Essentials of Home Renovation: 200 Tips for Renovation

Thread Content

Essentials of home renovation: 200 tips for renovation. 1. Shoe cabinets – Do not install shelves all the way to the top; leave some space so that dust from shoes can fall to the bottom layer. Install lights above sinks and gas stoves. When deciding on the location of the sink drain in the bathroom, be sure to plan it out first and measure the dimensions accurately. The drain should be located on one side of the brick; if it is in the middle of the brick, no matter how the brick tilts, the drain will not be at the lowest point. 2. In the bathroom, neither the air conditioner nor the power outlets are equipped with switches. Especially for the electric water heater in the bathroom, it is advisable to use a two-position switch along with a power plug; turning off the heater by unplugging the plug can be dangerous. 3. As for the handling of the sharp corners where tiles meet, it ultimately depends on the skill level of the workers. If the masons are skilled and have good tools for grinding tiles, then there should be no hesitation in choosing the method of grinding at a 45-degree angle. In terms of results, as long as the grinding is done well, the method of grinding at a 45-degree angle yields the most attractive result! If the workers’ skill level is really poor, it’s better to use corner strips; after all, a poorly executed 45-degree angle isn’t as effective as using corner strips. 4. It’s also very important to conduct a pressure test on the water pipes after they have been installed. During the test, everyone must be present, and the testing time should be at least 30 minutes; if possible, it’s better to have an hour. A pressure of 10 kilograms must be applied, and the test is considered successful only if there is no reduction at all. 5. When manufacturing the plastic-steel door, it is essential to calculate accurately the extent to which the door frame protrudes from the wall, and inform the installers so that the door frame and the wall with the tiles applied are level. This not only improves the appearance but also makes cleaning easier. 6. The work of fitting door casings by carpenters and laying tiles by masons also needs to be coordinated with each other. When fitting door casings, it is necessary to consider whether the floor beneath them (either side of the door) still requires tile installation or some other form of cement-based leveling. If the door casing is installed before the tiles are laid and extends all the way to the floor, then when cement is used, if it gets on the door casing, it can cause the wood of the casing to absorb moisture and become moldy. 7. The area under the mattress and the bed frame must be breathable. It’s best to use fir planks for the bed frame. 8. When applying paint, use paper tape as much as possible. 9. When buying lighting fixtures, opt for those made of glass, stainless steel, copper, or wood; avoid those made of iron with various coatings or paints on them, as these tend to fade over time. 10. It’s better to use ceramic basins; glass basins are difficult to clean. 11. You need to plan the plumbing and electrical work yourself, and ask them to run the pipes in a straight line. I watched them draw the lines, and I drove exactly along those lines. Each item must be inspected by oneself. 12. The waterproofing must be done properly; testing with water is essential! 13. Many oral agreements during construction turn into sources of overcharging at the time of settlement; they must be put in writing. For any additions or changes, the prices must be clearly asked about and recorded! 14. If flooring is to be installed, the floor surface needs to have a new cement layer applied to it in order to be leveled properly. 15. For the kitchen door, it’s better to have a carpenter make a wooden track door as part of the renovation. 16. Install as many power outlets as possible in the living room. 17. A partition should still be installed outside the shower in the restroom. You can’t just use a shower curtain out of convenience; it’s actually very inconvenient as water ends up all over the floor. 18. For the materials used to make doors and door frames, choose those with fine wood grain. 19. Be sure to check whether the water supply in your home is working properly before installing cabinets. 20. Definitely avoid choosing white tiles for kitchens and bathrooms. 21. Special attention should be paid to ensuring the ceiling is smooth before applying Dulux. 22. There should not be too many light fixtures in the living room; simplicity is preferred, otherwise it will look like a lighting store! ! ! 23. When buying items that require installation, try to ask the seller to carry out the installation; if installation is not included, be sure to insist on paying in full only after the installation is completed! ! 24. During the renovation, carry with you the business cards of manufacturers and suppliers that you have collected in the past. 25. It’s best to remove the protective film from aluminum panels before starting the installation. 26. It’s best to use slatted doors on shoe cabinets to prevent odors. A socket can be left next to the shoe cabinet for plugging in a shoe dryer. 27. A small light can be installed at the place where vegetables are cut. 28. If possible, the restaurant can also install exhaust fans, so that eating hot pot or having barbecues won’t dirty the ceiling of the room. 29. It’s a good idea to have a cabinet for storing miscellaneous items at the entrance; it can be placed above the shoe cabinet. Keeping commonly used items such as umbrellas, bags, scissors, change, and regular medications there makes things much more convenient. 30. There is absolutely no need to use expensive ceiling materials. If moisture and grease issues are not a major concern, it is recommended to use moisture-resistant gypsum boards and apply waterproof paint; I did this in one of the guest bathrooms in my house, and it looks great. If aluminum panel ceilings must be used, it is recommended that: 1) you avoid overly expensive options; 2) choose plain-colored panels, especially for kitchen ceilings – pure white is ideal. Colored panels can easily look unharmonious unless they match the overall decoration style; 3) make your own decisions and don’t rely on the opinions of those who sell ceiling panels, as their taste is really poor. 4. Watch the process on site closely; it’s important to pay attention to the edges. Don’t let them rush, otherwise black gaps will remain, which looks ugly no matter how you look at it. 31. On the third day, the main tasks are drilling holes and continuing to apply ceramic tiles. The exhaust holes for the range hood and water heater need to be drilled in advance; it will be inconvenient if drilling is done after the tiles have been applied. Therefore, it is essential to choose the range hood, stove, water heater, etc., well in advance of the renovation, so as to determine the size of the holes. 32. Considering that custom-made cabinets, although attractive, are not durable, and after taking into account the opinions and experiences of some people online, the floor cabinets have a cement frame with ceramic tiles applied to both the inner and outer sides, while the countertops are made of marble; the upper cabinets and doors are still made of wood. Cabinets made in this way are sturdy, durable, and moisture-resistant. And it doesn’t cost much either. Many neighbors who saw it said it was great; I’m not exaggerating. 33. After the door casings were completed, the mason began installing gypsum moldings and carrying out the wall plastering work. The walls in my house were originally quite smooth, so 2-3 coats of plaster were enough. When applying the plaster, it is applied in one layer and then sanded; after that, a primer is applied, followed by another sanding step. Finally, ICI topcoat is applied in two layers, resulting in a wall surface that is smooth and even – quite nice indeed. After the wall and ceiling work was completed, the carpenters started working on the wardrobes. The wardrobe is made from 18cm Weiye brand core boards, with decorative panels attached on the outside. Although it doesn’t look as good as those bought from furniture stores, it is durable and its quality is likely better than that of purchased wardrobes. I’m not afraid even when standing on the cabinet shelf. It’s probably not possible to buy it. The back panel is also quite thick; I bought one that is very thin. 34. Other students should pay attention to the following points when laying tiles: ① It’s best to be present at the site. ② Tiles that are not perfect enough can be laid by workers in areas that won’t be visible later on, such as behind cabinets, sinks, mirrors, etc. Also, make sure that patterned tiles or edge tiles are not placed in such areas, otherwise you won’t be able to see them later on, and you’ll have wasted money. ③Before installing wall tiles and floor tiles, they must be soaked for a sufficient amount of time. ④Be sure to block the drain with something to prevent cement from falling in and causing a blockage. The drain in my house got clogged because of cement that fell in; it took 30 minutes to get the management to come and clear it, and many small clumps of mud were removed. ⑤With someone on site, the workers won’t waste too many tiles. When laying the tiles, my family wasn’t there, and when we went to check later, we found that a lot of tiles had been wasted, which was very distressing; after all, those tiles represent hard-earned money. 35. The length and height of a wall. If a bathroom has four walls, the length and height of each wall need to be measured. Then subtract the area of one window and one door. Finally, calculate the area of the ground. After measuring the dimensions, you can also take them to a tile shop; they will help you find ones that fit. Add 5% for loss. 36. It’s best for the ceiling light in the bedroom to have two controls – one next to the door and one by the bed – so as to avoid having to get up from bed in the middle of winter to turn off the light. 