adidaem

You cannot add another WC/toilet bowl where no outlet already exists. The waste has to go somewhere, so the pipes have to be already in place since you can't possibly relocate or add pipes downstairs in your neighbor's unit. I think combining or keeping the WC/bathroom separate will depend on your family size/habits. Since there is really only one WC/bathroom, I'll suggest keeping them separate so that if someone takes a long shower, people who urgently need to use the WC can still do so and vice versa. I will however ask the IDs whether another basin, no matter how small, can be added to the WC for hygiene and convenience. You have not divulged your family size/members or plans (e.g. just couple but plan to have kids soon, etc) so it's quite hard for RT-ers to give constructive comments? Objectively looking at the MBR, I think wardrobe space may be a challenge and on that basis I would recommend enlarging the MBR by knocking down the wall next to the WC, and either converting to WIW or to take about 60-65 cm to construct a wardrobe along the current wall. But again, it really depends on your family needs and budget. Some people need a home office, some want a games room, some want space for future/current kids/in-laws/maid/etc. So the design really needs to factor in your lifestyle. Any good ID will seek to understand your lifestyle and needs before proposing their design to you. As for the IDs you have met, I think genuine IDs will give you a rough layout plan sketch at least to explain their design/space planning concept. No detailed technical drawings or 3Ds tho cos these involve a lot of time/cost to produce and no sane business person will put in that much effort/time/$ unless it's for the possibility of a multi-million $ project. In fact, I'll be wary if the ID does provide 3Ds before you make any payment/sign contract cos it may very well be recycled from a previous project. I have heard enough horror stories of recycled/identical designs since HDB layouts tend to be fairly identical, especially for new developments. Just my 2 cents. No offense meant. Also want to congratulate you on your new home! It's a great location and I'm sure you'll love staying in the city once you move in.

Grafunkt, White Woods and Egg3 are having promos. Thought some of the display items were incredibly good value for money. Do pop by asap if you like these brands. Pics here: http://emrenoblog.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/2511/

Hmm, no promises... I foresee an incredibly busy Q2/Q3 at work starting soon. Enjoying my lull while I can. But no worries lar, there are so many other experienced RT-ers around. Love the Penguin posters! Where did you get them from?

Glad you like the stuff. Apart from Design Milk & Design Sponge, you can pop by Archdaily as well. They feature some great houses. E.g. one of my favs the 55 Blair Rd project (http://www.archdaily.com/32573/55-blair-road-ong-ong/) You can also pop by Habitus (http://www.habitusliving.com/category/live/projects). Mags I'll recommend for beautiful eye candy: - Foreign: Dwell, Habitus (cheaper via iPad/Zinio) - Local: Home&Decor, Form, Cubes This really cracked me up! Especially the plastic bag! But so true - can't emphasize enough how important sufficient storage space is, especially for all the stuff you will use like vacuum cleaner, pails, mop, etc that will uglify the place. Something I only realised after moving in. I really don't have such discipline, which is why I realized it's good to have parties or photo shoots in the house. Really forces you to tidy the place! No discipline to put things into nice bottles leh. A lot of effort wor...

I consider the floor, wall, lights, switches/wirings/cables/ducting and other structural stuff as the 'canvas'. Sort of like how if you use nice marble as flooring, you get the 'lux' feel. So yeah, lightings as well. Done well, you may not even pay much attention to the ceiling lights, but ugly lights really stand out. Ditto windows, doors, etc. It all translates into a sense of 'space'? Also dunno how to describe. I guess that's why hotels and offices spend loads of money hiring interior designs for their swish designs. I think exposed truckings and pipes don't suit the 'lux' look too, which makes it harder for us HDB dwellers. But ultimately it's how it's all put together. E.g. concrete can look luxurious too. The walls, floors, and ceilings are made of concrete in this apartment. Looks lux doesn't it? Read more at Design Milk: http://design-milk.com/loft-renovation-by-lakonis-architekten/#ixzz1uU47MBsX Dunno wor, only launch in Oct'12. Am guessing 'luxury car' price.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever no? Haha, I also no money but I like to look at pretty stuff. Very naughty!

