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They are most likely book lice, or psocids. They thrive in damp and moist places, feeding off the fungi and mold growing there eg on walls, books, cupboards, etc. The key is in ventitation and controlling the moisture and humidity.

Hi macy84, Sorry, been busy and havent been checking in here How is your reno going? As mentioned in my blog, I didnt encounter any major problems during my reno except for the wrong measurement of the cabinets, which were rectified speedily. You can try for discounts but within reasonable amounts and market rates Perhaps you should start a t blog to share your experiences. Cheers,

Hi froggy, Thanks for reading my blog Will need to find time to update soon.... On average, I used the dishwasher once a week. I dont think it uses more electricity than a dryer...one cycle is sufficient to get your dishes clean in less than an hour depending on your programme. However, a dryer may need more than one cycle to completely dry your laundry. Honestly, I dont see any significant increase in my electricity bill, maybe just a few dollars more. When you have lots of items to wash especially after cooking or a get together, the dishwasher really comes in handy and acts as storage without cluttering your dishrack or kitchen countertop. Besides, this dishwasher comes with 2 compartments, and you can use either one or both, depending on your load...so you can save even more water and power In any case, its a useful appliance to have like the dryer, air conditioner, etc, besides being convenient, effortless, a storage compartment, saves water, super clean dishes and glasses VS a few dollars more of electricity. Anyway, can google and check the specs and power rating, water usage etc....and calculate your power consumption and costs. Cheers, Thanks, do go for a demo first, ask questions and research first before you commit...the staff are friendly and not pushy, weekends tend to be busier. Good luck,

Hi power10, Generally, a system would require 1. AV Receiver, can range from a few hundreds to thousands of dollars 2. Display eg, projector, HDTV. A decent 1080p projector can cost around $3K up 3. Speaker system, again whether 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 systems prices varies 4. Peripherals like BluRay player, game consoles, ipod dock to connect to your AV receiver 5. Cables eg HDMI, audio cables, So be prepared to spend at least $5K, more if you require higher specs..... I ran my cabling along the skirting and up to the projector...you can see it in my pics of the sofa with the trunking on the wall. You can pay extra to hack the wall and hide the cables inside if you so wish. Anyway, you can check out KEC at Adelphi, where I got my projector from, and demo their projectors and sound systems, and get a rough quotation of how much your dream system might cost you They do the installation and can also advise on the best way, heres their link: http://www.hifibargain.com/ Cheers,

Hi osanwo, Its Henry Goh, from Impress21 Design & Build...you can also google Mobile 98316066 Hi macy84, Thanks! The info is on page 4, post #119, heres the link http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?sh...st&p=352308

Jun 2010 Update: contd more pics and tips to share Sliding glass panel at kitchen...useful to keep oil fumes and smell from wafting into the living area and stinking up your upholstery, and not forgetting keeping the kitchen out of bounds from pets and people while cooking. PD doors, silicone shrinkage. Frame is still white, but the plastic plugs are slightly yellowed already. Otherwise, door still functions well...remember to teach your clueless guests how to use the doors I have been asked about Henry's workmanship esp the carpentry.....so far nothing major, no sagging shelves, loose doors, etc. Here are some shots.... Sink cabinet....doors still in proper alignment, and laminates still in place and good condition. Inside....Cleaning items, plastic disposal bags and knick knacks are placed here, easy access...no need to spend money on the Blum under sink system. I dont fancy having a waste basket as its rather unsightly, unhygienic and smelly....I dispose all wastes immediately into plastic bags. No leaking problems from the sink or pipes so far. Saw this gap at the false ceiling...not really that noticeable but this can be easily patched up. Cabinet doors are still in proper alignment. Laminates are still white - to be contd -

Jun 2010 Update: contd Close up of the chrome finish of the magic corner rack: Never been cleaned since installation...the chrome finish is still looking good , and solid build too. Found this link showing how my magic corner works...looks exactly like the one I am using right now - This is the more expensive version - hi Mankul, Thanks for the update on the magic corner, heres my opinion: 1. Looks great but expensive! almost triple the price of my version 2. Only one central support to hold 2 racks on each side - which explains the smaller rack sizes since it can only hold so much weight versus my version, which splits the support to front and back frame, and bigger racks too. 3. You will have more wasted space due to the small sized racks and at the deep end of the corner. ......But get it if you really like it Oh yes, Prices vary widely from shop to shop....so always check back with Royal Fanco to compare prices ..thats where I got my faucets from...very reasonable price and great service. The stainless steel towel rack sounds good and value for money ( can post pics? )...its a better choice than a chrome plated one because of corrosion problems, and ease of maintenance. You might want to check with Henry of RF to see if he has lobang for the magic corner that you are interested in.

