In recent years, the home decoration industry has seen a series of new regulations aimed at improving quality and transparency. This year, several key standards have been introduced by the National Association of Industry Associations, including the "Family Interior Decoration Project Quality Acceptance Criteria," "Family House Decoration Quality Acceptance Criteria 2013," "Home Industry Business Service Standards," and "Home Room Cabling Design Guidelines." These guidelines are designed to standardize construction quality, details, and acceptance procedures across the sector.
One of the main goals of these new rules is to regulate unfair competition and reduce low-cost bidding practices that often mislead consumers. The "Home Furnishing Industry Service Standards" specifically state that the actual cost of a home improvement project should not exceed 8% of the pre-agreed contract price. This aims to prevent companies from offering low initial prices only to add unexpected costs later.
Wang Xiaobing, deputy general manager of a leading decoration company, explained that while these measures may appear to lower costs, the total project cost remains unchanged. He pointed out that in the past, some companies would offer a lower price to attract customers but then add extra charges during final settlement. With the new standards, such tactics are being curbed, encouraging more transparent and accurate quotations from the start.
Another significant change involves raising the standards for construction processes, which could lead to higher overall costs. For example, the updated "Family Room Decoration Quality Acceptance Criteria 2013" includes modern techniques and materials that were previously not part of the industry norms. Traditional methods like cement-based tiling are now being replaced with more advanced, high-cost alternatives like thin-set tile installation. According to Wang Ke, president of Yaguangya Decoration, although these new standards are not mandatory, they signal a clear shift toward higher-quality work and increased expenses.
The "Household Interior Decoration Project Quality Acceptance Criteria," developed by the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Department's Housing Industrialization Promotion Center, is a national mandatory standard covering walls, floors, waterproofing, doors, and windows. It also sets strict requirements for kitchens and bathrooms.
Meanwhile, the "Family Room Decoration Quality Acceptance Criteria 2013" was created by the Beijing Building Construction Committee and the Beijing Building Decoration Association. Compared to the national standard, it sets higher technical and detail requirements, streamlining outdated processes and incorporating modern materials and methods. It also includes environmental protection standards and inspection protocols after each section.
The "Standards for the Operation and Services of the Home Industry," issued by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, will officially take effect on September 1st. This domestic trade standard covers various aspects of the home industry, including sales, service, and management activities.
Lastly, the "Code for the Design of Domestic Cabling Design" was jointly developed by the International Copper Association and the Home Improvement Committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. It has been approved by the China Standardization Association and is expected to be implemented in the first half of this year.
These new standards are shaping a more transparent, competitive, and professional home decoration market, ensuring better quality and clearer expectations for both businesses and consumers.
Shandong Zeen Decoration Material Co., Ltd. , https://www.zeendecor.com