List of Contents
Define renovation goals to prioritize time and spending effectively.
Set a realistic budget, including a contingency for unexpected costs.
Research affordable design solutions to maximize renovation impact.
Hire professionals wisely, focusing on budget-friendly specialists.
Explore online resources for DIY project inspiration.
Budget carefully for DIY projects to avoid overspending.
Equip yourself with essential tools for successful DIY renovations.
Thrift stores offer unique and affordable furniture finds.
Utilize online platforms for discounted second-hand furnishings.
Participate in local furniture exchanges for budget-friendly options.
Repurpose old furniture creatively to enhance your interior space.
Choose the right paint colors to influence mood and space perception.
Preparation is key for achieving a flawless paint finish.
Explore budget-friendly paint options without sacrificing quality.
Accessories significantly contribute to a room’s personality and energy.
Textiles add warmth, texture, and comfort to any space.
Establish a cohesive design theme for harmony in accessories and textiles.
The first step in renovation is to figure out exactly what you want. Last year, while helping a friend renovate an old house, I found that he initially listed 20 needs, but the only core ones were the kitchen renovation and bathroom waterproofing. It is very important to categorize needs into three levels: must-do, want-to-do, and nice-to-have. For example, replacing old wiring is a safety must-have, while changing cabinet handles might fall under decorative optional.
According to recent data from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the average renovation overspending rate is 38%. It is recommended to use the sandwich budgeting method: first, determine the total budget, reserve 20% as emergency funding, and allocate the remaining 80% at a 7:3 ratio for main materials and auxiliary materials. Remember to calculate labor costs separately, as many newbies tend to overlook this. For example, for electrical and plumbing renovations, a professional team might quote 30% more than casual workers, but the later repair rate is 80% lower.
Last month at the old house renovation exhibition in Hangzhou, I saw a smart approach: the owner retained the original floor, just polished and painted it, saving over 20,000 RMB. Many designers now offer light consulting services, and professional spatial planning advice can be obtained for 300-500 RMB. In building materials markets, you can often find brand tiles at half price in the leftover area; just be sure to check that the batch numbers are consistent.
Recently, in the renovation dispute cases I've encountered, 70% originate from vague contract terms. It is recommended to require the contractor to provide a closed contract, clearly stating that changes and additional items will not exceed 5% of the total budget. When choosing a designer, focus on their portfolio of projects for small apartments. Here's a trick: request to see the current photos of projects completed three years ago to get an intuitive sense of construction quality.
Recently, I've become hooked on a home renovation channel on Bilibili called \Renovation Knight\ which is particularly practical. They filmed the entire process of transforming an old cabinet into a cat climbing frame from a first-person perspective, and even detailed tips on cutting acrylic sheets. In the video about the wall storage system for small spaces, I followed the tutorial and completed it in just two days over a weekend.
I recommend establishing a project funding pool: deposit a fixed amount of 500-1000 RMB each month as a renovation fund. Last year, I used this method to complete the balcony garden renovation, buying materials in six phases instead of as a one-time purchase saved me 15%. In terms of tools, you can find nearly new drill sets on second-hand trading platforms for only a third of the price of new ones.
When I first started DIY, I found that a level was much more important than I had expected. A 2 mm discrepancy when tiling can cause hollow spots three months later. Now, my toolbox is always stocked with these incredible tools: a laser distance meter (which saves the hassle of pulling a tape measure), a multifunctional angle grinder (cutting and grinding all in one), and a dust-collecting electric hammer (to reduce dust pollution).
Last week at the old goods market in the northern part of the city, I discovered a pattern: the most new arrivals happen on Thursday mornings, as merchants consolidate shipments on Wednesday nights. If you're interested in a solid wood dining table, don't rush to negotiate on price; first, check whether the mortise and tenon structure is sturdy. A small tip: use your phone's flash to illuminate the wood's cross-section; only wood with dense and even growth rings is good material.
When searching on Xianyu, try these keywords: studio relocation, model room demolition, urgent overseas return. I recently helped a friend find a nearly new Nordic-style sofa, originally priced at 12,000, now only 3,000, and the seller offered moving services. Remember to choose transactions that support inspection services to avoid receiving defective goods.
A neighbor transformed an old sewing machine base into a washstand frame, and after sandblasting, the cast iron base has a very industrial charm. Old wooden door panels were cut and turned into a shoe-changing bench at the entrance, with the original brass handles retained for added character. Recently popular epoxy resin repair techniques can turn cracked old coffee tables into artwork.
The color experiment I participated in last year showed: a north-facing room with beige walls raised the visual temperature by 3°C, while a deep blue wall reduced the sense of space by 12%. For children's rooms, it is recommended to use a split-color design, with the lower wall painted in a dark washable color and the upper wall using a light color to expand the sense of space. An owner painted the dining room a coral orange, which increased dining time by an average of 18 minutes.
After three rounds of rework, I learned the lesson: avoid applying putty in rainy weather since humidity over 70% can affect curing. The choice of sandpaper is also important; 240 grit is for coarse grinding and 400 grit for fine processing. I recently discovered an amazing tool—the adjustable roller brush, which automatically adjusts paint thickness based on wall conditions, making it particularly suitable for uneven walls in old houses.
Domestically produced zero-formaldehyde paint technology is now mature, and the latest bamboo charcoal stain-resistant paint from SanKeTree can withstand over 20,000 scrubs. When buying paint, be sure to calculate the amount of loss; the formula is: (wall area ÷ paint coverage) × 1.2. A good money-saving tip: participate in offline brand experience sessions to often receive free samples.
When helping a guesthouse select soft furnishings last year, I summarized the 70-30 rule: 70% basics + 30% unique pieces. For example, pairing a solid color sofa with ethnic style cushions adds a bit of exotic flair within simplicity. Pay attention to the visual weight balance of decorative items; larger pieces are suitable for corners, while smaller combinations work well on display shelves.
I recently noticed a new trend: functional decorative items are gaining popularity, such as table lamps with built-in wireless chargers, which serve as both decoration and practical tools. Regarding textile maintenance, down pillows should be fluffed regularly to restore their loft, while silk curtains are recommended for professional dry cleaning.
When helping a client design a Mediterranean style, I used a combination of blue and white tones + paddle decorations + shell light fixtures. The key is to control the number of colors; main colors should not exceed three, and accent colors should be one to two. In a recently completed case, wall decorations made from fishing nets resonated with a boat wood coffee table, creating a strong seaside vibe at a cost of less than 2,000 RMB.