Tag Eco-friendly materials

For ordinary home renovations, even if you have plenty of money, there are nine items you shouldn’t spend too much on; and of course, there are nine items you shouldn’t skimp on, even if you’re on a tight budget. Home renovation is all about balancing savings and splurges—don’t end up wasting your money unnecessarily.

1. Save on tiles, but don’t save on wood flooring. Tiles don’t need to be expensive; just choose ones from Guangdong origin, as the quality is generally similar. Focus on patterns, textures, and ensure they are flat—cheap tiles won’t wear out easily. However, wood flooring is where you shouldn’t cut costs, mainly due to environmental concerns like formaldehyde emissions. Always opt for reputable brands with ENF-grade certifications for safety.

2. Save on latex paint, but don’t save on primer. There’s no need to go for imported or children’s paint; apart from slightly lower VOC levels, the application effect is similar to domestic paints. Stick to basic versions from well-known brands, costing around 500 yuan per bucket. For primer, avoid unknown brands—poor quality often requires adding glue, leading to formaldehyde issues. Choose branded ready-mixed primers to prevent cracking and ensure eco-friendliness without glue.

3. Save on pre-filters, but don’t save on under-sink water purifiers. Pre-filters have minimal impact in new homes, acting as coarse sieves; they’re only somewhat useful in older homes or areas with poor water quality. A model with backflush function for 300-400 yuan is sufficient. For drinking water, invest in an RO reverse osmosis system paired with a pipeline machine to boost quality of life. Always select brands with genuine RO membranes and universal filters.

4. Save on TVs, but don’t save on projectors. LCD TV technology is mature, so high-end models aren’t necessary—they’re often just decorative in living rooms. A 65 or 75-inch brand TV for 3,000-4,000 yuan is enough. Projectors, however, aren’t as advanced; cheaper ones have poor image quality, blurring in daylight or dim light. Avoid models under 5,000 yuan to prevent frustration.

5. Save on integrated ceilings, but don’t save on bath heaters. For kitchen and bathroom ceilings, use aluminum panels in 300 specifications, costing over 100 yuan per square meter—they’re durable and won’t break easily. Choose thickness above 0.6 to avoid noise from wind. Bath heaters, being high-power appliances, affect comfort and safety; good ones offer better heat dissipation and longevity for a pleasant shower experience.

6. Save on custom cabinets, but don’t save on hardware. Custom cabinets don’t require brand names—quality depends on materials and design, not the brand. Buy panels locally, have them processed by factories, and assembled on-site. Hardware, like hinges and handles, must be high-quality to ensure cabinet longevity; cheap options lead to rust, breakage, and constant issues, causing annoyance.