37. The position of the sockets must be carefully planned, considering height and spacing. First, I encountered rebar where the hidden box was supposed to be placed; later, after the box was installed, it turned out that it was blocked by the TV cabinet, microwave oven, and desk. I had no choice but to raise the height of those first two pieces of furniture. In the end, not only was the height not ergonomic, but it was also difficult to find suitable stainless steel feet, so I had to order aluminum feet instead. 38. It’s sufficient to install one light at each corner of the hallway; it’s both bright and effective. 39. The position of the dining table wasn’t taken into account when installing the lights, so now the lights are not directly above the table. 40. Avoid using too plain tiles in the bathroom; firstly, they get dirty easily, and secondly, they look too plain over time! 41. Install more sockets; purchase furniture externally; consider the need for a floor that is easy to clean and safe to use; view as many model homes as possible; and stick to the principles. 42. There is no need to spend a lot of money on aluminum paneling – inexpensive aluminum panels perform far better than PVC panels, and spending more money does not result in any significant improvement in performance. When buying aluminum paneling, special attention should be paid to the keels rather than the aluminum panels themselves (it’s difficult to tamper with the aluminum panels due to their size), as it is often the keels where problems arise. 43. It’s difficult to find a satisfactory color for floor tiles; I wasn’t able to find one. However, by combining two unsatisfactory colors in a checkerboard pattern and then rotating it by 45 degrees, I was able to achieve an effect that I’m very satisfied with. It was actually a good suggestion put forward by the bricklayer himself. 44. If a cabinet is installed at the top of the balcony, adding a layer of foam plastic board to the back of the cabinet provides excellent insulation and waterproofing effects. It is best to use fire-resistant board for balcony cabinet doors to prevent warping. The conditions on the balcony are rather harsh. 45. If the wooden strips are not available in the right style, it’s possible to have them custom-made; the quality of custom-made ones seems to be even better than that of the samples. Moreover, custom orders are more personalized. 46. The stainless steel feet used for bathroom floor cabinets come at exorbitant prices; you can find them at much lower costs in areas behind some stores. 47. When installing a door lock, apply some wax to the bolt; it will be too late to do so if it gets damaged. If there are no door catches, be careful to prevent the handle from hitting the wall and getting damaged. 48. Pegao floors are great; I like them. The only thing to note is that it might be better to talk to the owner directly about the price rather than talking to a salesperson. 49. Matte paint looks better than high-gloss paint. 50. If renovating again, finished putty will be used instead of talcum powder. 51. The work of installing circuit breakers and leakage protectors in distribution boxes cannot be skipped; they should be placed indoors rather than outdoors. Initially, I wanted to save on costs by using the old distribution boxes outside, but the electrician advised using new ones indoors, and now I realize how valuable that advice was. 52. Leakage protectors and circuit breakers should be of well-known brands. I use “Merlin”. It’s also easy to buy genuine products – just call the phone number of Chermayelan’s headquarters and ask for the number of their local branch. 53. The basins on the floor are more delicate and attractive than those on the table, and they are easier to clean. When installing a faucet under a sink, be careful: considering the thickness of the sink edges, the faucet spout should be longer. 54. The top corners of the wall look nice without any decoration, but it’s important to mention this clearly to the painter during the selection process. Marking the top corners helps to keep those lines straight. 55. Surface treatment is important before applying putty to the cement surface of the cable tray; for uneven surfaces, using a cleaning ball is suitable. 56. Plaster is suitable for filling larger holes in walls; of course, if the hole is too large, cement is still needed. 57. Be sure to protect the back of the frosted glass from getting painted on it – it’s very difficult to clean! 58. The faucet for the sink must be one that can be turned on and off with the back of the hand; those that require the use of fingers are difficult to keep clean, and it’s also hard to turn them when there is oil on the hands. 59. The prices of luxury automatic clothes dryers are excessively high; after comparison, it was found that some less well-known brands offer better design in terms of structure, at much lower prices. 60. Ground-mounted metal sockets could be considered; they are quite expensive, costing over 100, but they are very convenient – they are level with the ground, and pressing on them will cause the socket to pop up. Suitable for large living rooms. Or placed under the dining table, used to hold a hot pot (to prevent the wires from getting tangled as people move around). 61. Storage room. TX has already mentioned it; it’s just that I didn’t make cabinet doors, so it doesn’t look very nice, and cabinets for storing clothes tend to get dirty easily. 62. The bed’s launching frame (is that how it’s called?). I bought a fabric bed from a professional bed company, and then spent another 350 yuan to add this feature: there’s a handle at the foot of the bed, and by pulling it, the bed frame flips up to reveal the storage space underneath. It’s great! 63. An impractical double-bar towel rack! Currently, it is used in the same way as a single rod; towels are generally not hung on the inner rods for drying. 64. I think the trash bins inside the cabinets aren’t very practical – it’s better to place them outside. Also, never use door-style trash cans or countertop trash bins, as it will be very smelly when the cabinet doors are opened in summer. It’s better to leave the trash can outside. 65. The small cabinet by the dining table is great; it’s useful for storing things and very convenient. 66. In my opinion, the requirements for the mop bucket in terms of performance are not high; it’s entirely possible to build one by oneself. By covering it with tiles or mosaics that match the surrounding environment, it becomes both aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective. 67. Hooks can be nailed to the bathroom wall for hanging things. 68. A small cabinet has been built into the bathroom for storing clothes, so there’s no need to worry about forgetting to bring clean clothes when taking a bath. 69. Washing machines with drying functions are extremely impractical; aside from the few days in a year when mold grows, they are also very noisy. Thick clothes and bath towels just don’t dry; it’s great to let the sun help with the drying process. I’ve already gone over my limit, so I need to save some money. 70. I happened to make a washing tub in the laundry room for hand-washing things. I thought I would use it little, so I bought a very cheap Teri faucet. I never expected this laundry tub to be so convenient; it has become the most frequently used washing area in my home. What towels, socks, floor mops – everything is washed there, and even handwashing is often done there. 71. It’s really not practical to install light strips; I haven’t used them since the renovation was done. When guests come, it’s just to show off the lights; I myself had completely forgotten that I even had such a thing installed. It was originally meant to be romantic for when having a PARTY, but now there are few chances even to turn on the lights. 72. The biggest lesson is that the simpler the decoration, the better – it reduces pollution, saves money, and brings less hassle. 73. Practical things: ①A well-designed storage room. ②. The sink for washing dishes on the north balcony. It is different from the washbasin in the bathroom and the sinks used for washing vegetables and dishes in the kitchen. ③There is a faucet in the bathroom that can be removed for washing hair. (With the exception of TX, who never washes their hair in a washbasin). ④Floors that are easy to clean and appropriate cleaning tools. ⑤Work light for the kitchen countertop. 74. When buying a toilet, be sure to measure the spacing of the holes in your sink; otherwise, returning it after purchase would be a real hassle… 75. After installing the kitchen and bathroom tiles, it’s best to check their level before they dry, to ensure that the lowest point is at the drain. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with the contractors once the tiles are dry, which is very troublesome. 76. The window sills are made of Great Wall Zhuji stone, which is a 800X800 tile. The manufacturer cuts and trims it, and the plasterer applies it. The pattern is beautiful and it doesn’t emit radiation. 77. The shower enclosure in the bathroom must be large enough and made of transparent glass, so that taking a shower inside doesn’t feel cramped. 78. White cement should not be used for grouting tiles. It turns into black streaks in less than a month; it looks terrible. As a result, I bought grout and filled the gaps myself; it was really exhausting. 79. There should be back panels under the artificial stone in the cabinets, but they weren’t there after installation. Now I’m too afraid to cut meat on that surface. They promised to install those panels for me, but it’s been almost two months and they still haven’t done it (they only came to polish it once). 