Receiving the keys to a new-build apartment is the beginning of an exciting stage: creating a comfortable space that suits your needs, habits, and lifestyle. However, before starting the finishing works, it is important to plan how the apartment will be organised, where the furniture will go, and whether any partitions need to be removed or installed.
This is precisely where an interior design project becomes useful. Even a basic solution can help you make informed decisions before spending money on materials and construction work. RSU offers a Minimal interior design package for €6 per square metre. It includes four essential drawings that provide a foundation for planning the layout of your new home.
In this article, we explain what the Minimal package includes, why it can be particularly useful in a new-build apartment, and how it can help you prepare for the finishing works.
Why Is It Important to Plan a New-Build Apartment Before Finishing Works Begin?
A new-build apartment offers an opportunity to organise the space according to your needs from the very beginning. Unlike an apartment that has already been renovated and furnished, an unfinished property allows you to consider different layouts before making decisions that are expensive or difficult to reverse.
At first, it may seem that the best approach is to start the finishing works as soon as possible and decide on the details along the way. In practice, however, this can lead to unnecessary expenses, delays, and compromises.
For example, you might install a partition and later discover that it makes it difficult to fit a wardrobe or arrange the furniture comfortably. Alternatively, you might begin building a wall only to realise that the room would be more functional without it.
Planning helps you consider such questions in advance. It allows you to assess the available space, understand how different areas will be used, and establish a clear basis for further work.
A professionally prepared interior design project can include many different drawings and specifications. However, not every apartment owner needs a comprehensive project with detailed visualisations and extensive technical documentation. In some cases, a basic package is enough to make the main layout decisions.
What Does the Minimal Interior Design Package Include?
The RSU Minimal package costs €6/m² and includes four essential drawings:
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An existing layout (measured plan).
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A furniture layout plan.
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A partition demolition plan.
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A partition installation plan.
Each drawing serves a specific purpose. Together, they help establish the basic layout of the apartment before the finishing works begin.
The package focuses on spatial planning rather than decorative design. It helps answer several fundamental questions: what space is available, how furniture can be arranged, which existing partitions need to be removed, and where new partitions should be built.
This makes the Minimal package a practical starting point for apartment owners who want to plan their space without immediately investing in a more extensive design project.
1. Existing Layout: Understanding the Actual Space
The existing layout, also known as a measured plan, shows the apartment's current configuration and dimensions.
Although a new-build apartment may appear straightforward, it is important to understand its actual layout before planning any changes. The developer's original floor plan provides a starting point, but measurements and the existing conditions should be taken into account when making decisions about furniture and partitions.
The measured plan helps establish the dimensions and arrangement of the rooms, as well as the position of the existing walls and other structural elements relevant to planning.
Why is this important?
First, it provides a reliable basis for making further layout decisions. Without an accurate understanding of the available space, it is easy to underestimate the dimensions required for furniture or overlook practical limitations.
Second, the plan helps you assess how effectively the apartment's space can be used. You can consider whether the rooms have suitable proportions, whether circulation areas are comfortable, and whether the existing layout meets your needs.
Third, it provides a reference point for the other drawings included in the Minimal package.
For example, if you are planning a wardrobe in the hallway, you need to know how much space is available without obstructing the entrance or making it difficult to move around. If you want to place a bed in the bedroom, you should consider not only its dimensions but also the space needed to access it comfortably.
The measured plan is the foundation for these decisions.
2. Furniture Layout Plan: Organising the Space Around Your Needs
The furniture layout plan shows where the main pieces of furniture should be placed within the apartment.
This is one of the most practical drawings for owners of new-build properties because furniture affects how the entire space functions. The location of a bed, sofa, dining table, wardrobe, or kitchen units can determine whether a room feels comfortable and whether the available area is used efficiently.
Without a furniture layout plan, owners may make decisions based primarily on intuition. They might assume that a particular arrangement will work, only to discover later that furniture blocks a passage, doors cannot open fully, or there is insufficient space for everyday activities.
Planning furniture placement in advance helps reduce these risks.
For example, in a bedroom, it is important to consider the position of the bed, access to both sides where necessary, and space for wardrobes or bedside tables. In a living room, the arrangement of the sofa, television, and other furniture affects movement and the use of the room. In a kitchen, the placement of cabinets and appliances influences convenience and the available working space.
A furniture layout plan also helps you understand how the apartment can accommodate your lifestyle.
If you work from home, you may need a dedicated desk. If you often have guests, you may want to reserve space for a larger dining table or an additional sleeping area. If storage is a priority, you need to consider wardrobes and other storage solutions at the planning stage rather than trying to fit them into the finished interior later.
The purpose of the plan is not simply to fill the rooms with furniture. It is to establish a practical arrangement that supports everyday activities and makes the most of the available space.
3. Partition Demolition Plan: Identifying Walls to Be Removed
The partition demolition plan indicates which existing partitions are intended to be removed as part of the planned layout.
In a new-build apartment, the original configuration may not correspond to the way you want to use the space. Depending on the property and the applicable requirements, it may be possible to adjust certain non-load-bearing partitions to create a more convenient layout.
