The key element of interior design lies in fundamental structure. With the same budget, allocate more resources to essential components such as insulation, moisture protection, and windows rather than focusing on noticeable elements like wall coverings and flooring.
Nam Kyung-yup, aged 49, photo CEO of New Build, boasting 24 years of expertise in the interior design sector, made these remarks. Before establishing the interior renovation firm New Build in 2018, CEO Nam held positions at Samsung C&T and the residential department of Kolon Construction. Starting from last year, he has additionally managed the personalized interior service 'New Home,' connecting businesses directly with clients. He is well-known for his role as an authority offering interior design "hacks" via the YouTube channel 'New Build TV.'
CEO Nam stated, "Renovating an older home primarily depends on fundamental structural improvements." As an illustration, he mentioned that even if one invests 100 million South Korean won in decorating their residence elegantly, it would be pointless if the dwelling remains chilly during winters, sweltering in summers, and has insufficient water resistance in the bathroom. He further noted, "Numerous well-established apartment complexes utilize materials with subpar insulating properties. Without replacing them, regardless of how meticulously the internal renovations are carried out, residents will ultimately reside in a property with flaws."
Having a solid foundation in fundamental building practices can be beneficial when reselling the property in the future. CEO Nam stated, "Although people might have different opinions about home decor, everyone agrees on the importance of insulation, water resistance, and window quality." He added that although elements such as structural framework, architectural style, and material finishes could affect the selling price differently based on personal taste, essential construction aspects contribute significantly to enhancing the property’s worth.
When selecting an interior design firm, he recommended verifying if they hold an appropriate interior construction permit, ensuring the registered business address aligns with their true location, and confirming that the company’s name matches the one on the bank account used for paying construction deposits. He added, "Before beginning the project, you must thoroughly review whether the company can present a detailed work timeline and whether they offer regular updates on daily progress prior to signing the agreement."
He further recommended verifying whether the company is capable of issuing a defect guarantee bond prior to signing the agreement. This type of bond ensures that if issues arise following completion of the interior work and the company fails to carry out repairs, the insurance provider will cover the resulting losses. CEO Nam stated, "This serves as a protective step to avoid scenarios where the company denies post-sale support or disappears without notice."
