oogachaga

OK, thanks Now..to continue my "diary"....

DAY 21 Kitchen Cabinets Ready Works: --- Installation of Kitchen Cabinets Finally, after almost 2 weeks, the kitchen cabinets are ready Couldnt wait for the painter, and had to diy and spray painted the green window frame white first The carpenter, Ah Bee, has been assigned to do my cabinets. Looks good and nice fit..notice the white frame Drawer cabinets Cabinet doors all wrapped up The wood used Blum runners installed

Hi mmycheng, You can buy at most hardware shop....they come in many sizes, shapes and materials. I bought the plastic version at $2.80 Hi sporty, Btw, any photos to share? Stay tuned for the big reveal soon

DAY 16 Works: -- Citygas appointment The carpenter has previously marked out where the gas pipe should be...so the pipe needed to be cut and move higher to prevent obstruction Pipe cut and extended upwards Drilling in the support for connecting the gas tubing Testing for leaks Gas piping done Will need to make another appointment for them to connect the gas hob ---total cost $100, billed to your SP account

DAY 12 Works: --Plastering kitchen Kitchen entrance Top of doorway - can see the metal beading underneath, which will be painted over Kitchen- fridge area Kitchen - sink area Kitchen - future sliding glass door area

DAY 9 cont Another problem encoutered with the common toilet WC installation, the supplier sent an 8 inch one with a 2 inch offset pan collar...turned out that the hole is 11 inch , and the master toilet is 12 inches! Which means that if installed, the WCs would not be against the wall.... So had to called up the supplier, to replace the WCs... at no extra charge In any case, the electricians and the plumbers need to return to complete their work after the kitchen cabinet is installed. Next, the discussion with chief carpenter, Tek, who had done his measurements of the bare kitchen. At this point, one must already know what you want for your kitchen .... Having gone through a lot of planning, the original U shaped design is still the best option without incurring unnecessary costs. So armed with my edited 3D drawing, I went through my requirements of my new kitchen with dimensions given: 1. Dishwasher cavity 852mm ht by 605mm width ------this is future planning as I can replace with a freestanding dishwasher, std dimension is 850mm by 600mm, in case of replacement 2. Height of lower cabinet including counter top to be 90cm...but carpenter says may have to be 91 cm due to dishwasher cavity....ok, but can try try to be 90cm hor ------Searched on the internet : optimal height has been recommended to be at 36 inch or about 91cm by non asian standards; locally, it ranges from 85cm to 90cm( eg IKEA ). But it all up to user...test it out at IKEA kitchen. I found 90cm to be ideal for me. 3. Top cabinets to go all the way up to false ceiling 4. Gaps between doors to be as small as allowable 5. Height between countertop and hood to be 65 cm -----Again searched the internet, and found: "in terms of height cooker hoods are usually installed at a minimum height of 650 mm above the hob or stove. A further 100 mm should be added for installations over gas burning hobs." Again, subject to user's preference and manufacturer's recommendation 6. Hood installation to flush with the top cabinet base, and under lighting considerations..changed my mind and decided to do LED lighting 7. Adjustable shelvings for top cabinets...2 per compartment equal to 3 shelves. 8. Blum system installation...recommended by carpenter over the Hettich system which I was considering, so had to listen to the expert mah... 9. Drawers....1 for cutlery and 2 deep for crockeries. As I was unsure how much depth I could get, the carpenter suggested small, medium and large...er, OK. 10. Clean lines and modern look 11. Choice of handles...the handles that I want requires a top up of $150 due to higher costs and labour, according to Tek. The designer handles provided in my quotation are those that are screwed on to the door ie 2 holes ...Ok lor, Here are the other 2 handle design I was contemplating... Tried out at a friend's place...require a bit of strength to pull esp if anti slam runners are installed in the drawers, more difficult with wet fingers because of the bevel; but OK for hinged doors This one...too plain, as I am doing an all white kitchen, needed some accents hence, chose this one, understated and sleek design, and better grip and easier to pull out drawers 13. Choice of laminates...chose an all white glossy laminate, no waviness hor ( it seems many carpenters will tell you glossy laminates will not render a smooth flat finish, but a wavy one) OK, TAK or EDL? Hmmm...many forumers here used Lamitak. So I had to visit both at Sungei Kadut, to collect samples and heres what I found out from their rep: a. TAK: "made in India...yellowing - not sure" A wide variety, can view the bigger pieces of laminates all displayed nicely at the back of warehouse. Also have 1mm thick laminates with matching 1mm ABS trimming. b. EDL: "A better product than our competitor who uses urea compounds in their manufacture...unlike ours -made in Korea, better quality with premium gloss finish, and materials and also uses phenolic resins whichwill not yellow", " waviness is dependent on workmanship" 1 mm thick available as well, and 1 mm thick matching ABS trimming which also "will not yellow" Ok...sold on EDL. 14. Position of oven and hobs....will determine where your gas pipe ends. Mine require to be cut shorter and raise higher. 15. 2 "magic corners" L and R....pie cut racks not space efficient, I feel...and others (ok...am I meticulous or what? Better to tell them what you want than to leave it to them to decide for you....you might end up with a cabinet you dont like ) My kitchen appliances: Bosch HBN331EJ @$640, Cuizino single domino gas hob @$200, EFCH 9401 telescopic hood @ $195, Teka 2rings induction hob @ $1013 Bought from Paisilk except Teka ( had sale at TEKA )..offered the lowest price of all. Heres my top 3 contenders: a. Parisilk..lowest price and can match, COD, no GST b. Goh Ah Bee...low price but unwilling to lower to match, COD, c. Mustaffa...price even more competitive than Mega and other big dept stores, can use their prices as benchmarks, delivery charge applies, wont reveal prices over phone Now will wait for the fabrication of the kitchen cabinets takes about 2 weeks...... Hi, bought from Eestilo..during their sale. One costs $299 with the bigger basin, the other $285 with smaller basin..No GST Sorry.. its a spirit level...an instrument to check whether a surface is level, available for a few dollars, looks something like this