The POZZI taps are great to use so far.....I think as with all chrome finish, you must be diligent in your maintenance on a regular basis. I will be cleaning them regularly from now on, except the 2 badly tarnished ones which will be changed in the future when spoilt or I get sick of the corrosion lor Good luck with your POZZIs...better polish the chrome regularly As you have seen, the mock up has been there for many years and the finish still looks good, right? For me, since its hidden from view, I chose to buy this cheaper version than the stainless steel ones. Shanghai Tong Lee doesnt have the stainless steel version. For stainless steel ones,I remembered these shops that have mock ups in their shops : the shops at Geyland Road near Lor 44, they sell bath and kitchen accessories eg Bacera and Genova at Bendemeer Road.

I used stainless steel for my kitchen for almost 2 years already...so far so good. You can check out updated pics at my blog http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?sh...0&start=200 Cheers

Watch this : I am going to vacuum, steam, clean and wash my beddings more frequently now

Hi Mankul, I bought at Shanghai Tong Lee Hardware Pte Ltd,200, Jalan Sultan, #01-01, Textile Centre Tel: 6298 7211 It measures D530xW860xH560/860mm, costs about $210 each after discount....thats was 2 years ago. They have a showroom with mock up on the 2nd level...its best you go see and bring your measuring tape there, there you will have a better idea what kind of space you need.... You should then discuss your cabinet spacing with your carpenter. There are other brands of stainless steel ones but more exp, perhaps you might be able to find good deals during this GSS ?? Good luck

Jun 2010 Update: contd This SIMS brand toilet paper holder from Sim Siang Choon, is not bad at all. Though it has tarnish spots appearing, I was still able to restore its shine....can see I missed some spots .... these can be polished off without damage to the finish unlike the cheap POZZI ones in the common toilets. I bought 2 of them..and both are of consistent quality.. ...not bad for a local brand Talking about matt finishes.....this Mallia rocker switch smudges easily as can be seen by virtue of its "rough" surface. Cleaning off the smudges requires more effort, and may require some CIF cleaner whereas the Clipsal's glossy finish- just a simple wipe with a damp cloth will suffice The Clipsal switch with some stains, but easily wiped off with just a damp cloth. So take note of matt finishes...they smudge easily like the homogeneous floor tiles. The treated bay window still satisfactory...and makes for easy cleaning The painted doors with glossy finish still looks good...easy to clean, just wipe with a damp cloth I remembered Henry did advise me against matt paint as they are easily smudged. -to be contd-

Jun 2010 Update: contd Now lets look at the rest of the Pozzi faucets..... This Pozzi mixer tap has lost is shiny and smooth finish...its plagued with corrosion spots, and even after polishing, cannot regain its original shine....it has that patchy dull look....other than its finish, its lever movement is smooth. A closer look...see the bumps, and the black spots. Luckily only about $50 + This Pozzi cold tap is the worst!! You can see the bubbling of the chrome finish...probably will peel off eventually... costs less than $50....again not too hard on the pocket. Now the ONLY exception and saving grace for POZZI is this favourite mixer of mine, ... Its really corrosion free and with a quick easy polish, I am able to restore it to its origial shine , and works smoothly too. The kitchen sink mixer is not too bad either in comparison to the other 2 cheaper faucets. Actually POZZI tap movements are smooth - no complaints, but the quality of their finish is so inconsistent even within the same range....It seems for POZZI the more expensive it is, the better the quality ...hmmmm I have seen a friend who installed another popular inexpensive brand of faucets facing the same problem after less than a year. So be aware of these inexpensive faucets and their quality.. I believe they are made in China, Taiwan and/or Korea. Go for reputable brands if you can, german made if possible,....it may be worth the money in the long run, unless you like to change taps after every few years. If you find their prices prohibitive, then go buy during their sale or get from ebay - cheaper by a lot and free shipping too, and many top rated resellers to choose from. Also, go for simple designs without many angles,...it makes for easy upkeep Now even this original, no brand shower mixer is corrosion free after all these years except for the dull look from accumulated soap scum. Look at the restored shine of the handle after polishing vs the unpolished portion....great quality!

