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Hi all, on this post, I'll like to go through how we have worked with our contractor on our home design. Based on my experience thus far, it is really crucial to provide contractors some form of visual representation of the design you had in mind, instead of relying on verbal communication as they are very busy people and tend to miss out on certain details. During the first couple of meet-ups with my contractor, we ran him through our moodboard and the floor plan so as to brief him on the design requirement using visual aids. Our Moodboard that we presented to our contractor: Next, we took him through the masonry requirements such as which wall to hack by illustrating it on the powerpoint slide below. This is important because they have to know to apply for HDB permit. Next we provide him our ceiling and flooring requirement like the below. Then we drill down to every category of the apartment on the design requirement (Standard BTO apartment category includes: Kitchen, dining, main entrance, living, corridor, toilets, each bedroom, service yard). Below is an illustration on how we briefed out requirement for common bathroom. After all these were done, my contractor will get a ID to provide a 3D design of the house based on the requirements that I have briefed him. He is a chinese uncle who speaks limited English. Hence, I was initially worried that he may not get what I've wanted. However, when I received my first draft of my 3D design through him (he has helped to engage an ID to do a 3D for me), the design was exactly what I had in mind. He got it! I was ecstatic. Of course, I've made a few changes here and there, but the overall look and feel remains. Here are the 3D designs provided by my contractor:

Design Theme and Style: American Classic Contemporary Design Pinterest has been my 'best friend' when it comes to sourcing for a design theme. I feel that the hardest part is to merge your own idea with your partner's idea, unless both parties have the exact SAME vision of their house. Hence, constant communication and compromises are ever so important during this process. My fiance LOVED marble and wanted to incorporated that to the theme. He initially wanted marble flooring, which was disputed by an ID we met. The ID claimed it is not necessary to splurge on marble flooring for a HDB flat because that wouldn't eventually fetch you a higher selling price when you eventually sell off your flat. That's so true! I'm glad the ID has managed to 'convince' my fiance otherwise! Nonetheless, despite not real marble flooring, we are still looking to include procelain marble into the design. Flooring wise, we are looking to do Vinyl flooring in the living/dining/service yard area while laying parquet for the 3 bedrooms. Vinyl Flooring suppliers: We have been out and about sourcing for a vinyl flooring supplier and it is really by golden chance that we chanced upon this wholesale vinyl flooring shop at Sungei Kadut that supplies to other vinyl flooring stores when we were around that area (went to Gain City). Their price is very competitive! G***h***: We are getting out vinyl tiles here! It is $2 psf cheaper than MOST suppliers! Jo****w***: The vinyl tiles came from German (not sure if it's made in Germany, that you gotta check with them). Their tiles are beautiful and the quality is really good. The only downside is the price! Vo*****er: We visited the warehouse or store, looks more like warehouse. The price is competitive but I was hesitant about the quality of the tiles. Si****** Fl******: I don't quite remember our experience here, but i believe the reason it is off the list is either it is expensive. T** F**** G******: It's more expensive than the supplier we are getting from.