Whole House Customization vs. Traditional Renovation: What Chinese Homeowners Prefer

In China’s fast-evolving housing market, homeowners are becoming more selective and sophisticated in their renovation choices. A growing debate has emerged between two popular approaches: Whole House Customization China and traditional renovation (传统装修). Each offers unique benefits and challenges, but recent trends reveal a clear preference among modern Chinese homeowners.

What is Whole House Customization?

Whole house customization refers to a comprehensive and integrated home renovation solution. From design to construction, furniture, lighting, appliances, and even smart systems, everything is coordinated by a single provider. This all-in-one approach offers a high level of personalization and aesthetic harmony.

Popular Chinese brands such as OPPEIN, ZBOM, and Holike have driven this trend, offering full-package services that cater to busy professionals and families who want a hassle-free experience.

What is Traditional Renovation?

Traditional renovation, on the other hand, follows a fragmented process. Homeowners hire separate contractors for design, carpentry, electrical work, painting, and furniture. While it provides more flexibility in selecting individual components, it demands considerable time, energy, and decision-making from the homeowner.

In the past, this was the most common approach in China. However, its limitations are becoming more evident in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Why Whole House Customization is Gaining Popularity

1. Time and Energy Saving
   In major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, white-collar professionals often lack the time to manage the many moving parts of a traditional renovation. Whole house customization simplifies the process with a one-stop service, from design consultation to project delivery.

2. Unified Aesthetic and Quality Control
   With one company handling everything, there’s better coordination in design style, color schemes, and material quality. This helps avoid the common mismatches found in traditional renovations.

3. Smart Home Integration
   Modern Chinese homeowners are increasingly tech-savvy. Whole house customization easily integrates smart home systems such as automated lighting, security, and voice-controlled devices — a service that traditional renovators may not be equipped to provide.

4. Transparent Pricing and Fewer Hidden Costs
   Many whole house packages offer fixed pricing models, making budgeting more straightforward. Traditional renovation, in contrast, often involves unforeseen costs due to design changes or coordination issues.

The Case for Traditional Renovation

Despite the popularity of whole house customization, traditional renovation still appeals to certain groups:

• Budget-conscious homeowners may find it more affordable, especially if they can manage the project themselves.

• Experienced homeowners who understand construction and interior design may prefer the creative control traditional renovation offers.

• Rural and second-tier city residents may still favor traditional methods due to lower service availability for whole house customization.

Younger Generation Drives the Shift

Millennials and Gen Z homeowners are the key drivers behind the shift towards whole house customization in China. These groups value convenience, modern aesthetics, and integrated digital solutions. Moreover, social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin have popularized customized home tours, influencing tastes and expectations.

Government Support and Industry Growth

China’s government is also supporting the standardization of home improvement services. Policies promoting prefabricated construction and eco-friendly housing have made whole house customization more scalable and appealing. According to industry reports, the whole house customization market is expected to reach over 500 billion yuan by 2026.

Final Thoughts

While traditional renovation still holds a place in certain demographics, the trend among urban Chinese homeowners is clearly moving toward whole house customization. It offers convenience, consistency, and a modern living experience that aligns with today’s fast-paced, tech-driven lifestyle.

For homeowners seeking a stress-free, stylish, and fully integrated home, whole house customization is quickly becoming the preferred choice in China’s dynamic property market.