventilation ducts, electrical panel)
Understanding of renovation budget (at least a range: 1-1.5 million, 2-3 million, etc.)
Family composition and main habits (how many people, children/pets, daily routine)

Desirable Information (will speed up the process)

Examples of interiors you like (photos from Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram)
Must-have list (built-in wardrobe in bedroom, workspace, large bathtub)
Categorical “no” list (no dark walls, no open shelves, etc.)
Understanding of timelines (when you plan to start and finish renovation)
Storage information (what and how much needs to be stored — clothes, shoes, appliances)
Special requirements (allergies, health issues requiring consideration in project)

Documents for Redevelopment (if planned)

Redevelopment permit or understanding of which walls are load-bearing
Technical passport of apartment
Consent of all owners (if apartment is jointly owned)

Seven Mistakes When Choosing Project Timing

These mistakes are repeated in 73% of failed projects. Avoiding them — save 40-90 thousand rubles.

Mistake 1: Order project BEFORE receiving keys

Why this is a problem:

Even if the developer promised to deliver the property “in a month,” actual timelines may shift by 2-6 months. The project will become outdated, trends will change, your preferences will change. And most importantly — dimensions may not match.

Exception: Preliminary layout solution (this is not a full project).

Mistake 2: Start renovation WITHOUT a project, order it “along the way”

Consequences:

Electrical work will be done not for your needs (outlets in wrong places)
Plumbing points may not match plumbing plans
Will have to redo already finished structures
Budget will increase by 25-40%

Real case:

A family started renovation in a 58 m² two-bedroom. After a month, they realized they didn’t know how to arrange kitchen furniture. Ordered a project. It turned out: the hood needed to go along another wall, and the vent duct was already enclosed in drywall. Had to break and redo. Lost 123,000 rubles and 3 weeks.

Mistake 3: Save on measurements

What happens:

You take measurements yourself with a tape measure. Get 3-7 cm error on each wall. Built-in wardrobe is designed with 5 cm clearance, but due to error doesn’t fit.

Solution: Professional measurement with laser rangefinder. Cost 3,000-6,000 rubles pays off by not having to redo anything.

Mistake 4: Order project when haven’t determined budget yet

Problem:

Designer creates project with mid-range materials (porcelain stoneware 2,500 rubles/m², laminate 1,800 rubles/m²). You look at final estimate — 2.8 million rubles. Your budget — 1.5 million. Project needs to be redone for different materials. This is another +2-3 weeks and +30,000-50,000 rubles.

How to do it right: Discuss budget immediately. A good designer will create a project within your financial capabilities.

Mistake 5: Choose the cheapest online service

Why it’s dangerous:

A design project for 9,900 rubles for a two-bedroom is either a template, a beginner’s work, or incomplete documentation.

What will be missing:

Detailed nodes (how to make complex structures)
Wall elevations (builders won’t understand what to put where)
Specifications (you’ll have to search for all materials yourself)

Optimal price for online project in 2024-2025:

Studio: 15,000-30,000 rubles
One-bedroom: 40,000-80,000 rubles
Two-bedroom: 70,000-150,000 rubles
Three-bedroom: 120,000-250,000 rubles

Mistake 6: Rush to approve the layout

Typical situation:

Designer showed first layout option. You kind of like it, approve. A week later understanding comes: it could have been done differently, it would have been more convenient.

How to do it right:

Ask for at least 2-3 layout options
“Live” in each option mentally: trace your typical day
Consult with family
Don’t rush approval — this is the project foundation

At the layout stage, changes are free. After approval, any change is reworking drawings for money.

