White frame finishing in new residential complexes in Tbilisi

What is a white frame in new developments in Tbilisi?

In Tbilisi’s new-build market, the term “white frame” refers to an intermediate stage of apartment readiness. The main construction and utilities are already in place, but the finishing is left to the buyer.

A white frame apartment usually comes with installed utilities — electricity, water, heating, and sewage. The walls are plastered and leveled, the floors have a rough screed, and windows and the entrance door are fitted. Some developers also include basic wiring and plumbing connections.

The key benefit is balance: the price is lower than a green frame, while the owner keeps full freedom to choose materials, design, and the level of finishing.

White frame is popular with buyers who are not in a rush to move in and want to design the interior themselves. It’s also attractive to investors who prefer to control finishing quality before renting out or reselling.

How does a white frame differ from black and green frames?

New developments in Tbilisi typically offer three levels of completion: black, white, and green frame. Each stage defines how much work remains for the buyer, which directly affects cost, move-in time, and renovation expenses.

Black frame — the most basic stage. The apartment includes only the structural shell: load-bearing walls, partitions, windows, and an entrance door. No utilities or finishing works are done — everything must be built from scratch. This option gives full control but requires the most effort and investment.

White frame — the middle stage. Core engineering systems are already installed: electricity, water, heating, and sewage. Walls are plastered, and floors are prepared for final coverings. It’s a good compromise for those who want to avoid heavy construction but still decide on all finishing materials themselves.

Green frame — the pre-finishing stage. Walls are plastered and ready for painting or wallpaper, ceilings and floors are prepared for parquet, laminate, or tiles, and all utilities are fully distributed throughout the apartment. The buyer only needs to complete the final steps: painting, wallpapering, flooring, tiling, and installing plumbing fixtures and interior doors. This saves time on rough works and speeds up the move-in process.

What does the buyer need to complete?

The first step is the final finishing. In a white frame apartment, the floors have only a rough screed, so the owner needs to install the flooring — laminate, parquet, tiles, or vinyl. The walls are plastered but must be painted or wallpapered. Ceilings also require finishing, and decorative elements can be added if desired.

The next stage is installing plumbing and kitchen equipment. In a white frame, the utilities are already in place, but fixtures such as toilets, sinks, faucets, bathtubs, and kitchen sinks must be purchased and installed by the owner. Household appliances also need to be bought and connected.

Lighting fixtures, outlets, and switches must be installed, and in some cases electrical points may need to be adjusted depending on the furniture layout. The owner is also responsible for fitting interior doors, wardrobes, closet systems, and other elements that make the apartment functional and comfortable.

What to check when buying a white frame apartment

A white frame apartment is a convenient format: the rough construction is done, and you can focus on the design. Still, it’s important to carefully inspect the property before purchase. Key things to pay attention to include:

1. Quality of plaster and wall alignment. Check the surfaces for cracks, uneven areas, or peeling. Use a level or ask a specialist to confirm the geometry of the walls.
2. Condition of the floor and screed. Look for cracks, chips, or bumps. An uneven screed may require re-pouring. The screed should also be solid and not crumble underfoot.
3. Electrical system. Verify what cables were used, the power capacity of the line, and whether the wiring suits your future layout. Open junction boxes — the wires should be neatly arranged. If you plan to use high-power appliances, check if the system can handle the load.
4. Plumbing and sewage. Inspect where the pipes are routed and whether slopes are provided for proper drainage. Ask about the quality of materials and connections. Poor installation can lead to costly fixes after finishing.
5. Heating system. Confirm where radiator connections are placed, whether temperature control is possible, and whether the heating is individual or central.
6. Windows and entrance door. Check for gaps, misalignment, or poor sealing. They should open and close smoothly, without sticking. The entrance door should be sturdy, insulated, and properly installed.
7. Ceiling height. Measure the actual height — sometimes advertisements include unfinished floors. If you plan suspended or stretch ceilings, this is especially important.
8. Sound insulation. Test noise levels from adjacent apartments. In a white frame, soundproofing can still be added before finishing.
9. Documents. Make sure the acceptance certificate is signed and any issues are recorded. This is essential for warranty claims.

Even in a white frame, where the base is complete, there may be hidden issues. A thorough inspection, professional consultation, and careful review of documents will help you avoid extra expenses and ensure a successful purchase.