Thanks...converted to storeroom, big enough as a maid's room Sure...will keep updating...

DAY 9 cont Skirting at the utility room in yard ( aka maid's room converted to storeroom ) Next ... the plumbers. Yard toilet was done first Yard toilet installation Below basin and view of the WC As so many things were going on, it was hard to trying to keep an eye on everyone, and later after a review of the photos, discovered.... The basin tilted... Same with the common toilet basin... Already plastered Informed Henry...he said could be the wall or basin not vertical, but no problem, will rectify the next time Tips 1. Remember to take photos....you can sit down and review at the end of the day, and pick out what you may have missed 2. Remind your plumber to use a spirit levell to mount your basin..I remembered a forumer mentioned this in his blog, but I forgot all about it amid the flurry of activities..... Luckily can be rectified..whew 3. Remind the plumbers again touse protection when they install your precious shiny taps and bath accessories...I specifically told them I dont want to see any scratches ----to be cont---

DAY 9 cont Wiring completed A look at the kitchen doorways Kitchen entrance Skirting -- still rough (awaiting the plastering contractor ) Skirting the other side Skirting along kitchen wall DAY 9 cont Kitchen back entrance Closeup view The other side The skirting below

DAY 9 cont Newly hacked concealed sockets for dishwasher and double socket Closeup of the dishwasher and double socket Newly hacked concealed sockets for 3 appliances - oven, hood and induction hob, and a double socket ( not shown in pic is another existing double socket to change faceplate ) Closeup of the wiring for the 3 appliances - daunting Closeup of the concealed double socket

DAY 9 Works: - Electrical - Plumbing - Meeting with chief carpenter The "fun" begins today, the above people are coming as tiling and kitchen base are all completed. Lighting stuffs and appliances all delivered. Kitchen Yard Yard toilet - so much better, if you look carefully, there is a slight gradient to prevent water ponding which was a problem in the original state Close up of the tiling in toilet - looks good Electricians doing the wiring...Darren is up on the ladder to lay wires in the false ceiling My final electrical works: Kitchen ---- 2x20A socket for oven and induction hob 2x13A for dishwasher and hood 3 double sockets Wiring for T5 lighting drawn from kitchen lighting( switch to change to 2 way ) Living ----- Hack and conceal one dimmer socket Replace 3 water heater switch, all switches, and install lighting

Hi all, You can visit my blog I just started ( still updating ) at http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17379 You can also view my photos at http://s437.photobucket.com/albums/qq96/ko...n%20Sep%202008/ Here are the pics of the yard toilet just done..so no clean up yet...

