Before starting a renovation project, it's essential to thoroughly understand the management regulations of the local housing construction department. Each city has specific rules regarding home renovations; for example, in Beijing's old city areas, there are strict restrictions on changes to the facade. It is recommended to consult directly with the street construction office to avoid being asked to redo work later.
It is particularly important to note that projects involving the removal of load-bearing walls or the expansion of balconies must apply for a
It is advisable to prepare three budget plans: ideal, practical, and minimum. A professional design team can help turn your imaginative ideas into reality, as they are familiar with the market trends of various building materials and construction standards. Remember to leave sufficient passage space in the plan; our last renovation overlooked the furniture transport route, and we ultimately had to dismantle the newly installed bay window.
Those who have renovated know that actual expenses often exceed the budget by about 20%. This is especially true for older home renovations; last year, when renovating an 80s unit, we discovered termite nests within the walls, leading to an additional expense of 18,000 yuan for pest control. It is recommended to divide the emergency funds into two parts: 10% for rising material costs and 10% for unexpected situations.
When selecting a construction team, do not just look at the quotes; it is important to evaluate: ① whether they have certification from the housing construction department ② similar project cases from the last three years ③ whether the workers are certified. It is advisable to conduct a covert inspection at their current construction sites to check if materials are stored properly and if waste is being removed timely.
According to the 2023 Lianjia Property Report, the return on investment for kitchen and bathroom renovations can reach as high as 120%. It is advisable to prioritize upgrades for: ① integrated cabinets + smart kitchen appliances ② separated wet and dry bathrooms ③ whole-house water purification systems. Projects like media walls and wine cabinets can be postponed.
It is recommended to use the 3331 payment method: 30% upon signing, 30% upon acceptance of plumbing and electrical work, 30% upon acceptance of carpentry, and the final 10% paid six months later. Last year, a friend’s house faced issues with hollow sounds in the tiles after paying the full amount in advance, and the construction team disappeared.
Folding furniture is the savior for small apartments! Tested useful options include: ① liftable coffee table (transforms into a dining table) ② wall bed (folds up during the day to save 4sqm) ③ stairs with drawers. Note to test the load-bearing capability of hardware during purchase, as inferior hinges can jam after six months of use.
Replace broken bridge aluminum windows with low-e glass, and reduce air conditioning electricity costs by 40% in summer. Recommended additions: ① air-source water heaters ② photovoltaic awnings ③ smart sensing lighting systems. After renovating my parents' home last year, their monthly utilities dropped from 580 yuan to 230 yuan.
Look for these eco-friendly labels: ① China Environmental Mark (Ten Ring Certification) ② FSC Forest Certification ③ GREENGUARD Gold. Pay special attention to tile selection, ensuring they meet Class A radiation standards, and check customs inspection reports for imported materials.
Old house renovations generate a large amount of construction waste, so it is essential to contract with a reputable disposal company. A property owner in Shanghai was fined 20,000 yuan last year for illegally dumping renovation waste. Suggested recyclable materials: ① sell old doors and windows to second-hand building material markets ② use broken tiles for garden paths ③ repurpose wooden flooring into flower stands.