We Live Love Laugh

[dexufto 5]

301110 Ikea Shopping

I think everyone should have an item from Ikea, most of the stuffs are reasonably priced (though some say that it may not be lasting). We siezed the last day of Nov to purchase some of the bulky items and had them delivered on friday, 3rd Dec (day of delivery of our electrical appliance) to optimise the little number of Leaves I had back at work.

Items purchased includes,

• 1 x MÅNSTAD Corner sofa-bed w storage blue-grey
• 1 x Deloft glass cabinet
• 2 x Expedit brown-black
• 2 x Expedit drawers
• 4 x Rattan baskets
• 1x Stall hat rack

Total damage incurred (inclusive of delivery): $1,936.4

To my pleasant suprise; I was presented with $120 of Ikea friends vouchers.

Will be back for more December offers (ps: do check out the daily deals here).

I am also an 'Ikea' fan! As our Ikea furniture was bought less than a year, I am keeping the 2-seater white sofa (my sister will help to give it a thorough cleanse using a type of chemical wash), and one white side board which is my favourite! All things in white is my favourite!

I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your complete reno.

08/12/10 (day 30)

After several hours of hardwork;

I managed to get my Ikea Furnitures in good shape;

Manstad sofa-bed

We love this sofa,

first; it fits my missues' mandatory frabic requirement (I would love leather actualy ),

second; it is large L-shape sofa that fits my required size.

third; convertable to queen-size sofa bed with storage space. (being limited to a 3-room, we would love

to utilise every space we have)

fouth; the price is right.

Expedit Shelves

Deloft display cabinet

We were looking for a glass display cabinet to display our toys and collections and find this appropriate.

Interested persons look out for it on the 20th dec, it's gng for $59 instead of $85)

We will be heading back tomorrow; 13th Dec to grab the Omar Shelving unit.

One note: The completed Stall hat rack appears to be too big for our place-

we had intended to use it as a shoe rack.

Looks like Ikea doesn't accept returns on assembled items

http://www.ikea.com.sg/en/service/store-se...turn-policy.asp

Edited December 12, 2010 by dexufto

[dexufto 5]

Aircon trunking adjustments;

Sam came down to test the fancoils and to inspect the quality of the work done by his man.

Was recommended to adjust my main Hall Fancoil an inch to the right;

this is to facilitate maintaince in the future;

The maintence team would need to remove the fancoil covers for servicing in future,

this would inevitably rip the ugly silicon that binds the small gap on the left (refer to my post #171, 3rd pic)

A small cut-out trunking to be replace the thick silicon instead.

A call to Aron and he arranged for his man to come down last Saturday; 12th Dec.

This was the result of the adjustments. It looks neater as well.

Lastly, how do you find Aaron's service btw?

It's about time I share his services;

Review of Imperial Distributors

Sales (knowledge, advice): 10/ 10

Installation (worksmanship): 8/10

Prices : 10/ 10 (cheapest amongst my findings)

quality of product/service: 10/10

aftersales: 10/ 10.

I've made upteen calls to Aron previously; from initial quires of different brands of aircon to prices.

He was always patient and when he's busy he would revert as promised.

Altogether, his team made about 4 trips to my place to make sure that my aircon is well taken care of.

Would I recommend the shop? Definitely Yes.

Keep up the good work.

Edited December 13, 2010 by dexufto

[Julian.T 0]

Hi Julian.T

Your nick looks familar, but I don't recall you have T-Blog

I believe that the RT72KASE only comes in white..Thanks, I have been monitoring on this fridge for the longest time.

Previously BD is offering the $100 off + camera deal, but I figure I don't need another camera. I purchased it from one of the electrical sale at Expo (by AH), what it matters is they allow me to hold with $79 deposit and includes free delivery as well

Sounds like you were eyeing on this unit as well?

If my memory didn't fail me, I saw it advertising at $1399 (with free $100 voucher off + $200 ntuc (or was it Giant) voucher.) from yesterdays' papers.

