Finishing with Mustafa Jumaa | New Episode on Latest Finishing and Decor Trends 5-8-2026

[00:09] Finishing" program on Al-Hadath Al-Youm channel. With you today is Mustafa Jumaa. God willing, we will talk about a very important topic in finishing work, which is the problems that

[00:21] finishing work, which is the problems that anyone entering the finishing stage always encounters. We will start anyone entering the finishing stage always encounters. We will start with the plumbing and continue until the with the plumbing and continue until the apartment is completely finished, discussing the problems encountered at each stage,

[00:33] apartment is completely finished, discussing the problems encountered at each stage, how to avoid them, and how to overcome them. The first problem we always see in most apartments is dampness, with the plumbing leaking

[00:46] in a specific area. The main factor in this is the issue of main factor in this is the issue of waterproofing in the bathroom and plumbing. First, waterproofing in the bathroom and plumbing. First, waterproofing. Of course, we get

[01:00] waterproofing. Of course, we get good waterproofing materials and check, for example, how my waterproofing works, like the neck of a bottle. I start by adding water and waterproofing it, leaving it for a day or two, and taking notes so that I can later check if the water level has decreased

[01:18] later check if the water level has decreased or if it's still the same. This is regarding The or if it's still the same. This is regarding The second thing regarding plumbing is insulation. First, the plumbing materials themselves, the materials I'm working with, the

[01:31] craftsman who installed it for me, and the most important thing in all of this is my warranty. The warranty company comes and presses the pipes and marks every part of the materials

[01:45] part of the materials I'm working with. This indicates that I'm working correctly, because if there's any leak later after I've finished tiling the whole apartment or the whole job, it's considered a failure and everything gets ruined for me. What's the reason? Because of the

[02:00] plumbing. The next point regarding plumbing, or rather, the plumbing installation, is that after I finish and install the tiles, there's a small gap between the tile and the pipe or elbow for the

[02:17] water supply. So, I have to use small gaskets. These gaskets come in several types, and I prefer, or rather, the These gaskets come in several types, and I prefer, or rather, the best material for them is copper, as it's rust-resistant and weather-resistant. So, I've solved both the

[02:35] plumbing and insulation problems. Now, let's move on to the most important and biggest problem: the gypsum board. Of course, the gypsum board problem is that in some places, I find the gypsum board cracked or the

[02:51] find the gypsum board cracked or the joints are visible. The second point regarding gypsum board is the materials I use. As a client or someone

[03:03] finishing the work, I don't know how to differentiate between these materials, and I don't know how to tell if the gypsum board installation is correct or not, or anything else. Of

[03:15] or not, or anything else. Of course, last week someone called me about a villa in Al Shorouk. I went and he told me, "Come and see how things are here." I found that see how things are here." I found that all the gypsum board was closed flat and lying on the

[03:28] ground. I found that the craftsman had installed something called what? He rode. The problem with these joints is that I install them with small screws, but they don't work. I talked about this point small screws, but they don't work. I talked about this point before. They don't work with a hook. This hook is

[03:42] before. They don't work with a hook. This hook is like a Fischer system, made of iron. Where is it fixed? like a Fischer system, made of iron. Where is it fixed? It is fixed to the ceiling and is called a "Akmon". Of course, this fixing is completely different from the fixing in the method of fixing gypsum board. There are two ways: either with a "Tish" (the

[03:57] Tish is an iron nail) or with a "Hang" (the Hang is a closed nail, but it is large and can bear Hang is a closed nail, but it is large and can bear weights). But which do I prefer? Of course, the best work is the T- string. This T-string is a nail in an iron beam that goes into the ceiling.

[04:13] iron beam that goes into the ceiling. how do I know that, for example, this installer didn't cheat me on the materials or the

[04:26] cheat me on the materials or the installation system? First, I should have seen their work before and talk to them about their installation method and the stages of the gypsum board installation. I should have them photograph each stage, for example, when they're making the frame, or I should accept

[04:42] for example, when they're making the frame, or I should accept the frame from them. This way, I avoid the possibility of them cheating me regarding the elbow or angle bracket. If I'm using angle brackets, I

[04:54] reduce the spacing. For example, if I'm using every 60 cm length and 60 cm width, I use every 50 cm for the angle brackets, and 60 cm width, I use every 50 cm for the angle brackets, excluding the tie beams. So, if I see a excluding the tie beams. So, if I see a