DAY 3 Works: - Commence tiling works and construction of cabinet base Yard WC - confirmed sewage hole distance from wall is 10 inches. All the other WC measured the same 6 inches from base to wall. Called up shop to informed them - I have ordered the 3 sets of WCs and basins, and plumbers are coming next week.

DAY 2 Works: -Hacking completed, and debris removed -Discussion with chief tiler and electrician After hacking cont Yard and toilet Met Darren, the electrician, discussed my requirements - 2x20A point, extra concealed sockets, positioning of electrical points and new switches, running the wiresT5 lighting, replace switches, install lightings DAY 2 cont Met chief tiler, Ong, discussed tiling works - direction of laying, skirting, kerb, and cabinet base construction Selected the middle tile - its the whitest homogeneous tile available in Hafary. Price $3.20 psf ( no need to top up ) Drawing by Ong

DAY 1 cont After hacking Sink area - notice the cracked tiles after door frame removal - its inevitable Gas pipe exposed - yellow marking indicates concealed gas pipe underneath Some pointers 1.Removal of door frames will inevitably result in damaged tiles. Make sure you have spare tiles for replacement, if you intend to keep your existing tiled wall. 2.The door kerb under the frame may be affected 3.Replacing door frames can be more expensive than the door itself

DAY 1 cont Before pics of Yard After hacking Kitchen door removed Whats underneath the door frame...these excesses can be removed to further widen the doorway

DAY 1 The Beginning Works: -Hacking of floor tiles in kitchen, yard and yard toilet including WC and basin -Demolition of kitchen door and door frames, and cabinets Before pics of kitchen

Hi all...sorry to keep you all wondering..its a condo (pai say) Yes..did some shopping already. Ok..must continue my diary...

Hi all...welcome to my blog,.. Jessie, Angel81, ahockz, Mrs Dante, pinkpetter Its a sneak peek to my new kitchen...I took closeup shots of the tiling in the yard and carpentry so one can judge the quality/workmanship. The rest of the floor covered by cardboard paper. So far I am pleased with the work...but better reserve my judgment until its completed, and handed over. Smoke is drawn by Henry, I just did simple line editing la pinkpetter....will mention in due time Heres my floor plan area 140sqm

