When it comes to home decoration, everyone has different expectations and expectations regarding price, design style, materials, time, etc., so it is very important to communicate in advance and clarify everyone's responsibilities. The clearer the projects you can think of, the better. The more detailed it is, the better, to avoid unnecessary arguments later, which will not only hurt everyone's feelings, but also waste time and money. Is it necessary to hire a design company for decoration? Generally speaking, decoration companies provide fewer services than interior design companies. Some decoration companies are unable to provide management and supervision roles due to their small scale. On the contrary, interior design companies can provide management, design and supervision services, so both charge fees. There are differences too. When hiring an interior design company, the designer will arrange for staff to come to your home to take measurements, and then make preliminary sketches and quotations. After confirmation, they will provide simulation renderings. If you have more time, energy and knowledge, you can directly act as the designer and purchase decoration materials by yourself, and directly hire a decoration master. Although decoration masters will not provide professional design suggestions, they generally have rich experience in decoration materials, water and electricity projects, etc., which can save a lot of design fees.

While it's a good idea to decorate your new home before moving in, it can be expensive if you don't plan carefully. Before starting work, you may wish to read the following tips to make the best use of your renovation budget. 1. Start planning now When it comes to building your ideal home, don’t rush it. You might as well spend more time comparing material prices and craftsmen. The more preparation you have in advance, the more money you will save. You can look for special offers, reuse or recycle materials as much as possible, and do enough research. This is especially important in the kitchen, where you should check your cupboards and note down what you have and what you need to help decide how much storage and work space you need. Tip: Add an island, bar stools, and pendant lights to your kitchen to add style to the space. 2. Think clearly about what is most important Everyone’s ideal new home is different, so it’s a good idea to write down your renovation goals to make planning easier. When planning a new home, go beyond design trends and focus on your lifestyle. Carefully consider the needs of yourself and your family. Even if you like minimalist design, if your partner has a large collection of books and a child is about to be born, you may need to coordinate the decoration design. Maybe one of your goals is to live overseas. Investing in overseas properties not only allows you to experience your dream life, but also has many more benefits. Of course, you have to compare cost versus value. If you plan to renovate your property and then sell it, why spend more money if renovating the kitchen won’t help you increase the selling price? However, a successfully remodeled kitchen can bring about a 70% return on investment,1 and a renovated bathroom can also give your home a brand new look. Tip: You don’t need to spend a lot of money on exotic wallpapers or fancy handicrafts. Just paint the walls with beautiful and unique patterns. It’s cheap and high-quality. 3. Add an additional 15% to the decoration budget Anyone who has ever gone through a home renovation knows that unexpected expenses often arise, including removing existing built-ins, repairing aging parts, and removing older components (such as replacing air-conditioning pipes with new ones). When setting up your renovation budget, remember to consider hidden costs and set aside a portion of your budget to cover these unexpected expenses. If there are no unexpected expenses, you will have extra money to purchase furnishings and appliances. Tip: Discuss it with someone who has done a similar renovation, you may be able to learn from their mistakes! 4. Download design apps Download design apps on your smartphone and design your ideal home yourself, saving time and money without hiring an interior designer. You can record and manage all your plans, dimensions and ideas in one place, making it easy to monitor your expenses. Use the in-app Bluetooth laser measurement tool to help you avoid costly mistakes. Using the augmented reality function, your dream home design can be presented before your eyes. Don’t like the style of wallpaper? Swipe left to start over. Tip: You can upload your designs to social media via the app to get instant feedback. 5. Protect areas that do not need renovation If you're only renovating the bathroom and kitchen, you might want to lay down plastic sheets to separate these areas from the rest of the home to avoid dust and debris and save time and money when cleaning up afterwards. You can ask the master to wear disposable shoe covers, protect floors, carpets and counters with plastic sheets or kraft paper, and apply protective fluid to wash basins and bathtubs. You can easily remove the protective film after you've finished your flooring or painting project. Tip: Flooring work should be scheduled for last! 6. Choose plastic flooring Choosing the right flooring material and floor oil can give your home a brand new look. With so many options out there, which one is the most cost-effective? Premium vinyl flooring looks like real wood, is scratch and abrasion resistant, strong and waterproof, suitable for wet areas, and can be modeled after different materials, such as granite, stone, wood or ceramic. Vinyl can also be laid directly over existing tiles, eliminating the need to remove existing tiles, helping you save money. Tile and marble do have a higher resale value, but are very difficult to remove if you want to renovate later. Tip: If you don’t want to replace your floors, sanding or polishing your existing floors is a good idea. 7. Go simple Eye-catching walls or stylish and quirky designs can really make your home stand out, but they usually cost more to decorate. The simple and plain design can make the indoor space feel more open. The biggest advantage of taking the simple route is that there are fewer things! The less stuff, the less money you spend. When shopping, look for higher-quality products, and throw away or donate items you no longer use. Think of your renovation as a new beginning and perform a regular spring cleaning. Keeping your new home neat and tidy is not difficult at all. Tip: Use light-colored furnishings made from natural materials to create a sense of space. 