adidaem

Hi Soichiro, I heard from my ID that there would be ugly trucking to the fan if the ceiling is not high enough. The HDB guideline requires 2.4m from floor to fan blade and my ceiling is only 2.6m. Saw that your ceiling doesn't have the trunking, would you be so kind and share how that was done? TIA!

Hi Mae, I'm a long-time lurker of your reno adventures here in RT. When I read the article, I knew it had to be you. Congrats on being featured! Btw, I have subscription to the digital news and made a screen capture of the article in case you would like to have it. Or if you don't mind, I can post it here. Let me know if you want it k? (^_^)

Hi Kobelala, don't be upset. We bought our shower stuff at their March 2011 sale and that was when all the retailers were offering at 30% off (I think there were more discounted stuff but by the time we went no more of the heavily discounted ones). Seems to have a Grohe sale half yearly? Based on what I checked the previous one was their annual sale in Nov 2010. Wow, so envious of your reno progress. My 2nd appt is only in June so still some time before any reno will happen. ******** Hi Emobebe, hope you enjoy the visit. Apart from loads of nicely done up showroom toilets (so you can see the tiles, finishings, colour combi, glass doors, etc), Interior Affairs also have gorgeous kitchens... the kind that costs like 40K... nice to drool over. If you want to get a rainshower, do compare with Hansgrohe too. I did not look at Hansgrohe before I bought my Grohe stuff. Luckily I love the Euphoria set but on hindsight I think I should have done more research before spending a bomb... Heard that Hansgrohe will regularly give 25% off but Grohe is usually less.

Np I will confirm if their previous client did install Toto. My IDs also like Toto, we are very aligned on that, one of those 'instant chemistry' moments, haha. Btw for the hole size I heard if a few inches diff can get some sort of adapter. If diff is too great, then cannot. Maybe you check with your ID again? If not wall hung is the only way to go to get those nice brands (e.g. Toto with Geberit flush panel, wahhhhh). But you need to make sure there is ample clearance cos the panel behind needs space, so gotta measure that from toilet bowl to wall have sufficient leg space. Some people also mentioned concerns on maintenance cos its harder to reach if the flush got problem, tho you can build an access hatch on top. Think for 2nd Gen maisonettes, the MBR toilet has enough space for wall hung WC. The 2BR toilet maybe not. Anyone has experience on installing wall hung WC? If not the wall-hung I can only wait till my friend is back from his overseas trip in 2 weeks. His apt was featured in Home & Decor, and I remember him bemoaning how much his wall-hung WC costs.

Haha, ya, I also think quite overkill but we will use both toilets mah. Plus SO thought nicer if all the toilets are coordinated. My Minta sink mixer is around $400? Usual is $560 (excl GST) before discount right? The stuff were mostly at 30% off during the sale. After we got the bathroom fixtures we sorta stopped looking at them cos I heard toilet bowl must see the hole size plus my ID said will go with us (yeah, we got an ID). I think my ID said their previous maisonette client at clementi also used Toto. Let me check at next appt. I'm going to be so devastated if I can't get a nice toilet bowl. Or mabbe will be 'forced' to do a wall hung toilet bowl then - my friend did that at his HDB toilet that is 'hotel' style. Sigh, more $$$ gone. My new place is at Queenstown. Hmm... we have 3 toilets sharing the 50L so I guess... no overkill at all then? Most of the shops we went to said very few HDB install 50L so that's why I was quite confused. Don't think we'll all shower at same time so I think 50L is enough? Don't seem to have guides on how to pick a storage heater capacity around. Toilet seat yeah, my SO quite particular he don't want a kids sized bowl. Must be comfy. For me , I want a powerful flush. I.e. "one flush, no residue". The one in my current rented apartment sometimes even toilet paper need to flush twice. Super waste water. I actually love the Toto Neorest. Can't afford, so can only get the poor cousin version with hand bidet lor. LOL. Thanks for sharing Ely.

Hi Emobebe, I bought my Grohe stuff from: Interior Affairs: 29 Tai Seng Ave, Level 1 & 2 They have a big showroom - nice for ideas. Also an area where they fixed up some shower heads for testing. I found it quite useful as you can compare the performance of the different shower heads. Most of the other shops I went to did not have such a display/test area. Think the only other one was the official Hansgrohe showroom but the Interior Affairs one was much bigger. Not sure on pricing tho as I bought my stuff on sale, so did not bargain (ok, tried to get further discount but failed). The pretty sales lady there did explain the diff between the Hansgrohe and Grohe rain showers. Not sure how accurate, but she said basically the rain dance is just introducing air into the mix and actually Grohe showers also have that functionality. I think if you are lucky you can find very knowledgeable sales staff there cos they carry Grohe exclusively. She also walked us through the different basin mixers (expensive ones have better 'feel') and the kitchen mixers (shape, function, etc). Sorry to hijack the thread Kobelala!