Thanks! So stupid... why is b-e-n-z edited out! This short link should work: http://wp.me/p1qs5K-DY

Interesting new range of MercedesBenz furniture! More here: http://wp.me/p1qs5K-DY

Oh you should totally check out the new Mercedes - Style collection of sofa, chairs, bed, etc. Super lux! http://wp.me/p1qs5K-DY Ya, we eat out often, and I read a lot too. Also helps to know the nearest food/drink place to rest at when we are drained from furniture searching. Updated: Cos b-e-n-z gets edited out.

Are those new windows? If not do change to those that can open and have bigger openings. My toilets are dry with the one piece window. Since the toilet is 'inside' the balcony area, most EM owners have no problems changing the toilet windows. Not being able to open toilet windows makes no sense... the smell, the heat, the humidity/water... Yes would be bright enough. I use warm light for my cove lighting and it's bright.

Hahaha, most of us kena this sort of 'mistake' that XTR has described I think. I got a couple too. The bedrooms look contemporary to me. As XTR says, the chandelier calls up baroque. Guess have to see more of your inspiration pics to get a sense of what you like. As for wallpaper, it also really depends on the type of patterns/prints that you like - can vary widely from whimsical chic to ornate/baroque depending on the print. Luxury theme... my personal view is that there is no one theme that encompasses luxury. Really a mix of the space, furnishing, finishing and 'feel'. If you have been to some of the high end showrooms, you'll find that the furnishings are usually very very simple, yet gives an extremely luxurious feel. It's down to the 'finishing' I think. E.g. for a common item like a sofa, the type of leather, the shape/dimensions of the sofa, the stitching, the legs. Hard to pinpoint in words, but easily discernible to the eye. Comparing cars would be easier I guess... say Lexus vs Toyota. Steering wheel, seats, pedals, gear, etc - all the parts you need in a car, but pretty obvious which is the luxury model without even considering engine differences. I thought the flakes are more for friction/hide dirt/prevent wear? Not sure... I forgot Bistro Soori and Esquina for the angmo food. Around the corner you have Duxton Hills, and you probably know ReStore as well. Not to mention Tea Chapter, Maxwell Market and other assorted cafe and restaurants a few minutes. I quite like the conservation shophouse area actually.

Hmm... you may want to order solid for the MBR bathroom too, to prevent the 'I woke my spouse up with my bathroom noise' effect. The strips looks good but yeah, you have to dust regularly. Hey you have not shown your genkan ya?

Looks like modern baroque style? http://www.google.com.sg/search?q=modern+baroque&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=Bk2pT6jyNYX3rQfY9LTRAQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CD4Q_AUoAQ&biw=768&bih=900

I prefer solid... better sound insulation - which is important IMO. Something I didn't consider for my doors. Hey, for the kitchen cabinets any backing behind the strips? Else inside may get dusty ya? Paranoid me thinks lizards and cockroaches can more easily crawl over the stuff inside too, which is kind of gross. =P

Glad to have helped. You can find lots of discussions about epoxy flooring in overseas sites. Mostly for garages tho. Pomelo's floor has flakes (like the pics shown on this site: http://www.epoxy-coat.com/) Spoke to Raymond from Pomelo about his floor before, and he mentioned not to put white flakes on white floors cos no contrast. You'll understand when you examine his floor. By the way there are a few good places for food and drinks near Pomelo: - Dong Ya kopitiam for kopi n traditional toast - Oriole Roasters for ang mo kopi - Zi char at Dong Ya or Kok Sen kopitiam - Charsiew and roast pork at Foong Kee May as well make a good/fun trip out of going all the way to Pomelo/Keong Saik area if you stay a distance away. Epoxy flooring comes in many color but most other colors remind me of carparks and not easy to match with furniture too. You can see more pics of this gorgeous HDB with epoxy flooring here: http://emrenoblog.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/minimalist-5-room-hdb/ Remember to research the brand of epoxy coat that your contractor proposes tho. You may like to check on toxicity (gas emissions), anti-skid properties for the top/clear coat, flame-retardant properties etc. Lots of different brands out there with different 'specialities'. Ehhh... mine is not 'luxury' theme leh. It looks a world away from the pic above. We also no money for the luxury theme... my place lacks the 'polished' furniture that luxury homes usually have - actually if you see my place in real life it's really very simple looking. Just a lot more white than usual homes. And unusual exhibitionist toilets. Thought 'expansion strips' or joints can help with cracks? Not sure if it's usual practice for homes tho. Erm not sure if it's usually metal or some filling material... one of those random nuggets of info I can't remember where I picked up from.