Mistake 7: Not reading the contract and not clarifying project composition

What should be in a FULL design project:

Planning solutions:

Survey plan
Demolition plan
Plan of structures to be erected
Layout with furniture placement

Working documentation:

Floor plan indicating materials
Ceiling plan
Elevations of all walls
Plumbing fixture placement plan
Electrical placement plan (outlets, switches, fixtures)
Lighting schemes
Underfloor heating plan (if provided)
Finishing materials specification
Furniture and equipment specification

Visual part:

3D visualizations (minimum 2 angles of each room)

Some studios offer a “project” for 20,000 rubles, but it only has layout and 3 visualizations. This is not a full project — renovation cannot be done according to it.

Optimal Sequence: Step-by-Step Plan

If we summarize all the information, here’s the ideal sequence of actions for ordering an online project.

Step 1: Receiving apartment and initial assessment (Day 1-7)

Actions:

Receive apartment keys
Take general photos of all rooms
Assess condition (rough, with finishes, requires redevelopment)
Measure approximate dimensions with tape measure (for initial understanding)

Step 2: Professional measurements (Day 7-10)

Actions:

Hire a surveyor or order measurement as part of project from online studio
Get accurate plan with dimensions
Photograph location of all risers, pipes, ventilation ducts, electrical panel

Cost: 3,000-8,000 rubles

Time: 2-4 hours work + 1-2 days processing

Step 3: Forming technical brief (Day 10-14)

Actions:

Collect references (photos of liked interiors)
Make must-have list and “no” list
Determine renovation budget
Understand timelines (when need to finish)
Decide on redevelopment issue (needed or not)

Step 4: Choosing online studio and ordering project (Day 14-17)

Selection criteria:

Portfolio (are there similar projects)
Reviews (real cases, preferably with before/after photos)
Project composition (what’s included)
Timelines (realistic, with buffer)
Cost (adequate to market)
Revision possibilities (how many iterations included)

Contract signing: Check that it specifies:

Exact project composition
Timelines by stages
Cost and payment schedule
Number of revisions
Responsibilities of parties

Step 5: Project development (3-8 weeks)

Stages:

Stage 1 (7-10 days): Planning solutions

Receive 2-3 layout options
Choose and approve one
Corrections possible

Stage 2 (10-14 days): Concept and style

3-5 sketch visualizations
Collages with materials and furniture
Overall concept approval

Stage 3 (14-21 days): Working documentation

All drawings for builders
Wall elevations
Ceiling, floor, electrical plans

Stage 4 (7-10 days): Final visualizations and specifications

Photorealistic 3D views
Complete material specifications
Furniture schedules

Step 6: Parallel actions during development

While designing:

If redevelopment needed — submit documents (approval takes 1-3 months)
Study construction crew market, get 3-5 commercial proposals
Start monitoring material prices
If there’s custom furniture with long lead time (2-3 months) — can start ordering after layout approval

Step 7: Receiving and checking project (Day 1 after completion)

What to check:

All sheets and drawings present (compare with contract list)
Drawing readability (dimensions, markings understandable)
Specifications complete (article numbers, quantities, where to buy)
Visualizations meet your expectations

If something’s wrong:

Most contracts have 1-2 rounds of free revisions. Use them immediately, don’t postpone.

Step 8: Starting renovation (1-4 weeks after receiving project)

Optimal gap between receiving project and starting work:

Minimum: 1-2 weeks (for finding crew and purchasing first materials)
Optimal: 3-4 weeks (will have time to order all long-lead items)
If redevelopment: wait for permit (can take up to 3 months)

Specific Situations: Non-Standard Cases

Reality is more complex than theory. Here are solutions for unusual situations.

Situation 1: Apartment on mortgage, need quick project for budget estimate

Problem: Bank approved mortgage, need to understand if there’s enough money for renovation. But the apartment isn’t legally yours yet.

Solution:

Order “express project evaluation” — this is a reduced version for 10,000-20,000 rubles that includes:

Approximate layout
Rough renovation estimate
2-3 collages for style understanding

Timeline: 5-7 days.

After purchasing apartment, this cost can be credited toward full project at same studio.