Hi Kobelala, we have the same Euphoria rainshower system! (^_^) My SO and I went crazy at the Grohe sale a few weeks ago and bought the rainshowers, bathroom mixers, kitchen mixer (the one with retractable head) and accessories set BEFORE we had our 1st appt, engaged the ID, planned anything else, etc... Spent a bomb, but I really love the idea of having the thermostatic controller so hopefully no regrets lar. Tho I must say I may not have bought so many Grohe stuff if I'd known how much my reno would cost. Plus now they are piled around the house and it's still months before my reno will start. Btw for the storage heater tank, what capacity do you plan to get? We have 2 rainshowers in the upper bathrooms so we are thinking to get a 50L one. Dunno whether overkill or not enough. How about toilet bowls? Which one do you plan to get? I'm eyeing Toto but think can only afford the low-end Toto...

Hi Joyous, congrats on your new place! Love the fact that it's corner unit and with marble flooring (lucky lucky!!). You'll be getting your keys just a month ahead of me, so I'm really looking forward to seeing your EM's transformation. I've also gotten a Gen 2 EM like yours but corridor unit. Some suggestions as you'd mentioned you wanted 1. a guest room & 2. a storeroom: LEVEL ONE i) I love the 2 storey balconies in 2nd gen EM, so I'll suggest restoring the balcony cos it's a nice chill out place. ii) Building a study/guestroom where the current dining room is. If you don't mind, you could get a nice sofa bed and put in a study desk so usually it's a study room plus reading corner. When guests stay, you can convert the sofa bed to a proper bed with some nice bedding. I've been looking at sofa beds for a while and would be happy to share info on where to get nice queen sized sofa beds (most sofa beds are super single) if you are interested. ii) Between the balcony (ex-kitchen) and the proposed study/guest room, either put in sliding partitions so you can have a nice study with view of the balcony, or put in a glass folding door like most EMs have. For the latter proposal, that lets in more light, and you can install nice roller blinds or curtains to block off the glass and convert to room when you need it. iii)Build a small storeroom between the study/guestroom and the stairs. iv) To let in more light to L1, for the study room, use either glass door or movable wooden partition doors that are usually kept open unless guests are around. If using glass, again have to cater for use of blinds or frosted glass when you use as guest room. v) Living room leave near the entrance, and dining near the stairs. You could think about putting a nice swingable TV feature wall between the 2 so you can watch TV either from the sofa or from dining room. vi) From what I understand from the IDs/Contractors I've spoken to, the cooking hob has to remain in the kitchen area? I would actually suggest restoring the kitchen so you can get the balcony back (plus nicer for balcony to be near the study right? Nice n breezy without cooking smell. If you restore the kitchen you can put the hob against the far wall. I'm a believer in fengshui and the hob needs a wall... Also not good for the hob to be in the centre of the house. Fire always burning. If you want to retain the sense of spaciousness, you can have an open concept kitchen/with bar counter near the living room. I believe for the flooring, may not damage that much but guess you need to check with your contractor or ID? LEVEL TWO i) MBR wardrobe at the wall next to the stairs. ii) BR3 - where would the bed be? Need to think about layout for bed cos cannot have bed facing door (again, bad FS lar). Perhaps also at the wall nearest the stairs? Not sure how many people in the house, but also need to cater for future household expansion? (^_^) iii) Uncombine toilet as you'd mention. Also good for future expansion. iv) Actually if the room doors condition are ok, you can consider to re-paint/laminate and save some money. Other things you may need to consider is (a) drying clothes - do you hang dry or use a dryer? If you hang dry, then it makes even more sense to restore the balcony. If you use a dryer, you need to think about where to stack the washer/dryer. (b) beam at the living room area near the window - doesn't look nice, and my suggestion is to highlight that strip using a different material, like a walkway, or build a short partition, say shoe cabinet so the beam is not so 'outstanding'. Not sure if there is a recessed wall at the window to build shoe cabinet? Tried to be more detailed in my description. If you need a plan drawing, I can sketch for you next week when I'm back in office cos I don't have a printer at home. Have loads of fun! Oh ya, there is a Page One bookshop warehouse sale this weekend with loads of interior design books that you can get for inspiration. The details are in my blog (see my signature). (^_^)

Been looking at EMs around Singapore and saw some who have windowed up their entire 2 storey balcony. Anyone can share how much that will cost? If the windows are nicely designed, I think it can give a 'NY loft apartment' feel. What do you think?

You mean the aluminium type roller shutter?? Try to google Paul Aluminium. Not sure who else does this sort of blind. Got the name from an earlier posting/poster. Haven't gotten mine so not sure how much it'll cost.

Has that happened before? I.e. EM gets selected for SERS and owners have to 'downgrade' to 5 room flat?

