Builders finish for an apartment – what does it mean

When buying an apartment, you will encounter the term “builder’s finish.” What does this term, often seen in real estate listings, mean? We explain this concept, outline the components of a builder’s finish, and highlight the benefits for buyers choosing a property at this stage of completion.

What is a builder’s finish?

Builder’s finish refers to a stage of construction where the apartment is ready to be handed over to the buyer but is not yet fully finished. In other words, the building is erected, with installations, walls, and floors in place, but the final finishing touches have not been completed. It is important to distinguish between a “shell state” (where only doors and windows are installed to close off the interior without any installations) and a builder’s finish.

Elements of the builder’s finish

To describe a builder’s finish in more detail, here are the components typically included in an apartment at this stage:

Walls and Floors: The apartment features dry plaster on the walls and a concrete screed on the floor. However, wall and floor coverings (such as ceramic tiles or panels) are not installed.

Installations: The apartment includes electrical, plumbing, and gas installations, as well as switches and sockets, but does not come with light fixtures, faucets, or radiators.

Windows and Doors: The apartment has windows and exterior doors installed but often lacks interior doors, handles, and locks. Reliable developers like WPBM Mój Dom include interior doors as part of their builder’s finish standard.

Bathroom and Kitchen Finishes: Plumbing installations are connected, but sanitary fixtures and kitchen cabinets are not provided.

What is not included in the builder’s finish?

If you decide to purchase an apartment in a builder’s finish state, which elements will you need to provide yourself? Typically excluded services are:

– Painting walls and ceilings

– Installing floors and tiles

– Installing lighting fixtures

– Installing bathroom and kitchen fittings

What does the builder’s finish mean for the buyer?

Buyers often choose to purchase an apartment at this stage because a builder’s finish offers several advantages over fully finished units:

Price: Apartments in a builder’s finish state are cheaper than fully finished ones, allowing buyers to save on initial costs.

Personalization: Buyers can finish the apartment according to their tastes and needs, selecting their own wall colors, floor coverings, and sanitary fittings.

Investment: A property in a builder’s finish state can be a good investment. Its value increases as finishing work progresses, potentially yielding profits if resold in the future.

Delayed Move-In: Buyers have time to plan the move-in process and gather additional funds for further finishing work.

Builder’s finish for an apartment – summary

A builder’s finish is a stage of construction where the property is ready to be handed over but not fully finished. Real estate sellers often present the builder’s finish as their main offer. What does this mean for buyers? It means they need to remember the necessity of further finishing and personalizing the space. Despite this, buying such a unit can bring many benefits, including a lower price, the opportunity for personal customization, and a potentially profitable investment for the future.