La Germaine = La Germania? Or totally different? If the latter, you can contact: http://www.straaten-intl.com/straaten-intl_contact.html I like my Rinnai inner burner hob - burns strong. Someone who renovated some time back provided detailed review here: http://renovation-greencoal.blogspot.com/2008/05/using-rinnai-inner-flame-burner-hob_6584.html

Just to add to the discussion for would-be cement screed-ers XTR: You think using a handheld buffing tool (instead of doing by elbow grease) will work? I can't imagine sandpapering the entire floor, so maybe 'machine help' can lessen the pain. Did you embed any metal strips in the cement btw?

Put a glass underneath?

Why can't the MBR toilet window be opened?

Thanks! (Quick check on floorplans later...) Oh so it's roughly half the width ya? Ok, I guess the expensive part is really the mechanism and not the shutters. Thanks again! Very easy to check. Just refer to 'Awning': http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10324p.nsf/w/HomeRenoGuidelinesBuilding?OpenDocument Totally allowed, no permit required. Just drive along PIE and you'll see that hundreds/thousands of EM owners have installed such shutters. I don't think any owner would flout illegal installations so blatantly... Types of Building Work: Installation of retractable canvas awning up to single storey height within balcony of double storey executive maisonette Need Permit?: No Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions: - Awning is to be fixed at the upper floor beam structure (Note: Fixing onto refuse chute wall is not allowed). - The retractable awning should not protrude beyond the balcony Types of Building Work: Installation of internal metal roller shutter/blind at window or single storey balcony opening [Note: This is not applicable at balcony where windows installation is not allowed] Need Permit?: No Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions: Installation must not be fixed onto refuse chute wall. Types of Building Work: Installation of roller shutter at double story balcony [Note: This is not applicable for loft unit] Need Permit?: No Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions: Installation must not be fixed onto refuse chute wall.

I suggested the storage cos he doesn't seem to be keeping the fishbone... If he's going to cover up the stairs, might as well extend a bit and get the storage space. I honestly think the fishbone stairs will be an arresting design feature when it's renovated. People are willing to pay thousands to achieve a design feature like this, so it's such a pity! Plus it'll really be great for giving a sense of space and for air circulation to the hall. I know if my place had came with the fishbone, I would have sacrificed storage space to keep the stairs.

No worries, I had it on my comp cos I am planning to do a feature on industrial themed reno in my blog. I did some research on cement screed during my reno and decided that I'm not suitable for such flooring. It is far more common overseas where people use in their garage. Lots of discussions on powdery floors. Some say it's simply cos the cement isn't 'cured', others say that the cement is 'overworked'. But from what I've read, it really means that the 'master' (shifu?) who does the screed have to be very experienced to know how to mix and then apply the cement screed. This was a helpful discussion that convinced me that cement screed can be nice and fuss free if the 'master' knows his stuff: http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=12166 But as another forummer commented on that thread, the 'masters' have passed on taking their skills with them. I think it's very much like carpentry and other skills - my contractor also commented that the older 'masters' are hard to find now or near retirement age. As for epoxy flooring, the white one would look like this: Pomelo Home store uses it with a mix of decorative bits scattered on top (also for some friction), quite a few carparks use epoxy flooring too - epoxy flooring has its pros and cons. At Pomelo Home, you'll notice cracks across the floor due to gas emission from the shophouse store. I suspect there is also some skill element to applying epoxy flooring. Done well, it's supposedly really low maintenance - overseas owners rave about their durability and stain resistance to garage spills. I love it mostly cos of the lack of grout lines tho.

Oh, is yours the curved block? Great location. Hope you are enjoying your new place and living in the estate.

Thanks for taking time to provide such detailed answer Morgan. So informative. I love the feel of wooden floors too.

I'll go for more storage... you really need a store to hide all the ugly daily living stuff like vacuum, etc. Such an eyesore when they are in the open. When the kids are grown up, you may end up using the area under the stairs to store stuff anyway, so why not cover it up? Kids are flexible lar. EMs are already much bigger than average - plenty of space to play. Pity you are not keeping the 'fishbone'. I really like it!