8. Get hands-on If you ask yourself if you have a sense of design, why not trust yourself and do it yourself? Interior designers tend to cost more than building contractors. Using simple apps, materials, and careful planning, you can also do it yourself and save a lot of money. The results may be very good, and the decoration design may become your business! If you decide to hire someone to do the renovations, choose from a list of licensed contractors or seek a referral from someone you know. In terms of price, as we all know, high quality, speed and affordability cannot be achieved at the same time. If the contractor's quote is too cheap to be true, the speed or quality may not be up to standard. Tip: You should measure your time and experience. Doing it yourself poorly will cost you more. 9. Lighting and atmosphere Lighting fixtures with high power consumption will not only increase your renovation costs, but will also affect future electricity bills. Installing new electrical outlets costs money, so you might as well have fewer lighting fixtures in your home. Choosing light-colored walls such as white or beige can make the home brighter and enhance the sense of space. If you work from home, Guangmeng's home is also more convenient for you to conduct video conferencing and online interviews. Tip: You can use mirrors and glass panels near windows to reflect light. 10. Meticulous After completing your home renovation, don’t forget about the decorative details. Changing out a lamp or pillow is much easier than changing the wall color, and adding a personal touch doesn't have to cost a fortune. When guests visit, the first thing they notice is the cleanliness of the home, followed by the art and books, furnishings, indoor plants and smells. Your home may indeed smell, so invest in some scented candles and spruce up your space. Tip: When hiring a contractor, don’t pay the full amount upfront. Check to see if you’re satisfied with the results before paying off the balance. Take note of these ten tips to help you save money on your renovation!

Renovation project vs. interior design company When choosing a contractor, consumers should first understand the differences between the two. Generally speaking, decoration engineering companies provide fewer services than interior design companies. Some decoration engineering companies are small in scale and cannot provide management and supervision roles; on the contrary, interior design companies are generally larger in scale and can provide management, design and supervision services, so the fees between the two will also be different. Consumers should first establish a project budget, time and scope before looking for a suitable contractor. Consumers can choose the right company by referring to the company's past engineering projects, the company's reputation and commitment, and the scope of services provided, including measurements, designs, drawings, etc. 2 main ways of quoting It can usually be divided into two categories: design and construction, and simple construction. The former should generally be read together with the renderings and design outline, while the latter only has a quotation, which is suitable for those who already have detailed design drawings or the decoration project is very simple and clear. Consumers should pay attention to whether the project quotation is "baby delivery" or "actual quantity" after completion. The actual price may be slightly different from the quotation. 11 important things not to neglect Since decoration projects involve different processes, materials and manpower arrangements, if you want to clearly understand whether the quotation is reasonable and make comparisons, you must pay attention to the quotation details of each item below. 1. Demolition projects Whether things go or stay, make a list to avoid arguments. Renovating a house means that certain places and objects in the house may need to be demolished. Both consumers and contractors are responsible for clarifying the items that need to be removed and retained in the house before renovation, and making a list. Just in case, it is also necessary to discuss compensation or treatment methods if any objects or devices are damaged during the demolition works. Construction waste disposal fee During the renovation period, the contractor will transport mud in and out of the unit and dispose of construction waste generated during the demolition process. In the process, there may be a chance of contaminating public areas of the building. In order to reduce the impact on public places, most contractors will take temporary protective measures in advance. However, the disposal of construction waste and temporary protection measures will constitute the main charge part of the clearance project, so you should pay attention to whether these measures are mentioned in the quotation and whether the government's construction waste treatment charges are included; in addition, pay attention to Whether the indoor gas installations need to be handled and removed by qualified persons or companies; the extent of floor tiles and wall removal, etc. will all affect the charges. 