[05:10] repair, which is any gap in the gypsum board, must be sealed with fiberglass mesh. gap in the gypsum board, must be sealed with fiberglass mesh. This is done at the time of delivery. Gypsum board and plastering on it, otherwise if there is no, if any joint is not covered with

[05:27] any mesh or fiber, it is impossible for it to hold up as it should, and later over time it will hold up as it should, and later over time it will crack. And I have a point about the light box. If I am crack. And I have a point about the light box. If I am going to install a light box, for example, I have the corner of the

[05:42] going to install a light box, for example, I have the corner of the light box, I install an iron angle bracket or its alternative, which is metal. You can’t leave the connection between the back metal. You can’t leave the connection between the back panel and the small mirror without

[05:55] anything to fix it for me, to fix my straightness. If I have a flying flat, what do I install for it? And the edge, which is an inverted angle, is installed with the thickness of the gypsum board. This is the topic of gypsum board and the problems I always encounter in my work. We'll go back to

[06:13] the relationship between plastering, painting, and electricity. These three share one point with me: after I finish an apartment, after I finish the finishing touches, I start

[06:26] lighting my spotlights on the wall. If the wall has any problems, any imperfections in the plastering will appear. Anything in the plastering from the beginning that the painter can't fix will appear. So, I have two methods: if I'm working from the very

[06:42] beginning, if I'm working on the apartment from the bricks, I start by working with a square and a quarter of the plastering area. We explained this point in detail before. No, but if I receive the apartment, for example,

[06:58] half-finished, meaning it's all plastered, what do I do? There's something called cement-based putty. I work with my putty; it's a putty. If I apply cement plaster once, twice, or even three times—

[07:12] meaning I apply a coat of plaster twice or three times, of course, and I have to spray it all over the wall along with my sealer—and I find there are still problems with the wall, I start in a second stage, which is when I

[07:25] can treat the wall itself. This means I have to apply a layer of Futec plaster, for have to apply a layer of Futec plaster, for example. I prefer Futec plaster on the wall. I example. I prefer Futec plaster on the wall. I have several alternatives. If the cement plaster doesn't work for me, then for the

[07:40] have several alternatives. If the cement plaster doesn't work for me, then for the cement plaster instead. Cement plaster helps it set a bit, and I work with a large hand. I mean, I make sure the

[07:54] painter working with me uses a large hand, more than 60 cm, which will hide a lot. If the problem is bigger than that, I have to work on the wall with a

[08:06] bigger than that, I have to work on the wall with a decorative finish, and the best finish is Futec plaster on the walls. When light comes in, it reflects or hides the light. The issue

[08:20] reflects or hides the light. The issue of the wall vents... we'll move on from the of the wall vents... we'll move on from the topic of walls, paint, and electricity to the topic of air conditioning. Air conditioning is a very simple topic, but its problems later on are very, very significant.

[08:35] very simple topic, but its problems later on are very, very significant. something called back-to-back, meaning I place the fan behind the vent, with the compressor outside. If

[08:47] I have the fan behind the compressor, it might end up near the vent, near the curtain. Then, when I open the curtain, I find the fan is obstructing me. So, what's the solution? We've mentioned

[09:02] the fan is obstructing me. So, what's the solution? We've mentioned before that you have to lay the groundwork for the air conditioning beforehand. If I receive the apartment fully finished or partially finished, I still need to break down the walls and lay the groundwork for the air

[09:14] conditioning in a place away from the window and away from the television. And I'll explain why: if there's a television, television. And I'll explain why: if there's a television, monitor, bookcase, or something similar, why would I place my air conditioning vent far away? So, the first thing is to lay the groundwork for the air conditioning so far away. Regarding the curtain, so

[09:29] I can open and close it properly, of course, the drainage pipe shouldn't be left unattended. drainage pipe shouldn't be left unattended. When installing the air conditioner, its drainage must be connected to the bathroom drain. Now, back to the

[09:51] common mistake, or the one I see a lot and have dealt with many problems for, is installing the air conditioner and TV on top of a

[10:05] air conditioner 's drainage can easily become blocked, causing 's drainage can easily become blocked, causing