Hi, I got mine from IMM...company name Song-Cho, many other outlets too. Heres their website http://www.songcho.com.sg/ Cheers

Jun 2010 Update: contd Notice the little spots on the top surface of the tap, thats what left after some vigorous polishing....the corrosion appeared as little bumps on the surface. Better to go for reputable brands...its a pain to keep polishing constantly. Rubine sink still looking good although with some tiny scratches...see the yellow toothbrush, very useful to scrub the angles , corners and hard to reach places. Use cream cleaner or autosol to polish off stubborn marks. The magic corner...the chrome finish still looks good, better than the kitchen tap Should consider this if you have a corner....no more kneeling down, and taking out items just to get to the deep end. This is cheaper than the stainless steel ones, besides its hidden from view. The off white homogeneous tile flooring....rather difficult to maintain not because of its white colour but due to its matt surface, it seems to stain rather easily. Thats my regret.. I believe its easier to clean a smooth surface than a matte one, but I was also thinking of safety first, as polished surfaces can be slippery and dangerous especially in wet areas, but I think its looks good too besides easy maintenance. Any comments? These days showflats have polished tiles even in kitchen area...perhaps because its an open concept kitchen, but hey, its looks good. Closer look at the marks and patches. Normal mopping will not remove these ingrained stains....you will need to scrub with cream cleaner, or acid wash. Take note for those considering these matt tiles.... -to be contd-

Jun 2010 Update: contd A look at the Samsung fridge with yellowed handles and control panel. !0 yrs on....still working and problem free ....so dont underestimate this brand - inexpensive and good. A closer look at the microwave, and the white LG Hi Macs solid surface, which still looks so pristine and new. The other corner of the LG Hi Macs top near the window. Looks fantastic, right? Ok, normally you can see dirt, dead insects, smudges from plastic shopping bags, etc if you dont wipe daily, so dirt is really more visible with white colour BUT its really easy to maintain, just a quick wipe with a damp cloth will suffice, and for other stubborn stains, you can use some cream cleaner eg CIF, or those "magic" white sponges, they come off easily. Sink area showing the Welmi rack - no maintenance needed. I highly recommend this brand. The stainless steel backing however needs the occassional cleaning when the water marks become very obvious. Notice the lower part of the backing is blotchy...anyway, no point to polish it to perfection as it will get splashed again in no time. The Pozzi kitchen mixer tap is another story.. the lever is rather smooth and good to use, however I find the chrome finish rather inferior as it tarnishes easily with corrosion spots. You can clearly see the dull surface, even after spending some effort and time, polishing the tap! I prefer my faucets to be maintenance and corrorsion free, perhaps with an occassional polish to restore its shine. I really cannot imagine anyone who has the time to wipe taps after every use or daily. Fortunately its about $118, so not so heart pain to change in future, to a better one eg Hansgrohe. I will post more pics of the other faucets later....so you might want to consider spending a bit more for a reputable brand and better quality faucet. The white painted walls - remember its plastered over my tiles, then painted with Nippon paint with Teflon. No maintenance needed and still looking good

Hi powder blue, This is a great dishwasher, and very versatile...depending on your load, you can use either one or both compartments. I believe you will save more water and electricity when using only one compartment versus the big, standard dishwasher even with half load function. Besides, you can just use the other compartment for washing if you have not removed the cleaned dishes from the other compartment. Fyi, I have cleaned IKEA wine glasses in it under normal cycle ...no broken glasses so far No need to rinse. Its a waste of time, effort and water....just clear off whatever scraps of food left, and dump them into the washer ( per the standard instructions of proper placement and all ), they will come out nice and clean. I am using FINISH powder and rinse aid liquid. There are other brands available as well. Cheers

