Yenming

Hi cereal killer, Dun be sad over the renovation ups n downs. Its inevitable to hav minor conflicts along the way. But wat most important is that I believe he will always try to rectify all the problems before the actual handover day. Let me share wif you our experience. We are also recommended to "him" from this forum. To reduce uncertainty, we even visited the forumer's place to assure that renovation works and quality is able to meet our stringent expectations. Thru enuff, the carpentry wrk is really up to standard. Similarly, we also have a tight budget and his is aware of it. However, after several comparisons, we finally signed up with Him. During the renovation process, he did make suggestions to change certain things or how and where to put our appliances in order to make our place more spacious (space planning). Of cos, fr a designer's point of view, the place will not be perfect if some things are left unchanged. And that's the reason as to why we r engaging an ID and not a contractor. A good ID will provide suggestions as to how to make the place better. On the flip side, some of us may nt like the idea tt an ID will change our original idea as what our dream place will be. So its up to individuals. Along the way, he took the initiative to help us think of better designs to improve our ideas. My shoe cabinet is the result of many changes in the design. We told him tt initial design is a bit common. And he went back to think of improvements. We really appreciate his efforts. We are also not "easy" owners. We keep changing our minds. He is also patient and helping us to absorb the additional cost if he can. We dun treat him as an ID but friend. So we even recommended our friends to him and all of them are happy owners. You mentioned that he's busy sms-ing during your discussion. We actually have the same encounters. Perhaps we r not offended by his actions becos we knew tt he's really busy. He is not serving us only. He is also responsible to other owners and not only us. Wat happens if now my place is facing problems, and he ignore my sms/calls. After sales service to us is also important.So we actually give in to these. Besides, he is aware of our expectations and he'll settle all our concerns. Even until now, we still went back to him to settle some minor touch-up wrk even though we shifted in 3 mths back. I hope by telling u our experience can help to you to cool down. Dun worry. Cheers.

wow. ur 2nd 3D drawing is very nice. i like the living room design.

Hi, I'm helping my frn to compile good IDs contact. Can I also have Kelvin's contact? Please help to PM me. Thanks

Thanks, SoS. I haven received the final bill from ID. But we estimated that it should be ard 43K (excluding re-wiring). Hi millienium_bear, we r nt sure if this is the new trend. But we din put tiles because of tight budget. then after seeking advice from frns, we decided to do w/o it. unless heavy cooking, the walls will still look new. heehee...

Hi, yup. I din put tiles in the kitchen. only do plastering.

Hi kevians, ic. odd shape for shoe rack?? tt's interesting.. hope to c it too! so u hav already started ur renovation? i tink the price for carpentry is fixed by per foot run.. so i'm also nt very sure abt the price of doing odd shape. ... yup. we moved in already on 31/Aug. last few weeks busy cleaning n rectifying the flaws. he's slow but at least he make sure he hand over to us wif all problems being rectified.

really?? din heard fr johnny le. i only saw him bringing one couple up. most of the time, he comes up himself to monitor the wrk. anyway, i lup my place. its cosy n practical. so yr id is also johnny? u've been to our place previously? wat happen to ur shoe cabinet? cracking on new design arg? heehee oh. near us.. we'r neighbours.

thanks. we r residing near Bangkit LRT station. You? Sorry. We have no idea wat's e actual name for such switches. I only heard them saying 45deg switches. as for the cost, we did not pay additional. so we assume it shd be similar to those normal switches. heehee

Tt's wat we feel too. Sofa will only arr by End/Sep. Will update pics later.

Good Follow-Up by ID Although, Johnny is extremely bz, we r glad tt he's able to remember wat we have requested him to take note and follow up. I believe that not every ID is able to expedite a 100% follow-up. But at least we can see that he's able to follow up closely for us. For example, we told him tt the common toilet has a ugly pipe. He tried to help us think of way to cover it. We tried painting it over orange. But its still ugly. Finally, he came up wif another idea to remove the original pvc pipe and replace it wif another "so call better looking stainless steel pipe". it looks much better now. BEFORE AFTER Today is the final installation for all works. Kitchen workstation backsplash, some pending switches, granite top and mirror for vanity at MBR toilet, MBR TV console black glass. Thurs shall be general cleaning. Last touch up for paint will be on Fri. However, he discovered tt the diamension of my toilet granite top is not according to wat was informed to carpentor. Hence, they need to re-do the granite top for my vanity again. hai... i think they r nt able to complete it before the handover. Of cos, we do not blame Johnny since it was granite ppl who did not do according to the initial specifications. But we r juz disappointed. Nevertheless, we'll still proceed to move ahead to shift in by 31.Aug. Some pics:- My open concept kitchen is finally 95% completed. ]We really like the tinted mirror as backsplash. Johnny upgrade black glass to tinted mirror for free. But Johnny checked and notify us that the black glass pull-down cabinet for dish has a crack. Hence, he asked carpentor to replaced. shd be able to replace by friday. Take a closer look at the switches at the backsplash. Its unique.. Sis-in-law room is finally completed. Her wardrobe has a pull-out mirror. We specially request Johnny to include it in.

