zonkkie

We got our first home around the same time renotalk started. Now that we're in the process of moving to our second home, we're extremely grateful to find a host of useful information here. 2008 has been a year of change for us, we got our first child, sold our house and bought a new one. Due to the caretaking arrangements for my daughter, we were looking for a specific area in AMK for our new home. We searched in vain for a couple of months for a nice big place that is quiet, breezy and not too old until a new listing on my birthday caught our eye. Went to see the place and it was big (137 sqm), breezy (NS Facing, 2nd highest floor) and quiet (no playground nearby, not near main roads). So even though everyone say wait until next year or 2010 to buy new place, we bought it. So now just waiting for our 1st Appt. In the meantime, we have started getting quotes from IDs and Contractors... Our floorplan as attached: It is nice and big. Our only issue now is that we will like an open concept kitchen by hacking the wall between the study and kitchen and turning the study into a dining area. However, we don't know where to place the tv and sofa since the living area is too long to place at the ends.... Anyone got any bright ideas let us know ya.

wow sir francis... sounds like a nightmare... thanks for sharing... just saw their advert in the papers today... its says "Chosen Favourite ID firm in Designer Magazine". Wonder which magazine....

you got use hood or not...

We bought a resale unit and will like to move in as soon as possible. The unit is actually vacated as the Seller has been posted overseas. They will like us to take possession as soon as possible. The only issue is HDB appointments will take around 3 months. The selling agent advised that we can actually start renovation after 1st appt (HDB technical officer inspection) but will need to sign an indemnity form that we will be responsible for everything in the unit after 1st Appt. So once renovation finish, we can move in immediately after 2nd Appt. Our agent advised us against this option as he said IN CASE the seller decides not to sell before the 2nd Appt, the sale will not be completed. All the renovations will go to waste and we will need to pay the ID/Contractor anyway. We can sue the seller but it will be long and hard. Anyone has any advice? I guess it is really safer to wait for 2nd Appt but we will really love to move in asap. Thanks in advance!

no deep frying ah... good la, healthier also... what u did sounds like a good option "just in case". So your Fujioh hood is good enough....

We are planning our renovation and one of the things that we like to do is an open concept kitchen so that we can have an island. And when I say open concept, I mean REALLY open concept, no glass doors that can be closed whatsoever. We don't really cook a lot, maybe 1-2 times a week and its like simple dishes such as pasta or teriyaki chicken, etc. However, we are concerned that our lifestyle might change say 5 years down the road and we will regret our decision. Does anyone have an open concept kitchen and can share their experience and advice? Thanks!

ya, around 2 weeks earlier. 1st appt - 2nd appt is around 6-8 weeks according to my agent.

Wah... ur caps give me headache sia... anyway, we getting our place around 2 weeks earlier than you. We did things in the following order but that's just my suggestion: 1) I think first you need to have some idea of the house you want - i.e. any specific themes, any layout changes that you need, open concept kitchen, etc. Can read renotalk for pros and cons of the different things. Just some basic idea, no need to be an expert. Otherwise, if u visit ID/Contractor with no idea what you want, the discussion will not be constructive and they also think you dont know anything, so can chop carrot. 2) Read the forums and visit ID's homepage to shortlist a few recommended IDs. There will be a few where you REALLY like the designs and some where you QUITE like their designs. Visit those that you QUITE like first to get a feel of how things go when working with an ID and what to look out for. Suggest you visit their office and not exhibitions. Exhibitions sure kena hard sell cos they got sales target to meet. As suggested by Yang Guo, do not sign anything. Just ask them to quote. 3) Look through the forums for recommendation on things that needs to be fixed already like Aircon, Ceiling Fan, Hood, Hob, Build in Oven, Basin, WC, Storage Heater, etc. Cos once you confirm the ID, either they will give you free (and u need to know if what they give u is ok) or you can get them to fix for you. Anyway, you need to know the dimensions for the carpenter to prepare the space. 4) Visit more IDs. Some forummers visit 20, some visit 3. Depends on how much time you have. Do visit at least 3 and get quotes from at least 5 (some can do via email) before finalizing. 5) Once ID and layout confirm, then I will source for furniture since it depends on the space planning and whether you want carpentery or off the rack solution for things like bed, dining table, etc. You might want to get more things off the rack due to budget constraints.