Sadly

Lesson #3 : Visit the site frequently - at least every other day. Many details will be missed if you only see the final product. On each visit, review the work done and do not be afraid to ask questions. Some silly questions have major consequences. Example : we noticed that the newly tiled floor was level with the entrance. The contractor had raised the floors of the toilets and kitchen without consulting us. This means if we splash water to wash the toilet/kitchen, it will flow into the next room! We had to call a site meeting to try and work around the issue. Of the problem was caused by initially by our failure to be specific about what we wanted (next lesson).

Lesson #2: Dont' trust the measurements provided by the ID. Do you own measuring. We found out the hard way when we went shopping for sanitary ware with the ID. We bought a basin for the bathroom based on the measurements that our ID gave to us, only to find that when we went back to the site - the tiler told us that the basin was too big for the space. Had to return and shop for another basin. What a waste of time and energy!

Lesson #1: we agreed on the design based on the floor plan sketch and the 3D sketches. We did not insist on scale drawings though our previous ID had always given us detailed drawings. This was the first mistake. When we did the site meeting and started measuring and putting the design to measurement, we found quite a lot of discrepancies. What was 2 sets of drawers and 2 door cupboards ended up being 1 set of drawer and 1 door cupboard. Lesson to be learnt: have detailed drawings with full measurements. This will provide a better perspective of what the design looks as the finished product.

Though I have done several renovation to my existing apartment and office, I am learning a lot more this time. I am renovating a second hand apartment that I bought towards the end of 2010. I had wanted to use the ID I have been using for the last 20 years but he has retired. So I went searching for another ID. After talking to several IDs recommended by different friends, I decided on one whose design was closer to what we had in mind. But the journey has just begun.