Jun 2010 Update: Its coming close to 2 years already since my reno.....so its time for some update .So far, the white theme especially the kitchen has been holding up well...though there are some regrets...some good buys and some lousy Here are the pics: Ok...still looks quite good. The walls, laminates and solid surface top are still in their pristine white colour! Do note that I dont do "zhi char" style of heavy cooking wtih billowing fumes, and roaring fire. These days I use the induction more than the gas hob as its really so much faster heating up and cooking, its cleaner - easy to clean up, and less hot...you dont sweat as much compared to the gas flames. I would highly recommend using induction for cooking....and induction hobs looks good with its clean lines, whcih is why its quite standard fittings in up market condos these days. You must be wondering why I have not peeled off the protective plastic from the dishwasher....reason lazy, and less steel to clean..besides it adds colour to the kitchen Ok...the dishwasher is a great appliance to have...saves you time and water, maybe not much electricity...but your dishes comes out clean and glasses sparkling! No more clutter on your dishrack or drying them...just dump your dirty stuffs inside and turn it on. Easy peasy. The stainless steel backing are also easy to maintain...just a quick wipe with 3M stainless steel cleaner and its done. The backing at the kitchen sink is a bit blotchy even after cleaning...perhaps due to the constant splashing, and my laziness...I only clean when I feel like it like probably once in 2 months when the water marks get more noticeable The oven stainless steel is also a bit blotchy too if you look carefully..but otherwise still looks alright. Perhaps the heat also contributes to this, and maybe the material is different ? another view....notice the microwave is still white except for the panel that has yellowed with age...btw, its about 8 yrs old. The 10 yr old Samsung fridge has also yellowed around the control panel but the paintwork is still white. So do note that this white plastic material around the display panels of appliances will yellow. The Welmi stainless steel dishrack is really maintenance free....no rust at all! So should consider this though quite expensive...but worth the money. You can see the yellowing more clearly. Even my 6 yr old induction kettle is still white....a different kind of plastic ? The cabinets and counter top are still white maybe too short a time to conclude? The cooking area...still clean and looks well maintained ( like cleaned in once a month or 2 ) The bosch oven is a good and inexpensive basic oven...with none of the fancy catalytic cleaning frills. Just clean it after use to maintain it. -to be cont -

I never sign exclusives with agents whether selling or renting for the following reasons: 1. You will be tied down for 3 months, with the agent who may not be doing a good job for you. And if you decide to break the contract for whatever reasons, you will be penalised. 3 months is a long time, and if you are in urgent need, you may end up being "pressured" to sell below your expectations. 2. If you advertise yourself, you will get a bigger pool of potential clients from other agents as well, including direct buyers (you will save having to pay agent's commission )...you will be in control 3. You will be limiting yourself to the exclusive agent's pool of clients, and your agent will be getting the same source of clients anyway by advertising, which means that the other agents will have to cobroke with your exclusive agent and the direct buyers will have to go through him as well. Generally, most agents, if not all, are loathed to the idea of co-broking as their commissions are cut by half. So a full commission will inevitably guarantee you the full exposure your property deserve as the agents have more incentive to work harder. 4. Its quite simple..once you have closed the deal, the lawyers will do the rest for you. As blueocean has mentioned, you need to use your mortgage bank's approved lawyers if your property is not fully paid up...you dont want to pay twice for legal fees. Heres a simple guide for you if you decide to market yourself: http://www.homebiznez.com/tips/ptesaleguide.htm Points to note: 1. Your ad must include "OWNER" for obvious reasons...so be prepared for the many calls , and do note that your info will be added to the real estate agencies' database. 2. Commissions are negotiable from 1-2%, depending on how much your property can sell for. 3. Trust you have worked out your sums already...do remember if you are flipping within a year, you will need to pay stamp duties twice ( for purchasing and selling ) Cheers,

