<p>There is a beginner's guide for you so that you can renovate your first home with little stress. In this post, interior designers and renovation experts spill their best home renovation tips for 1st-time homeowners.</p>
<h2>&gt; LIVING ROOM</h2>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171169 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-quick-renovation-tips-for-1st-time-homeowners_3725171649732906.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" /></p>
<p>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/united-team-lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Team Lifestyle</a></p>
<h3>Wall</h3>
<p>#01. Use washable wall paint for high-traffic areas so that smudges and dirt can be easily wiped off.</p>
<p>#02. Hack the walls only when absolutely necessary since this may depreciate the property value if you wish to sell in the future.</p>
<p>#03. Avoid hacking half-walls since it is more expensive than fully hacked walls.</p>
<p>#04. Consider using wallpaper or decals as a feature wall since they are much cheaper and can be easily refreshed.</p>
<h3>Floor</h3>
<p>#05. Use larger tiles to make the living room look bigger and easier to clean since there are lesser grout lines.</p>
<p>#06. Use marble or wood look-alike homogeneous floor tiles since they are more economical and easier to maintain.</p>
<h3>Curtains</h3>
<p>#07. Make the ceiling appear higher by installing the curtain rails at the top most ceiling edge and ensure that the curtain length reaches the floor.</p>
<p>#08. Set aside an additional half inch for the curtain length in case the material shrunk after wash.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171170 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-Quick-Renovation-Tips-For-1st-Time-Homeowners_1630741649727209.jpeg" alt="" width="2500" height="1671" /></p>
<p>Design: <a class="" href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/team-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Team Interior Design</a></p>
<h3>Furniture</h3>
<p>#09. Make the place look roomier by choosing low-slung furniture that hugs the floor.</p>
<p>#10. Decide on the furniture first before deciding on the interior design theme, since it is harder to find the furniture to match the theme.</p>
<h3>Laminate</h3>
<p>#11. Place the laminate samples against the wall if you want to match them with the wall colour.</p>
<p>#12. Avoid using textured laminates since dirt gets easily trapped on an uneven surface.</p>
<h3>Carpentry</h3>
<p>#13. Ensure that there is sufficient clearance for the robot vacuum electrical plugs and docking base for installation of the robot vacuum cubbie under the cabinet.</p>
<p>#14. Set aside an additional 1.5cm of depth, due to the protruding parquet skirting, for living room cabinet carpentry.</p>
<h3>Light switches and electrical points</h3>
<p>#15. Install a light switch near the entrance so that the switch is within reach once you reach home at night.</p>
<p>#16. Install the electrical points nearer to the floor so that the messy plugs and electrical wires can be hidden behind the low-slung TV console.</p>
<h3>Electrical Appliances</h3>
<p>#17. Avoid installing the air conditioner directly above the TV console in case of plugged condensate line, which causes the water to drip right onto the TV.</p>
<p>#18. Install the ceiling fan at least 18 inches from the surrounding walls.</p>
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<hr />
<h2>&gt; KITCHEN</h2>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171174 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-Quick-Renovation-Tips-For-1st-Time-Homeowners_6633141644546433.jpeg" alt="" width="1500" height="1080" /></p>
<p>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/project/costa-rhu-169079#:~:text=13/13-,Elique.co,-11%20Projects%20%7C%200" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elique.co</a></p>
<h3>Wall</h3>
<p>#19. Choose satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish paint for the kitchen since it is easy to clean and is resistant to mildew, stains and dirt.</p>
<p>#20. Porcelain wall tile is harder, denser and less porous than regular ceramic tile and hence a good choice for high-traffic areas in the kitchen.</p>
<h3>Floor</h3>
<p>#21. Use larger tiles to make the living room look bigger and easier to clean since there are lesser grout lines.</p>
<p>#22. Choose anti-slip tiles for areas which are prone to be wet.</p>
<h3>Laminate</h3>
<p>#23. Install high-pressure laminates as they are able to withstand heat and moisture.</p>
<p>#24. Use edge-banded finish to seal the exposed sides of the laminates and to protect the core material from humidity.</p>
<h3>Countertop</h3>
<p>#25. Antimicrobial Countertop such as Quartz, it’s non-porous, which makes it easy to clean and resistant to the incursion of bacteria and other germs.</p>
<p>#26. Choose the bullnose countertop edge finish since it is a more kid-friendly option due to its soft, semi-circular edge profile.</p>
<p>#27. Increase the countertop surface with the kitchen sink cover, which made of the same material as the countertop.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171172 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-quick-renovation-tips-for-1st-time-homeowners_RLIFfnxBL3jBXjEwLac6NlWSq6-TIL-Ascentia-Sky-7.jpeg" alt="" width="1000" height="1500" /></p>
<p>Design: <a class="" href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-interior-lab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Interior Lab</a></p>
<h3>Carpentry</h3>
<p>#28.  Ensure that there are no gaps between the ceiling and the upper kitchen cabinet to prevent dust from being trapped in between.</p>
<p>#29. Use marine-grade plywood for the kitchen sink cabinet since it is more water durable than regular plywood.</p>
<h3>Lighting and electrical points</h3>
<p>#30. Install a task lighting above the kitchen countertop where you prepare your food.</p>
