Chapter 1. Basics of Country House Construction. What is included in a turnkey house construction: a complete list of works.

“Turnkey” is the most popular and the most vague concept in construction. One company includes in “turnkey” just the bare walls with a roof, while another offers a house ready for occupancy with furniture and curtains. To avoid ending up in a situation where you paid for a “turnkey house” but received just a shell without heating, let’s go through what should be included at each stage.

Level 1. Foundation

What should be done:

• Layout and site alignment according to the project

• Earthworks (excavation, site leveling)

• Base preparation (sand, gravel, compaction)

• Waterproofing - Reinforcement

• Concrete pouring (grade no lower than M300 for Leningrad Region)

• Embedded utilities (sewage, water, electricity)

• Backfilling

What to check: the contract should specify concrete grade, rebar diameter, and foundation depth. If it just says “foundation work” without details — ask for clarification.

Level 2. Walls and Floors

For a frame house:

• Install bottom frame tied to foundation

• Erect wall frame (studs, beams, braces)

• Construct floors (joists, subfloor)

• Sheath frame (OSB, cement-bonded particleboard, or plywood)

• Insulate walls (type and thickness in the contract)

• Vapor barrier (inside)

• Wind and moisture protection membrane (outside)

For aerated concrete:

• Block laying (block type, thickness, adhesive grade)

• Reinforcement (every 4th row, window openings)

• Monolithic lintels above openings

• Reinforced belt at top of walls

Level 3. Roof

• Roof truss system (rafter section, spacing)

• Battens and counter-battens

• Waterproofing membrane

• Roofing material (specified in contract)

• Roof insulation (if attic)

• Gutter system

• Snow guards

• Soffit and gable trim

At this stage, the house gains a “warm envelope” — protected from rain and wind. Some companies sell a “turnkey house” exactly in this configuration. Verify!

Level 4. Windows and Doors

• Plastic or wooden windows (number of panes, glass type)

• Installation with insulated slopes (foam + vapor barrier tape)

• Window sills and drip caps

• Entrance door (steel, insulated)

• Interior doors (if included)

Level 5. Engineering Systems

Electricity:

• Power entry into the house

• Electrical panel with breakers and RCDs

• Cable routing throughout the house

• Installation of outlets, switches, and lights

• Grounding system

Heating:

• Boiler installation (gas or electric)

• Pipe routing for heating

• Radiator installation

• Underfloor heating (if in project)

• Chimney (for gas boiler)

Water Supply:

• Well or connection to central water supply

• Pump station / pressure tank

• Pipe routing (hot and cold water)

• Sanitary fixtures (bath/shower, sinks, toilet)

• Water heater (if no two-circuit boiler)

Sewer:

• Septic tank (or connection to central sewer)

• Internal pipe routing

• Vent pipe (sewer ventilation)

Ventilation:

• At least supply valves in living rooms

• Exhaust in kitchen and bathrooms

• Ideally — supply and exhaust system with heat recovery

Level 6. Exterior Finishing

• Facade finishing (siding, plaster, plank)

• Facade insulation (if walls need extra insulation)

• Base finishing

• Drainage installation (concrete or paving)

• Gutter installation (if not done at roof stage)

Level 7. Interior Finishing

• Wall leveling (plaster or drywall)

• Floor screed

• Flooring installation (laminate, tile, parquet)

• Painting/wallpaper

• Ceiling installation (stretch, drywall, painting)

• Tile work in bathrooms and kitchen

• Installation of sanitary appliances

• Installation of electrical fixtures (outlets, switches, lights)

• Installation of interior doors

Level 8. Landscaping (optional)

Not always included in “turnkey,” but often offered as an extra service:

• Fence

• Parking / car pad

• Walkways

• Porch / terrace / veranda

• Landscaping design

• Yard lighting

Checklist: What to check in the contract

Before signing a “turnkey” construction contract, make sure the contract and attached estimate include:

✅ All 7 (or 8 if landscaping included) levels of work (or clearly state what is NOT included)
✅ Grades and specifications of all materials
✅ Specific completion dates for each stage
✅ Payment schedule (by stage)
✅ Warranty obligations
✅ Acceptance procedure
✅ Responsibility for delays or quality issues

When “turnkey” is really turnkey

The difference between a good and a bad “turnkey” is in the details. If the contract contains general phrases without specifics, you risk getting something very different from what you paid for.

Company “StroyInvest24” operates on a full-cycle principle: from design and foundation to final finishing and landscaping. The contract includes a fixed price with a detailed estimate specifying material grades, work volumes, and exact deadlines.

Stage-by-stage payment, photo reports, and interim inspections are standard for every project. A 5-year warranty ensures we are responsible for the result even after you receive the keys.

Want to know exactly what your house construction will include and how much it will cost? Leave a request — we will prepare a preliminary estimate and explain every stage.

See also

• House construction stages

• Turnkey house cost 2026

• Turnkey heating system

Need a consultation on your project? Leave a request: Turnkey frame house construction.