[10:19] water to leak onto the screen, which then burns out. So what back of the bookcase. If the bookcase is in front and the TV is at the back, the the bookcase is in front and the TV is at the back, the air conditioner has two advantages: first, it

[10:33] 's further away from the TV, and second, the airflow isn't directed directly onto the TV. What's airflow isn't directed directly onto the TV. What's

[10:48] next? We'll get out of the air conditioning and we're done, of course. The problem is humidity, and The problem is humidity, and then the lighting problem. I have two main problems with the tiles. I always find, when I'm walking, after I finish tiling, that

[11:04] walking, after I finish tiling, that my tiles are hollow, as we say, or there are gaps, or they make a noise when I'm walking. What's the problem with this? The problem with this is that the mortar doesn't adhere completely to the tiles. There are always gaps in the mortar

[11:20] between the tiles. So, while I'm working, I might have explained a small point in the last episode about how to install tiles or porcelain with spacers

[11:32] or porcelain with spacers and clips, and how to adhere the tile from the back with the mortar, and how to install the tiles, and how to raise my leveling board. And if I'm installing a large tile, how can I make the whole floor level? Of course, I prepare the ground

[11:50] and plaster it first, then I install the tile with mortar if it's less than 120 cm. If it's 120 cm, I install it with the mortar. All the gaps must be even, and the edges of the tiles must be perfectly aligned, and

[12:04] edges of the tiles must be perfectly aligned, and the mortar must reach every single piece the mortar must reach every single piece of the tile. Okay? That's the of the tile. Okay? That's the first problem I have with the tiling. Now, back to

[12:17] the topic of electricity. Many people tell me, for example, that we're sitting tell me, for example, that we're sitting at home and we hear about... A crackling sound here A crackling sound here Something about my loads or the automatic going down on its own in the heat or so The

[12:31] automatic going down on its own in the heat or so The first thing I use is the wires that are certified for first thing I use is the wires that are certified for many Cuban things. I have to get it. I am the one who goes out and buys my material myself, whether it is, especially the wires. I mean, I

[12:45] get them certified, not not Cuban. There are shops that get a lot of damage. Of course, it is respectable. It sells the original thing. The lot of damage. Of course, it is respectable. It sells the original thing. The second thing is I know how to distribute the loads for the entire apartment. This means that the air conditioning is on a single line, the

[12:59] chair in the room is on a separate line, and the lighting is on a single line. Yes, it will be a little expensive for me, but it will save me from the problems that arise with me later. The issue of

[13:11] me from the problems that arise with me later. The issue of first was the LED profile and the LED is normal, and the three tartans do not come with a warranty, but now in Many respectable companies have entered the

[13:27] now in Many respectable companies have entered the market and always provide a warranty on the profile LED, its transistor, and the LED. The same applies to the 220V LED. Even now, there are LED profiles that plug directly into the mains without a transformer. So, should I buy something reliable with a

[13:43] transformer warranty? It lasts longer. There are also good wireless LEDs with longer. There are also good wireless LEDs with warranties – very good and reliable options. The third point is wiring. As we said, how do I distribute my loads? For example, if

[14:01] I have a 5 HP or 3 HP air conditioner, shouldn't I use 2 mm or 3 mm wire? No, the use 2 mm or 3 mm wire? No, the minimum for air conditioners is 6 mm. So, we've covered most, or a very large, section of the problems that

[14:17] anyone encounters during finishing work. Now, let's move on to the "Ask the Finisher" section. to the "Ask the Finisher" section.

[14:29] Some questions have come to us, and we'll answer them to explain what's required during finishing work and how to address common problems. We'll select a few questions and, God willing, answer each one. Relaxedly, and now we have the first question from the viewers:

[14:46] and now we have the first question from the viewers: ? Okay, this point, or this part, I talked about it

[14:58] at the beginning. When the paint starts to peel, I have three problems. First, the bathroom's humidity or the bathroom's insulation isn't ideal. Second, the walls. I

[15:13] ideal. Second, the walls. I start plastering the walls one after the other, or I don't let the plaster dry completely, or it dries so much that I start applying sealer

[15:25] or it dries so much that I start applying sealer and finishing the walls. So, the solution is that as soon as I finish plastering, I let the and finishing the walls. So, the solution is that as soon as I finish plastering, I let the apply the sealer and putty, and let the putty dry for a day or so.