2. Plumbing projects If the building where the unit is located is older, consumers may consider replacing the water pipes in the unit. Perhaps you may not know that the cost of replacing a water pipe is affected by many factors. It seems that the cost of replacing the water pipe is calculated from the first water pipe switch after entering the house, or from the layered water meter switch of the building. ? Use "open throat" or "dark throat"? Is the installation work calculated per foot of water pipe length, or per space (such as kitchen, toilet)? Even the materials and origin of the pipes and installation accessories used (usually the UK, Australia or China), these are all details that should be included in the quotation. 3. Electrical projects Calculate electrical switch charges Electrical work can be said to be one of the most controversial projects. The quantity of switches on the quotation is usually written "to be determined". The consumer and the contractor will discuss the distribution of switch locations at the unit site, or set a certain quantity first, and then make up for the excess after implementation. At this time, the contractor should provide each electrical switch position (such as single socket socket, double socket socket, telephone switch, network switch, etc.) and other switch positions (such as light switch position with more than one switch, two-way light switch, air-conditioning switch) , exhaust fan, etc.) fee calculation method. Some calculations are based on each group of circuits, or each switch surface, or only the switch cover is replaced. There are different calculation criteria. Keep your old equipment or reinstall it In addition, new construction or replacement of electrical switch boxes, pipes in walls, etc. will affect the charges. If the project cost includes a basic electrical switch cover, you should pay attention to whether the model or series is listed. If the consumer wishes to change the specified style, the quotation should also state whether additional charges will be involved. At the same time, if consumers determine that temporary power supply is required in their units during renovation work, they should complete the procedures as soon as possible to avoid delays in the project. 4. Mud water project List the actual construction area The cost of mud and water projects generally accounts for a high proportion of the entire project, including wall erection, brick laying, waterproofing, plastering, tile laying, stone paving, etc. It is best to list the actual construction area on the quotation, because the charge is usually calculated per square foot, so consumers can calculate the total charge for the project. What materials are included in "Jiangong Package Materials"? Mud water materials can be divided into "base material" and "fabric". The base material is British mud and sand, etc., while the fabric is tiles, stones, etc. Most of the contractors tested by the Consumer Council do not include fabrics in their quotations, so consumers need to purchase fabrics at their own expense. However, if the quotation shows "included materials", consumers should carefully understand what types of fabrics are included. If you want to purchase other styles, there may be additional charges. Construction methods also affect charges For example, if you plan to lay the floor tiles in a diagonal or herringbone method, you should be mentally prepared that the charges may be higher. Because these construction methods require higher skills from the workers, additional charges may be involved. The most overlooked link: waterproofing process The lack of waterproofing process may have a profound impact on the wall's ability to prevent leakage. Therefore, the quotation should specify the location of the waterproofing project, the waterproofing materials used, the height of the waterproofing layer, and provide waterproofing leakage testing. 5. Paint Project Contains materials Like mud and water materials, the materials required for painting projects can generally be divided into primers and top coats. Consumers should pay attention to whether the "combined work package" means that the charges for these two materials are included. If consumers wish to use paint with special functions, such as anti-formaldehyde, antibacterial, antifouling, etc., they should pay attention to whether additional charges will be incurred. Choose paint carefully: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfptcXjc9cc The number of times of shoveling and coating should be listed If the painting project is carried out on an old wall, the quotation must also indicate whether the paint on the old wall will be removed to the plaster layer or even "shoveled" to the concrete layer. The cost may be different. If the wall is newly built, the contractor should also specify whether right-angle strips will be used, the number of layers of plaster, primer, and the number of top coats of wall and ceiling paint. If there is not a sufficient thickness of paint coating during construction, the effect and durability of the finished product may be affected. Since the number of coats will directly affect the amount of material and labor costs, the number of coats of primer and topcoat must be listed separately on the quotation. 6. Carpentry and furniture projects Pay attention to installation and accessories details This project includes doors, light troughs and custom-made furniture. Consumers need to pay attention to whether the quotation lists various details and charging methods, such as whether the door installation includes the cost of door lock installation; all hardware accessories such as rails, Charges for hooks, cushioned door hinges, etc., and which party is responsible for supplying these accessories. Custom-made furniture charges In order to make full use of the space in the house and better match the overall style, many people choose to customize furniture. However, when quoting, you should pay attention to whether each piece of furniture has separately stated charges, materials, transportation fees and other charges. Generally speaking, cabinets are charged per square foot, while beds are charged per square foot. In response to consumer requirements, different designs of custom-made furniture (such as sliding doors or hidden doors) may affect the charges. Therefore, after finalizing the quotation, the contractor should provide drawings, detailed dimensions, material samples and colors for consumers to choose and sign for confirmation as evidence. 