godchuanz

Agree. I think all celebrations/gatherings should be split into groups It's also quite weird for the guests to go to a party and don't know half the people there. If the groups are more or less familiar with one another, you can even include fun group activities.

Hi alannn, if you are looking for acoustically transparent cloth, generally any thin fabric that is highly breathable will do the trick. There are lots of fabric shops at Chinatown, can go down there to take a look. But if you want to be truly sure that the fabric works, order online from those angmoh countries. The GOM fabrics are apparently very well regarded.

In the past, IDs are truly artistic people who you hire to help you design your home and manage your contractor, because contractors are well-known to be sly and difficult to handle. So the mass public all started to look towards IDs. It's generally worth it to pay a few K to one guy, and potentially save up to tens of thousands of dollars you would otherwise lose to unscrupulous contractors. The ID is on your side, because they have a portfolio to maintain, and each home design is truly unique and interesting. Contractors, upon seeing this trend, all started to collude with the IDs, either by hiring them into the company or by starting to offer "ID" services themselves. But of course, the designs are hardly fantastic, and is mostly templated. So now it's like a 2-in-1. So who is the check-and-balance? Who will help you manage the project and ensure that the contractor doesn't slack? There is truly no one now, as the ID and contractor are now on the same side. And this is the most widespread form of renovation companies in our little island today. It's a shame, really... because this is one of the key reasons why CASE receive so many complaints against renovation companies each year. The renovation industry is not well regulated, and too many companies advertise themselves as IDs, but they are really just the same wolves under sheep clothing. One of my politically inclined friends say that it's a bit like the President and Government of Singapore, but I'm not sure what he means. So where have these capable, artistic dudes gone to? Most have been forced out of the industry because consumers generally believe that "two-in-one" is more economical. Some of these dudes venture into bigger architectural projects and manage big projects for the corporate world, where the margin is higher and the corporations see the value of these people. In essence, today most advertise themselves as "hybrid" or "two-in-one", but strictly speaking, they are still all just smart money-making contractors going with the flow. I have yet to see a home designed and managed by a true blue ID. This renovation world is tough to handle, so stay sharp and tread carefully.

Reading this thread, I can feel a lot of your pain. I have come to the (arguably biased) conclusion that the ID/renovation industry is like that. There is simply no pride in the work that they do. What they are most interested in, like many other businesses, is the money in your wallet. Once you have surrendered yours, or if you look like you are an easy prey, they will eat you up. All of you who are unsatisfied with your ID, please first consider whether you are being unreasonable and nitpicking. If you're not and the work is truly substandard, or the IDs are giving you crap excuses and delaying your time, go ahead and lodge the complaint. Don't be afraid of the administrative process! Do yourself and the rest of society a favour. Get these irresponsible, unethical companies blacklisted. Have them lose their HDB license. If you can, sue until the company close down. You must not just let it go. It may seem harsh and unnecessary, but think about it. Every day that these unethical people are in business, is a potential day for a fellow homeowner to be cheated. Be socially responsible and take action. It's a bit like fighting crime, don't just turn a blind eye. Don't fear the process - I believe the officers will guide you through the process.

Most people blast IKEA without even using it, but only based on hearsay and word-of-mouth. It's actually quite unfair, but they have a bad reputation usually because of warping particleboard stuff. As far as I know, IKEA products are honest and you usually get what you pay for. The cheap particleboard furniture will be of cheap particleboard quality. Those solid wood furniture will be of solid wood quality. There is no magic. Slapping a brand name on a piece of wood doesn't change the quality in any way. Because IKEA offers such a wide range of kitchens, it cannot be generalised to be "good" or "bad". Just that, you usually get what you pay for. And read the product details before buying! One thing for sure is this: IKEA honours their warranty, and they won't close shop and run away with your money. They also won't over-quote you or play any sly contractor tactics. This means peace of mind when you shop. Is it the best? Definitely not. Is it of good quality? I'm sure there are good ones, and not-so-good ones. Conclusion: you'd probably get what you pay for at IKEA; you'd probably be able to find a better deal elsewhere (better quality or better price), but also run the same risk of getting a lousy deal (as I did ).

Funny story to share... I went to an electronics store to ask for advice on washing machines. I asked about the Samsung washing machines as they look good and the prices are okay. The salesperson says Samsung washing machines are very lousy, saying that Samsung makes good TVs and fridges, but for washing machines, should go for Electrolux. Salesperson claims that Samsung uses more water, wash already not clean/not dry as their technology inferior to the other brands... I said I'd think about it first and went on to look at TVs. After that, I went back to washing machine section and was served by another salesperson, as the previous salesperson went for lunch break already. This salesperson immediately recommend me Samsung, says that Samsung washing machine has better technology, wash already cleaner than inferior brands like Electrolux Same store, same argument, only used on different brands...