[15:44] After that, I start working on finishing the paint. The third point is when, paint. The third point is when, for example, the plasterer comes and mixes his mortar next to any wall. The wall, by its very nature, absorbs the water, and then when I

[15:59] its very nature, absorbs the water, and then when I remove it, it washes out the putty and paint. My second question is with Mr. Essam. Hamada, an electrician, asks: "Are

[16:11] Mr. Essam. Hamada, an electrician, asks: "Are all ceramic tiles first-grade?" "No, of all ceramic tiles first-grade?" "No, of course not. Not all ceramic tiles are first-grade. First-grade tiles need to be verified by checking the invoice

[16:24] and the box when they arrive at the site. I've seen first-grade companies recently, and I always find problems with the tiles themselves. So, I have to choose a

[16:37] So, I have to choose a reputable company for my ceramic or porcelain tiles. My next question is: Why do tiles sometimes make a noise noise when you

[16:51] walk on them? I just mentioned this problem. It's because the labor costs are high, and there are gaps under the tiles. The tiles didn't receive

[17:05] enough material. I always say that when hiring a worker, especially for tiles, the labor costs might be a bit high. So, don't skimp on this point. Why?"

[17:19] I can tolerate it for a while if, for example, he has one or two apartments ahead of him, then it's fine. especially with the tiles. It will cost me a lot of money. So, the first thing is that the contractor is good, and I have to see his

[17:35] first thing is that the contractor is good, and I have to see his work beforehand. I don't want him to be someone I found online or anywhere else; not everything online is bad. I have to have seen his work his work before, even if it's online. I should have his data

[17:49] beforehand, see his previous work, what he's done, what problems he encounters, and how he avoids them. A good contractor might be a little more expensive, but you'll get a clean job. The next question is, should

[18:06] I install the air conditioner before or after painting? The air conditioner issue is the first thing to consider, even before plastering. We install the air conditioner's plumbing before plastering. air conditioner issue is the first thing to consider, even before plastering. We install the air conditioner's plumbing before plastering. Why do we install the air conditioner's plumbing? Because of the drainage. He will go to the bathroom, even if it is on a balcony that has a drain. Take it cold and

[18:22] put it on the bathroom without any air conditioning. It must have a drain, and his drain will be on the bathroom. I always avoid that if I put the air conditioner back to back, it will affect me, as I said before. It will affect me in the curtain, and it will affect me in the matter of the library and the screen. It must be

[18:40] far from the screen and it must be far from the curtain. That’s the question. That’s all right. Next, what is the reason for the smell of sewage to appear in the bathroom even though everything is new? The first thing should be me. When I

[18:53] live or in the apartment, I must have good insulation. My base is installed. I make sure of the lock on the drain. There is a lock like this that blocks water so that it does not enter the

[19:07] outside spirits, the building’s belongings, or the entire drainage pipe. I have the second of these three points. I need to make sure of what. I check them. The next question is: Can I change the location of

[19:19] the kitchen or bathroom before receiving the property? Of course, it works, and this is the first point we talked about in the first episode. The first stage in the work with me is the stage of

[19:31] modification and demolition. Of course, I work on a plan. I have a complete plan like this. I will work on it. I will move the kitchen from here or give it here. I will open a bathroom in the reception. All these things must be on a plan and on a correct plan so that I do not have any problems after that.

[19:49] Okay, the next question is: what is the most important thing I should do before I take possession of the apartment from the tradesman? Don't give any money until you've received the work and agreed with him on

[20:02] work and agreed with him on how we'll receive it and how you'll make payments how we'll receive it and how you'll make payments during the finishing process. After I finish the work completely, I during the finishing process. After I finish the work completely, I come to receive it to check if the

[20:15] work he did is as agreed upon or if there are any differences. If he differences. If he finishes his work correctly, I give him the remaining balance. The next point regarding the tradesman is that

[20:29] even if I can't receive the work myself, I can get a knowledgeable industrial engineer whom knowledgeable industrial engineer whom I trust to receive

[20:42] his work and close his account. I always don't start any other phase until I've closed the previous work and settled his accounts. And that's the end of our episode on the "Finishing" program. I'll see you, God willing,

[20:54] in a new episode next week with Mustafa Gomaa on Al-Hadath Channel. next week with Mustafa Gomaa on Al-Hadath Channel.