Main Door Managed to take a pic of the new painted main door. Previously, we dun really like the painted colour of black & grey. So we requested Johnny to help us think of another matching colour.. So he proposed to use Raffles colour. Nice!!! BEFORE AFTER Finally, breakfast counter wif the tinted mirror & grey laminate. wanted to take pics of the kitchen cabinets. but the tinted mirror for backsplash is not installed. Will take again on thurs. EXCITED. Finally, we r shifting in on 31/Aug. Still left wif 2 more days for Johnny to install the outstanding stuff and general cleaning. Anyone knows wat cleaning agents to use for homogenous tiles & solid surface? Need to buy the stuff on Friday. Yest, we went to confirm our sofa. Originally, we wanted to buy Red Apple sofa. But, read a lot of bad reviews about them in this forum. Skeptical in buying fr them. However, we still racqee ard other shops in IMM. Finally, we went in to Furniture Club @ IMM. Served by an asst. mgr, Gwen. She's a nice lady. Good attitude and service. Its obvious tt we told her our miserable budget of only 1.5K (tight budget). She told us its impossible to get a set in her place. However, she's nt the least turn off by us. She even help us to check her old models (still able to produce) and offer a special price @ 1.7K - L-shaped Sofa. She did some recommendations and was really sincere in offering her genuie advice on which fabric colour to choose, type of fabric and how to place the sofa. We really appreciate her effort and finally, we decided to close the deal. She knws tt we had a tight budget, so before we do any negotiation, she's kind enuff to throw in 3 small cushions for us. At the end of the day, she even T-loan us a sofa for 1 mth while waiting for our new sofa. Thumbs up for her!!! Strongly recommend her if anyone is buying a sofa for their place. Thou we r rather worried to sign on impulse before we see the actual set (only managed to c the pic), we still trust tt she'll help to ensure the quality and level of service thru-out.

yeah. judging fr yur 3D drawings, its quite difficult to implement. But yu can always discuss wif yr ID to come up wif tis idea... challenge him! heee.... actually, i like ur kitchen colour too. u confirm doing red?

Hi mwerkz, I saw ur drawings. Me too. Initially, we dun hav it. We asked ID to think of how to run the false ceiling in such a way tt we can hav tis special effect. Actually, I also want it to be in black & lollipop. But my hubby is against of this idea because our TV console is in tinted mirror, white n black. So he chose a greyish brown colour instead. But I think nt too bad lah. stil can accept the colour.

Hi mwerkz, the false ceiling above breakfast counter is painted in stonecave & black colour. Originally, we asked ID to paint cool slate & black. But we dont like the colour so we requested him to change the colour. Hi MS07, total renovation cost shd be ard 42K (just an estimate cos we added new things along the way). Some ID say he absorb some too expensive things, we need to bear. So we r also nt sure of the final bill. As for electrical works, it shd be ard 2.8K and lightings we spent ard 1K. Hi flyingballoons & geryl, thanks. we also luv our place very much.

Thanks for tt. By the way, can give me e contact for the curtains? How's the quality? OK?

Re-paint of New Colour MBR Before & After Re-painting Since the colours are a bit dull, we asked ID to change to lollipop & black. Finally, re-painting has been completed. The colours are really matching and it doesnt look too glaring at all. We lup it. Special Bedhead In addition, the bedhead has its own uniqueness too. ID proposed to use frosted glass top to consealed our FL Tube. We like the effect. My Dresser with mirror & glass top) My Wardrobe with Tinted Mirror & Black Glass Was pretty impressed with the outcome.Look exactly alike to the 3D drawings. False Ceiling at B/F Counter & Wall Behind TV Console Re-paint BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER Sis-in-Law Wardrobe Our Doors ID helped us to find these veneer doors and also upgrade to lever lock. We painted with Black & Grey to suit our theme. First look at it is slightly odd. But after tt, we can still accept it.

