negarawan

I have done 4 renovations. I am sourcing for my next renovation now. All Id's have there particular style, big set ups are different from small. But again big ones come with a price and some time no surety of good workmanship. Well, the same one goes for small one too. The ID has to be sincere and said what they promised. So set a hard and high standard when you first met. Those that can't meet the criteria will fall back. You have to be firm and yet reasonable. Let me give you a tip, if you want your reno with new ID to be pleasent, "treat your ID with some respect. Let them be the boss and share your concerns and view points". Aviod bossiness, demanding and learn proper communication, pateince and more patience. Stand for your rights (also your quotes), yet be accomdating to some minor mistakes (which is bound to happen). Sorry brother. ID and clients are 2 ways communication. But ultimately, clients are paying the IDs. So when my boss pay my salary every month, am I suppose to be the boss?? Yes, treat ID with respect. But respect needs to be earned. Lastly, you are the pay master, you are going to stay in the house for many years. ID at most need to be patience and share the pain for a few days. If they meet the standards, there won't be any pain for anyone of us. My second ID, I engaged was bad. I got him in 2003. The last I heard, he has busted himself out of job due to his bad temper and ego!!!

I start with 2 IDs that were recommended by the forum. Hot IDs. What I find is they are too busy. And they won't be rejecting jobs = $$$ just because they are busy. I set a high standard with them, schedule, when to meet, how many days will be on site. I told them I mean business. I want it hassle free..I don't want to be their sandwiches between their contractors just because they are busy. I can see the fickles in their eyes. Busy ID = no time for you = sub standard no matter what. = you need to help them rectified their problem... It is like, can u pass an exam without study? Searching a good IDs is setting a high standard at the beginning. If they are good, they are not worry. Those that are full of hot airs...will be scare off. Why? Because I want them to note all these requirements as comments.

mengliangchan, How much did you spend for the kitchen. To be frank, 47k seem overprice for the photo. Base on my experiences....before.

folks, we just can't be running around like herd mentality. I have done a couple of renovation before for my houses. When the contractor/id is not busy, he will give you all the attention. When he is busy, he will not. Less time means lousy work. Of course, we can argue on that point. Imagine, if one can't give you the committed time, then who will be doing all the inspection. In this world, we paid for a service. We cannot be soft hearted to them. Soft hearted to them means that we suffer. This is the right statement. Many of the id or most will take you for granted, if you go soft. Go and source around. see which one you can trust. Set high standard with him. Do not listen to all the crap talks and over promised at the beginning, they don't mean anything when they can't be deliver. I will be doing my property soon. I have yet decide to go for 1 id or split it out between contractor and id. But, I will definitely kept a little red book taking all notes when I talk to the id. A lot of them like to talk a lot, but when actions come..minimal. take care..and keep yr eyes open. It does not mean a good recommendation here mean good id. If it is, then it is a easy formula for rich id. They just need to pump up their own reputation.