Thanks. I'm delighted you benefited from my insights, please go ahead & extract, comment. At the end of the day, we are here to share our renovation journey.

Hi,

have yet to start a T-blog.. (half lurking around, half post a bit here n there).

Still sourcing for a few ID/contractors to compare...and also read thru some of fourm T-blog for some ideas as well.

As for the fridge, its just happen so that i brought back some samsung brochure and mind is still fresh from yday window shopping.

= )

[laternel 0]

08/12/10 (day 30)

After several hours of hardwork;

I managed to get my Ikea Furnitures in good shape;

Manstad sofa-bed

We love this sofa,

first; it fits my missues' mandatory frabic requirement (I would love leather actualy ),

second; it is large L-shape sofa that fits my required size.

third; convertable to queen-size sofa bed with storage space. (being limited to a 3-room, we would love

to utilise every space we have)

fouth; the price is right.

Expedit Shelves

Deloft display cabinet

We were looking for a glass display cabinet to display our toys and collections and find this appropriate.

Interested persons look out for it on the 20th dec, it's gng for $59 instead of $85)

We will be heading back tomorrow; 13th Dec to grab the Omar Shelving unit.

One note: The completed Stall hat rack appears to be too big for our place-

we had intended to use it as a shoe rack.

Looks like Ikea doesn't accept returns on assembled items

http://www.ikea.com.sg/en/service/store-se...turn-policy.asp

Hi there,

I saw your hse done up with laminated flooring(correct me if I am wrong), I would likt to ask how much did it cost you on the flooring for laminated wood. Need advise becuase I intend to do up my 3 bedrooms.

[edward 0]

dex, is yr reno completed? are you going to show some before and after photos later on?

[chang2 0]

Thanks chang2,

I assume you are a 3-roomer? $15 maybe a bit tight, but I believe I have come across forumers whom has done up with this budget. Have PMed you the contacts. All the best for your selection.

Like you I have a budget, however I'm blessed with generous relatives

Thank u dexufto for the contact, i'm not going to do any flooring..just cove light, feature wall, kitchen n 2 partition..hope can squeeze into my budget

[dexufto 5]

Sorry peeks,

something held up within the family..

PM sent.

Hi there,

I saw your hse done up with laminated flooring(correct me if I am wrong), I would likt to ask how much did it cost you on the flooring for laminated wood. Need advise becuase I intend to do up my 3 bedrooms.

Hi edward, the renovation is almost completed;

left with the pole-system for my WIW and another final round of painting.

will do the pre/post pics when time allows..

dex, is yr reno completed? are you going to show some before and after photos later on?

oic chang2,

that sounds do-able definitely,

All the best with your reno journey. hope that Edmund gives you a satisfactory quote..

Thank u dexufto for the contact, i'm not going to do any flooring..just cove light, feature wall, kitchen n 2 partition..hope can squeeze into my budget

Hi kenlim_76,

Prices and details are already documented at my earlier post here;

under the lights story.

http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=589972

Didn't get it from online, got it from JB, 3Ws LED. Online maybe cheaper I heard.

you bought the led downlights from? how much each? thinking of buying online. How many watts are you using? 9w or 3w? appreciate your reply.

Hi macy84,

My main contractor is Edmund from A-decor,

It costs about $23k w/o the laminates, window grills+gates, false ceiling & my tv console.

Thee's some additionals/ subtractions during the renovation phase, will post up

Have sent you a PM. Sorry for the late reply.

Hi dexufto,

How much did u spend on the whole renovation and which contractor u engaged to?

hi there, how much u have spent for entire reno, include those lum sum accessories, wiring, plumping, everthing...

do you find ur contractor is good and responsive?

can u PM me ur reno details?

thanks

Edited December 15, 2010 by dexufto

[dexufto 5]

Propose Electical/lighting Plan:

Lighting, switches and sockets

Our Live love Laugh consists of

31 lighting points (of which 11 PLCs, 4 T5 coves)

2 fans

1 Tel

1 SCV

1 Heater

1 A/C

as well as 4 double sockets, 6 single sockets and

2 4-Gangs, 2 2-Gangs and 5 1-Gang.