Good After Sales Service Electricians have already fixed the lightings up 2 weeks back. But we are wondering as to why the bulb light in the orange room is not fixed. Hubby went to touch it (its hang up on the ceiling, but 1 bulb was left untouched). Finally, we knew what is the problem. lights casing have cracks. Who did it? Anyway, we are not sure too. But the thing is why din the electrician informed us in the first place if the lights are spoilt. We are not sure whether this crack is cause by which party. The lighting shop or electrician who install did not handle with care. But why nobody has informed us even after 2 weeks. Immediately, last nite, we went to the Hylite Deco Light to ask if we can buy any replacement. We were quite worried cos the light casing is quite unique and maynt b readily available. The minute we stepped into the shop, Anthea (lady boss) greeted us... She's still able to recognise us and asked us how's our renovation works. We updated her roughly. Then I told her our problems. Without any hesitation, she offered to replace us the light casing fr her display set. But she told us tt, she's not able to sell off without the casing anymore since suppliers do not supply them spare casing. But she told us its ok. She even teaches us how to replace light bulb in future to prevent crack. Its quite easy to crack if we do not know how to install. WE REALLY APPRECIATE HER KIND EFFORTS AND THIS IS WHAT WE CALL EXCELLANT AFTER SALES SERVICE. In addition, the electrician was fixing our kitchen light yesterday. While drilling, he make my side kitchen light glass broke into bits n pieces. Luckily, hubby was around yst and he apologised. He told hubby to get replacement n charge to his account. This time round, at least we know who's e culprit. Similarly, we went to get replacement. But as far as I know, once, the side glass broke, we need to get a new light unless, lighting shop will want to dismantle her display set for us. Anthea asked if we can claim back from ID, if not, she can FOC. We do not want to take advantage of her. Even thou, we know we may nt be able to claim back the first item. Hubby went to fix back the casing today. And it looks really nice!!! This is with the orange lights on only. This is with white lights on only. Anyway, this is the light that we like most. Its unique...So even if Anthea did not allow us to dismantle her display set, we are also willing to pay a new set.

Installation of Carpentry (2) Managed to take more pics yesterday. We have decided to move in by End/Aug. ID said shd hav no problem, since re-painting, installation of vanity & black glass etc will be completed by next week. Full-Height Shoe Cabinet A fantastic design proposed by Johnny when we told him initial design is quite normal. Furthermore, he FOC the settee too!!!! The settee is in black - in contrast to the white shoe cabinet. We r also glad tt its really nice nice when we step into our house. It also blends on well with our rustic balcony floor tiles. Anyway, its very dusty nw. Kitchen Cabinet & Breakfast Counter I heard many ppl that its hard to maintain an open concept kitchen. But its our dream to hav such a concept. So we went ahead wif it. But the beautiful sight of our counter has immediately over-ride our concerns abt having an open concept kitchen. Thanks to ID. We really luv the design. Breakfast counter with solid surface. The area without the grey laminate is still waiting for black glass installation. My L-shaped kitchen cabinates. White laminates for the top & grey laminates for bottom. Still waiting for tinted mirror to install for backstation. Have not install lightings since painting is still incomplete. TV Console & Feature Wall Still pending for black glass and clear class. But we think its real nice (thou colour of the wall is ugly now). Changing it to stone cave colour shd be a better match. We use warm lightings to create (relax feel) above the TV console and the rest white lightings. We tried to off all lights, and its really nice.

Touched I think I have the best boss in the world. I haven even finished my new place renovation and have not even make plans for my house warming. But my dearest boss bought me a panasonic rice cooker and deliberately delivered it to my house today! Lost for words... He's really like a father to all of our colleagues and is always showering us wif care & kindness. His smallest kindness is worth more than anything. I thank him from the bottom of my heart, but for him, my heart has no bottom Back to the Panasonic Rice Cooker (SR-YP18), this rice cooker is able to support versatile cooking styles. 7 different types of cooking methods. (Btw, tis rice cooker is really over specifications for me). I know nuts about cooking. The rice cooker looks nice in terms of its outlook. I saw tis rice cooker before in electronics shop, think this rice cooker is not cheap. It cost ard $150... Not to waste his $$ n effort, I have to start learning and picking up tips from now.

Yeah. Tt's wat i tot too! Before the actual shift in date, think will try to clean up the place first. Plan to move in on 31/Aug. But haven check with FS Master if it is a good date. (very excited of my new dream place)