Situation 2: Apartment in new building, delivery in 6-8 months

Optimal plan:

Now (6-8 months before delivery):

Order preliminary layout solution (15,000-30,000 rubles)
Determine if redevelopment needed
If yes — start approval process (it’s lengthy)

2-3 months before delivery:

If developer allows entry — make preliminary measurements
Choose online studio for main project

Immediately after receiving keys:

Final accurate measurements
Start full project development
Timeline: 3-6 weeks

Time advantage: Redevelopment will be approved by time of receiving keys. Save 2-3 months.

Situation 3: Buying apartment with ready finishes, but want to redo everything

Feature: Need to demolish existing first.

Correct sequence:

Before demolition: Order survey and photo documentation of current state
Assess: What can be kept (utilities, screed, plaster)
Order project: Based on current measurements, considering what will remain after demolition
Start demolition: Upon completion — control survey (there may be “surprises”)
Project correction: If discrepancies found

Correction cost: Usually 10-15% of project cost if changes are minor.

Situation 4: Want to do renovation in stages (first one room, then another)

Can you order project in parts?

Yes, but with caveats:

Right approach:

Order full project of entire apartment at once (even if doing in parts)
Reason: Engineering systems (electrical, ventilation, water supply) must be planned as a whole
Some studios offer staged payment: first pay for first room, then for rest

Wrong approach:

Order kitchen project, do renovation
A year later order bedroom project
Problem: Systems may not connect, there will be visible differences in floor/ceiling levels

Situation 5: You live abroad, apartment in Russia

Work features:

Online format advantage: Location doesn’t matter.

But consider:

Time difference (schedule calls in advance)
Measurements: need someone on site (friend, relative, realtor) or professional surveyor
Photo documentation: ask to make maximally detailed (40-60 photos of all angles)
Payment: clarify possibility of currency transfers

Key point: Choose studio with experience working with remote clients. They know all communication nuances.

How to Tell If Studio Is Ready to Work Online with Quality

Not all online studios are equal. Here are 8 signs of professional service.

Sign 1: Detailed checklist for client at start

Good studio sends you list of 20-30 points on what to prepare:

What photos to take (with angle examples)
What measurements are important
What information to collect
What questions to think about

Red flag: “Send photos and plan, we’ll figure out the rest” — sign of unprofessionalism.

Sign 2: Video call to property (if possible)

Serious studios ask for video call where you show apartment in real time. Designer asks questions, asks to show details.

This takes 20-40 minutes but saves weeks on rework.

Sign 3: Contract with clear project composition

Contract should have attached list of all project sheets with description. For example:

Sheet 1: Survey plan
Sheet 2: Demolition plan
Sheet 3: Plan of structures to be erected
…
Sheet 24: Plumbing equipment specification

Total: 25-40 sheets for full project of two-bedroom apartment.

Sign 4: Staged work with approval

Correct scheme:

Stage 1: Layouts → Approval → Stage payment
Stage 2: Concept → Approval → Stage payment
Stage 3: Working documentation → Approval → Stage payment
Stage 4: Visualizations → Acceptance → Final payment

Red flag: Ask for 100% prepayment immediately.

Sign 5: Portfolio with implemented projects

Look not only at beautiful pictures, but also:

Photos of finished interiors (not just 3D)
Reviews with specific figures (“stayed within budget of 1.8 million”, “renovation timeline 4 months”)
Cases with description of problems and solutions

Sign 6: Adequate timelines

Red flags:

“Two-bedroom in 5 days” — physically impossible to do quality work
“Depends on you, can do in a week” — sign of template approach
“About a month, can’t say exactly” — absence of process

Good sign:

“Standard timeline for 55 m² two-bedroom — 5 weeks. If you’re ready to approve stages promptly, can fit in 4 weeks.”

Sign 7: Transparent pricing

Website should have calculator or clear pricing:

Studio: from X rubles
One-bedroom: from Y rubles
Two-bedroom: from Z rubles

Or price per m²: for example, 1,500-2,500 rubles/m² depending on package.