Discussed with my SO and we think we may go for those platform storage in one of the rooms. Systemind Platform

Hi, need some advice on storage space. As the EM layout currently does not have a decent sized storeroom, how do you keep your EMs clutter-free? Did anyone construct a storeroom and if so, where else (apart from the small area under the stairs)? Am looking at my current storeroom and starting to get worried about the space planning.

Congrats on your new place! Really interesting balcony windows. First time I've seen such a design. Curious tho... do you ever close the windows or are they permanently open?

Hey RB, Found out there is a way to check if your block can take on 2 compressors. HDB e-Service: Check Electrical Loading A simple guideline is that "HDB apartment blocks completed on or after 01 Jan 1994 and flats upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) are provided with a higher electrical loading of 40 amps main switch. Flat owners do not need to apply for an HDB permit to install an air-conditioner or other higher capacity equipment/appliances if the flat is provided with higher electrical loading." Was reading this: HDB Guidelines for Electrical Works Sorry if this is old news. Thought another newbie reading this might find it useful. My search result was: "Your block has been provided with higher electrical loading..." YAY!

Well, we have shortlisted some IDs and started the process of talking to them this weekend. None at IMM tho. Let's see how it goes. In the meantime we have to eat cheaper food and cut down on frivolous spending for a while I guess. Thanks for the advice RB. I suspect we won't be getting a projector TV after all since my SO has been casting lustful looks at those ultra thin LED TVs.

Thanks RB. I think 2 compressor is allowed for my unit as some neighbours have that. Read on the forum that it depends on whether it's the newer or older EMs cos some older EMs cannot handle the power needed for 2. Congrats on your place! Ha, yeah, thought so... love your staircase btw! I've convinced my SO we should do a wall light too. Re: (1) I would rather go with contractor to save $$$. But my SO is insisting to go to ID first, so we'll see... Re: (2) Hmm... I've already not included some wants... like the crummy floor on the 2nd floor that I hate, but I think I can live with it. Everything else can't be kept... ok, perhaps WIW is more a want than a need but that is quite a non-nego item for me. I know it's a long list lar... also wish it's shorter but can't be helped. I'm even willing to re-use the stair steps if they are salvagable after removing the wooden railings. Re: (3) No idea. I guess I'll learn as I go along? Question to experienced bros/sis: For stuff like cables (HDMI? uhh, all the technical stuff RB mentioned in his T-Blog), fans, doors, bathroom fixtures (taps, shower head, toilet bowl, basin, shower partition), light switches and electrical outlets, kitchen hob and electricals, and aircon, are they usually included in the reno quotation or do we have to source for them separately and then ask the ID/contractor to install? My guess-timate for some items after reading over 90 pages... 1. Do all 3 toilets - $10K + $2-3K for fixtures? 2. Move & make a kitchen - ? not sure how much cabinets/hobs cost 3. Hack n do flooring on 1st floor - ? dps on material right? 4. Hack n replace walls for proposed study ? 5. Make a staircase $4 to $10K 6. Hack wall n do a WIW - ? 7. Build wardrobe for MBR - ? 8. Replace all windows & security grills for corridor windows - ? 9. Install sliding door for balcony -? 10. Install 7 aircon units (2 compressors) - $7.5K 11. Install 5 ceiling fans - $1.5K 12. Build shoe cabinet - ? 13. False ceilings and lights - $3K 14. Plaster and paint walls - $3K 15. Polish 2nd floor - $2K 16. Electricals - $2K 17. Custom TV display unit - ? 18. Install roller shutter if still have cash... - $3K

Umm... I'll rather not say lah... but yeah, not cheap. What to do, I like the location, distance to town, and peaceful feel. Plus I love the space of course. Now looking at reno and furnishing budget and v.tight after COV. I need/want to... 1. Do all 3 toilets 2. Move & make a kitchen 3. Hack n do flooring on 1st floor 4. Hack n replace walls for proposed study 5. Make a staircase 6. Hack wall n do a WIW 7. Build wardrobe for MBR 8. Replace all windows & security grills for corridor windows 9. Install sliding door for balcony 10. Install 7 aircon units (2 compressors) 11. Install 5 ceiling fans 12. Build shoe cabinet 13. False ceilings and lights 14. Plaster and paint walls 15. Polish 2nd floor 16. Electricals 17. Custom TV display unit 18. Install roller shutter if still have cash... Headache... think 50K not enough right?

Thanks Kobelala. It's in Queenstown. Think have to get used to the idea of not having a chute in the house...

Hi everyone, this is my 1st post in Renotalk. My SO & I just exercised our OTP today so we are on our way to becoming EM owners! So exciting and I've been reading the 90-over pages of posts for days now to get an idea of what to do and what to expect from the reno. Just want to share my current proposed floorplan. Not been to any ID yet and this is what I have proposed to my SO after various research from Renotalk & Home n Decor, and the plan was vetted by my FSM. Am looking forward to learning from all the bros and sis' on this forum.