According to the Chengdu Consumers Association Home Decoration Industry Complaint Station, two key areas in home renovation—woodwork and waterproofing—are most prone to quality disputes, making up more than half of all renovation complaints. As spring, a peak season for home improvement, approaches, senior master Wei offers some practical advice: "You don't need to be on-site every day, but you should definitely pay close attention to woodwork and waterproofing projects."
Waterproofing Construction Phase
Check Materials and Follow the Right Order
Waterproofing has always been a tricky part of home renovation. The main focus is on bathrooms, and if not done properly, it can cause serious issues like water damage to neighbors below and wall dampness. When your contractor arrives at the site, make sure to check the quality of the waterproofing materials. Compare them with what was promised in the contract, and if necessary, ask a professional to verify their authenticity. Before applying the waterproof layer, the floor must be leveled with cement mortar. If the surface isn’t smooth, even the best waterproof coating may not adhere evenly, leading to leaks later on.
Inspect Brushing and Conduct a Water Test
During the waterproofing stage, the work needs to be thorough. In busy seasons, workers might rush through the process, which can lead to mistakes. Be present on-site to ensure that critical areas like the junction between walls and floors, or around pipes, are fully coated. These spots are often overlooked. Also, check whether the bathroom’s waterproof layer reaches at least 1.8 meters high to prevent water from seeping through the walls. If the walls are non-load-bearing, cover the entire surface with waterproof material. After finishing, conduct a water test together with the workers: block the drain, create a 25cm “dam†at the bathroom entrance, fill it with 20cm of water, and leave it for 24 hours. Then inspect the walls and floor for any signs of leakage.
Woodwork Construction Phase
Monitor Wood Moisture Levels
Woodwork is a common element in most home renovations, including moldings, frames, and built-in furniture. If the moisture content of the wood isn’t controlled during installation, it can lead to warping, cracking, or deformation due to temperature changes. In Chengdu, an ideal moisture level is between 8% and 12%. When the contractor arrives, make sure they’ve left the wooden panels on-site for a few days to acclimate to indoor humidity. Once everything is ready, apply a protective top coat immediately. This not only enhances the appearance but also helps maintain the wood’s moisture balance.
Supervise the Details
The durability of wood products largely depends on the craftsmanship on-site. While many homeowners aren’t familiar with the technical details, experts recommend visiting the site during peak construction times to monitor the work. Pay attention to small but important aspects, such as ensuring that glue isn’t diluted with water, which can weaken the bond. If the adhesive is compromised, the wood may swell or deform when exposed to moisture, causing long-term quality issues.
By staying informed and proactive, homeowners can avoid many common pitfalls in renovation. As the season begins, taking a little extra time to supervise key areas like waterproofing and woodwork can save a lot of trouble down the line.
Reporter: Zeng Ting, Chengdu Business Daily
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