After some negotiations, I finally signed up with him, and placed a deposit of $1K. Was a bit apprehensive, because there was no proper contract to sign, but Henry reassured me his clients have no problems so far and he will try his best to make good. ( Can readers who have renovated share if they have signed any form of contract ala RADAC kind ? ) Gave me a 3D perspective drawing of the kitchen, unfortunately, no 3D computer generated ones , and the final quotation cum "contract" below PROFESSIONAL SERVICES -DESIGN CONSULTATION ,FURNITURE LAYOUT PLAN & MASTERIAL PROPOSAL -3D PERSPECTIVE DRAWING ,PROJECT CONSULTATION & MANAGEMENT -ON SITE SUPERVISION BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL -3YEAR WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY LIVING/DINING HALLS KIV-GRINDING AND POLISHING OF EXISTING MARBLE (include patching of crack line) -TO HACK AND PATCH SPRAWLING CONCRETE AT PASSAGEWAY(include patch master room window bay, exclude painting) BEDROOMS ---cancelled---SUPPLY/INSTALL LAMINATED LEDGES FOR WINDOW BAY AT 3 BEDROOMS (LESS $120) -REMOVAL OF LOCK SET FOR EXISTING DOOR AT 3 BEDROOMS KITCHEN, YARD AND UTILITY -SUPPLY/CONSTRUCT CERAMIC/HOMOGENEOUS FLOOR TILES FOR KITCHEN AND YARD(<$3 PSF) -WATERPROOFING FOR KITCHEN AND YARD TO BE CARRIED (2 LAYERS) -PLASTERING OVER EXISTING FULL HEIGHT WALL TILES FOR KITCHEN (INCLUDE DO TILES SKIRTING & PAINTING ) -CONSTRUCTION OF (DISCOUNTED $100 WITHOUT FRIDGE) CABINET BASE -TO RUN PVC OUTLET PIPING FOR DISHWASHER AND SINK -SUPPLY/INSTALL SOILD LAMINATED KITCHEN CABINET (TOP/BOTTOM=30FTS)(INCLUDE STAINLESS STEEL DISHRACK ,2 GLASS PANELS ,DESIGN HANDLES AND CUTLERY TRAY) INCLUDE CABINET FOR DISHRACK, CHOICE OF LAMITAK OR EDL @ $100PFR -SUPPLY/INSTALL SOLID SURFACE TOP FOR KITCHEN CABINET (19FTS @ $95PFR) LG HI MACS ARCTIC WHITE(INCLUDED GST) -SUPPLY/INSTALL 2 NOS. ALUMINIUM FRAME WITH FROSTED GLASS FOR KITCHEN CABINET -SUPPLY LABOUR TO INSTALL COOKER HOOD, HOB ,OVEN ,SINK & TAP & DISH WASHER -LABOUR TO INSTALL BLUM cancelled------------------REPLACEMENT OF NEW PIPING FOR KITCHEN (IF NOT AFFECTED) -SUPPLY/INSTALL 1 NO.TOP HUNG TEMPERED FRAMELESS SLIDING GLASS DOOR AT KITCHEN ENTRANCE(10MM) -SUPPLY/INSTALL STAINLESS STEEL/TEMPERED GLASS BACKING ON LONG WALL (BOTH SAME PRICE)TEMPERED -SUPPLY/INSTALL GLASS BACKING TO HEIGHT BEHIND SINK -TO DISMANTLE AND DISPOSE EXISTING KITCHEN CABINET -DEMOLITION OF EXISTING TIMBER DOOR FRAMES AND MAKE GOOD FOR KITCHEN AND YARD -ELECTRICAL: 1 OVEN PT, EXTEND 1 INDUCTION 15A PT, 1 HOOD/HOB PTS,REINSTALL EXISTING POWER PTS SUPPLY/INSTALL 2 NOS. T5 LIGHTS (INCLUDE LAY WIRES) TOILETS cancelled---------------MASTER TOILET: SUPPLY/INSTALL SOLID LAMINATED CABINET ABOVE VANITY C/W MIRROR DOOR LABOUR TO INSTALL BASINS, TAPS AND WC FOR ALL 3 TOILETS (PURCHASE BY OWNER) cancelled------------------COMMON TOILET: SUPPLY/INSTALL 1 NO. OF ALUMNIUM/ARCYLIC BI-FOLD DOOR FOR ENTRANCE YARD SUPPLY/CONSTRUCT CERAMIC/HOMOGENEOUS FLOOR TILES FOR YARD TOILET(<$3 PSF) SUPPLY LABOUR TO INSTALL 1 NO. TOILET BOWL AND 1 NO. BASIN (PURCHASE BY OWNER) cancelled----------------SUPPLY/INSTALL 1 NO. OF ALUMNIUM/ARCYLIC BI-FOLD DOOR FOR ENTRANCE WATERPROOFING TO BE CARRIED OUT WHOLE HOUSE AND GENERAL -DEBRIS REMOVAL & HACKING OF FLOOR TILES & --cancelled--WALL TILES AS PROPOSED (FOC FOR YARD TOILET) -HAULAGE OF SAND AND MATERIALS TO BE CARRIED OUT (FOC FOR YARD TOILET)LESS $40 -WHOLE HOUSE GENERAL CLEANING AND WASHING (ACID WASH FOR NEW TILES) -PAINTING(WHITE) OF 6 SETS OF EXISTING DOORS/FRAMES AND MASTER TOILET VANITY DOORS(NOT TO REMOVE) -SUPPLY LABOUR TO REMOVE AND REPLACE WHOLE HOUSE SWITCHES(NOT POWER SOCKETS) PROVIDED BY OWNER Terms of payment : 1st payment 10% (deposit) 2nd payment 30% (start works) 3rd payment 50% ( complete wet works or start of carpentry ) 4th payment 10% ( full completion ) Quotation came to slightly above $13K Note: Originally wanted to hack the walls as well, but decided to hack floor only in kitchen, yard and toilet, as wall tiles are still sound and in good condition...nothing hollow, as examined by Henry. Plastering the wall instead of hacking or overlay because a. Wall tiles are in good condition, and will provide a good foundation for the plastering b. Less headache ( don’t have to choose tiles, worry about waterproofing ) and mess c. Cost savings of almost $1K d. Nice, smooth and clean look – no grouting e. Easy maintenance – just wipe and clean, or paint over f. Can easily change colour scheme by painting Ok..heres my new kitchen after editing myself. I have given a lot of thought to the planning and design of my kitchen, and hence gave specifics including the dimensions of the cabinet eg size of the cavity for the dishwasher, height of the kitchen countertop, space between countertop and base of top cabinet, 2 deep drawers and 1 shallow for cutlery, appliances dimensions and positioning, etc... Alas, even with my careful planning and detailed specifications for the kitchen, something unexpected happened...... --to be continued--