80. Don’t fall for the designers’ tricks. Of course, you can visit several decoration companies and pick out the truly useful elements from each one’s designs; the key is to decide for yourself what style you want to give your home. 81. If the developer originally installed that odor-trapping \"bowl\" in the drain, never remove it. 82. After the porcelain tiles on the bathroom floor are installed, test the water flow; if it is slow, redo the work immediately. The water flow in my house is quite slow; I felt sorry at the time, and now there’s always some water accumulation while taking showers. As a result, our expensive shower head worth hundreds of dollars stays unused, and I’m constantly thinking about ways to fix this situation. 83. When installing the washbasin, consider its relative position to the mirror, the holder for toothbrushes, and the towel rack. 84. When buying a mirror, consider the location of the front light; if you don’t plan to install a front light for now, it’s best if the size of the mirror is such that it can cover the area reserved for the front light. 85. Build a small cabinet on the balcony where the washing machine is located to keep miscellaneous items such as those used with laundry detergent. It’s both beautiful and practical. 86. Be sure to pay attention to waterproofing work on the upper floor… otherwise, water will drip down from there, causing messes on the cabinets and walls. 87. Don’t blindly follow online group purchases; I found that sometimes negotiating prices on my own can result in lower costs than buying through such group purchases. 88. Be sure to install several more sockets on the TV wall – for the TV, DVD player, and so on. Once these devices are placed there, you’ll find that there aren’t enough sockets. 89. Before modifying the water supply lines, it is necessary to decide in advance on the layout of the sink that will be installed – whether it will be on the left or right side – and where the water inlet and outlet should be located. Otherwise, only after making the changes would one realize that the sink in the photo doesn’t fit! 90. Regarding curtains, it’s best for everyone to keep a copy of the dimensions, and explain to the boss that the dimensions must not be reduced. If it’s missing, something bad will happen. Or watch him cut the fabric by yourself. 91. Construction procedures for renovation: 1. Arrival at the site, demolition of walls, and wall construction. 2. The floors in the bathroom and kitchen must undergo a 24-hour water retention test (this task must be carried out by the developer). 3. Cut grooves for wires, carry out plumbing and electrical upgrades, and conduct inspections. 4. Carry out the concealed plumbing and electrical renovation work by sealing the cable trays; once the water retention test shows no leaks, proceed with the waterproofing work. 5. Use magnetic strips on the walls of the bathroom and kitchen. 6. Carpenters arrive to install the ceiling and gypsum moldings. 7. Cover door and window frames. Build a wooden cabinet frame. 8. Simultaneous production of various wooden doors, styled doors, and flat-pressed doors. 9. Apply dust-proof paint (clear oil) to the wooden panels. 10. Leveling and laying of marble countertops on window sills. 11. Application of wood veneer panels, creation of outlines, and precise installation. 12. Treatment of the wall substrate, grinding, and leveling. 13. For household items, apply adhesive tape to the seams beside the doors (to protect the edges). 14. Apply ICI wall paint at least three times. 15. Furniture painting arrives; holes are filled and painted. 16. Trim edges, lay floor tiles, solid wood or composite wood flooring, waterproof marble strips, and baseboards. 17. Installation and adjustment of lighting fixtures, sanitary ware, handles, and door locks. 18. Clean up, fill cracks in the floor tiles, and remove from the site. 19, Preliminary internal inspection by the decoration company. 20. The scheduled time for the tripartite inspection is officially confirmed, and the property is delivered to the owner. First is the process of obtaining entry permits: generally, this requires the original and a copy of the ID card of the person in charge of the renovation team, the original and a copy of the homeowner’s ID card, a copy of the renovation company’s business license, a copy of the company’s construction permit, as well as a renovation deposit. Of course, it’s advisable to check with your management office first for specific requirements. 　　Next is wall knocking: after the walls are knocked, once the debris is cleared, the masons should arrive. The calculation of the wall area can be done based on the floor plan of the house, which contains all the detailed information related to it. Remember to measure the area of the wall that is to be knocked down before doing so, as payment is calculated based on the area. 　　Mud workers are mainly responsible for wall construction, plastering, minor repairs, tile laying, waterproofing, floor leveling, and installing floor coverings. Both wall building and plastering require cement mortar; the difference lies only in the proportions used. Wall building and plastering are the initial tasks carried out by masons. After completing these two tasks, the mason will first measure the actual area that needs to be wall-built or plastered, and then he will check those measurements with the homeowner. Additionally, it is best for one person to lay the tiles; if two people do it, their different styles may result in a difference in the final appearance. It’s best to use sealant for filling gaps in tiles; some of the areas in my home where white cement was used have already turned yellow. For the masons, note that river sand should be used for decoration. After the masons finish building the walls but before plastering is applied, the electricians and plumbers enter the site to carry out the electrical and plumbing installations. The main tasks in water and electricity renovation include locating the water and electricity lines, drilling grooves, laying pipes, and running wires. Among them, grooving may not be important, but it indirectly affects the quality of pipe burial and wire passing later on. The first step in plumbing and electrical renovation is determining the locations for these systems, that is, identifying where switches and sockets as well as water connections should be placed throughout the house. The plumber will mark on the walls the paths that the pipes and wires should take, based on the locations of the switches, sockets, and faucets. Be sure to ask your renovation team for a diagram showing the layout of the plumbing and electrical systems, so that the plumber can explain it to you in detail. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification; the plumber will definitely meet your requirements. Once the renovation is complete, if you don’t sign off on it, the plumber won’t be able to get paid by the renovation supervisor. After positioning the hydropower unit, the next step is to drill grooves. A good grooving tool creates grooves that are essentially straight, with hardly any burrs on the edges of those grooves. Make sure to have the plumber mark all the water and electricity pathways on the wall before drilling any grooves; remember to check these markings against the plumbing plan to ensure they match. 　　Regarding the plumbing and electrical upgrades, there are a few points to keep in mind: 1. It is best to specify in the contract the brand of wires to be used for the electrical upgrades. 2. The switches throughout the house should be at roughly the same level. 3. The sockets throughout the house should be at roughly the same horizontal level, with exceptions for special sockets such as those for air conditioners, refrigerators, and those with specific requirements. 4. The colors of the phase and neutral wires in circuit modifications should be consistent across all buildings; if possible, it is best to specify the colors of the live wire, neutral wire, and control wire in the contract. The protective wire is required to be yellow-green according to ** regulations. 5. For socket wires (including those for air conditioners and refrigerators), it is best to use 3-wire cables with 4.0 or more strands; for lighting wires, 2-wire cables with 2.5 or more strands will suffice. 6. Embed the base box; if possible, it’s better to purchase the base box yourself and have the renovation team charge a fee for its installation. 7. Regarding audio cables, if you’re not a professional audiophile, it’s better not to install them. Houses in Shenzhen are generally around 100 square meters in size, and the living room area is usually not very large; in such spaces, it’s really not necessary for ordinary people to have high-quality audio systems. Air traffic control also costs money. 　　Regarding the renovation of water systems, there is one point I think it’s necessary to mention: as for hot and cold water, considering Shenzhen’s climate, is it really necessary to have hot and cold water even for the sinks in the washrooms and kitchens? If you need hot water, just turn on the water heater and connect it. Just as many phones these days have internet capabilities, how many of us actually use our phones to access the internet? But we do have to pay a lot more for phones that can access the Internet. When I saw the bill, I could only sigh at how hard it is to earn money, yet how easy it is to spend it! Finally, it’s important to specify in the contract that the carpenters should only start working after the plumbing and electrical work is completed. The advantage of this is that you don’t have to worry about two things at once; plumbing and electrical work represents a significant expense in home renovation, and it also constitutes a large portion of the contractor’s profits. Moreover, these tasks are quite hidden in the overall renovation process. If the carpenters start working at the same time, it will distract your attention and prevent you from focusing fully on the plumbing and electrical work. When renovating waterways, make sure the surrounding area is kept tidy. When contracting for waterway renovation, it is best to specify the materials to be used for the renovation. Additionally, when modifying the plumbing system, attention should be paid to the size of the original drain pipes in the room; it is best for the pipes used to connect to those original drains to match them. 　　 