Home Renovation Issues Record
Description
First time dealing with this renovation company, also my first time renovating, this renovation does not include custom furniture.
Renovation Package
Cost around 110,000 CNY
- B3 package
- Additional items: Only tile grouting
Company’s Official Marketing
Screenshot from recent Beijing subway ads
Actual Issues
From the start of renovation to now (0831 - one week after moving in), I’ve discovered the following issues. All are marked with final status.
1. Grouting worker urinated in kitchen, violation - Resolved
- Reported to the company, went through official complaint process, eventually settled privately. Grouting company and the main company provided compensation and cleaning service. Of course there were some twists during this process. The lesson is that third-party services like grouting in renovation are very unreliable.
- Since this issue involved compensation resolution, I removed the original video online to avoid too much impact on the foreman.
- To avoid affecting appetite, I won’t post the original images/videos here.
2. Kitchen tile color was changed during process, but designer didn’t remind that grouting color also needed to change, causing significant color difference in kitchen - Left unresolved
This issue was left unresolved because changing grouting would damage tiles.
Screenshot shows current kitchen tile + grouting effect
Screenshot shows bathroom tile + grouting effect
The direct cause of this issue was that I changed tile color, but as a non-professional, I didn’t think about changing grouting color accordingly. The designer, being more professional, didn’t remind me either, causing this major color difference issue. Had to accept it.
3. Outlets not horizontally aligned, some angles ridiculously off - Resolved
Several were very crooked. I got a level and checked each one, finally had the worker go through and fix them all.
The foreman’s explanation for this issue: Some outlets didn’t have level available during installation, so they weren’t done properly. 😮💨
4. Company promised 2 USB port outlets not installed - Resolved
Reported to designer/foreman, finally foreman compensated with 2 USB outlets. I found on JD there are two types with price difference of 20 vs 70 CNY, so if we don’t pay attention, it’s quite a rip-off. Foreman’s explanation was that if you don’t mention it, he won’t proactively buy and install these. But the absurd thing is that the company’s package clearly stated this.
5. Bathroom vanity includes light, but corresponding electrical handover stage didn’t leave appropriate outlet - Resolved
Since no outlet was left, had to use the method shown below, but it’s dangerous and unsightly
After negotiation, solution as shown in image 2
6. After handover completion, discovered all outlets had no power
This issue was extremely absurd and wasted my time. Finally resolved, it was due to weak current box issues.
7. After handover completion, first use revealed bathroom drain blockage
8. Bathroom shower fixture left large gap, but wasn’t informed
I personally used air conditioning putty to fill the gap, didn’t report this upward.
9. Washbasin faucet hot/cold connections reversed
Finally had worker come fix this by reversing the washbasin drain pipes.
Notes
- Of course these issues don’t represent that other brands/teams won’t have these problems, this is just a record. My impression of this company is that at least it doesn’t match their advertising promises.
- Currently it’s still okay, just don’t do their add-ons and renovation needs close supervision.
