cacky

darcbleu: Thank you!!! Shall go and check it out. Have you started renovations for your place??? sheppy: Ah yes ... ADT is quite a popular brand. But not sure about feedback on their devices. frederick_chia: Yeah, I know what you mean ... I've passed by that block a few times before. Heard from my mom-in-law that they introduced it becoz there were quite a number of thefts occuring to the old folks in that block. No idea that they scrapped it. Maybe costs too high or maybe residents complain lehceh. But it sure is a good idea, feels like living in condo. Hhahaa, got access card some more.

applegirl: I was told by my renovator that HDB has done the piping in such a way that the storage heater is best fixed at the common bathroom. If you wanna place it in the service yard, there might be some extra works to be done. I initially wanted it at the service yard too but changed my mind and left it in the common bathroom in the end. You planning to have a bathtub in your bathroom? sheppy: An alarm system may be good, considering the amount of thefts reported during this period of time. Which brand you considering? frederick_chia: Where is the nearest Botak Jones???

Not just theft ah ... got smell of urine everywhere. **** gross!

Hmmmm, I didn't get it in my letter box leh ... maybe selectively?

sheppy: Hhehee, us too, we are contemplating not to have dining so soon. Save a bit more first lor. But coz we have our lighting from our false ceiling for the dining area, so maybe we don't need lamps. Lamps to us now is a luxury, not a necessity. I just realized that false ceilings are killers! You don't see the hidden costs in those downlights and tubes one!!!

Can I have your thoughts on roller blinds? I know they're considered cheaper than curtains. But are they lasting?

I am looking for fabric type of lightings. What's the average price to pay for a dining and a living light? Any good shop to recommend that has good fabric lighting selection?

sheppy: Thanks ... I was told it's around this kinda pricing too. But a little too ex. Lightings alone almost killed us already. Seems like I can't get my dream lightings.

Can I find out what's the average amount you guys spend on curtains?

elstrial: The thing about IntraDesign which we were not comfortable with was that it's a lump sum quote. So it's more of if they can do the stuff you require within your budget, then good, you can consider them. And if you have a recommended ID from their company by a friend, then better still. We prefer itemised quotes. And I guess in the process of asking around for quotes, it's also important to know the kinda materials they use, for the kitchen work tops, for the cabinets, wardrobe system etc. These ultimately determine the price. And of coz, the price of the tiles will determine the costings for flooring. Naturally, if you were to choose 2.50 psf as opposed to a 3.50 psf, the flooring costs will vary. Your contractor/ID should also be bringing you to reliable shops to make purchase. We're after all new in this area. As much as we can do our research, sometimes, it's also good to have recommendations. You don't necessary have to buy on the spot. But if they bring you there, you can have a feel, deliberate over it, compare your pricings and then decide. And as someone else mentioned here. It is very important to be able to establish good relationship with your future ID/contractor. You'll be facing the person for the next 2 months, calling up the person to ask about your purchases (if they're practical or sane). So, please do give all these factors good thought. It was a gruelling process for me as well to narrow down. We've seen those that advertised, those that were recommended through friends, those that were recommended by forumers. You'll see all sorts of people, from the pushy ones to the both chap ones (meet you once and never revert with quotations), the attas ones and of coz' the really 'can click' ones, who knows what you truly want. I think a good and important trait of your renovator has to be flexible. Coz along the way, we might change our thoughts and if your renovator is too rigid, it's no good. It's after all your own home, you'd wanna have a say on how you want things to be done, unless you can totally trust the renovator to build something to your needs. All the best in getting your renovator and dream house done up!

frederick_chia: You can try Sim Siang Choon for that type. They have large variety. But in terms of brands, only those few. And as some forumers have mentioned, they are probably priced higher than the rest. The other alternative is to zoom in on brands and then check with dealers like Poh Joo or Hoe Kee to see if they have those models. Read in the forum here, think Asia Excel in IMM sells kitchen sinks too. You can try them out.

Hi guys ... need some thoughts about brands of air-con ... Hitachi vs Sanyo? Anyone bought either of these brands? Can give some advice which is better of them both?

We are truly blessed to have knowledgeable folks like DSA living in our estate. Hhehehe. Thanks once again ... for all the info you've provided!

Hi all ... here's a question on hobs. There are many different brands out there. Can I have some thoughts regarding Rinnai, Teka, Smeg and Ariston? I am looking at getting the stainless steel type and using gas only. I have also a question on the size. I notice 90 cm is quite a common size but I find it a little large and don't have much use for such a huge hob, I'd rather have more counter space. Yet I am afraid that if I get a size like 60cm, it's not common and if it breaks down, I will be forced to look for a hob that is of that size. Can I know which are the sizes that you guys got for your hobs?

Thanks yokoyoko!