watervapourbaby

Thanks Bepgof for your feedback! Was considering Dakota Residences as well but it's also L99 and a much smaller condo than WB which is just next door. Do you think south facing units are better?

Hi fellow forumers, any thoughts on this project? Heard it's going to TOP soon in 2013 and am considering if it's a good buy for investment? Looks attractive cos it's less than 5mins from Dakota mrt, plus lots of makan and recreational spots - Is 1300/1400psf asking reasonable? Any feedback great appreciated!

Thanks everyone for your input, yes I certainly don;t expect to strike 4d after FS consultation but with the many positive stories on the forum, I expect things to progress smoothly for me at least but instead, bad things kept happening one after another (lost job within months, constant quarrels with loved ones plus everyone in the family kept falling sick) - As compared to before, things were already going quite well for me (good job prospects, good family relations, everyone's healthy etc) I can't help but feel it's related to the reno - plus we now have to live with a layout not to our liking... Bepgof - not sure about what you meant by your post - have you consulted Master Chang b4? Bk888 - I couldn't agree with you more. we actually regretted the FS consultation, money down the drain, things turned from good to bad, weird layout and FS placement...sigh. Should have gone with what we really wanted instead of believing in some hocus pocus. To all forummers who are thinking of doing FS consultation, better think twice.

Yes, we feedback to him and he suggested some slight changes to his original plans but still no results...was wondering if I should get another fsm but having just gone thru massive renovation...oh well...I don't know...

Hi ppl, Just want to gather some feedback from forummers who have used Master Chang. How accurate do you find his reading and do you practise all that he says? My personal experience with him was quite some time ago and sad to say, i feel that it didn't work for me - despite following ALL his advice to a tee. I completely re-configured my house layout to his advice and followed up with several clarifications on what needs to be done. Alot of unpleasant things started happening in my life (lost job, constant quarrels with loved ones, kept falling sick etc) and I don't know if I should go back to him again for a second time or seek opinions elsewhere. What would you do if you were me?

Hi Morning star, Your quote looks a little on the steep side - also, u need to get them to quote u for wiring. I redid my 5rm with 40K budget excluding kitchen and ceiling. But alot of probs now, leaking windows, bad workmanship etc...really regretting not getting a more reliable contractor and pay a bit more. Now my contractor wants us to pay him an additional $3Kplus more as he claims that he did alot of extras on wiring (even though we got a quote from him for that specifically)...we felt so cheated.... Most impt is find a contractor that is trust worthy...Good luck with your reno!

Hi leechaorui, I agree, we also made some changes - adding and removing some of the items so as homeowners, we should always set aside budget for such changes. We were very involved in the whole reno process as well, going on site everyday and acting as the 'runner' for the foreman (our contractor only came down 4 times during the whole process). Unfortunately, there are some things we wouldn't know till we start living in the house - case in point: we didn't find out about the leaking windows till we moved in and discovered that on rainy days, the water will seep into our house. Now we are contemplating what to do next, if we get him to replace the windows, will we incur additional charges? I feel it's not fair as the main purpose of the windows is to keep out the rain right? Which is why we changed all the windows to new ones in the first place.

Hi all, the VO was a shocker as he didn't mention to us that he'll be charging us for the lighting points etc, it was all supposed to be covered under 'wiring works' in our original quote. Really regretting it now as the reno is inferior and he made so many mistakes - ie: wrong measurement for cabinets, placement of ceiling fans, windows that couldn't keep out the rain etc etc. Initially we were going to close 1 eye as he's a friend's contact and we thought that 40K should be more than enough to cover the costs...but this 'VO' was the last straw. sigh.. this is a lesson learnt for us