During circuit renovation, it is important to plan in advance where the lights throughout the house will be installed, so as to determine the locations of switches and sockets. Also, keep in mind that the costs for laying new wires versus replacing existing wires are different. It’s best to buy a wireless doorbell when purchasing one. The main tasks in hydropower renovation include grooving, pipe embedding, and wire routing. Among them, grooving may not be important, but it indirectly affects the quality of pipe burial and wire passing later on. After the plumbing and electrical work is completed, the carpenters will arrive to carry out their tasks. Things to keep in mind for the carpenters: 1. When receiving the designer’s drawings, it’s best to carefully check the dimensions before signing them. 2. The tools such as the carpenter’s toolbox, workbench, and air compressor are owned by the renovation team leader or the renovation company. 3. Before the carpenters arrive, the wood panels should be brought in first; carefully check whether these panels match the specifications outlined in the contract and whether they are genuine products. Remember to call an ant control company to deal with the termites. Like plumbers, carpenters also constitute the main source of profit for renovation teams. Formaldehyde in construction comes mainly from this source. To control this, in addition to the boards needing to comply with **environmental regulations**, it is also important to choose the right wood varnish. I will mention this later. 　　The painter should start working after the plasterer has finished applying the plaster to the walls and allowed them to dry completely; this is what is referred to in the schedule as the first stage of painting. If gypsum moldings are to be installed, they should also be put in place at this time. Installing gypsum moldings is the painter’s task. Remember, do not use 107 when applying plaster – according to my neighbor above me, 107 slowly releases a gas that is harmful to human health; therefore, it has now been replaced by 108. 　　If the painting process involves one base coat and two top coats, it is necessary to sand the surface three times. The first sanding should be done after the putty has been applied but before the first coat of base paint is applied; the surface that has been covered with putty and has dried completely must be sanded using sandpaper with a lower grit number, such as 360# ； The second sanding is done after the primer has been applied and dried, before applying the first coat of topcoat; at this stage, it’s best to use sandpaper with a coarser grain size than that used for the first sanding, such as sandpaper with a grain size of 400# or higher ； The third time is before applying the second coat of paint, after the first coat has been applied and has fully dried. At this stage, it is essential to sand the wall surface using high-grit sandpaper; 600# or higher grit sandpaper is recommended, as this is necessary to ensure an optimal painting result. Otherwise, after painting your walls, it’s very likely that they will feel like flour to the touch. 　　Another issue to mention is the addition of water to the paint; each type of paint has specific limits regarding the proportion of water that can be added, and it is important to follow the instructions provided for application carefully. 92. Before reinstalling the valves on the flue, make sure they are cleaned thoroughly to ensure that the valve discs can open and close freely and reach their full position; otherwise, it will affect the exhaust performance of the range hood. Two sections can be left unfinished during the installation of the ceiling; the ceiling can be completed once the range hood has been installed and tested successfully. 93. In a spacious area like the living room and dining room, it’s better to avoid installing a ceiling. 94. When planning the layout, consider the location for the air conditioner and place the power supply as close to it as possible, so as to avoid having a length of power cable visible during installation and avoiding any sense of disappointment. 95. Measuring and recording in person all the usable dimensions within the house allows one to cover the dimensions shown on the floor plan and redraw them; the final dimensions will directly influence the interior design and the selection of furniture. 96. In small apartments with poor lighting, using black walnut doesn’t always give a sophisticated look; in such cases, trade-offs are necessary – either compromising to meet practical considerations or sticking to one’s own ideas. Of course, it’s best to achieve a balance between the two. 97. Start looking for contractors for the renovation work. From personal experience, unless it’s a particularly large apartment and you plan to have a simple renovation, it seems more cost-effective to hire independent contractors. It’s best if someone else installs it first and then introduces it to you; you should also go and see it in person before deciding whether to accept it. This is especially true when it comes to the person in charge of the installation – their sense of responsibility and their ability to appreciate quality are important, but responsibility is even more crucial. After all, for simple installations, almost anyone can carry out those tasks, but the quality of the work depends on the level of responsibility shown. 98. It’s a good idea to take some time to look at the main pieces of furniture such as sofas, wardrobes, dining tables and chairs, and cabinets in advance. It can be very tiring to run around looking everywhere; you can visit several large home furnishing malls with good shopping facilities, where you’ll be able to get an idea of the general trends. What you need to do next is to gradually select items that fit your desired style. Some people are better at choosing styles, while others are more adept at selecting colors. It doesn’t matter; there’s still time to think it through. If you wait until the renovation is complete and the space is ready before looking at furniture, you’re likely to end up accepting it out of necessity rather than truly liking it. 99. For furniture that you like, it’s best to note down its dimensions and then visualize how it will look in the room in the future. 100. It is essential to keep the necessary documents when making purchases, as this is highly beneficial in case of any returns or exchanges that might occur later on. Especially the receipts and instruction manuals for important items, as many products have a warranty period, and losing such documents can be quite troublesome. 101–200 Tips for Home Renovation 101. For any additions or changes during the construction process, be sure to ask about the costs and have them written down in writing. 102. Check whether necessary construction protection measures are in place, such as wrapping the entrance door with foam padding, and properly protecting the installed window sills and floors as well. 103. Communicate as much as possible with the construction workers to determine whether they understand your intentions. By putting oneself in their shoes and respecting the work of each master, by showing respect for them and making them feel their importance, wouldn’t they be more responsible in carrying out their tasks? Isn’t there an old saying that goes, “Don’t doubt those you employ”? (But if you’re dealing with *deceptive and cowardly people who exploit the weak, then you need to fight back with the same tactics and stand your ground.) It’s especially true in some complex projects that require the cooperation of several different types of workers; responsible workers will coordinate with each other to carry out their respective tasks, otherwise everyone will shift responsibility to one another. My mason helped me with some woodworking tasks, while the electrician dealt with some of the masonry issues. Because each master has different experience, as long as he is willing to help you find a solution. 104. It’s best not to make furniture fixed, as this may prevent certain layouts from being changed. If it must be done, quality must be ensured; otherwise, there will be endless problems. 105. Be extremely cautious when changing water pipes; firstly, it is costly ； Secondly, if a ceiling isn’t installed, the water pipes have to run under the floor; if there are problems with those pipes, it will cause a lot of trouble. 106. Arrange the wiring reasonably according to your actual needs to avoid waste (especially, using many light strips and spotlights doesn’t seem very practical; if they must be used, try to avoid connecting them in series to reduce power waste). However, there are some areas where savings aren’t possible, such as next to the bathroom mirror, where hair dryers and razors are used frequently ； It would also be good to have a socket inside or below the shoe cabinet, so that a shoe dryer can be used; I really regret not having that cable right now. 107. Try to separate the wet and dry areas in the bathroom; if the space is small, a pedestal sink is a good option (glass sinks tend to get dirty easily, so those who are lazy should use them with caution) ； It’s best to have a waterproof small cabinet available for storing miscellaneous items; leaving everything outside definitely doesn’t look good. 108. When applying a smooth white paint to wood, polyester is better than nitrocellulose (this is according to experienced painters). 