And here's the Legrand Switches which my contractor promises. I was pleasantly surprised that even the sockets are

from Legrand as well.

Concealed wiring.

I wanted my switches to look as subtle as possible. However HDB has regulations on concealed trunking on walls.

Nevertheless, with the use of gypsum board, we managed to achieve this effect.

The finished product is just faceplate. Sleek and clean.

switches; Hall before

switches; Hall after

switches; TV console

Of course, we don't have the luxuary to have all wires be concealed, but my contractor promised he tried his best.

I'm happy with the results.

For more references on wire management, visit reki's blog here.

[dexufto 5]

I like the initative made by Edmund,

having the switches for microwave & oven be placed at a more convenient location.

Eubiq 600mm power-strip system for the kitchen appliance

[dexufto 5]

Walk-In-Wardrobe (WIW) Story (part 1).

Besides having conventional wardrobes with swing-open door, the 'pole-system' (or bracket system) normally comes with a Sliding-door or Open-concept ("Walk-In-Wardrobe" or WIW) which is gaining popularity.

These normally comes with 2 pole structures (up to 3cm thick in width) as skeleton to hold the shelves/ drawers in place.

Google "pole system wadrobe" and you will find many images of these.

Below are some of the pole system retailers, bear in mind that the list may not be exhuastive.

lumierawardrobe

Excel

opsh

cupboards

Alumix & ximula

closetdesign

closetrobe

The main bulk of the cost mainly comes from the (A) length of the wardrobe that you have

and (B) the choice of sliding door.

(A) Most pole system costs by the your desired length, however do note that Alumix/Ximula (both are of the same company, diff is that Ximula is the premier range) and Excel charges by the number of desired shelves/ hanging rods/ poles as tabulated cost. And of course, a drawer may cost more and hence normally they would give you one per pole-system. Opsh, Closetdesign & Closetrobe goes by per foot run; they charge a certain price for the first XX feet and additonal amt ($200-$250) for additional foot run. However these retailers can give you UNLIMITED amt for shelves/ drawers/ pigeon holes you want for your wardrobe.

(B) Sliding door: Lumierawardrobe allows any choice of sliding door be it mirrored surface at no additional costs, however most other retaiers requires additional top-ups. Special mirrored surface like bronze/ grey mirrors would cost more than normal ones. And some retailers have a wide span of doors to choose from; laminates to glass to mirror. It's all about money.

Only Alumix/Ximula have the choice of top-hang tracks only, as they are the manufacturer of Besglas.

And of course, should you have WIW, you do not need this option for door.

Cost: very competitive, each has it's Pros & Cons.

I was eyeing on pole-system for my WIW & a mirrored sliding door for my shoe/ TV console. Excel maybe the cheapest , but unfortunately it chalked up to be hefty with when i desired to have 20 shelves in mind. It is also limited to 60cm/ 80cm shelves which doesn't justify my TV. On this in mind closetdesign/closetrobe/osph maybe more ideal.

Closetdesign & Closetrobe has an additional choice of "Flexy" wardrobe- this is a non-pole system but uses shelves as partition, which may proof to be more fuctional

My review of the various dealers below is based solely on my personal opinion. For better and more accurate description, may i recommend visiting their showrooms: Alumix@TPY, Closetdesign@Balestier/Jln Basar, Closetrobe@Ubi Ave & OSPH@ Simes Ave and also for quotes specific to your needs.

I would be looking for the 2 configurations

i) An "L-shaped" wardrobe w/o doors (280cm-L x 120cm-B) -for MBR

ii) A 270cm wardrobe full grey-mirrored door -for TV console/ shoe cabinet

Cupboard illumiflex

One of the very first dealer we visited (also a place where I got to know about the cool Blum system).

What is impressive is the interior of the wardrobe systems; they also alow LEDs be configured within the poles.