Hi guys, was taken aback by my contractor's variation order which is almost 5K more than what we were quoted originally. Can anyone advise what exactly a VO is? We didn't make any changes to the design except ask for additional box-ups and customised end tables. We had thought that the so called lighting points would have been covered under 'wiring works' in our original invoice but now, the contractor is saying that every point must pay, and even though he said he originally quoted us $50 for installing the instant heater, it doesn't include the water piping ($125) and installing the heater point ($50) . We felt really cheated as he didn't mention this to us earlier, now we are slapped with so many additional charges all of a sudden. Also, the worst thing is that the windows which he gave us were really lousy, whenever there's a thunderstorm, the water will seep thru and soak our laminate flooring...sigh... I have attached the original invoice together with the new "VO". Hope some kind folks out there can advise us what to do next. The contractor was recommended thru a contact so we don't really want to be rude to him but the many mistakes he made plus the fact that he's trying to make us pay for this so called additional works is really pushing us to the limit Thanks! Description Qty Rate (S$) Amount (S$) A Demolish Work 1 To demolish existing concrete sink support. 01 90.00 $90.00 2 To dismantle existing top & bottom kitchen cabinet. 01 275.00 $275.00 3 To demolish existing (5X4)ft wall between kitchen & dining area. 01 275.00 $275.00 4 To dismantle existing simple cornices **** & dining area. 01 110.00 $110.00 5 To dismantle existing floor skirting ****, dining, balcony & 03 bedrooms 01 198.00 $198.00 6 To dismantle existing full height wardrobe at master & bedroom 2. 01 220.00 $220.00 7 To dismantle existing full height shoe cabinet at foyer area. 01 110.00 $110.00 B Mansory Work 1 To lay over (300X300)mm matt homogenous floor tiles at foyer area.(@$3/-psf). 01 165.00 $165.00 2 To lay over (300X600)mm matt homogenous floor tiles at kitchen area.(@$3/-psf). 01 605.00 $605.00 3 To lay over wall tiles at exposed area and plaster uneven walls at kitchen. 01 1,320.00 $1,320.00 4 To supply & construct cement base for kitchen cabinet, fridge & washer. 01 200.00 $200.00 5 To supply & install stainless steel rubbish chute at kitchen area. 01 200.00 $200.00 6 To hack and make good cement smooth surrounding wall opening between kitchen & dining area. 01 310.00 $310.00 7 Supply wall tiles and floor tiles include wastage 545 3.20 $1,744.00 C Plumbing Work 1 To supply labour to install kitchen sink & lever tap. 01 90.00 $90.00 2 To supply inlet & discharge piping for kitchen sink & washing machine. 01 135.00 $135.00 3 To supply labour to install bathroom accessories for 02 bathrooms 01 55.00 $55.00 4 To supply labour to install 02nos mini Bidet spray at 02 bathrooms 01 110.00 $110.00 5 To dismantle and install 01 toilet bowl in master 01 110.00 $110.00 D Ceiling Work 1 To remove existing cornices erect false ceiling & light pelmet at foyer, living area and master room 01 275.00 $275.00 Flooring Wood Works 1 Balcony cement screed finish to match timber flooring inlay with stainless steel bar. 01 560.00 $560.00 2 To supply & install (Floorich) laminate flooring c/w skirting ****, dining, balcony & 03 bedrooms. (include cut doors). 01 3,110.00 $3,110.00 E Carpentry Works 1 To fabricate & install (3X7)ft full height clear mirror c/w solid ply backing. 