109. Kitchens should be chosen carefully; it’s important to compare the quality of different manufacturers to ensure that the kitchen is sturdy and reliable. After all, the cost for this aspect can easily reach several thousand dollars, and it also relates to elements such as stoves and sinks, so it’s better not to prioritize low prices above all else. But it’s best not to put trash cans on or inside the cabinet countertop ； Also, if funds are limited, there’s no need to purchase things like basket pullers, flavor baskets, or rice bins – these accessories are generally very expensive at cabinet companies. 110. It’s better to have more closets than fewer, and larger ones rather than smaller ones – women, remember this! The hanging space must be large enough to accommodate the longest dresses. 111. Items that are difficult to transport, such as glass or mirrors, should be purchased locally or a method of transportation should be planned in advance. 112. It is best to order curtains after all the furniture and appliances have been delivered, so as to match the overall style and color scheme. But the tracks can be installed before cleaning. 113. It is best to complete the gas pipe replacement before tiling, otherwise it may damage the wall surface. It’s best to have the gas company draw a diagram or put up signs on the wall, as the cabinet company needs to make holes in the cabinets according to those instructions. 114. The installation of cabinets takes a long time; it can range from 4 to 5 hours at the shortest to 2 days at the longest, so be prepared for that. During installation, check whether the material used is the one you ordered (the cabinet material can be seen through the hinge holes). Clean the kitchen before installing the cabinets, as once they are in place, it will be impossible to clean those hard-to-reach areas. 115. It’s best to watch over the process of furniture installation; especially for things like wardrobe shelves, there are several different hole positions to choose from. I didn’t pay attention at the time, and as a result the distance between the shelves turned out to be too small, preventing clothes from hanging out properly. It will need to be adjusted later. 116. Given the environmental pollution caused by formaldehyde, green plants such as spider plants can be placed in the room. The doors of furniture cabinets should be left open to allow the scent to spread, or special products for eliminating odors can be purchased and used. 117. Install a gas alarm and schedule gas ignition. 118. Time to apply wood paint: It is best to wait until the floor tiles or wooden floors are installed in the room before applying the paint. If brushing is necessary, it’s best to clean the room first as well. In rooms without tile or wooden flooring, there is a lot of dust. When applying wood finish in such rooms, the dust tends to stick to the surface of the wooden items that have been painted, resulting in a rough feel when touched. Although this issue can be resolved by sanding with higher-grit sandpaper and then applying the paint again, the final finish will still have a rough texture and an imperfect appearance. Paint after the floor tiles have been laid; at that time, the dust level in the air is much lower than before laying the tiles, so it’s almost impossible for dust to remain on the wooden surfaces after applying a coat of wood paint. I say this because the Wu family encountered this issue during their home renovation. I had seen the effect of the Xijia wood finish before deciding to purchase it; it has a very smooth texture, and it feels just like the Holi wood doors used in my home. It is precisely because of the above circumstances that the results were significantly compromised, and this has always been a source of regret for Xiao Wu. Moreover, during the process of organizing group purchases of Shijiaqi, this situation also occurred in some classmates’ families. So I would like to remind all students to pay attention here. I’m not sure if this happens with other wood finishes, but based on the principle of analogy, I’d like to remind everyone here to be aware of it. 119. Regarding repainting: The painter waits until the wall is completely dry before applying putty, and paint is applied after the putty layer has dried. After painting, lights and various electrical switches should be installed, unless there is a reason not to. Please remind the teachers in charge of installing lights and electrical switches to wash their hands before starting the installation, so as to avoid dirtying the walls. This also saves the step of applying additional paint. Of course, if the wall surface gets dirty, the renovation team will definitely have the painter cover the costs of repainting it, that is, to clean up the dirty area on the wall. (If it’s a painting company, they too will have the painter handle the repainting. It’s worth noting that many painters keep some paint left after finishing painting the wall, and this remaining paint is used for repainting.) Just be careful not to let the person installing the lights dirty the walls; this way, the painter won’t have to make an extra trip (at least not for half a day). It’s much more convenient for us as well, so why not do it? Sometimes, being convenient for others is also convenient for oneself. Generally, wood stain is applied first before painting the walls, as this prevents the wood stain from affecting the walls that have already been painted once it dries. Of course, in practice, it is also possible to apply wood finish after the tiles have been laid (with the wall surfaces already plastered before laying the tiles), and then apply wall paint once the wood finish has dried completely. However, doing this will certainly affect the project timeline. If there is a concern that it will affect the project timeline, and if it is also necessary to minimize the impact of dust in the air, then it is important to clean the room more frequently. 120. Choosing a renovation team: Whether to opt for a freelance team or a regular company, I don’t think it’s that important; what matters is that the person in charge of the construction team is responsible and committed, as well as the skills of the workers, along with the quality of the work and its price. 　　First of all, don’t look at more than four decoration companies; this is true for most people, unless you have plenty of time, in which case it’s another matter. 　　 Before talking to the renovation company, make sure you know exactly which renovation tasks you want to carry out. You can ask the company to list all the tasks involved, compare the prices, and take all factors into consideration before deciding which tasks should be outsourced and which should be done by the renovation company. 　 　For those who are having work done on their homes, the lower the cost estimate, the better. Of course, renovation companies think the opposite. Sometimes, to attract business, renovation companies lower their quotes somewhat, which makes it difficult to ensure the quality of the work and the quality of the materials used. There are so many aspects to renovation; it’s unrealistic to expect the lowest price for every single one of them. Moreover, when considering a quote for renovation work, one should not focus only on the numbers; it is also important to take into account the details such as the materials used, their specifications, and the brands. You should know that every quote related to renovation actually involves a lot of considerations. 121. Construction? Since I’m not in a hurry to move in, I plan to find freelance workers: the skilled craftsmen hired by my neighbors could all be potential candidates for me – a mason, a carpenter, an electrician/plumber, and a painter. Design it step by step and work through it gradually; I believe that patience leads to quality work. 122. Spend every penny wisely: When looking at decoration materials, it’s easy to get overwhelmed – there are so many good options, and it seems that each one is affordable on its own. It’s really financially stressful to have to purchase all these things at once in such a short period of time. Often, most people lose their composure at this point; as a result, first, the final budget is significantly overbudgeted, and second, the items purchased first are of high quality at good prices, while those purchased later are of varying quality. My opinion is: First, determine the price, then choose the materials. Do not waste time on materials and items that are 10% above the preset price. Sellers are always smarter than buyers. I am currently working on a detailed plan that lists the required materials, and I will share it in future posts for everyone’s reference. II. Save where possible, spend when necessary. The most expensive part is the carpentry work, the kitchen cabinets. The areas most prone to quality issues are plumbing and electrical upgrades, as well as waterproofing in kitchens and bathrooms. 123. The cost of making furniture is definitely higher than that of buying it. Furniture generally costs 500-700 yuan per square meter. 124. Hidden works are the most important areas where one should not cut costs: such as water, electricity, and plumbing renovations, as well as waterproofing treatments. The solution is to ask B&Q to do it; B&Q now offers separate renovation services such as plumbing and electrical work, with customers responsible for purchasing the materials themselves. The cost is 40 yuan per meter for plumbing work and 20 yuan per meter for electrical work, along with a half-year warranty. On the east side of the first floor at B&Q, detailed information on individual services along with their prices is available for reference. 