Hello everybody, I will chronicle my "journey" here, and hopefully it may help you in your upcoming renovation I will upload my photos, with descriptions added, to the link below, and have created a main album, Renovation Sep 2008, with sub albums in chronological order eg Before reno, Day 1, etc… for easy reference. Here’s the link: http://s437.photobucket.com/albums/qq96/ko...n%20Sep%202008/ Selecting An ID/ Contractor This part is the toughest and the most crucial - so take your time and choose wisely. I spent months searching, and comparing before deciding on one. Here are some pointers: 1. Do your homework, and lots of research here and in other forums eg singaporebrides 2. Get at least a few quotations to compare, and a feel of the market prices 3. Ask for quotation as if you are doing the whole house even if you are not, or give a reasonably high budget….some will not respond if it is not worth their time or of a certain budget. At least you will get a quotation for comparison, and you can always delete the unwanted items if you decide to engage them 4. Do a background check on the company – track record, experience, accreditations, professionalism, trustworthiness, warranty, after sales service, etc 5. Check for feedback from others who have used the firm 6. Itemise all work to be done, and specify type of work and materials, so as to eliminate any hidden costs and disputes 7. Be objective and don’t be swayed by freebies , promos ( promos are forever ongoing ) …all these are factored in somewhere in your quotation already, so do your sums first 8. Don’t rush to sign up on the spot unless you have researched the company thoroughly 9. Not all renovations will proceed smoothly as planned…be prepared for any delay or hiccups along the way True story to share, I did ask an interior designer friend ( expensive to ask to do mine ) for his opinion on a quotation. He told me a matter of factly: “ I am not good at this and can’t help you in this area, but I can check with my contractors, they will know best at costing. I am only good at helping my clients spend their money to beautify their home.” To date, no news from him on this, I reckon probably laughing at my measly budget which he won’t even consider. Another ID Contractor friend declined to do mine as “he is busy doing another project with budget of $150K at Balmoral”. So now you know what IDs are good at… they also pick and choose clients too , and dont expect them to help you save money I have done my share of emailing, calling, visiting the recommended, popular firms in this forum…some responded with quotations, some didn’t even reply , some are really pricey, some appear cheap but left out some items unquoted, some with high quotes on certain items and cheap on others, etc In the end, I engaged Henry Goh from Impress21 because: 1. Reasonable quotation 2. Prompt response 3. 15 years’ experience, HDB licensed, RADAC member, workmanship warranty 4. Genuine track record – googled and found postings going back a few years ; 5. Good workmanship on the flat he was working on 6. Reliability and responsibility – from forumers’ feedback …positive and negative but mostly good comments. One need to weigh the good and the bad comments, and filter the real from the fakes, and decide 7. Rapport 8. Gut feeling My Renovation Requirements It’s an 8 year old apartment in its original state ….very dated interiors but otherwise well kept and in good condition. After much deliberation and “pocket digging”, I decided to do the “necessary ones” to work within my measly budget and hopefully still can achieve the look My renovation is more like a budget makeover, not a whole house renovation, with a budget of $20K for renovation and furnishings. 1. Kitchen complete makeover 2. Yard and its toilet 3. Replace some doors – kitchen , common and yard toilet 4. All other doors and frames to be painted white instead of replacement 5. Replace all WCs and basins, and bath accessories 6. Replace switches 7. New lightings 8. Marble polishing 9. Painting for yard 10. Mirror wall for dining area

