Interior renovation, one topic at a time

Compares visible finishes — floor, wall, tile, bathroom, kitchen, windows — and performance-critical materials. Each card shows the main types, strengths and best-fit spaces; the detailed guide continues into selection, quoting, installation and care.

Interior cost · budget by size

Before picking individual finishes, get the big picture: cost share by unit size and trade, turnkey vs semi-self vs self, and the add-ons quotes often miss.

KeyKitchen, bathroom and windows are over half the budget

WatchVAT, demolition and worn-out utility replacement are easy to leave out

See the cost guide →

Flooring

Compares gangmaru (engineered), laminate, solid wood, LVT and sheet vinyl by price, durability, noise and heat conduction.

StrengthBalances ondol heat transfer with durability

Best forLiving room, bedrooms — general living space

Flooring guide →

Wallpaper & wall finish

Silk vs paper vs mural wallpaper vs water-based paint, install order, and fixing peeling/mold defects.

StrengthChanges the largest surface area

Best forAll walls and ceilings, accent walls

Wallpaper & wall finish guide →

Tile

Porcelain vs ceramic vs polished, size choice, thinset vs adhesive install, and grout/caulk care.

StrengthNear-permanent, water- and stain-resistant

Best forBathroom, kitchen, entryway, balcony

Tile guide →

Bathroom

Waterproofing, slope and ventilation-first work order, fixture/faucet choice, and preventing leaks and mold.

StrengthHidden waterproofing is what matters most

Best forFull bathroom remodel

Bathroom guide →

Kitchen

Door materials (LPM, PET, painted) and countertops (engineered stone, etc.), plus built-in electrical/plumbing needs.

StrengthChoose for daily workflow and durability

Best forKitchen cabinet replacement / remodel

Kitchen guide →

Windows & doors

System vs double windows, insulation/airtightness grade (U-value), glazing, and condensation/noise solutions.

StrengthDrives heating/cooling cost and condensation

Best forBalcony/exterior windows, door replacement

Windows & doors guide →

※ A lighting & electrical finish guide is in preparation. For now, see the “Electrical & lighting” section of the cost guide.

From first search through consultation, quote, contract, construction and defect repair — in the order a consumer should check. Each step links to a detailed (Korean) article.

1. 1. Understand firm typesGeneral / specialist / direct / platform — scope of responsibility and construction-business registration8 ways to choose an interior firm
2. 2. How to find firmsCheck track record and portfolio; look up KISCON-registered firms8 ways to choose an interior firm
3. 3. Prep before consultingOrganize scope, budget and material taste with photosInterior cost · budget by size
4. 4. Compare quotesSplit into material / spec / quantity / unit price; compare 3–5 firms on identical termsHow to compare quotes properly
5. 5. Check the contractStandard contract, staged payment (deposit/interim/balance), late-penalty clauseStandard contract & staged payment
6. 6. Prevent extra-cost disputesState in the contract that extra work can’t be billed without written consentRelated (Korean)
7. 7. Check during constructionPhotograph/record trades that get covered up — waterproofing, plumbing, electricalBathroom
8. 8. Defect repair & aftercareUse trade warranty periods (papering 1yr, flooring/tile 2yr, waterproofing 3yr)Claiming defect repair & disputes

Standard contracts, dispute-application channels and registered-firm lookup.

1. D-45 – D-30Concept & budgetGather 50 photos
2. D-30 – D-15Visit-quote 3–5 firmsQuote comparison
3. D-15 – D-7Sign standard contract, pay depositSelection criteria
4. D-day – +21dDemolition → carpentry → papering/paint → finishContract checklist
5. Completion +14dDefect check → pay balancePhoto/video record