125. The most hassle-free approach is to make use of online resources to collect, save, and organize this information, as it will definitely come in handy in the future. The content includes: 1. Decoration—Reference image library 2. Decoration—Main materials library 3. Decoration—Furniture library 4. Decoration—Flooring library 5. Decoration—Tile library 6. Decoration—Plumbing fixtures library 7. Decoration—Cabinets library 8. Decoration—Small accessories library 9. Decoration—Lighting fixtures library 10. Decoration—Textiles library 11. Decoration—Experience library. The most hassle-free approach is to make use of online resources to collect, store, and organize information, as it will be very useful in the future. The content includes: 1. Decoration—Reference image library 2. Decoration—Main materials library 3. Decoration—Furniture library 4. Decoration—Flooring library 5. Decoration—Tile library 6. Decoration—Sanitary ware library 7. Decoration—Cabinets library 8. Decoration—Small accessories library 9. Decoration—Lighting fixtures library 10. Decoration—Textiles library 11. Decoration—Experience library 12. To save time and improve efficiency, it’s important to bring home useful results from each visit to the construction materials market; a detailed and practical purchasing and budgeting plan is very crucial. It is easier to implement procurement by categorizing the plan list by room: each time you go out to check out items in the same room, it’s convenient to compare and evaluate them, which makes it easier to achieve good results. 1. Foyer renovation 2. Living room renovation 3. Dining room renovation 4. Master bedroom renovation 5. Child’s room renovation 6. Study room renovation 7. Master bathroom renovation 8. Guest bathroom renovation 9. Kitchen renovation 10. Balcony renovation 11. Terrace renovation. Below is the plan table I have prepared for reference; the data in the table are examples only. This list is convenient for comparing procurement plans; before construction, the corresponding items can be reclassified and combined by type of work, and a new table can be created with categories such as masons, carpenters, plumbing, and painting. A “Construction Requirements” column can also be added on the right side of the table. For example: (wall latex paint, three batches, three coats) ； Shoe cabinets are made of Weiye board, coated with polyurethane varnish, etc. 127. For the rear speakers of a home theater, the sound wires need to be installed beneath the living room – this is very important! 128. Add a sink to the balcony; the plumbing should be installed during the renovation phase. A balcony sink is very important for watering plants, washing hands, etc. 129. For bathrooms and kitchens where background music is needed, install audio wires in advance before renovation. 130. Sockets should be installed on both sides of the balcony so that lanterns can be hung there during the New Year’s celebrations, with power available. 131. For the light switch at the entrance, it is recommended to use a sensor-type one. Karna goes home so as to avoid walking in the dark. 132. Construction Instructions for Foundation Works 1. Water and electricity modifications a. Before the construction team begins work, it is necessary to conduct a \"pressure test\" on the water pipes (apply a pressure of 10 kilograms for 15 minutes). If the pointer on the pressure gauge does not change, then it is safe to proceed with modifying the pipes; otherwise, modifications should not be carried out. It is essential to inform the management office first, so that they can carry out repairs. Only after the pressure test shows normal results can the pipes be modified. ) and “circuit” testing (testing is done using a light bulb with a socket; the bulb should light up). b. Grooving must not damage the load-bearing walls or the cast-in-place floor sections; the plaster layer can be removed. If a wire box needs to be installed on a load-bearing wall, the internal rebar structure must not be damaged. c. Before installing the \"conduit tubes\", the \"cable trays\" must be treated to prevent termites. The connections between conduit tubes should be made using either \"straight connectors\" or \"elbows\", and a \"cup comb\" must be installed at the junction where the conduit tubes meet the base box. All wall and floor wiring must be at a 90-degree angle. If the original wiring needs to be modified and it is not possible to use a \"direct\" or \"elbow\" connection, then a \"yellow wax tube\" must be used for the connection, with the end of the yellow wax tube extending at least 10 centimeters into each of the wire tubes. d. For circuits that need to be concealed within walls, it is best to use \"3-way conduit\", while \"4-way conduit\" can be used for wiring in ceilings. “There shall be no “joints” in the “wires” inside the “tube”; any “joints” must be located within another “wire box”, and the “wires inside the tube” shall not exceed 60% of the “diameter of the tube”. e. For high-voltage circuits, the ‘live wire’ should be colored red, the ‘neutral wire’ should be black, and the ‘ground wire’ should be yellow or a combined yellow and blue color” ； “\"Telephone line\" should be replaced with \"four-core telephone line\"” ； “Ethernet cables, audio cables, and TV cables need to be selected based on the actual circumstances. f. Once the “water and electrical circuits” have been modified, the water supply system must be tested for pressure again; once the pressure is within the normal range, the grooves should be sealed using cement mortar. 133. Waterproofing　　　a. After the “water and electricity upgrades” in the kitchen and bathroom are completed and the joints are sealed, the next step is to carry out waterproofing. 　　　b. “Waterproofing” requires different methods depending on the material used. Taking “Shanghai Hui Li 911” as an example: it is best to waterproof the bathroom up to the ceiling; for kitchens, waterproofing to a height of 1 meter is generally sufficient. For the floor, apply waterproofing twice at a distance of 30 centimeters from the walls, and once at distances greater than 30 centimeters. At door frames, the waterproofing should cover the entire edge of the door. 　　　c. After the waterproofing has been applied and dried, a \"water test\" is carried out over a period of 48 hours. After those 48 hours, one checks the area above; if there are no wet spots on the ceiling, then the process is successful. Otherwise, the waterproofing layer needs to be applied again. The most prone area to leaks is the sink drain. 　 134. Tiles 　　　a. When selecting tiles, the owner needs to assess their quality; the method is to first check whether their color is uniform, with no uneven colors or small holes or dark spots ； Next, it is necessary to check whether its dimensions are standard; use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the tile, and these dimensions should match those indicated on its label at the time of manufacture. Then measure the diagonal of the tile – if the diagonal dimensions are consistent, then the tile is square ； Next, check the flatness of the tiles. The simplest and most effective way is to overlap two tiles of the same brand, one on top of the other, face to back; if there is a noticeable gap between the two tiles or if they can be rotated, then the tiles are not flat ； Finally, it is necessary to check whether there is any color variation in the tiles. The method is to take a few samples of tiles of the same type and compare them in a well-lit area; if no color differences can be detected, then the order can be placed. 　　　 　　　b. After installation, no entire tile should be loose; any local loosening must not exceed 20% of the total area of that tile. If an entire tile is loose, it needs to be reinstalled. Under normal circumstances, for every 100 tiles installed, 1 tile on the wall surface and 2 tiles on the floor surface may be loose, but in such cases reinstallation is required. The cost of replacing the materials (which is already included in the waste allowance) is the responsibility of the homeowner; if the amount of loose tiles exceeds this limit, then the construction party is responsible for replacing the materials. 　　　c. Under normal circumstances, the levelness of floor tiles allows for a tolerance of 2 millimeters; the gaps between tiles must be consistent, and the corners where tiles meet should be flat (with a tolerance of 0.5 millimeters). For tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, in addition to flat corners, they must also meet the requirements regarding levelness (with a tolerance of 1 millimeter) and perpendicularity (with a tolerance of 2 millimeters). When it comes to tiles on the floors of bathrooms and balconies, consideration must be given to drainage, so an appropriate slope needs to be established – water accumulation should not occur unless there are special reasons for it. 　　　d. After the wall tiles and floor tiles are installed, the gaps should be filled with \"sealant\" or \"white cement\" using a wet paste. 135. Termite prevention: a) After the walls and cable trays have been built and all debris has been removed, carry out a thorough termite prevention treatment (that is, spray termiteicide throughout the entire house). b) All wooden panels must be treated for termites upon arrival (the treatment is specifically intended for wooden materials). c) Before laying wooden floors, the floor surface where the floors will be installed needs to be treated for termites. d) It is best to spray the termiteicide in such a way that the surface becomes visibly wet. 136. Calculators also come with various features; modern calculators have the ability to set the number of decimal places, which means different standards are used when performing calculations. Therefore, it is necessary to bring our own calculator. Mobile phones also have calculation functions, but their accuracy may not be reliable. 