Installation of Shower Screen & Toilet Glass Door MBR Toilet Glass Door FOC by ID!! Thank You. Installation of Carpentry (1) Well, I would say tt our renovation is entering into the the final phase. Carpenters brought their masterpiece to our place on Thurs. I wasnt ard to see the bits n pieces of wooden planks but hubby was on leave. He called to tell me tt he simply love all the work especially the shoe cabinet. Great! This shoe cabinet is designed by Johnny when we told him the initial design was a bit normal. So he came up wif new design. Workers have already started installation of the carpentry but we discovered tt sis-in-law wardrobe is coated with wrong internal polygon. We chose maple colour to match with white laminate wardrobe. But carpenter came with walnut. Erm, we asked sis-in-law to go up our place to check if she's able to accept the colour, otherwise, carpenter need to dump the whole wardrobe as they cant change the internal polygon. They need to remake a new wardrobe. Finally.......... she insisted tt the walnut colour doesnt blend in well wif the wardrobe. She wants a room with pink & white. No choice, we sms Johnny to request them to change the wardrobe. worried. Who's gg to bear the additional cost? Thou problem doesnt lies wif us, we r still guilty to make him suffer additional cost... Its the cost of a 5ft wardrobe! Some pictures to show:- Sis-in-law Wardrobe Our Fav Shoe Cabinet We decided to do 45deg type shelving instead of the normal type. Johnny said the shoes storage will be reduced. But we still go ahead lah. Johnny is also thoughtful enuff to ask carpentor to include a hanging umbrellas compartment on the right side. Our settee also comes wif a drawer. Hee.. I really lup it. Our Kitchen Cabinets & Breakfast Counter Our sliding baskets from Ikea & basin from Bellari has been installed. Our TV Console & Elevated Platform Initially, we thought tt platform will make our hse looks smaller. But it turn out quite well. Hubby lup it. Anyway, this platform is the result of his negotiation. Me n sis-in-law were quite against the idea of doing a platform. We support homogenous tiles. Our MBR Wardrobe & Platform Bed The house is really in a mess nw with all the lightings, accessories & also the dust! Feel like bringing a vaccum cleaner over. I really cant stand dust at all.

Thanks for your suggestion. But we have decided to change to lollipop & black even thou e room will be slightly dark.

Thanks. But we r afraid if e colour wld be too bright.. n Johnny did warn us tt once painted it'll be diff to cover it wif another colour again. Anyway, we decided to go ahead... we lup this colour too much!

Ugly Colour - Cool Slate Saw the outcome of the cool slate colour. In short, made the wrong choice. Initially, we wanted to have some greyish-green (it look like as in the catalogue) but the effect is ........... Johnny did warn us of this colour may nt be able to blend into our theme, but we insisted. Hence, we change from stonecave to cool slate. But But..... This is current condition. We have decided to change the colour back to stonecave. But Johnny asked us to wait after installation of carpentry first. If colour can blend in well, then we do not need to change the again.. argh.... we shd not change the initial colour to cool slate... it really look funny & ugly! Delivery of Items Finally, its time to deliver all the outstanding items for installation. Poh Joo Hardware @ Jln Bersar Rinnai Hob & Hood Joven Storage Heater Toilet Accessories (inclu common toilet basin) Total Damage: $2,165 Bellari @ Jln Bersar MBR Basin MBR Mixer C. Toilet Mixer MBR & Common Toilet Rainshower Bidet Sets Kitchen Basin Kitchen Tap Total Damage: $1,839 GR Link Marketing @ Jln Bersar Two Baron Toilet Bowls Towel Hanger Total Damage: $598 Hylite Deco @ Jurong 8 PLC Lights (Silver, 18W, 2 Tubes) 21 Flourescent Tube (4ft & 3ft loose) 2 Kitchen Lights (covered) 4 Bedroom Lights (2 for MBR & 2 for the rest) 2 Toilet Lights (waterproof) Spare 2 FLTube & 2 Bulbs & Wireless Door Bell Total Damage: $1,000 Wow. Spent a lot of $$. Heart pain. Hubby checked if the items tally with the invoice:- 1. Bellari delivered wrong model mixer for MBR Toilet. 2. Poh Joo did not pass warranty for oven to us. Because of the above, hubby went all the way to exchange & collect the outstanding things. But i think he's still happy to do for the sake of our dream hse. hee..

Change of Plan Its crazy! We made some changes to the colours of paint when the work is already half-done. We cant make up our minds. Wall behind TV Feature Wall will be changed from Stonecave to Cool Slate The above changes was done before the start of paint work. So no additional cost incurred. MBR will change from Cultural Pearl, Lavendar Mist to Black, Lollipop & Cultural Pearl We told Johnny of the changes when the paint job is done. We asked if we need to pay additional for this change. But he told us not much additional cost so he can help to absorb. Appreciated it!! Basically, the main reason as to why we wanted to change the colour for our MBR is because we saw the fantastic colour in 2nd & 3rd Bedroom. This made our MBR colour very dull. Sis-in-Law Bedroom colour -> This pink is actually not in their standard catalogue 2008. We wanted a special pink which is similar to our deco magazine. so we asked Johnny to look for similar shade of pink. Its nice!!! Study Room -> This orange is also very striking and it really catches our attention when we enter the room. Back to our MBR paint, it seems dull. Anyway, we have decided to change. This is current condition. We hav not see the living room colour of cool slate. But it shd be greyish-green as seen from the catalogue.