Red flag: “We’ll determine cost after brief” — can grow 2-3 times from expectations.

Sign 8: Technical support during renovation

Best studios offer:

Consultations for builders (explaining drawings) — 2-3 calls
Author supervision (site visits 2-4 times) — optional, for separate fee
Help selecting material alternatives if something unavailable

Frequently Asked Questions About Project Ordering Timing

Can you order project in winter and start renovation in summer?

Yes, but with nuances.

Pros:

In winter designers have less workload, may do faster
Pricing on design sometimes lower (seasonal promotions)
Will have time to think through all details

Cons:

In 4-6 months material prices may change (grow 10-20%)
Some items may be discontinued
Trends may change (risk project will look outdated)

Recommendation:

Optimal gap between receiving project and starting renovation — 1-2 months. Maximum — 3 months.

If gap is longer — order “project update” (specification actualization, material availability check). Costs 5-10% of project cost.

Is project needed if renovation done by “jack of all trades”?

Critically needed.

Universal masters work “by experience” and “as usually done.” Without project:

Outlets will be where convenient for him, not you
Lighting — standard (chandelier in center)
Layout — typical
No styling

With project: Even simple master will do quality work because he has clear instructions: where, what, how. Any contractor can work from drawings.

Real statistics: Renovations with project cost 15-25% less than without project because:

No rework
Accurate material calculation (no surplus)
Fewer “unexpected” additional expenses

Can changes be made to project after approval?

Possible, but costs money and time.

Types of changes:

Minor (free or within revisions):

Change wall color
Replace one fixture with another similar
Adjust picture placement

Medium (5,000-15,000 rubles):

Change layout of one room
Add new functional zone
Change concept of one room

Major (20-40% of project cost):

Redo entire apartment layout
Change interior style
Add redevelopment that wasn’t there

Golden rule: Make all key decisions at layout and concept approval stage. This is free. After approval — each change costs money.

What to do if hidden problems discovered during renovation?

Typical “surprises”:

Bad screed (needs redoing)
Electrical problems (old wiring won’t handle load)
Mold on walls (needs treatment and waterproofing)
Wall unevenness greater than expected

Correct actions:

Photograph problem from all sides
Contact designer (good studios consult for free)
Assess impact on project:
- Can solve without changing project (just additional work)
- Project correction needed
Agree on correction and cost

Common mistake: Foreman solves problem “at his discretion” without coordinating with designer. Then turns out solution contradicts project.

How much time should be allocated “as buffer” to timelines?

Realistic formula:

Stated project timeline × 1.3 = Real timeline considering all delays

Example:

Studio promises: 4 weeks
Allocate: 5-6 weeks

Reasons for delays:

Client can’t promptly approve stages (vacation, business trip, no time)
Additional revision iterations (client changed mind)
Technical problems (designer illness, holidays)

For planning:

If you want to start renovation June 1, project should be ordered no later than April 1 (2 months with buffer).

Worth waiting for material sales or order project at current prices?

Strategy depends on budget:

If budget is strictly limited:

Wait for seasonal sales (usually February-March, August-September)
Order project month before sale
By time of receiving project, discounts will start

If budget is flexible:

Order project when convenient
Designer will select materials, and you’ll later find them at best price or alternatives

Important: Project should specify not specific article numbers (they may run out), but material characteristics:

Porcelain stoneware: 60×60 cm, matte, light gray, seamless installation, ≈2,500 rubles/m²
This way you can find alternative in any store

Is it realistic to do renovation in 3 months from scratch?

