ud83dudcda Living Room Renovation Series u2014 20 of 20
u2190 Living Room Renovation Vol.19: Air Conditioner Install Pt.2 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 (last article) u2192
u270fufe0f Originally published: 2016-12-18 / ud83dudd04 Rewritten: May 8, 2026
2026 Update from DIY Dad: Living Room Renovation u2014 Complete! A Final Retrospective
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Cordless Drill & Driver Kit
The single most-used tool across 15 years of rental property repairs.
With the air conditioner installed, the living room series is officially finished. What started with a roof leak repair turned into a 20-part series u2014 a true epic.
Installing the Second Air Conditioner u2014 Getting the Hang of It
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Complete Home Repair Tool Set
A complete kit beats buying individual tools every time u2014 cheaper and always ready.
This living room unit was my second self-installed air conditioner. The process went much more smoothly than the first one (in the Japanese-style room). The sequence u2014 flare forming, vacuum pulling, and opening the refrigerant valve u2014 was starting to feel natural.
As a mechanical designer, I always say “precision improves through repetition.” DIY is no different. The first time you work through a process carefully with the manual in hand; by the second time you move with confidence.
Looking Back at All 20 Steps
The sequence ran: switch removal u2192 masking u2192 wallpaper stripping u2192 roof leak repair u2192 ceiling reinforcement u2192 skim coating u2192 wallpaper hanging u2192 switch reinstallation u2192 intercom replacement u2192 ceiling fan installation u2192 air conditioner installation.
Looking back, the biggest lesson is to draw up a complete project schedule before you start. Working in whatever order feels right leads to moments like: “Wait u2014 I already installed the switch plates and now I can’t hang the wallpaper.” Plan the sequence first.
The Return on Investment (Landlord’s Perspective)
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Adhesives & Sealants
Keep a stock of these u2014 you’ll use them on every single repair job.
Here’s what actually happened after this living room renovation: I raised the rent by 2,000 yen per month and had a tenancy application within one week. The cost-effectiveness of DIY renovation is extraordinary u2014 DIY Dad can say that with complete confidence.
For Wall Materials, Lumber, and More
Online sourcing for lumber and board materials often yields better quality than the local home improvement store u2014 that’s been DIY Dad’s experience.
Hey there u2014 DIY Dad here.
Continuing the first-floor living room renovation series.
The living room is done!! Let’s take a look at the finished space.
Tidied up for the first shot.
From a different angle.
One more. That’s it for today u2014 thanks for following along with the whole series!
ud83dudcda Living Room Renovation Series u2014 20 of 20
u2190 Living Room Renovation Vol.19: Air Conditioner Install Pt.2 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 (last article) u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
