poika

Tested the SHS5230 on Monday morning and found operations normal. Called the service guy and Interlock staff to cancel half hour before the appointment. No questions asked even though he was already on his way. Interlock even say they will put my case on close monitoring and priority. Posting this information late because the finger print access and register function failed again in the afternoon. Decided to test for a couple of days more before informing Interlock formally. So far the statistic shows about 1 failure in 20 attempts. Every time it fails, it will not accept any of the 10 finger prints I registered, and it won't let me register new finger prints also. Waited 30 minutes, try again, ops normal... waited another 30 minutes, failure again. Cannot be the battery problem because the batteries came with the lock. Hopefully this problem is one-off as I usually like Samsung products. And SHS5230 is still my favorite because of the back-up access methods. You can see the following thread on how I go keyless on the metal gate: Poika's Apartment http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=49792

Keyless Concept for the Metal Gate. The electronic digital locks found in Singapore all have a emergency feature (panic open) that allows the lock to be opened easily from inside of the house, commonly by means of turning the inside handle. As such, they are not suitable for installing on metal gates because the lock can be opened from outside the gate, by reaching through the metal grills of the gate. The way to work around this problem is to modify or build a metal gate that has smaller than usual gaps between the grills, or add panels that obstruct access to the inside handle of the electric digital lock. This is even more challenging if house owner prefers to leave the wooden door open while the metal gate locked, for the view or ventilation. My own solution moves away from electrical digital lock to MECHANICAL digital lock. Similarly I can't find one that uses key-pad access from both sides of the metal gate in Singapore; They only sell those with key-pad access from outside, but simple turn of the knob from inside to open; same problem as the electrical digital lock. The double sided key-pad mechanical lock can be ordered from overseas. After going thru ebay, amazon and some websites, decided to order from http://www.gokeyless.com/product/106/1/lockey-2230dc-dual-sided-keyless-lock. There is an option of ordering the metal case adapter, to be wielded onto metal gate. The shipment took about 10 days to reach me, by USPS then by Singpost. Factors to consider are: It must be key-pad entry from both sides; Ease of changing number code; and at least one master key over-ride if key-pad fails to open the lock. The most important consideration: FIRE ESCAPE. With the master key, the lock can be opened from inside also, by reaching through the metal gate grills. If both the key-pad and master key fail to open the lock, the last resort is to unscrew the whole lock using a screwdriver, only possible from inside the house. You may wonder if it is possible for thieves to use screwdriver from outside the metal gate. Yes, quite possible if the wooden door is open, it will take at least a few minutes. That brings me to the last line of defense, the conspicuous motion triggered IP camera that would first deter, then send videos and images of the thief to remote hard disk or smartphone/tablets. The metal gate must have the usual feature of using the normal padlock, when leaving the house for long periods. ... to be continued. Outside Inside

Keyless concept. For the wooden door, the Samsung SHS5230 was installed in a prompt, punctual and neat manner, credit goes to interlock.com.sg. I would advise to factor in additional $80 on top of the price (which is very good price). Reason is Interlock cannot guaranty that the set brought to your house will not malfunction after a few days/weeks. Details available on the website. I was unlucky to find mine cannot read/register finger prints after coming back from overseas. The malfunction happens intermittently, may be 1 out of 20 attempts, and Interlock is still in contact with me, monitoring this set. Anticipating the above problem I chose SHS5230. You can open the door using either finger print, number code, or metal key, if any 1 or 2 of the above fails. ... to be continued.

Greetings. The renovation is nearing complete and I guess it's good time to start sharing. Over the next few days you can find information, hopefully useful, being posted here. Some of the things I will talk about are: 1) The concept of going 'keyless' while maintaining enough security and safety, 2) Shops that were used and the experience with them, 3) Costs, 4) Challenges, 5) Invisible grill, 6) Paint work, 7) The contractor and his team, 8) Water heater tank, 9) Precautions, 10) Water-proofing the floors, 11) Selection of material, etc. Feel free to ask questions.