Yes, if:

Project ready BEFORE starting work
No redevelopment (or it’s already approved)
There’s crew ready to start immediately
Materials purchased in advance (at least first batch)
No custom furniture with long lead time (3-4 months)

Schedule “renovation in 3 months”:

Week 1-2: Demolition, preparation Week 3-4: Rough electrical, plumbing, screed Week 5-6: Plastering, drywall structures Week 7-8: Finishing electrical, priming Week 9-10: Tile installation in bathroom and kitchen Week 11: Painting/wallpapering, flooring Week 12: Installing doors, plumbing, fixtures, furniture

Critical factor: No delays with materials and furniture.

Realistic timeline for quality renovation: 4-5 months.

Readiness Checklist for Talking with Online Designer

Before first call with studio, prepare answers to these questions. This will speed up process and reduce cost (fewer iterations).

About Apartment

Area: ___ m² (total and living)
Number of rooms: ___
Floor: ___ of ___
Ceiling height: ___ m (at least approximately)
Building type: panel/monolith/brick/new construction
Current condition: rough/with finishes/requires demolition
Windows face: north/south/east/west
View from window: courtyard/street/park/industrial zone
Balcony/loggia: yes/no, glazed/no, __ m²

About Plans

Redevelopment planned: yes/no
If yes, what specifically: ___
Redevelopment permit: have/don’t have/need to obtain
Load-bearing walls (per BTI plan): ___

About Budget

Total renovation budget: from ___ to ___ rubles
Design budget: up to ___ rubles
Willingness to increase budget: yes/no/no more than ___%
What’s more important: stay within budget / get ideal result

About Timelines

Desired renovation start date: ___
Renovation completion deadline: ___
Criticality of timelines: hard deadline / can shift
When need ready project: by ___ (date)

About Residents

Family composition: adults ___ people, children ___ (age), pets ___
Special needs: work from home / hobbies / sports / music
Lifestyle: early rise / night lifestyle / frequent guests
Amount of clothing/shoes for storage: little / medium / much
Priorities: functionality / beauty / both equally

About Style and Preferences

Favorite styles: ___ (Scandinavian/loft/classic/minimalism/other)
References: yes, prepared / need help with selection
Favorite colors: ___
Disliked colors/styles: ___
Openness to experiments: ready for bold solutions / prefer proven

About Practicality

Smart home system: planned / no
Underfloor heating: all rooms / only bathroom/kitchen / not needed
Air conditioning: all rooms / only bedroom / not planned
Built-in kitchen appliances: yes / only part / no
Home theater/multiroom: yes / no

Comparison: Cost vs Timeline vs Quality

The last question that concerns everyone: can you save on a project?

“Fast and Cheap” Model

Parameters:

Cost: 20,000-40,000 rubles (two-bedroom)
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
What you get: Layout + collages + minimal drawings

Who it suits:

Renovation budget up to 800,000 rubles
Simple typical layout without changes
You understand renovation yourself (not first experience)
Ready to solve much along the way with masters

Risks:

Insufficient detail (masters will ask questions)
No nodes and wall elevations
Will have to search for all materials yourself
Schematic visualizations

“Optimal” Model

Parameters:

Cost: 70,000-150,000 rubles (two-bedroom)
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
What you get: Full set of drawings + realistic 3D + specifications

Who it suits:

Renovation budget 1-3 million rubles
Standard or slightly modified layout
First renovation experience or lack of time to figure out
Want to give ready project to builders and not participate in details

What you get:

25-35 sheets of documentation
Everything necessary for renovation
8-12 realistic visualizations
Complete specifications with article numbers

This is optimal price/quality balance for 80% of cases.

