fftw

Nope, you will not have the same issue as once you turn on the tap for hot water, the fire will be ignited at the heater. In fact, I remove the switch for the heater & used it as an extra plug in the bathroom. In both my bathrooms, I have a plug for hairdryer/shaver, ceiling light, top cabinet lights & also one for the exhausted fans. Will post a picture when I have time, next week.

Yes, my contractor Dennis, cut the sink to the dimensions required in that space and customised the cabinets for me. I can't remember the cost of the cabinets as its part of the quotations. Will upload the pictures once I am free, possibly next week.

What a bargain! Things at Taka is also expensive, even after discount. But since I have the voucher, I thought just buy stuff there. The next time I need to buy the hanging system will get it from the website you mentioned

I know so expensive right?!?! We bought it for our 1st home way back when we are DINKS & earning super high salary. Even then, also feel the pain. But the good news is that its really value for $$$. It has been with us for such a long time & it goes with everything in all our homes

Yes, I saw one that is at $30 but it only comes with kitchen paper/foil/cling wrap. So decided to pay for slightly more so that is a compartment for my plastic role & sticky tape

Muji at Ion has some nice looking rugs. But they are around $299 or so for a large rug

I have no issues with my City Gas Dryer. But if you wish to install the City Gas Heater make sure you insist that City Gas install the heater as high as possible, rather than at eye level. Otherwise, the flame will constantly be extinguished. As mentioned in my blog, we installed the gas heater higher than what is recommended by the City Gas technician (which is much lower) as his recommendation will mean that the heater is constantly in our faces when we open the yard door. It was a blessing that we didn't listen to him. The only issue with installing the gas heater much higher is that you should not use the laundry pole closest to the gas heater, in case whatever you are hanging chases fire.

I have no idea what my contractor did to tell you the truth. I left it to him & he quote me a price for all the capentry. He never mentioned anything to me about the chemical wash.

Thanks coldflamez My coffee table is from Minotti. Its not cheap but has been with us since ours days living in Nathan road, about 8 years ago. Can't really recall the price but think its around 2 grand.

We are using City Gas dryer now, no issues whatsoever. We used to use a F&P dryer but it cause our electrican bill to shot up quite high. With a City Gas dryer, its more cost efficient. As mentioned, we do not use the hanger at the yard to hang our clothes at this moment because of the construction dust, we have a standing hanger which we use to dry our clothes at the balcony. After its dried (esp for towels & bedsheets), I will put them in the dryer for about 10 mins to get that newly laundered smell

I can still use the clothes hanger to hang clothes but I can't lower the hanger. However, at this moment, I only use the yard hanger to hang floor clothes, as its very dusty at Pinnacle@Duxton. My washing machine spin cycle is quite good so I never experienced the "water dripping" syndrome. As for the heavy downpours, it does get into the yard area but it never reaches my washing machine or dryer. Only one finger hength of the floor is slighty damp from the wind blowing the rain in. So as for your question, the answer is no, since there is no constant exposure of my washing machine or dryer to the elements. As for as dirt is concern, it only gets dusty cost of the renovation going around. And yes, I can open the aircon ledge gate to servicing the aircon with no problems. The dryer does not block the ledge gate at all. The yard is actually deceiving large. After putting in the laundry bins, dryer & washing machine, I still have room for my mop, broom, spade, pails, etc hidden next to my dryer/washing machine & even have room for me & my domestic helper to sort out laundry together!

To me, its a courtesy thing to do. It is about showing someone due respect. I hate it when people give my mobile number to others (even their friends) without asking for my permission. He may be a contractor but it doesn't mean that I should not treat him with due respect & seek his "agreement". Though he always says "yes", it doesn't mean I should take it for granted.

Its disappointing that you experience shoddy service. The thing is that I didn't experience what you did neither have the several friends I recommended Dennis too. All of them only had good things to tell me about Dennis. But as I said in the beginning of this blog, you must choose whoever you feel comfortable with. One man's posion is another man's meat. Also, those who PM me will know that I always ask for your name before recommending Dennis as I usually contact him to let him know who will be contacting him for renovation quotations. And to tell you the truth, I did not get a offical black & white quotation from Edwin as well. If you read my blog, there was no mentioned of it in the slightest. In fact, I even got a text message on the price & I spoke to Edwin about the materials. After I confirm with him on the purchase, he ask me if I wanted an official invoice, but I said no. In any case, I didn't give him a single cent of my hard earned money till 2 weeks after I moved into my place. The people I recommended Edwin to & there are quite a few, also only had good experiences. Having said this, I hope you can find someone whom you are comfortable to part your hard earned cash. Good luck!

No worries Its a fine line between a contractor & an ID. A contractor will also be better as he will know what can be done & what can't be done whereas a ID is more concern abt the looks. Of course, if you can find a contractor who is interested in ID but do not have the papere qualifications, is the best. Dennis is someone like that

Actually, Dennis is a contractor He has renovated so many homes that he has a few creative ideas up is sleeve

You shift every 2 years?!? Don't you get tired of moving? I admire your tenacity This is the 16 house that I lived in & I hope to stay put for at least the next 5 years cos I am so tired of packing & unpacking!

Thanks patsy_sg I am a neat freaked & hate anything too exposed. Don't waste $$$ on unnecessary things! I will advise you the same. Since its a new development, best to make full use of the items you paid $$$

I PMed you.

Best is to go look at the laminates. Some of the companies (I think Lamitak) might give you a bigger laminate to have a better idea of the final product. Thicker laminate means more cost for the contractor & less profit for them. So if you have already confirm the pricing, contractors generally do not wish to offer a thicker laminate. Generally the quality of laminates are the same from different companies for the same thickness. Difference will come later in the skill of the carpenter.

Brand is Leifheit. I bght it from the Takashimaya sale for $39.90 as I had some Taka vouchers.

I bought them from Ikea!!! Its on the 1st level near where all the bins, magnectic boards, storage boxes are located.

Thanks Clementi_PR for your sweet compliments

Same here. That is why I let my hubby decided!

I know how you feel!!! I feel the same way too. Initially didn't want to even install OpenNet cos of the trunking but in the end, when we think about it in the long run, better to install rather than regret or like in your situation, make life tough for the next owner should we sell the place.

Maybe the best is to check with your contractor/carpenter what other brands has a thicker laminate. Formica is really pricey. I wanted to use Formica too till I heard the price If you are going for glossy, the point to take note that as long as there is no direct light shining on the laminate, the wavvy look will not be obvious at all unless you go very close to the laminate to check it out. Do consider going for light colours. The darker the glossy laminate, the more obvious the finger prints, the more upkeeping you have to do. Also, don't go for "pure" white. Choose the off-white range so it gives a softer look rather than a harsh overall effect.