For picture quality and 3D quality, you should go down to the shops and see for yourself. Don't listen to salesman talk. My observations / shop experience about the visuals: - Most of the Samsung TVs, including the 7500 has very nice bright colours - The LG TV has very good colour accuracy, but tends to look a bit "light" (maybe because of the glossy screen, or because the contrast not as good) - Both have great viewing angles - Both have quite good motion rate, but the Samsung seems to be better - Both have adequate and functional Smart TV features - Both look good aesthetically, but I think the LG edges it (subjective) - LG is passive 3D, Samsung is active. If 3D is one of your major concerns, read up on the difference before you commit. And also, really think about whether you'll be using 3D a lot. I personally put more emphasis on the 2D quality, as I'd rarely watch anything in 3D. And personally, I'd hate to use active 3D (usually heavier/more uncomfortable, more maintenance, and the flickering gives headaches), but of course, you don't lose any image resolution in active and there will probably be lesser artifacts... so well, pros and cons. Do share with us what you bought at the end

I'd prefer the LG47LM6700. The bezel is thin, it looks sleek and it's at an unbelievably great price.

I think it's ok to go to reno fairs and even go around to talk to as many ID firms as possible, as long as you don't sign. PLEASE DO NOT TRUST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ONLINE FORUMS, especially those who PM you. Do some research and understand as much as possible before committing.

This is a money-grabbing society. And especially in the renovation industry, you will see a lot of sly underhand tactics used to milk as much money as possible out of unsuspecting consumers. To find someone CARING and RESPONSIBLE is virtually IMPOSSIBLE. It's not their house, why would they care so much? As long as they can earn money from you, they won't care whether it's good. They will only care if you complain! They may say a lot of nice things and make a lot of false promises to make you happy, but be very very careful. My biggest advice: READ THE FORUMS so that you know which firms to STAY AWAY FROM. For all the rest of the firms where you don't see any negative posts, do get quotations. Some more advice: 1) In the quotation, be as SPECIFIC as possible. Even down to the detail of the type of paint used, the thickness of glass slabs, the type of wood material, the type of metal. After you get quotations, you should post them online and get some comments from the rest of the forumers. 2) During contract, please ensure that you only need to pay money in stages. And VERY IMPORTANTLY, make sure that you don't overpay at each stage. And you must keep AT LEAST 10% of final payment to be paid only when you are truly satisfied with everything in the house. 3) Please buy your own lightings and bathroom accessories. Read up the forums to know why. 4) Please source for your own electrician, and whatever service that is not included in the original deal. Many people don't mind paying a bit more so that everything is settled through one party, but it's not just about the money. It's about the quality of work. If you go with the ID's recommended electrician, you end up paying A LOT MORE (up to double the price), and risk getting poor quality work done. 5) Don't over-trust your ID, even if he is from a big, reputable firm. Remember this: the truly good people who happen to step into the industry will sooner or later come to know all the evils in the industry. And most of the time, the truly good people quit because they cannot bear to continue fleecing unsuspecting customers. Most of the experienced people in the industry are those who have a way with words, those who know how to sweet-talk customers into paying more, and those who know how to get away with giving the cheapest/poorest quality work while making customers pay high prices. 6) Read up on your legal rights as a paying consumer. Renovation is a very costly expense, and you should get to know what you can do in the event that you meet a bad ID. Good luck with your renovation

Hi Michael, I found this online: http://plus.bigdeal.sg/EPlayeurs-Christmas-Tree-180cm-150cm.html A good deal if you ask me

Hi, I think concrete may be better for support, but you may still face leaks. I think this is probably just the risk of undermounting.

Is Andy Low the boss of D'trenzo? Can anyone share his email/mobile please? I wish to make a complaint about serious delays, poor/erroneous work and false promises from his company. Thanks!

Is there anyone who has successfully lodged a complaint/lawsuit and gotten back money for unfinished/poor work? I am seriously intending to take legal action against an irresponsible and dishonest "ID". Those who have experience or stories to share, please let me know. Thanks!

My carpenter told me that a lot of undermount sinks leak and cause the cabinet wood to rot/spoil. He says he's never seen a topmount leak. But of course, topmount sinks must make it a habit to wipe dry the edges after use. If not, over time if water keep touching and seeping into the tiny gaps between the sink and the solid top, a layer of disgusting black stuff may form and make it difficult to clean.