“Premium” Model

Parameters:

Cost: 200,000-500,000+ rubles (two-bedroom)
Timeline: 8-12 weeks
What you get: Maximum detail + author supervision + concept + selection of everything

Who it suits:

Renovation budget from 3 million rubles
Complex layout, non-standard solutions
Premium materials and furniture
Want exclusive interior
Ready to pay for service and support

What you get:

40+ sheets of detailed documentation
Development of unique furniture
Designer site visits (3-5 times)
Consultations during renovation
Help ordering and receiving materials
Final styling and decorating

Conclusion: Formula for Ideal Timing

If we summarize all information into one formula:

Ideal time for ordering online design project = Keys received + Accurate measurements made + Budget determined + (Time until renovation start) ≥ 1.5-2 months

Three Scenarios by Readiness:

Green scenario (ideal): Keys ✓ → Measurements ✓ → Project (4-6 weeks) → Purchasing (2 weeks) → Start renovation

Yellow scenario (acceptable): Keys ✓ → Pre-project 6 months before delivery → Measurements after keys → Quick finalization (1-2 weeks) → Start

Red scenario (dangerous): Project before keys → Renovation with inaccurate data → Rework → Loss of time and money

Key rule: Better to wait 2-3 weeks and do it right than rush and lose 2-3 months on rework.

Exceptions when can start earlier:

Preliminary layout solution (not full project)
You have opportunity to enter unfinished apartment for accurate measurements
You’re ordering only visualization and material selection (without working documentation)

Main principle:

A design project is not “pretty pictures” but instructions for renovation. It should be based on real data, not developer plans.

Elena from the beginning of the article lost 87,000 rubles precisely because she hurried. Don’t repeat this mistake. Correct timing will save you not only money but also nerves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an online apartment design project cost in 2025?

Average cost of online project in 2025: studio (up to 35 m²) — 15,000-45,000 rubles, one-bedroom — 40,000-80,000 rubles, two-bedroom — 70,000-150,000 rubles, three-bedroom — 120,000-250,000 rubles. Price depends on area, layout complexity and project package. Online format is 30-50% cheaper than studios with office.

Can you order a design project before receiving apartment keys?

Full-fledged design project before receiving keys is not recommended. Developer plans differ from reality in 78% of cases by 3-30 cm, which is critical for built-in furniture and utility placement. Acceptable to order preliminary layout solution (15,000-35,000 rubles), but full project — only after accurate on-site measurements.

How long before renovation should you order a project?

Optimal timeline — 1.5-2 months before starting renovation work. Project development takes 3-8 weeks depending on area and complexity. Another 1-2 weeks needed for purchasing first batch of materials. If redevelopment planned, add 2-3 months for document approval.

How long does it take to make an online apartment design project?

Average online project development timeline: studio — 7-14 days, one-bedroom apartment — 3-4 weeks, two-bedroom — 4-6 weeks, three-bedroom — 6-8 weeks. Express options done in 7-10 days but with reduced composition. Timelines depend on layout complexity, redevelopment necessity and speed of client stage approval.

What should be in a full design project?

Full design project includes: survey plan, demolition and construction plans, layout with furniture, floor and ceiling plans, elevations of all walls, electrical plan (outlets, switches, lighting), plumbing plan, finishing materials and furniture specifications, 3D visualizations (minimum 2 angles of each room). For two-bedroom apartment this is 25-35 sheets of documentation.

How does an online project differ from a studio project?

Main differences: online project 30-50% cheaper, timelines 1-2 weeks shorter, all communications happen remotely (video calls, messengers), measurements done either by client or invited specialist. Documentation and visualization quality when choosing professional online studio is comparable to offline format. Online suitable for typical layouts and modern styles.

Is redevelopment needed for a design project?

Redevelopment not always needed — only if typical layout doesn’t meet your needs. Designer can create functional interior within existing boundaries. If redevelopment necessary, it must be approved BEFORE starting renovation (approval timeline 1-3 months). Demolition of load-bearing walls prohibited. Online studios help assess redevelopment necessity at preliminary layout solution stage.

Can renovation be done without a design project?

Technically possible, but increases renovation cost by 15-25% due to rework, inaccurate material calculation and improvisations. Without project, electrical and plumbing done “as usual,” not for your specific needs. Even simple master works better with clear drawings. Minimum need layout with furniture placement and electrical plan — this will eliminate main problems.