newie

Hi Can you PM me your contractors contact? Thanks a lot!

Hi Can anyone share with me what is the usual period of time a contractor guarantees his workmanship for? My renovations are coming to an end and before I pay him off completely, I want him to put in writing how long his work is guaranteed for. Thanks!

True true. During the negotiations, I had the upper hand because no money had exchanged hands yet and he already completed the tiling work. Even he said that, he had to accept the 20percent discount because he didnt get a deposit from me yet. So, we plan to pay him in stages as many in the forum has done and hold back about 10 percent until handover. Is 10percent OK?

Thanks for all your feedback . Managed to negotiate 20percent discount from my contractor. As said by some viewers, attitude counts as well. The attitude of my contractor is pretty good. He is always pleasant, easily contactable, prompt with replies , on time and the workmanship is high. I know im still paying higher than average but Im happy with his attitude and workmanship.

Thanks for all your advice. If I cant get a decent discount, then I will change contractor. Since you two seem to be quite "senior" in this area, can you give me the names of a few contractors- they dont have to be the cheapest but as long as they are good. thanks again

Hi shawncck Thanks for your input. I do realise his price is pretty high but his quote is not just the kitchen. I guess I may have to show him other quotations in this forum for him to compare with and try to get a decent discount.

We recently bought a an older private 4+1 bedroom condo(abt 1,800 sf/169sm) and engaged a builder to carry out complete revamp of the kitchen, 2bathrooms, utility, maids room and maids bathroom. Having only just come across this website, I'm afraid I am being overcharged by the builder. His quotation lacks a lot of detail . Here it is: Protection to unit floor $400 Hack tiled wall/floor/cabinets of kitchen, 3 bathrooms and utility room ) Dismantle false ceiling in kitchen/bathrooms ) $7000 Dispose concealed water pipes in kitchen ) Apply water proofing to kitchen, utility and 3 bathrooms ) $13,000 Supply sand and cement to level floors and walls ) Supply and install plaster ceiling for kitchen and 3 bathrooms $2300 Supply and install 2 granite tops and vanity cabinets for the 2 bathrooms $4000 Supply and install new concealed water pipes for kitchen and 3 bathrooms $6500 Supply and install tempered glass sliding door and screens in kitchen and 2 bathroom $7500 Supply and install aluminium frame bi fold door at maids toilet and maids $900 Supply and install 2 wall mirrors for bathroom $400 Supply and install new refuse chute $500 Sand and vanish wooden flooring in 4 bedrooms $1000 Polish marble floor in living/dining and corridoor $1400 Paint whole aprtment $1900 Supply and install 3 Rheem waterheaters (6gall, 15gall, 20gallon) $1480 supply and install 2 pop up waste in 2 existing bathtubs $500 Supply labour to install new vanity sink inside master bathroom $250 GRAND TOTAL $49580 The above does not include cost of tiles and sanitary ware. This does not include us engaging a kitchen ID company to do the design and build kitchen cabinetry !! having just moved back from Australia, where the cost of doing a kitchen by itself is abt $50K- I guess we didnt do much research into the whole thing. The builder came recommended by our trusted real estate agent and before we engaged him, he took us to a couple of places that he was working on to let us see the quality of his work. The places were pretty high end (Orchard Boleuvard etc) and we were pretty impressed. We have just started the reno works 1 week ago- no deposit or downpayment have been made. So far, he has hacked all the areas and replaced the water pipes. I need advice on: 1. How much discount should we ask? Before we engaged him, we asked him for a discount and he had agreed he will give us one but did not specify the amount. He kept re iterating that because we are close friends of the real estate agent(whom im sure gives him a lot of work), he will "look after us". Is 10percent reasonable discount? When I mentioned this, he started ranting about getting another contractor etc etc Getting another contractor is not an option at this stage. We are already paying rent and enormous amts in the storage of our container from Austrlia and any delay means more money to us. Would really appreciate any advice on how to deal with this. So far, my relationship with him is good and I dont want him to sabotage me by lowering the quality of his works.Thanks!