01 450.00 $450.00 2 To fabricate & install 4ft(L) full height shoe cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish. 01 830.00 $830.00 3 a To fabricate & install 4ft(L) full height panel with solid ply c/w shelves in laminate finish include filling recess wall. 01 1,820.00 $1,820.00 b To fabricate & install 12ft(L) low storage cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish. 01 include above 4 a To fabricate & install 9.5ft(L) TV wall feature with solid ply c/w clear mirror/ shelving & 3ft(L) storage cabinet in laminate finish. 01 2,400.00 $2,400.00 b To fabricate & install 9.5ft(L) low TV console with solid ply c/w drawers & compartments in laminate. 01 include above F Kitchen Area 1 To fabricate & install 5ft(L) Bi-fold window with solid ply c/w lourves in white spray paint finish. 01 805.00 $805.00 2 To fabricate & install 5ft(L) suspended service counter with solid ply in laminate finish. 01 4,015.00 $4,015.00 3 To fabricate & install 44ft(L) top and bottom kitchen cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish. 01 include above 4 (45 degree Silver ABS trimming/ 03nos frosted glass panel/ cutlery tray/ dish strainer/ 2 way track.) 01 include above 5 To fabricate & install 3ft(L) low cabinet with solid ply box up rubbish chute area. 01 include above 6 To fabricate & install 26ft(L) solid surface kitchen top. 26 58.85 $1,530.10 7 To supply & install additonal 3ft(L) solid surface top for rubbish chute. 04 41.20 $164.80 8 To fabricate & install 14ft(L) solid top material backing NA G Bedroom 2 1 To fabricate and install 8ft(L) wardrobe with solid ply c/w swing door in laminate finish. 01 1,700.00 $1,700.00 2 To fabricate and install 3ft(L) full height false wall with partition board in paint finish. (include fill wall recess). 01 400.00 $400.00 3 To supply & install Goodrich wallpaper covering partition board area only NA H Master Room/ Bathrooms 1 To fabricate & install 12ft(L) full height wardrobe with solid ply c/w swing door in laminate finish. 01 2,125.00 $2,125.00 2 To fabricate & install 3.5ft(L) low chest of drawers with solid ply in laminate finish. 01 380.00 $380.00 3 To supply & install Goodrich wall covering at master headboard area only. 01 NA 4 To fabricate & install 2nos 2ft(L) vanity storage cabinet with mirror in laminate finish. 02 200.00 $400.00 5 To fabricate & install 3ft(L) top hung & 1ft(L) tall storage cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish at common bathroom. 01 605.00 $605.00 J Aluminum Work 1 To supply & install white powdered coated aluminum sliding window and grilles ****, balcony & 03 bedrooms. 01 3,300.00 $3,300.00 2 To supply & install white powdered coated aluminum casement window c/w glass panel include sliding grilles at kitchen. 01 447.50 $447.50 3 To supply & install 01no Wrought Iron gate & fixed panel at main entrance. 01 725.00 $725.00 4 To fabricate & install 06nos panel collapsable door with alum powder coat white frame c/w upper tracking & clear glass. 01 2,415.00 $2,415.00 5 To supply and install fixwd panel with fixed grilles at Balcony. (Remarks :- Metal Railing If necessary). 01 824.00 $824.00 K Shower Screen, Glass Door 1 To supply & install 01no swing door with 10mm clear tampered glass c/w floor spring at kitchen entr. 01 545.00 $545.00 2 To supply & install 01no frameless shower screen with10mm (thk) clear tempered glass at master bath 01 412.00 $412.00 3 To supply & install 01no frameless shower screen with10mm (thk) clear tempered glass at comm bath 01 480.00 $480.00 L Others 1 a To supply & paint whole house wall with ICI emulsion paint. 01 1,540.00 $1,540.00 b To supply & paint main door & 03nos bedroom doors in ICI glossy white paint. 01 include above 2 To apply for haulage service includes sand/stock up/ clear debris by contractor. 01 200.00 $200.00 3 To supply chemical wash/ general cleaning. 01 165.00 $165.00 4 To supply & lay protective covering for whole house. 