Alumix

A simple no frills WYSISYG, the price is quoted based on the number of shelves/ drawers/ poles required to fufill your desired WIW. This will be ideal and relatively inexpensive should you require only basic poles for your hangers.

For (i) $1477 with 3 drawers, (ii)$2297+1360(mirror)+ gst= $3913

Excel HW

They offer a pretty competitive pricing after alumix, however the length of the shelf are restricted to 600mm or 800mm. Hence it is not appropriate for the purpose of TV console.

(i) $2057 with 6 drawers

Lumeria

I was attracted by the mirror doors without having to incure additional cost. However at the same time, disappointed that

they don't offer tinted mirror though. I find the bottom tracks protrusive and hence may encourage tripping.

OSPH

I was drawn to the motion lighting (after much thoughts, I can puchase my individual philip motion sensor lights if needed). Nevertheless, it has one of the most accessories amongst the rest of the pole-system dealers.

(i) $2340 for 6 drawers + 2 assessories (ii) $2450 (mirror +100/ panel)

Closet Design

Interestingly they have something they call a US concept (pole-system) and flexy (shelf-partition). Closet Design generously allows unlimited configurations at a fixed cost (i)$2200 with 6 soft-close drawers (ii)$2600

I was decided on Closet Design until Esther from Closetrobe (a 'sister-company') gave me a better deal. I understand that closet design can offer a maximum length of 1000 mm for each shelf (any longer, the shelf may not sufficiently contain the weights and may wrap). Esther recommend the flexy system as it doesn't restrict the width for my tv console.

Eventually we sealed the deal for (ii) for $2400 at the Expo promotion.

Before (an empty spot)

Completed (with grey mirror)

[gimz63251073 0]

Hey dex, mirrors look great!

great writeup on the WIW stuff... would like to see the inside of your shoe area if possible...

[dexufto 5]

Hey dex, mirrors look great!

great writeup on the WIW stuff... would like to see the inside of your shoe area if possible...

Thanks Ginz,

Mirror is certainly one quick way to 'increase the spacious' feel.

The shoe area contains mainly shelves of 7" space (height) in between each shelf

Continuing on the WIW;

(part 2) The 270cm wardrobe full grey-mirrored door -for TV console/ shoe cabinet

I planned to have a shoe cabinet nearest to the enterance of the main door,

whist so, the TV would be placed somewhere in the near region.

The Third consideration is I wish to have mirror panels to amplify my area. It would give the place a spacious sense.

There you have I lumped my ideas and created this TV console/ shoe cabinet design and thereabouts seeking for

appropriate contractors/ wardrobes specialist to do this configuration.

This is the layout which Esther from Closetrobe provided;

It diviated from the original 2 panels design (of 1400mm x2) to 3 panels (of 900mm x 3).

Having 3 panels has more gains than cons;

Gains: by sliding all panel to one side, it reliefs my TV console a glorious 1800mm (instead of 1400mm) of space

It still allows column of 700mm shoe area.

Cons: I would require an additional track (which makes it thicker- 4.5") for the sliding door+ additional panel.

That will incurred additional cost. Well, you can't have the best of both worlds

Edited December 21, 2010 by dexufto

[dexufto 5]

posting some backdated reno-works

16/12/10 (day 35) WIW completed.

Part3

Guess picture speaks louder than words;

I'd let the picture do the talking.

my An "L-shaped" wardrobe w/o doors (280cm-L x 120cm-B) -for MBR

before - an empty shell

after -

Eventually I didn't engage any of the dealers for the above pole-system,

it was covered by my contractor instead.

Edited December 21, 2010 by dexufto

[reglxt 0]

posting some backdated reno-works

16/12/10 (day 35) WIW completed.

Part3

Guess picture speaks louder than words;

I'd let the picture do the talking.

my An "L-shaped" wardrobe w/o doors (280cm-L x 120cm-B) -for MBR

before - an empty shell

after -

Eventually I didn't engage any of the dealers for the above pole-system,

it was covered by my contractor instead.

Very nice!!

[january 0]

Concealed TV console/shoe cabinet... I'm very intrigued.