137. Prepare two good tubes of neutral silicone glue yourself (1 transparent, 1 white); those from General Electric are recommended, and they are available at B&Q for 49 per tube. It is needed when installing bathtubs, washbasins, cabinets, and security doors. Although most manufacturers that provide installation services include sealant, the sealant they supply is often of poor quality and tends to discolor or mold over time. 138. Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not use a transfer aid for sitting on the toilet. This thing can easily cause clogs in the toilet drain. 139. For the aluminum panels in the kitchen, the two panels above the range hood – after drilling holes in them, wait until the range hood is fully installed before attaching them. The early version was installed in my home, but it was removed again when the range hood was installed. With all these installations and removals, it was distorted by the workers, and the seamless ceiling became a cracked one. 140. If, for aesthetic consistency, wooden doors are installed in the kitchen and bathroom as well, silicone sealant should be applied immediately at the joints where the door frames meet the floor after installation. My family didn’t take action in time; the workers accidentally spilled water, and a lot of it splashed on the floor and seeped into the door frame. The lower part of it has already started to turn black (due to mold). 141. The balcony must be tiled! The perimeter of the viewing balcony should be covered, while the living balcony should be covered to the same height as the railing. The corners of the balcony in my home, as well as the walls of the living area balcony, aren’t covered, so I have to prepare a bucket of exterior paint and repaint them regularly on my own… 142. Before sealing the walls during the plumbing and electrical work, be sure to ask the contractors to provide detailed diagrams of the plumbing and electrical systems. 143. If you plan to paint the walls in colors, you need to consider wire replacement during the electrical work. My house has had many wires changed; all the outlets for the air conditioner have been replaced. But to save money, instead of replacing the entire wiring, they just rewired it. Where the wiring is done in this way, whiteboards must be installed for future maintenance. It wasn’t until the colored wall paint was applied that I realized just how glaring those white panels were; what a regret!!! 144. This was the most basic mistake I made – I assumed that a bed with a width of 1.5 meters actually meant 1.5 meters in width, forgetting that there is also thickness at the edges of the bed. It also precisely provided a lamp socket on the wall behind the bedside table. As a result, the socket is blocked and cannot be used at all. 145. Before starting work, have the renovation team leader analyze how to treat the walls, and determine whether the existing paint needs to be completely removed. Especially those who plan to outsource the wall painting work to a painting company. My house was assigned to a painting company; it wasn’t until the painters arrived after the carpenters finished their work that they realized the condition of the original wall plaster was extremely poor. It would be best to scrape it all off and apply new plaster. But since the carpentry work is already done, it’s difficult to remove the existing ash. In the end, I had to apply a layer of 108 glue on the surface to apply the putty. 146. Increasing the number of lines definitely requires rewiring. However, wiring can be branched from the nearest terminal. And connecting taps to the original wires is not allowed. 147. The control switch for the air conditioner can only be located at the power supply side. It is not allowed to add it on the line. 148. When moving the phone and network cables, the originally installed cables can be pulled out and reused. However, if the construction is not done properly, there will be many potential problems. So it’s best to replace the wires from the low-voltage junction box inside the room. 149. The workload for modifying a measurement circuit is generally measured separately according to three different wiring methods. 1. Grooving and pipe embedding (measured based on the length of the cable tray; if there are multiple pipes in one tray, it is calculated as half the number of pipes). The other half is counted as overhead lines). 2. Overhead lines (installed only in pipes without grooves), calculated based on the length of the pipes. 3. Change the wire; count it based on the amount replaced (inform the construction team not to throw away the removed wire). 4. Low-voltage renovation: calculated using the first method. The difference is that one needs to pay attention to who purchases the low-voltage wires. If the owner buys it, the cost of the wires must be deducted. 150. How is a toilet fixed to the floor? With screws? There are also the joints where the base meets the pipes; what kind of sealant is suitable for use on the inside and outside? Toilets are secured using expansion screws. Use sealant specific for toilets inside the joint where the base meets the pipes. On the outside, a cement paste made from white cement and white glue is used. Toilets are usually supplied with special sealant when purchased. 151. When buying materials, be sure to calculate the approximate amount you will need first. When buying the materials for the water channels, I thought that once everything was built, I could simply draw a diagram of the water channels to see exactly how much material had been used. So I trusted the contractor a little. Later on, it turned out that 5 meters more of pipe were purchased, and while 27 copper fittings were actually needed, 40 were bought; there should have been 13 left over, but in reality only 7 remained, meaning 6 were missing. After repeated inquiries, the foreman found the 6 copper heads that had \"accidentally ended up elsewhere\" at another construction site. The circuit design team conducted detailed calculations regarding the materials used; after comparing these results with the requirements of the supervisor, it was decided that the length of wires should be changed from 30 meters to 12 meters, and the length of network cables from 20 meters to 13 meters. There were also significant differences in regards to other items such as insulating tape and plugs, which I corrected... 152. If there are old sewer pipes underground, they are often damaged when the floor is demolished. Do not hesitate – always install new pipes instead of trying to save money, for safety reasons. 153. Don’t waste those recessed storage spaces on the bathroom walls; installing tiles there is very practical and results in a nice appearance. Of course, the tile worker will find it troublesome to say “it’s ugly” or “it’s not in fashion anymore”. Heh, don’t fall for it; he just wants to slack off. 154. Do not use edge trims at the corners of tiles; it is better for the tile setter to grind the corners to a 45-degree angle so that they fit nicely together. If you don’t mention this, the tile setter will naturally opt for the easier way to do the job. 155. When applying the sealing cement for aluminum-plastic pipes, it is essential to be on site and supervise the workers to leave enough expansion space for the hot water pipes in accordance with the construction standards. In short, don’t seal the aluminum-plastic pipe too tightly; it’s better if it’s a bit loose. 156. If the bathroom floor is higher than that of the hallway, a threshold can be used as a solution. 157. If pipes are added to move the sewer outlet, it is necessary to check whether the old sewer is unobstructed before connecting the new pipe to the old sewer inlet; spending money to clear it at this stage can avoid many problems in the future. 158. There is no need to pay a high price for aluminum trim; inexpensive aluminum trim performs far better than PVC, and spending more money does not result in any significant improvement. 159. When purchasing aluminum paneling, special attention should be paid to the keels rather than the panels themselves (it’s difficult to tamper with the panels due to their large size), as it is often the keels where problems arise. 160. It’s difficult to find a satisfactory color for floor tiles; I wasn’t able to find one. However, by combining two unsatisfactory colors in a checkerboard pattern and then rotating it by 45 degrees, I was able to achieve an outcome that I was very satisfied with. It was actually a good suggestion put forward by the bricklayer himself. 161. Floor waterproofing agents should be used under supervision; my plasterer didn’t follow the instructions and simply poured it directly on the floor – how can that result in even distribution! If nothing else works, it’s best to do it yourself; it’s not troublesome and you can be sure it will work. 162. The slope of the bathroom floor should be planned ahead of laying the tiles; the slope specified by national standards does not ensure rapid drainage, and the use of odor-proof or ultra-thin drains will only **exacerbate the difficulties in drainage**. Some people say that a large slope is not aesthetically pleasing, but I think that’s nonsense. On the contrary, it’s very pleasant when water can flow away quickly on steeper slopes. 163. The LG Platinum Dot fireproof panel used for cabinet doors works well, but if renovating again, I might consider ordering ready-made door panels. Handmade doors are not delicate; they are for reference only. 164. The branded products at the Shuichang Market are not cheap, while the inferior brands have terrible quality. 165. It is best to use fire-resistant board for balcony cabinet doors to prevent warping. The conditions on the balcony are rather harsh. 