whisky

200k seems reasonable, but also depends on quality of materials selected. Is there a need to change the timber floorings ? Can save some cost by re-polish or varnish. Like some forumers suggested, installing non-inverters to liv/din or AC that are seldom used can save you some costs. I did that too. However do note that the refrigerant (or gas) used for non-inverters are slowly being phased out as is it more detrimental to the environment ; so may pose a problem in the future should you need to top up the "gas" .

I dont think the guidelines are made public; but are in the conditions when BCA grants the permit for the construction work. Just call BCA quoting the project ref number listed on the white board.

You need not install them yourselves. Under BCA guidelines, if deep excavations or piling is involved, the contractor is required to install the instrumentation monitoring devices. These may include measuring settlements, tilts, or vibrations. You will need to grant them access to your house if required. It is also likely that they are required to do a pre-condition survey of your home prior to construction. You will need to grant them access for the photograph taking; otherwise any claims by you for alleged damages will be prejudiced.

Agree with leechaorui here. You are going to live side by side in many years to come; a cordial relationship is vital. I dropped them a note with my contact number informing of my renovations prior to starting work; I re-water proofed my bathroom and changed a rainwater pipe which was leaking into their house based on their feedback; they allowed my backyard awnings to overlap onto theirs so that rainwater does not get in between, my carporch glass awning is partly supported by their carporch,upgraded our common flashings at my cost, and so on...... In the end they repainted their exterior (at their own cost )so that all 3 properties look new, they matched the exterior colour with mine so that there are no split lines at the shared pillars and boundary walls, and we had a common understanding that all 3 of us will repaint the exterior together in future.

Your neighbours will experience some inconvenience from noise and dust from your renovations, so on goodwill basis it will be good if you can bear the costs.

If all aircons are inverter seems reasonable. My place about 2 years back for a little less than 12k consists the following : Living room 18k btu non inverter Dining and kitchen 12k btu each non inverter MBR 18k btu inverter 3 bedrooms 12k btu each inverter study room 9k btu inverter Total 8 fancoils, brand Sanyo

I was referred to this forum by their salesman at the time of purchase. Win win situation ? I dont know how I can win when I have to take the trouble to bring up this matter and co-ordinating the subsequent follow ups. I'd rather receive one problem free so that I just sit back and enjoy my whisky. Fortunate ? With timeshare, renovation contractors and furniture forming the bulk of complaints handled by CASE, you may be right by classifying my situation as "fortunate" but the outcome remains to be seen.

Dear EL, The tilt mechanism at one of the headrests is not functioning. I was informed that your guys will coming over within a week for the issue above,pls have them look into this as well. Thanks.

Dear EL, I have just taken delivery of my L shaped sofa; there is a puncture ( about the size of 5 cent coin ) at the back (the non leather portion ). The delivery man is aware and he has taken a pic of the damage on his handphone. Pls look into the matter; my sales order no. is 20582. Thanks.

For almost zero maintenance grass, try pearl grass. Never needs trimming, just occasional fertilising. Costs more ex than carpet grass though. And, recommended to have 2 inch sand bed prior to planting of grass.

Personally I would prefer teak over laminates; more durable and exudes more class. Gaps most likely due to too much moisture in timber; ie kiln dry process not enough.Coupled with bedroom aircon on at night; will hasten the shrinkage process. Not much choice really, as all timbers shrink to a certain extent. Check with your contractor if filling up with wood putty helps to improve the aesthetics.

Phew, this is mind blowing! Showhouse standard; I thought I was flipping thru' Home and Decor magazine. Are the bedroom floorings laminated or teak timber strips ? Any acoustics insulation to the home theater room ? Congrats and enjoy your stay.

If the glass acts as a barrier, ie it serves to prevent you from falling onto a lower level of more than 900mm, then it needs to be tempered. Full height windows usually acts as a barrier; whereas for doors it doesnt.

Tempered glass when shattered will have sharp edges and it will cut. But it is still safer than float glass in the sense that it shatters into small pieces so the cut will not be as serious.

Cowgrass - you see on football field, roadsides Carpet grass - Commonly used in car porch, golf courses Pearl grass - Looks like cow grass but its not. Does not grow tall vertically so little or no trimming required. Some not so clear pics here: http://bumilandscape.com/page/2/