Hi guys, Sorry for the late reply....havent been visiting this site Just an update for my Balau decking....its is still in good condition, although I can see some hairline cracks appearing on the wood, but nothing major. Heres the close up ( note its not cleaned yet )...You can see the splits in the wood....the rest are from wear and tear eg moving chairs, potted plants, etc...but otherwise still sturdy and looks ok after mopping. I think all wood will dent and scratch eventually, being a softer material than stone. Hmm...if I had a choice again, I would go for Ironwood...you should ask Iang for his professional opinion. I feel its the best hard wood for its price and think it should hold up well in the long run, and in keeping its looks as well. Hi, The best is for you to visit Choo Chiang to get a first hand look and feel of the product, and compare with the other brands, and the prices as well....and you will know whether your contractor is taking you for a ride The 2 screws in front are old desgn, which I have since replaced....you should go for more modern ones, besides the cost is not that expensive. My Clipsal glossy switches are working well, I am happy with them. The Legrand Mallia are also okay, but the matt finish tends to attract stains more easily, and requires more frequent cleaning if you dont like to see black fingerprints. Black smudges on Mallia, requires a lot more to wipe clean than Clipsal glossy finish. Cheers

Hi, Congrats on your reno and its smooth progress...seems rather fast. Your white kitchen looks great , so you have decided on the same EDL piano white laminate...did you go for 0.8mm or 1mm?... cant really see your ABS trimmings...post a closeup pic pls Looking forward to more pics Cheers

Wooden Decking cont'd Another view...noticed the even gaps..the 140mm wood are evenly spaced to fit exactly into the planter box without trimming, and no nails seen on top. Close up at the odd corner...this is one of the removable pieces, out of the other 3 big pieces, no nails seen. The decking comprises of 4 removable pieces...it facilitates removal in case you need to reach underneath eg retrieving items or unclog choked drain ?? I have seen some decking with nailing done from the top, and some are nailed dead with a cut out sawn at one end of the decking...not very nice in my opinion. Heres a pic of a friend who used 90mm Ironwood..looks similar to Balau, but the feel of the wood is different! Mr Iang from Xinzhan has also told me that all woods will show splitting over time, even the best ones, depending on usage, care and exposure to elements like sun and rain. Also, Chengal is over rated and overpriced, and Ironwood would be a much better choice for the same amount. Besides, Chengal has inherent "pin holes" in its wood , which may or may not be a concern, and it will still split Merbau has a tendency to "bleed" more than the rest...so it may stain the surrounding area just to note. My balau bled too...as I can see brown stains on the wall under the decking. Overall, I am rather pleased with the professional service and job done by Mr Iang ...and the price ( I cannot reveal at his request but its cheaper than Goodhill ) If you are looking to do wooden deckings, do call them for quotations and compare... Cheers

Wooden Decking Prices vary widely from 3 figure to 4 figure sum, also depending on the wood used...so as always check around and compare prices first. Here are the 2 contacts to share that I have shortlisted as I found them reasonable and professional: 1. Goodhill Enterprise Pte Ltd Check out their website, all the info details are there... http://www.goodhill.com/app/decking.php Brief: Specialise in merbau wood only, flat or grooved surface , and in 2 widths...90mm and 140mm. Was quoted about $750 for my 33 sq ft planter box, more expensive than the Xinzhan Materials. 2. Xinzhan Materials Pte Ltd Contact: Mr Iang 94244660 http://www.asiabuilders.com/asiabuilders/X...y_80037286.aspx Brief: Has a variety of woods to select from... Balau, Merbau, Ironwood, and comes in 2 widths as well, flat surface only. Their pricing is rather competitive, and professional as well, so I engaged them. My 33 sq ft planter box..its approx 11 ft by 3 ft Types of Wood for comparison...Background wood is 140mm Balau, the 3 woods on top from L to R....90mm Ironwood, 140mm and 90mm Merbau Close up of the woods....the grain looks better on Balau and Ironwood than Merbau..Ironwood looks the best and is harder, more durable, and MORE expensive How the decking is done: 2 support beams bolted to the sides of the planter box, and the removable deckings are laid over the support beams My completed decking using 140mm Balau wood with walnut stain..very well done - evenly spaced decking cont'd