Tag renovation tips

First, Let’s Talk About Auxiliary Materials

When it comes to home renovation materials, they can be broadly divided into two categories: auxiliary materials and main materials. Auxiliary materials are used during the basic construction phase to meet essential needs like water supply, electricity, and structural support. Examples include water pipes, electrical wires, waterproof coatings, cement, sand, and ceiling frames. These materials are hidden behind decorative layers once the renovation is complete, making them invisible to homeowners after moving in.

Auxiliary materials often have a simple and healthy market dominated by large, nearly monopolistic brands such as Saint-Gobain for gypsum boards, Oriental Yuhong for waterproofing, and Golden Bull for pipes. Even regional brands like Chuanlu for conduit pipes or Tapai for wires in Sichuan are reliable. Generally, homeowners encounter no more than five well-known brands per category, ensuring quality and longevity—products from these brands can last over a decade without issues. The price difference between brands is minimal; for instance, Tapai wires cost around 122 RMB per 100-meter roll, while premium options like JinDiao flame-retardant wires are only about 152 RMB, resulting in a minor cost difference for entire projects. Compared to main materials, auxiliary materials are like daily necessities—affordable and straightforward to choose, with less time spent on selection due to low unit prices and bundled offerings in semi-packaged or full-packaged renovation contracts.

Now, Focusing on Main Materials

Main materials account for the largest portion of the renovation budget and include visible elements that enhance comfort and aesthetics, such as flooring, tiles, paint, toilets, showers, and kitchen appliances. The market is complex, with numerous brands and models, so I’ve divided it into four parts for clarity.

Flooring and Tiles: For tiles, the common question is whether to buy Guangdong tiles for better quality. In reality, this is often a marketing gimmick; in places like Chengdu, about 90% of so-called ‘Guangdong tiles’ are actually from Jiajiang. Authentic Guangdong tiles are expensive due to transport costs, and for budgets under 200 RMB/sq.m., it’s better to opt for reliable brands. When selecting tiles, check the body color—good tiles have gray or off-white bodies—and avoid those with impurities like black spots, which indicate poor quality. The glaze should be thick to prevent wear. Brand溢价 is severe; for example, some top brands once offered 50% sales commissions. However, tile production isn’t overly complex, so non-branded options at 120–150 RMB/sq.m. for 800×800 mm living room tiles or 70–80 RMB/sq.m. for 300×300 mm bathroom tiles are sufficient. Expensive tiles mainly offer better patterns and textures, not practicality. For flooring, price reflects material costs—solid wood is pricier than composite or laminate—and environmental concerns about formaldehyde are manageable with certified products.

Custom Cabinets and Wardrobes: Custom cabinets are a major expense, with brands like索菲亚 or欧派 costing around 1300 RMB/sq.m., while smaller vendors charge 600–800 RMB/sq.m. The quality gap isn’t huge, as both use standard boards (e.g., Kronospan, Egger, TuBaobao), but differences lie in design and installation details. For budget-conscious families, smaller vendors offer good value.

Kitchen Cabinets: These are similar to wardrobes but have a tricky pricing structure—countertops, cabinets, and accessories like pull-out baskets are billed separately, leading to potential surprises. Package deals might seem attractive but often exclude key items, so careful calculation is essential.

Doors and Windows: Brand溢价 is high for wooden doors, but a 1000+ RMB painted door suffices for basic needs. Upgrading hardware like locks and soundproofing strips can improve performance without overspending. Expensive doors don’t necessarily add much value beyond aesthetics, which are often copied across brands. For windows, customization is more involved and covered in dedicated guides.

Bathroom Fixtures: This market is mature, with products like toilets, vanity cabinets, showers, and五金件 (e.g., drains, angle valves). Brands offer reliable quality and aren’t heavily discounted, so bargains might indicate counterfeits. Investing in branded bathroom fixtures is worthwhile for durability and experience, and upgrading small五金件 to the best within budget is cost-effective due to low unit prices.

Other Materials: Wall decorations like latex paint, diatom mud, and wallpaper fall under main materials. Latex paint has seen reduced溢价 as consumers become more rational about甲醛 claims. Diatom mud isn’t a scam if used for its intended purpose, such as moisture control. Wallpaper suits cozy styles but isn’t as cost-effective as paint for minimalist designs.

This guide provides practical advice to help homeowners make informed choices during renovation.