For example, an owner may want to make a room more open, change the proportions of a hallway, or reorganise the relationship between different functional areas.
However, removing a partition should never be treated as an informal decision made during construction. It is important to identify the intended changes in advance and distinguish between partitions that can potentially be altered and structural elements that must remain untouched.
The demolition plan provides a clear visual reference for the planned work. It helps the construction team understand which partitions are intended to be removed and reduces the risk of misunderstandings on site.
It can also help you assess the consequences of a proposed layout before work begins. You can consider how removing a partition will affect the usable area, furniture placement, and movement between rooms.
Keep in mind that not every wall can be removed or modified freely. Structural safety, building regulations, utility routes, and other technical considerations may limit the changes that can be made. Any proposed alterations must be checked against the property's actual conditions and applicable requirements.
A demolition plan is therefore an important part of the planning process, but it does not replace the technical assessments or approvals that may be required for particular alterations.
4. Partition Installation Plan: Defining Where New Walls Should Be Built
While the demolition plan identifies partitions to be removed, the partition installation plan shows where new partitions should be constructed.
This drawing is important when the original apartment layout does not provide the necessary separation between functional areas or when the planned layout requires additional walls.
For example, you may want to create a separate dressing area, adjust the size of a room, or establish a more convenient arrangement for a hallway. Depending on the apartment's configuration, new partitions may help organise the space and make it more practical for everyday use.
The location of a new partition can affect many other decisions. It may determine the dimensions of a room, the available space for furniture, the position of doorways, and the way people move through the apartment.
If the walls are built without a clear plan, the result may differ from what the owner expected. Even a relatively small change in the position of a partition can affect whether a wardrobe fits, whether a door opens comfortably, or whether there is enough space for a bed.
The partition installation plan helps establish the intended layout before construction begins. It gives the team a clear reference for the planned partition work and helps coordinate this work with the furniture layout.
As with demolition, any proposed new partitions must be considered in relation to the building's technical requirements and existing utilities. The appropriate materials and construction methods should be selected according to the specific conditions of the property.
Why Can the Minimal Package Be Enough for a New-Build Apartment?
A comprehensive interior design project can include detailed technical drawings, electrical and lighting plans, plumbing layouts, material specifications, furniture details, and visualisations. These elements can be valuable, particularly for complex interiors or projects where many decisions need to be coordinated.
However, not every apartment owner needs all these services at the initial planning stage.
The Minimal package is intended to address the basic questions that determine how the apartment will be organised. It focuses on the existing layout, furniture placement, and planned changes to partitions.
This can be especially useful if you already have a general idea of the interior style, plan to select finishes yourself, or intend to work with a construction team that can advise you on the additional technical documentation required.
The package can also serve as a first step before deciding whether you need a more extensive design project.
For example, you may initially want to establish the room layout and furniture arrangement. Once these decisions have been made, you can assess whether you need additional drawings for electrical points, lighting, plumbing, floor finishes, or wall elevations.
The key advantage is that the main spatial decisions can be made before the finishing works begin. This helps avoid situations where a layout problem is discovered only after materials have been purchased or construction has progressed.
At the same time, the Minimal package has a defined scope. It does not replace a comprehensive technical design where one is needed, and it does not automatically include every drawing required to carry out all finishing works.
How Can Interior Design Help Avoid Unnecessary Expenses?
The cost of an interior design project is only one part of the overall budget for preparing a new-build apartment for living. Materials, labour, furniture, equipment, and possible changes made during construction can account for a much larger share of the total expenditure.
Nevertheless, early planning can help you manage these expenses more carefully.
Fewer Changes During Construction
Changes made after work has started can be expensive. A partition may need to be rebuilt, materials may have to be purchased again, or completed work may need to be dismantled.
A clear layout plan helps you make the main decisions before construction begins. Although it cannot eliminate every unexpected situation, it reduces the likelihood of avoidable changes caused by poor planning.
More Efficient Use of Space
An apartment's usable area is limited, so every decision about furniture and partitions matters.
A planned furniture arrangement helps you assess whether the rooms will accommodate the items you need and whether enough space will remain for comfortable movement. It can also help you identify potential storage problems before buying furniture.
This is particularly relevant in smaller apartments, where an unsuitable layout can make the entire property feel less comfortable.
Better Preparation for Purchasing Furniture
Furniture purchases can be costly, especially when made without a clear understanding of the available space.
A furniture layout plan gives you a reference for choosing the dimensions and arrangement of the main items. It can help you avoid purchasing furniture that is too large, too small, or unsuitable for the intended location.
It is still important to verify final dimensions and installation requirements before placing orders, particularly for built-in furniture and kitchen units.
A Clearer Brief for the Construction Team
When the planned layout is documented, it becomes easier to communicate what needs to be done.
The demolition and partition installation plans help explain the intended changes, while the furniture plan shows how the finished space is expected to function.
