Renovation is never just about “getting a new home.”

It’s a systematic project involving design, budgeting, construction, and final inspection. A small oversight can lead to disasters such as budget overruns, design failures, or endless delays.

Some even describe renovation as a “tribulation”—full of hope but riddled with hidden traps.

At its core, renovation often fails because of one fundamental mismatch: between ideal design and the realities of budget and construction capacity.

To ensure a smooth journey from start to finish, the key lies in thorough planning before work begins, attention to detail during construction, and strict quality control at final inspection.

Before Renovation: Start with “What You Need,” Not “What You Can Do”

Many people make the first mistake by rushing to get design renderings—without clarifying their actual lifestyle needs.

The correct approach is to first define how your family lives, then design around it.

For example:

- How many people live in the home? Do you need a room for parents, children, or a study?

- Do you prefer an open kitchen or a closed one for better smoke control?

- Are there storage pain points—where to keep off-season clothes, the robot vacuum, or suitcases?

Summarize all this in a “Household Function Needs List”, and plan movement routes (for example, from kitchen to dining area, bedroom to bathroom).

Only when the designer refines the plan based on these real-life needs will the design truly serve daily living.

Design and Budget: Good Design Starts from Real Numbers

Design is not just about aesthetics—it’s a balancing act between space and budget.

A complete design plan should include at least five types of drawings:

1. Original Floor Plan – Marks load-bearing walls to avoid risky demolition.

2. Layout Plan – Defines furniture and appliance positions and sizes.

3. Plumbing and Electrical Layout – Shows outlets, switches, and pipe routes.

4. Ceiling Plan – Indicates beam direction and height.

5. Tiling/Floor Plan – Details tile or flooring layout patterns.

For cost distribution, follow roughly the “50-30-20 rule”:

- Main materials (tiles, flooring, cabinets, etc.): 50%

- Secondary materials (cement, paint, hardware, etc.): 30%

- Appliances and fixtures: 20%

Also, set aside 10% as a contingency fund for rework, restocking, or unexpected issues.

All quotations from contractors must be detailed—clearly listing unit, quantity, brand, and model.

Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous fees” or “wall prep.”

Include in the contract: “Any project changes must be approved in writing by the homeowner, and no single change shall exceed 5% of the total budget.”

Keep an extra 10–20% reserve, but ensure every expense is transparent and traceable.

During Construction: Details Decide the Outcome

The construction phase is where most problems arise—especially hidden issues like plumbing, wiring, storage layout, or misaligned dimensions.

To avoid surprises, learn to “review the site with drawings in hand.”

1. Function First, Aesthetics Second

Design must first meet practical daily needs:

- Is the kitchen counter height comfortable?

- Does the wardrobe hold enough clothing?

- Are movement paths smooth?

Ask your designer to provide both 3D renderings and technical drawings, and check key details:

- Wardrobe depth ≥ 55 cm

- Appliance spaces (fridge, washer) wide enough for door clearance

- Clear labeling of non-load-bearing walls and pipe routes

2. Plan Furniture Layout Early

Draw a furniture layout plan with dimensions and movement space marked:

- Keep at least 40 cm between sofa and coffee table for walking space.

- Leave 5–8 cm skirting board allowance for built-in furniture to prevent gaps behind cabinets.

3. Light and Electrical Layout Must Be Practical

Choose lighting that’s easy to clean and maintain:

- Living room: simple ceiling lights (brightness ≥ 300 lux)

- Kitchen: waterproof, oil-proof recessed lights (IP65 or higher)

For appliances, ensure sufficient ventilation:

- Fridge: ≥ 10 cm above top clearance

- Oven: ≥ 5 cm from cabinet sides

Otherwise, overheating or damage may occur.

Final Inspection: Check Every Detail Carefully

Final inspection marks the end of renovation—but it’s often overlooked.

Here’s your essential inspection checklist:

1. Electrical System

- Switches: Test each one; all lights should function correctly.

If dual-control switches don’t match, wiring is wrong.

- Outlets: Use a phase tester to ensure each socket is correctly wired and securely connected.

2. Plumbing System

- Test all faucets and showers for smooth water flow.

Wipe valve and hose joints with dry tissue—any moisture means leakage.

If the water heater isn’t installed yet, connect cold and hot valves with a hose for testing.

3. Waterproofing Test

Even if done earlier, test again after tiling.

Block drains, fill floor with 5 cm of water, and wait 24 hours.

If water level drops ≤ 2 cm, waterproofing is intact.

4. Drainage

Pour water into each drain, basin, and toilet to check flow rate.

Construction debris sometimes blocks pipes.

After confirming smooth drainage, wipe joints with tissue to ensure no leaks.

5. Tile Inspection

Tap tiles lightly:

- A solid sound = OK; hollow sound = loose.

Hollow rate should not exceed 20%, and central areas must be solid.

Also check for edge chips or color inconsistencies.

6. Flooring

Walk across the entire surface—any creaking or unevenness means improper installation.

Gaps should be even; large or irregular gaps indicate poor workmanship.

If edges discolor, replace those planks immediately.

7. Doors and Windows

- Doors: Open/close smoothly? Locks functional? Any gaps between frame and wall?

- Windows: Test track movement, drainage holes, and seal strips.

Pour water outside the frame to check leakage; fix immediately if water seeps in.

Post-Renovation: Document Everything

Renovation doesn’t truly end when construction does.

Issues like water leakage, peeling paint, or color variation may appear after move-in.

So create a “Renovation Archive Folder” that includes:

- Contract, quotation, and inspection reports

- Material list and warranty documents

- Final design drawings and change records

With these in hand, future repairs or disputes can be easily resolved.

Hold back at least 5% of the final payment until you’ve lived in the space for three months and confirmed no quality issues.

Also, keep leftover materials:

- Half a bucket of wall paint for touch-ups

- 5% extra tiles to prevent color mismatch in future repairs

Additional Advice: Rational Spending and Third-Party Supervision

Beware of “low-price traps.” In renovation, cheap often means risky.

If budget allows, hire a third-party supervisor (typically 3–5% of total cost) to monitor materials and construction quality.

They can identify hidden problems and prevent over 80% of potential risks.

Above all, put everything in writing.

Never rely on verbal promises—any changes, additions, or delays must be documented and signed.

Renovation Is Not a One-Time Expense, but a Long-Term Investment

A single renovation determines not just your home’s appearance—but your comfort and quality of life for years to come.

Though the process can be stressful, having clear steps for each stage—planning, supervising, and inspecting—greatly reduces risk.

Instead of regretting later, prepare thoroughly now.

When you hold a complete “Renovation-to-Acceptance Checklist,”

when every step is clear and confident—

then your home truly becomes something worth looking forward to.

Let renovation stop being a “tribulation,”

and become instead a mindful journey toward the home you love.