<p>#31. Spread the electrical points along the kitchen counter so that the kitchen appliances will not cluster in one corner of the countertop.</p>
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<hr />
<h2>&gt; BATHROOM</h2>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171176 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-Quick-Renovation-Tips-For-1st-Time-Homeowners_5181951644397148.jpeg" alt="" width="970" height="1300" /></p>
<p>Design: <a class="" href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-interior-lab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Interior Lab</a></p>
<h3>Wall</h3>
<p>#32. Choose moisture-resistant paint such as Dulux <em>BATHROOM+ EMULSION PAINT</em> so that the walls and ceiling will not mould.<br />
<br />
#33. Install grab bars at strategic corners of the bathroom so that they can also be used for hanging towels.</p>
<p>#34. Curb the mould growth by installing a wall ventilation fan to keep the bathroom dry.</p>
<h3>Floor</h3>
<p>#35. Use anti-slip R10 to R11 rated floor tiles to prevent accidental slips.</p>
<p>#36. Choose a coloured grout and sealant if you are using dark coloured floor tiles.</p>
<h3>Carpentry</h3>
<p>#37. Set aside 12 cm for the shelf depth if you wish to keep toilet rolls within reach in the bathroom.</p>
<p>#38. Use a corner vanity unit to save extra space if the bathroom is compact.</p>
<p>#39. Install silicone bumpers on the cabinet door to prevent surface damage when it slams against the wall.</p>
<h3>Water taps</h3>
<p>#40. Use thimbles which are water-saving devices in the water taps and showerheads to reduce water flow.</p>
<p>#41. Install basin mixers so that you have ease of access to warm and cold water.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171177 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-Quick-Renovation-Tips-For-1st-Time-Homeowners_7jCKFCGMleyipavXPPLYggZt912-Ecasa-Studio-Pheng-Geck-Avenue-6.jpeg" alt="" width="867" height="1300" /></p>
<p>Design: <a class="" href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ecasa-studio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ECasa Studio</a></p>
<h3>Water basin</h3>
<p>#42. Avoid slim or shallow styles since they are only suited to powder rooms, where they are used for washing hands.</p>
<p>#43. Use integral sinks which are easier to maintain since they are made from the same material as the countertop they are set into.</p>
<h3>Lighting  </h3>
<p>#44. Install backup lighting such as cove lighting in the bathroom in case the primary lighting is not working and needed some time to be fixed.</p>
<p>#45. Use accent lights in the form of hidden LED strips around the mirror or around the vanity area.  </p>
<p>#46. Consider using motion sensor lighting so that you do not need to fiddle with the switches when you need to visit the bathroom in the middle of the night.</p>
<h3>Door </h3>
<p>#47. Install a door sweeper at the bottom of the door to prevent humidity and moisture from leaking into the master bedroom.</p>
<p>#48. Use clear vinyl wrap for the bottom of the wooden door to prevent it from water logged after it is in contact with water.</p>
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<hr />
<h2>&gt; BEDROOM</h2>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171179 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-Quick-Renovation-Tips-For-1st-Time-Homeowners_4430111644378205.jpeg" alt="" width="867" height="1300" /></p>
<p>Design: <a class="" href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ecasa-studio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ECasa Studio</a></p>
<h3>Wall</h3>
<p>#49. Consider using smart glass or switchable privacy glass technology for switching of glass walls from transparent to opaque with the flip of a switch for on-demand privacy control.</p>
<h3>Curtains </h3>
<p>#50. Use blackout night curtains for optimum privacy and to keep the light out.</p>
<p>#51. Use velvet since it is thick and excellent for insulating the room against the tropical heat.</p>
<p>#52. Choose a thicker curtain rod since it is more versatile and can hold the weight of any fabric.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-171180 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/60-Quick-Renovation-Tips-For-1st-Time-Homeowners_2-Brickwood-Studio-Fernvale-Link-5.jpeg" alt="" width="1500" height="1500" /></p>
<p>Design: <a class="" href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/brickwood-studio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brickwood Studio</a></p>
<h3>Furniture</h3>
<p>#53. Install soft felt glides underneath the bed frame and chairs as they will protect the hardwood floors from being scratched.</p>
<p>#54. Consider using multifunctional furniture such as a storage bed frame or head bed, since they can help extend the storage volume without taking up extra space.</p>
<h3>Carpentry</h3>
<p>#55. Use sliding wardrobe doors instead of casement doors when there is inadequate clearing space for the doors to open.</p>
<p>#56. Create a seamless facade by extending the adjoining wardrobe laminate design with the master bedroom en suite’s door. </p>
<h3>Lighting and electrical points</h3>
<p>#57. Ensure that there are sufficient electrical points in the bedroom for humidifier and charging of personal mobile devices next to the bed.</p>
<p>#58. Install wall lights at the sides of the bed for nighttime reading and switches that control all of the lights in the bedroom.</p>
<h3>Home cinema</h3>
<p>#59. Set aside a distance of 3 to 8 feet from the projector to the wall for short-throw projectors. Avoid using textured wall treatments since the unevenness will show up in the projection.</p>
<h3>Door </h3>
<p>#60. Install weather stripping at the doorframe, so that when the door is closed, light and air-con are unable to leak through the door opening.</p>

60 Quick Renovation Tips for 1st Time Homeowners

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