This can reduce misunderstandings between the apartment owner and the construction team. It also provides a starting point for discussing the scope of work and identifying any additional technical drawings that may be necessary.
For projects involving multiple stages and contractors, you may also consider technical supervision, which can help monitor the quality and compliance of construction work within the agreed scope of the service.
How Much Does the Minimal Interior Design Package Cost?
The RSU Minimal package costs €6 per square metre. The total price depends on the area of the apartment.
For example:
| Apartment area | Package price |
|---|---|
| 35 m² | €210 |
| 45 m² | €270 |
| 50 m² | €300 |
| 60 m² | €360 |
| 75 m² | €450 |
These examples illustrate how the price is calculated using the stated rate of €6/m². The final scope and cost should be confirmed with RSU before placing an order.
When assessing the price, it is important to consider what the package is intended to achieve. The Minimal package does not attempt to provide every possible design detail. Instead, it focuses on the fundamental layout decisions that influence the subsequent finishing works.
For an owner who needs help organising the space but does not require a comprehensive interior design project, this can be a practical way to begin planning.
You can find more information about RSU's interior design services and clarify which package best matches your apartment and requirements.
What Is Not Included in the Minimal Package?
Before choosing the Minimal package, it is important to understand its limitations.
The four drawings provide a foundation for spatial planning, but they do not constitute a complete set of technical documentation for every type of finishing work.
Depending on the apartment and the planned scope of work, you may also need:
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An electrical layout showing sockets, switches, and other electrical points.
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A lighting plan.
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Plumbing and sanitary installation plans.
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Floor finish layouts.
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Wall elevation drawings.
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Specifications for finishing materials.
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Detailed drawings for custom-made furniture.
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Additional technical documentation required for specific construction or installation work.
These elements may be especially important when the apartment has a complex layout, the owner plans to install custom furniture, or the finishing works involve substantial changes to electrical, plumbing, or other systems.
The absence of these drawings does not necessarily mean that the Minimal package is unsuitable. It simply means that you should assess your needs before construction starts and determine whether additional documentation is required.
The most appropriate scope depends on the property, the complexity of the project, your preferences, and the way the finishing works will be organised.
Who Should Choose the Minimal Interior Design Package?
The Minimal package may be a suitable choice for several types of apartment owners.
Owners who want to organise the layout before finishing works begin. If your main priority is to understand how the apartment will be divided into functional areas, the four drawings can provide a useful starting point.
People who already have a clear idea of the interior. If you know what style you prefer and plan to choose the colours, materials, and decorative elements yourself, you may not need a comprehensive design project at the outset.
Owners working with a construction team. A documented layout can help you communicate your intentions and discuss the planned partition work and furniture arrangement with the contractors.
People who want to control their initial planning budget. At €6/m², the Minimal package offers a defined set of basic drawings without including all the elements of a more extensive project.
Owners who want to begin with the essentials. You can first establish the layout and then determine whether additional technical drawings or design services are necessary.
However, if you need detailed visualisations, a complete set of engineering layouts, extensive material specifications, or highly customised interior solutions, it may be worth considering a more comprehensive interior design project from RSU.
How to Coordinate the Design Project with the Finishing Works
Even a basic design project is most useful when it is prepared before the relevant construction work begins.
Start by identifying your priorities. Consider how many people will live in the apartment, which rooms you need, how much storage space is required, and whether you work from home or regularly host guests.
Next, review the existing layout and consider whether any changes to the partitions are necessary. Furniture placement should be considered at the same time, since the two decisions influence each other.
Once the basic layout has been established, discuss the next stages with your construction team. Depending on the planned work, you may need additional drawings before electrical installations, plumbing, lighting, or finishing materials are finalised.
It is also important to confirm that proposed alterations are technically feasible. Do not assume that every partition can be removed or moved, and make sure that relevant structural and regulatory requirements are taken into account.
Finally, use the plans as a reference when discussing the scope of work with contractors. If changes become necessary during construction, review their consequences for the layout and furniture before proceeding.
For owners who are planning the complete preparation of a new-build apartment, RSU also provides apartment finishing services. Coordinating design and construction can help make the process more organised, although the precise scope of each service should be agreed in advance.
Conclusion
The Minimal interior design package from RSU is a practical starting point for owners of new-build apartments who want to organise their space before the finishing works begin.
For €6/m², it includes four essential drawings: an existing layout, a furniture layout plan, a partition demolition plan, and a partition installation plan. Together, they help you understand the available space, plan furniture placement, and define the intended changes to the apartment's layout.
The main benefit is the opportunity to make important spatial decisions in advance, rather than discovering problems after construction has started. This can help you use the available area more effectively, communicate your intentions to contractors, and reduce the risk of avoidable changes.
At the same time, the Minimal package has a specific purpose and does not replace every technical drawing that may be needed for the finishing works. Before choosing it, assess the complexity of your project and determine whether additional plans will be required.
If you want to establish a clear layout for your new-build apartment without immediately ordering a comprehensive design project, the Minimal package can be a reasonable first step. Explore RSU's interior design services to find out more about the available options.