01 NA 5 To install additional IKEA accessories/shelves in entire house 01 <10pcs FOC 6 HDB submission by Licence contractor 01 FOC M Electrical work allow 1 wiring work for kitchen and 2 toilets 1 180.00 $180.00 2 to run 13 amp single power socket-3 nos 3 60.00 $180.00 3 to run 20 lighting pt and install fitting (purchase by owner) at new ceiling 20 11.00 $220.00 4 to run 2 water heater pt. 13Amp for water heater purchase by owner. 2 50.00 $100.00 Electrical Total Amount $680.00 TOTAL AMOUNT (SINGAPORE DOLLARS). $39,625.40 N Variation Order (Additional Items). I Electrical Works a Kitchen and Common Toilet 1 Wiring for kitchen. 1 180.00 $180.00 2 13 amp single power socket. 3 30.00 $90.00 3 13 amp double power socket. 2 35.00 $70.00 4 Oven point. 1 25.00 $25.00 5 Hood point. 1 25.00 $25.00 6 Hob point. 1 25.00 $25.00 7 Lighting point. 1 25.00 $25.00 8 Install Light fitting. 4 11.00 $44.00 9 Install water heater point at common toilet. 1 50.00 $50.00 10 Install light fitting at common toilet. 1 11.00 $11.00 11 13 amp single power socket washing machine inside common toilet. 1 30.00 $30.00 b Living & Dining 1 Re-run telephone wire from main to dining 1 120.00 $120.00 2 Touch-up repaint wall and casing.(FOC) 1 - $- 3 13 amp single power socket. 3 30.00 $90.00 4 13 amp double power socket. 1 35.00 $35.00 5 Lighting point. 4 25.00 $100.00 6 Install Light fitting. 18 11.00 $198.00 7 Install fan (new point). 1 50.00 $50.00 8 Supply Dimmers. 2 25.00 $50.00 9 Install door bell wiring. 1 30.00 $30.00 c Balcony 1 13 amp double power socket. 2 35.00 $70.00 2 Tel point. 1 35.00 $35.00 3 Lighting point. 1 32.00 $32.00 4 Install fan. (extend to new location). 1 50.00 $50.00 d Master Bedroom & Master Toilet 1 13 amp single power socket. 2 30.00 $60.00 2 13 amp double power socket. 1 35.00 $35.00 3 Install Light fitting. 1 11.00 $11.00 4 Supply Dimmers. 1 25.00 $25.00 5 Install water heater point master bedrrom toilet. 1 50.00 $50.00 6 Install light fitting at master bedroom toilet. 1 11.00 $11.00 e Bedroom 1 1 13 amp single power socket. 1 30.00 $30.00 2 13 amp double power socket. 1 35.00 $35.00 3 Install Light fitting. 1 11.00 $11.00 4 Supply Dimmers. 1 25.00 $25.00 f Bedroom 2 1 13 amp single power socket. 1 30.00 $30.00 2 13 amp double power socket. 1 35.00 $35.00 3 Install fan (existing point). 1 40.00 $40.00 II Mansory Work & Plumbing Works 1 Additional Kurbs for shower screen. 2 100.00 $200.00 2 Additional labour cost for mosaic border works. (Mosaic materials FOC). 1 100.00 $100.00 3 Supply and install water piping to new water heaters. 2 125.00 $250.00 4 Supply and install new stainless steel water piping in kitchen 1 185.00 $185.00 5 To install basin at master bedroom toilet 1 100.00 $100.00 III Carpentary Works 1 Additional basin base cabinet at master toilet. 1 300.00 $300.00 2 Additional bedside night table. 2 300.00 $600.00 3 Mirror for wardrobes (FOC). 2 - $- IV Ceiling and Box-up Works 1 Supply and install L box ceiling and include box-up aboveL-shape cabinet of ceiling. 1 560.00 $560.00 2 Master bedroom box-up and paneling. 1 250.00 $250.00 3 Master bedroom Toilet box-up and paneling to waste pipe with cement board. 1 300.00 $300.00 4 Balcony box-up and paneling to aircon piping. 1 250.00 $250.00 4 Balcony box-up and paneling to waste pipe witn cement board. 1 300.00 $300.00 V Aluminium & Metal WorksWorks 1 Bi-fold doors for both toilets include repair skirting and frame to master toilet. 2 200.00 $400.00 2 Unit no. sign at entrance (FOC). 1 - $- A TOTAL AMOUNT FOR ADDITIONAL WORKS $5,628.00 B LESS ORIGINAL ELECTRICAL WORKS $680.00 C LESS ALUMINIUM FOLDING DOORS MECHANISM & TRACKS AT BALCONY $600.00 D FINAL AMOUNT FOR VARIATION $4,348.00 FC FINAL CONTRACT INCLUDE VARIATION $43,973.40