I took the plunge with this firm, and I am overall very pleased with their work so far , and Henry has proven to be a responsible person ( can search in this forum and singaporebrides for more reviews, though not many photos) The workers have all displayed good work attitude, and rectifications are done willingly without any black face or complaints eg installing my dishwasher was a headache, they had to shift it in and out of the tight spot at least 6x to adjust; had to reinistall the 2 basins because not level ; reinstall my Welmi kitchen bar 3x because didnt like the position...( I am very meticulous ) Do remember that my renovation is not finsihed yet, and no clean up has been done yet. The photos posted are taken as is and hopefully can convey the workmanship/quality. Yard toilet after tiling - only flooring done because of water ponding - hacked and tiled, original wall tiles remain due to budget constrains Yard toilet tiling close up - debris is still around Kitchen ( complete makeover ) showing lower cabinets - top of handles flushed and in line with oven Drawer cabinet corner closeup Closeup of the corner - corner touched up as I am using 1 mm glossy laminate; laminates well done and not "wavy" Plumbing and PD doors installed yesterday....Will post photos of the plumbing works

There are 2 that I know that contractors frequent to buy their hardwares..one is Shanghai Tong Lee at Jalan Sultan, which I highly recommend. I bought most of my stuffs there...service is good ( was served by this man, Hoe ), fair and fixed price for all, whether contractor or homeowner, ...may also get further discount if you buy a lot. I got a 5% off for my Blum drawer runners The other place is Thye Seng at Sims Avenue...but be warned and proceed at your own risk. ...bad service, variable pricing ( contractors get better discount ), and not any cheaper than the above shop. I had a bad experience there.....Heres what happened: Overheard while waiting for my turn to be served, a contractor was lamenting to the male shopkeeper about how his client managed to get hold of the shop contractor’s pricing, and demanded from him to reduce his quotation. Apparently the shop gave it out thinking that the client was a contractor As this shop sells Hettich kitchen system , I wanted to enquire about the lift system for the top cabinet panels and price. Its was my turn, and the bespectacled man glanced towards me and .... Man: Ya..what you want to ask? I( pointing to the Hettich catalogue) : How much is this bi fold lift system? Man: Whats the measurement? I: Not sure..but roughly this size ( using my hands ). Man: Don’t roughly, must give me the exact measurement and weight of door. I studied the catalogue again and there were like at least 9 sizes listed… I paused deep in thought. After a while, Man: .... we only carry this 2 ( pointing to the 2 largest sizes ) (I thought to myself.. was it so difficult to just quote me the prices for the 2 sizes ???) I : Ok..how much for the bigger one? Man: $130 plus, must add gst. (Someone did mention in this forum that contractors or contractor look alike get better pricing) I : Is this contractor’s price? Man ( apparently agitated by this question ): You don’t bargain here…if you want to bargain you can go somewhere else. Why you want to waste time coming here…just ask your carpenter to come down and order la! I (dumbfounded ): ??? I quickly settled for my stainless steel handles which the other lady had got ready for me. Went home and realized they charged me $6.50 instead of the $6.00, not inclusive of GST, when I earlier bought one to try out Btw, I found out that Shanghai Tong Lee sells the same handle and cheaper too , luckily bought only 5 more pcs. I ended up buying all my handles from Shanghai.