7. Cleaning Project After the project is completed, the entire house will be dusty. Consumers can pay attention to whether the contractor will provide basic cleaning services. However, in the Consumer Council's survey, only two contractors indicated whether they were cleaning the whole house or partial cleaning, but none The contractor mentioned whether it will provide services such as pest control or formaldehyde removal that are frequently used after renovation. Consumers need to make further inquiries, and there is a high chance that they will need to hire another relevant company to provide disinfection services. The importance of formaldehyde removal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FWEpoDXbdo 8. Other projects If the decoration will involve gas treatment, aluminum window replacement, etc., the quotation should specify which party will arrange and bear the cost, because these projects need to be handled by qualified persons. Taking the replacement of aluminum windows as an example, the quotation should also list the area and installation range of the aluminum windows, the structure and construction methods, the materials used for the aluminum windows, the thickness of the window frames, the style of glass and window grilles, etc., so as to calculate the total charge. The fees for setting up a tent will generally be charged separately. Installation process at the end of the project Don’t forget to install toilets, basins, wash basins, sanitary ware, lamps and electrical appliances during the “end-of-life” stage. , if the quotation does not indicate which party provides and installs the charges, consumers should take the initiative to inquire. 9. It is best to pay in 4 installments After understanding the details of each project, it’s time to implement the quotation, terms, etc. First of all, of course, you should pay attention to the payment method. Since installation projects usually involve a large amount of money, installment payment is generally accepted. The Building Inspection Institute of Hong Kong recommends that the payment method is best divided into 4 installments: It is best to pay in 4 installments It is best not to deposit more than 40% of the total amount of the project in the first phase. Otherwise, if the project is "unfinished" in the early stages, consumers will suffer heavy losses. At the same time, the quotation should also specify the time limit for each installment of payment according to clear criteria, such as according to the project or construction period, and avoid setting the time limit based on difficult-to-quantify criteria such as "30% completion of the project." It is better to pay the remainder only after the completion of project acceptance. 10. Contract terms The key to avoiding disputes, of course, is to pay attention to the terms. But what terms actually need to be paid attention to? Basic construction details Include the start and completion dates of the project, as well as its definition, such as whether the construction period only includes the construction project, not the custom-made wood products, to avoid endless waiting. There are also conditions that may affect the construction progress such as weather, human factors, factories or transportation, etc. Post-processing, leakage repair and maintenance If there are any post-processing procedures, the details of the process, charging method, payment method and completion date should also be clearly stated in black and white. This process can only be carried out after this part is listed in the quotation. At the same time, you should also pay attention to the completion period of the leakage process and the terms of the maintenance period. Additional fees, disputes and termination of contract If the project cannot be completed before the specified completion date, what will be the costs, compensation and calculation methods? If there is a dispute or disagreement about the quotation, or if either party wants to terminate the signed quotation, how should it be handled? There have been many cases in the past where consumers found problems with the quality of the decoration during the acceptance inspection and required the final balance to be paid after the final payment was completed. However, both parties often had different opinions on when to pay the final balance. There were even cases where the owner and the decoration company had issues with the final payment. If there is a disagreement, the decoration staff will lock the unit and remove the items in the house. Therefore, when signing the contract, you should communicate in advance about the project execution and final arrangements. 11. Insurance To avoid compensation for injuries to staff or third parties due to accidents during renovation, relevant insurance is generally purchased in advance. Consumers need to find out which party provides third-party liability insurance or home improvement insurance before the project begins. In our survey, about half of the contractors included insurance costs in their project costs, or could purchase insurance on their behalf. Consumers should remember to check whether the coverage meets their project needs, as well as the insurance service terms and details. The process after confirming the quotation Once the contents of the quotation are clear, the drawings, materials, construction period, etc. are confirmed, and legal or necessary applications are completed and insurance is purchased, the project can begin. The construction process is basically similar to the order of the engineering projects in the above quotation, from demolition, to water and electricity, to muddy water, painting, and carpentry. After handling the miscellaneous and cleaning work, you can check for acceptance, perform leakage, and finally complete the payment. You're done!