hi tommy_moby, Can PM your contractor contact. Thanks.

Hi all, We were quoted over 50K for our 5rm resale. We were quite taken aback by the amount as frankly, the reno is just so basic with mostly carpentry work. What do you guys think? Your honest opinions please! To demolish existing floor tiles at kitchen area. To demolish existing kitchen cabinet cement base at kitchen area. To dismantle existing top & bottom kitchen cabinet. To demolish existing (5X4)ft wall between kitchen & dining area. To dismantle existing aluminum sliding window for whole house. To dismantle existing aluminum sliding grilles for whole house. To dismantle existing simple cornices **** & dining area. To dismantle existing floor skirting ****, dining, balcony & 03 bedrooms. To dismantle existing full height wardrobe at master & bedroom 2. To dismantle existing full height shoe cabinet at foyer area. $1,750.00 To supply & lay (300X300)mm matt homogenous floor tiles at foyer area.(@$3/-psf). $450.00 To supply & lay (300X600)mm matt homogenous floor tiles at kitchen area.(@$3/-psf). $1,020.00 To supply & overpath cement screeding at kitchen wall. $950.00 To supply & construct cement base for kitchen cabinet, fridge & washer. $390.00 To supply & install stainless steel rubbish chute at kitchen area. $230.00 To supply make good & cement smooth surrounding wall opening between kitchen & dining area. $200.00 To supply & change existing pipe to copper piping for at kitchen & 02 bathrooms area.$650.00 To supply & install 02nos hot water point piping at 02 bathrooms.$180.00 To supply labour to install kitchen sink & lever tap. $100.00 To supply inlet & discharge piping for kitchen sink & washing machine. $130.00 To supply labour to install bathroom accessories for 02 bathrooms $70.00 To supply labour to install 02nos mini Bidet spray at 02 bathrooms $50.00 To supply labour to install 01no storage tank heater at common bathroom. $95.00 To erect false ceiling & light pelmet **** area. $650.00 To erect false ceiling, light pelmet & curtain pelmet at master room. $920.00 To supply & install (Floorich) laminate flooring c/w skirting ****, dining, balcony & 03 bedrooms. $4,180.00 To fabricate & install (3X7)ft full height clear mirror c/w solid ply backing. $590.00 To fabricate & install 4ft(L) full height shoe cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish. $940.00 To fabricate & install 4ft(L) full height panel with solid ply c/w shelves in laminate finish. $720.00 To fabricate & install 12ft(L) low storage cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish. $1,520.00 To fabricate & install 9.5ft(L) TV wall feature with solid ply c/w clear mirror/ shelving & 3ft(L) storage $2,900.00 To fabricate & install 9.5ft(L) low TV console with solid ply c/w drawers & compartments in laminate. $1,350.00 To fabricate & install 06nos panel collapsable door with solid ply c/w upper tracking & clear lami glass $3,150.00 To fabricate & install 5ft(L) Bi-fold window with solid ply c/w lourves in white spray paint finish. $720.00 To fabricate & install 5ft(L) suspended service counter with solid ply in laminate finish. $260.00 To fabricate & install 44ft(L) top and bottom kitchen cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish. $4,840.00 (45 degree Silver ABS trimming/ 03nos frosted glass panel/ cutlery tray/ dish strainer/ 2 way track.) To fabricate & install 26ft(L) solid surface kitchen top. (Imperial) $1,950.00 To fabricate & install 3ft(L) low cabinet with solid ply box up rubbish chute area. $280.00 To fabricate & install 5ft(L) low storage cabinet with solid ply c/w solid surface top in laminate finish. $870.00 To fabricate & install 14ft(L) frosted tempered glass panel c/w wood backing. $890.00 To fabricate and install 8ft(L) wardrobe with solid ply c/w swing door in laminate finish. $1,760.00 To fabricate and install 3.5ft(L) full height panel with solid ply c/w 04nos shelving in laminate finish. $860.00 To fabricate and install 2ft(L) full height false wall with partition board in paint finish. $200.00 To fabricate & install 12ft(L) full height wardrobe with solid ply c/w swing door in laminate finish. $2,700.00 To fabricate & install 3.5ft(L) low chest of drawers with solid ply in laminate finish. $500.00 To fabricate and install 5.5ft(L) low headboard with solid ply c/w cushion upholstery in veneer finish. $560.00 To fabricate and install Queen size bedframe with solid ply c/w storage in veneer finish. $1,100.00 To fabricate & install 02nos bedside table in laminate finish. $420.00 To fabricate & install 2nos 2ft(L) vanity storage cabinet with mirror in laminate finish. $660.00 To fabricate & install 3ft(L) top hung & 1ft(L) tall storage cabinet with solid ply in laminate finish at $570.00 To supply & install white powdered coated aluminum sliding window c/w tinted glass panel at $2,990.00 To supply & install white powdered coated aluminum casement window c/w glass panel at kitchen only. $ 290.00 To supply & install white powdered coated aluminum sliding grilles for whole house. $1,690.00 To supply & install 01no Wrought Iron gate & fixed panel at main entrance. $920.00 To supply & install 01no swing door with 12mm clear tampered glass c/w floor spring at kitchen entr. $650.00 To supply & install 01no frameless shower screen with10mm (thk) clear tempered glass at master bath $350.00 To supply & install 01no frameless shower screen with10mm (thk) clear tempered glass at comm bath $490.00 To supply & paint whole house wall with ICI emulsion paint. $1,450.00 To apply for haulage service includes sand/stock up/ clear debris by contractor. $350.00 To supply & install Goodrich wall covering at master headboard area only. $850.00 FOC To supply & lay protective covering for whole house. FOC To supply & paint main door & 03nos bedroom doors in ICI glossy white paint. FOC To supply & install additonal 3ft(L) solid surface top for rubbish chute. FOC Total $52,455.00