166. When making a cabinet for the sink in the bathroom, consider the size of the sink in advance to avoid not being able to fit it later. 167. Glass is a heavy material; it’s best to purchase it nearby or think ahead about the method of transportation. 168. When installing a door lock, apply some wax to the lock bolt; it will be too late to apply wax if it gets damaged. If there are no door catches, be careful to prevent the handle from hitting the wall and getting damaged. 169. Matte paint is just more attractive than high-gloss paint; don’t listen to painters – if they say that matte paint is difficult to apply, it’s definitely because their skills are poor. Similarly, if a painter says that polyester is not as good as polyurethane, he is lying to you. 170. Don’t buy insulating tape and masking tape from small shops; the quality in large supermarkets is significantly better, and the amounts provided are sufficient, with prices that aren’t expensive after all. 171. If renovating again, ready-mixed putty will be used instead of talcum powder; the main reason is that ready-mixed putty is considered more effective. I really understood this especially after firing the painter and doing it myself – mixing talcum powder into putty is incredibly tedious. 172. The work of installing circuit breakers and leakage protectors in the distribution boxes cannot be skipped, and they should be placed indoors rather than outdoors. Initially, I wanted to save on costs by using an old distribution box outside, but the electrician advised using a new one indoors; now I realize how valuable his advice was. It doesn’t look bad when placed behind an interior door, and it’s really convenient to use! 173. It might be more appropriate to go straight to the workers on the site of a large decoration company and hire them for a fixed-price job; they have better skills and more \"advanced\" tools. 174. Leakage protectors and circuit breakers should be of well-known brands. I use “Merlin”. It’s also easy to buy genuine products – just call the phone number of Chermayelan’s headquarters and ask for the number of their local branch. 175. The basins on the floor are more delicate and attractive than those on the table, and they are easier to clean. 176. When installing a faucet under a sink, be careful to choose a faucet spout that is long enough, taking into account the thickness of the sink edge. 177. The hole before the toilet is installed is quite large – large enough for the drain cover to fall in. If the drain has already been installed while the toilet hasn’t, be very careful with the drain cover; it might be a good idea to store it somewhere else. 178. When buying silicone, fully imported GE is by far the best; GE packaged in Shanghai is the next best option. Of course, those types that cost 7 or 8 yuan and are suitable for use in less important applications can also be used; for example, I used low-quality silicone to seal everything inside the aluminum alloy window frames. However, GE’s silicone is used for the bathroom and kitchen – it’s worth the price! 179. Tri-valve valves should not be omitted, as it doesn’t cost much to include them. If such valves are installed, it is possible to detect any leaks at the copper connections in advance. Without them, one can only check for leaks after the pipes are connected to the copper connections during the installation of the faucet; since leaks can only be detected after applying pressure for a while, installing the connections and faucet at the end is less safe. 180. The diary mentioned what needs to be done for the renovation; do whatever you can by yourself, and if there are things you can’t do, think of a solution. When working with a renovation company, communicate more with the designers, and when working with the construction team, communicate more with the workers, because it is they who will help bring your ideas to life. 181. The biggest problem with renovation is communication! 182. In a small space, the kitchen cabinets are designed in a door style, BH. It should be designed in an L shape. 183. In general renovation projects, excluding the management fees of professional renovation companies, taxes and material costs account for 75-80%, while labor costs make up 20-25%. 184. Running pipes on the floor outside the kitchen and bathroom is like installing a timer for one’s own home; who can tell when it will cause trouble? 185. If the tubes are installed separately but in the same groove, is there a significant impact? The impact is tolerable. 186. I would like to ask what can be used to separate the dining room from the living room? Covering the door frames is the most cost-effective option; covering only 6 centimeters on the sides, or using a white paint mixed with oil at a height of 2 meters, will help to prevent the space from appearing too tall and bulky. 187. High-voltage and low-voltage wires should be routed in separate conduits; it’s best if they can be kept apart, with a distance of at least 10 centimeters between them. However, this is not always feasible, as many households create just one conduit in order to save costs. The audio cable can be run in the same conduit as the low-voltage cables. 188. The interior of the furniture can be painted and covered with panels; once that is done, open the cabinet doors as well as the doors and windows of the house to allow ventilation, until there is no pungent odor. Actually, you’re using good wood core panels, so there’s no need to treat the inside of the furniture. 189. The cabinet body can be made of 15-mm plywood or wood core board, while the back panel can use five-ply or 5-mm material. The door and drawers should be 9 centimeters thick. Different processes use different materials. 190. PPR pipes are suitable not only for cold water pipelines but also for hot water pipelines, and even for pure drinking water pipelines. The joints of PPR pipes are made using heat fusion technology, which ensures that the pipes are fully fused together; therefore, once installed and passed the pressure test, there will be no leaks. Moreover, PPR pipes do not scale. PPR pipes are touted as a premium green water supply material that never scales, never rusts, and never leaks. 191. Veneer boards are good, combining the advantages of solid wood and composites. 192. Do not leave wet printed materials on artificial stone for long periods of time, unless you want to dry a printing surface; also, do not keep wet cutting boards on the countertop for extended periods, as wood can fade when it gets wet. Use a steel wool pad to remove stains – it’s like squeezing pimples with your hands. 193. Can a gas meter be enclosed in a cabinet using an ordinary door panel? Do you need cabinet doors in the blind style? Just open it regularly to check the ventilation. 194. Freelance contractors, please be sure to verify the material list provided to you by the renovation team. I should have estimated it myself; I trusted them too much, and as a result I ended up buying almost twice as many wires and conduit. 195. The dimensions of the cleaning utensils must be planned carefully; it is best to draw a sketch in advance and calculate the dimensions. 196. Students who purchase ready-made doors: if you want to achieve a better look by using the panels provided by the seller to cover the door frames, be prepared to pay a high price for it! 197. Re: Should one buy the faucets, sinks, and countertops before installing the plumbing pipes? No, it’s enough to figure out where the sink faucets, bathtub faucets, washing machine faucets, etc. are. 99% of faucets and drains meet international standards, and as long as the workers are careful, there will be no problems. If you build a sink cabinet by yourself, the sink needs to be purchased in advance or its dimensions need to be determined first. Determine the size of the sink in front of the measuring table, and buy it before installing the table; also don’t forget whether it should be placed under or above the table. Before sealing with cement tiles, the distance between the hot and cold water pipes must be exactly 15 centimeters, and they must be parallel to each other. If it has already been purchased, it’s best to install it; remove it after it’s sealed. 198. If an 8-core network cable is used to carry both telephone calls and data, will there be interference between them? No. 1, 2, 3, and 6 are connected to the network module, while 4 and 5 are connected to the telephone module; the other two pins can be used arbitrarily. That’s correct – based on my experience: for 10M speeds, 1236 is used, while for 100M speeds all of those pins are utilized. In fact, with 10/100M speeds, we don’t really notice any difference. If an 8-pin cable is used, the signals from some PBX systems may interfere with the network signals; however, in a home environment this generally doesn’t cause any problems. You can definitely wire it this way, but I still recommend separating them to leave some room for the future. Network cables are quite cheap, don’t you think? 199. Be sure to carefully check the installation of the distribution box. 200. A lesson from installing faucets: The pipes connecting the faucets in the bathtub and shower are embedded in the wall, and I repeatedly told them to make sure the dimensions were correct so that the faucets could be installed properly. As a result, 15 centimeters was left between the cold and hot water pipes, but the pipes were not parallel to each other; consequently, the plumber had to exert great effort to install them. Yesterday, I found that the coating on the high-precision thermostatic faucet I have on Facebook had cracked. If everyone can install the faucet first, please do so. I guess I should buy the faucet first, then install the hot and cold water pipes, and finally lay the tiles. This post was last edited by HaiChuan MingYue on 2008-1-24 15:58.]