Manage renovation projects Renovation projects can improve the living environment, but at the same time, such projects also generate pollution and waste problems. Therefore, members of the public must carefully manage renovation projects. They should carefully consider in advance what projects need to be carried out, how to carry out these projects, how to dispose of renovation waste, and whether the project will affect family members and neighbors. Residents of residential buildings can contact the building's property management company before renovations and ask them to inform other residences of the project-related matters and mediate disputes if necessary. In addition, the property management company will also provide information on the rights and responsibilities of residents while the project is underway. More information on property management companies solving various pollution problems Control noise during renovation projects Noise from renovation works may cause a nuisance to neighbours. Here are tips for reducing noise nuisance: Avoid carrying out renovation work before 9am. Contractors of renovation works are reminded to stop using mechanical equipment, carrying out hammering work and handling rubble from 7pm to 7am the next day, or at any time on public holidays. More information on noise from renovation works Use environmentally friendly building materials Common painting materials such as solvent paints, solvents and adhesives contain large amounts of volatile organic compounds, which can cause air pollution and affect our health. The odor emitted by these materials also affects neighbours. To avoid the above problems, use aqueous paints or paints with lower VOC content, and avoid using plywood with high adhesive content. Using recycled construction materials is also a greener option. In Hong Kong, recycled construction materials can be used in: walls and partitions Carpets and other surfaces bench doors and windows The Environmental Protection Department's website contains a directory of recycled construction materials, which sets out the specifications, supplier names and contact details of these materials. More information on reducing VOC emissions More information on recycled construction materials Maintain indoor air quality Before commencing renovations, members of the public should understand the impact these activities will have on indoor air quality and their neighbours. In addition to volatile organic compounds, dust generated when polishing, cutting or polishing building materials can also cause indoor air pollution, causing eye and nose irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, and even difficulty breathing. To avoid these problems, the following measures should be taken: Renovation projects are carried out during times when fewer residents are in their homes. Avoid unnecessary renovation projects. Set up hoardings to isolate the renovation site from other places to prevent dust from spreading. Open windows and turn on exhaust fans to ensure indoor air circulation. Seal the air outlets and inlets of the ventilation system to reduce the spread of dust and other pollutants. After completing the renovation project, the following measures should be taken: Before moving in, make sure the indoor air is fresh and circulated. Allow any new furniture that contains formaldehyde adhesive to air out for a few days before moving it indoors. Keep your home well ventilated for several months after moving in. More information on maintaining indoor air quality during renovation Information about indoor air quality Reduce decoration waste During renovation, waste can be reduced through the following methods: Reuse materials such as hoardings, formwork, and scaffolding, and recycle materials such as metal. Order the appropriate quantities of ingredients only when needed. Store smaller items in suitable containers so they are easy to find - this reduces waste and saves money. Reserve space for storing classified materials such as metal, concrete, wood, plastic, glass, spoil, bricks and tiles, etc. Clearly instruct renovation project contractors on the requirements for classification and removal of construction waste. Send second-hand items such as old electrical appliances and furniture to recycling locations. All materials should be recycled/disposed of appropriately.

Before the advent of electric light, candles and kerosene lamps were commonly used for lighting. Kerosene lamps produce strong black smoke and a pungent smell, and require frequent refilling of fuel. In addition to being inconvenient, they can also easily cause fires. In order to improve human life, Edison began to search for filament materials. In the process of inventing the electric light, he tested more than 1,600 materials and finally selected carbon filament with a melting point of over 3,500 degrees Celsius. In order to prevent the carbon filament from oxidizing, he removed the air from the glass bubble and used carbonized paper strips, carbonized cotton strips, etc. as filaments. However, these materials also failed because they were fragile and easy to break. Finally, Edison successfully invented the electric light on October 21, 1879, the carbon filament incandescent lamp, a lamp that uses electricity to heat fine filament wires to incandescence to emit light. The life of the lamp can reach more than 1,200 hours. Behind Edison's success, he also experienced countless failures. The next year, Edison applied for an invention patent in the United States. He claimed: "We will make electric lights cheap, and only rich people will burn candles." The electric light he invented accelerated the industrial revolution at that time, and had a profound impact on future generations, changing the world. The whole world's pattern of life.