Greetings. I am the 'unlucky' customer who had the faulty SHS5230. Unable to benefit from the 7 days installation warranty as I was overseas. I would suggest that people who are interested to budget the extra $80, because it is next to impossible to verify that the lock that was brought for installation is perfectly in good condition or will not break down after a few days/weeks. As mentioned by Interlock, they also cannot guaranty with such good pricing, thus the risk and cost is passed on to customers. Anyway I am quite happy that the replacement appointment is tomorrow, very prompt. The initial installation was also very prompt, punctual and neat. In fact I will let Interlock take pictures of my very old apartment's door for marketing purpose (if they want) because of the nice installation. Was contemplating a electric digital lock for the metal gate also but changed my mind as it will require alteration to old gate or install new gate, making the metal gate look quite 'massive'; blocking some view or wind. I usually leave the wooden door open throughout the day/night thus need the metal gate to be locked somehow but still want the convenience of keyless entry/exit. Those mechanical digital locks (non electric / battery) with DOUBLE keypads, i.e. Requires numbers to be keyed in for both entry and exit, i cannot find in SG so far. Managed to order one from overseas. Now awaiting for it to be wielded onto a new metal gate. Should b an easy job for the iron gate tradesmen. Will post pics when done if anyone interested.

Greetings. Forgive my ignorance... when the painters give a quot, it automatically includes at least the first coat of primer/sealer and 2 coats of final finish? No decent painter will paint your house without first coat of primer/sealer right?

Hi CygnusX and All, Greetings. Congrats for your new project. I am also working on quotation for my unit, some items cost about close. Do take a look and comment... http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=46817 Though it has been common that Condo dwellers must pay more, but cannot be everything right? For every item, suggest asking ID/contractor how he can justify the typical 20% to 30% extra, when his workers spend the same amount of time working in the house, whether it's Condo or HDB; In HDB they report to work late, then leave late cos HDB less complaints; In Condo they come late, but leave at 5pm or 6pm, then we have to pay them extra for being late?! I still cracking my head don't know how to bring this up to my contractor nicely, cos he is a nice chap. Or if someone can enlighten us further, tell us more reasons why Condo dwellers must pay more, we'd feel better. 3. 2x13Amp Power Points, our friends in HDB can get as cheap as $55 per unit. 6. Correct me if I am wrong, emulsion paint means it's water-based? Cleaning can be difficult. Can consider Easy-wash type. Nippon Paint's website has some quotations to compare. http://www.nipponpaint.com.sg/services/professional-painting-services/residential/ 13 & 14. I suppose the high price is for building something EXACTLY to your liking. I gave up that idea after knowing the cost. Plan B: Visited some of those mattress/bedframe shops at TradeHub21 (Boon Lay). Saw 2 frames i like, so asked the lady can combine the designs or not, she said can! can! $1400 without bargain. Just briefly the 'new' design has cushioned head board and side board forming a L shape around 2 sides of the king-size mattress, cos i placing the bed to the corner of the room. The mattress sits on a common storage bedframe that opens like car bonnet. Opposite the L board is a 1-feet wide platform with hatches for storage. What I am trying to suggest is, those shops may be able to fabricate what u want, just tell them the dimensions, with drawing even better. 19. As with other items, if have time, try visiting warehouses, may be can find something close to your heart, cheaper. Saturday's newspaper usually has lots of furniture ads. I bought the paper for the ads, not the fictions. If no time then no choice let ID/contractor earn. Hope this is useful.

Hi RTYP and all, thanks for offering to discuss... 12. The common toilet is 205cm x 145cm, while the MBR toilet is 240cm x 147cm. They are actually side by side physically. The existing wooden partitions all around the toilets may be in bad condition due to age. When confirmed after hacking, this cost is for replacing the entire walls. What price is reasonable? 15. From entry point to the 2 toilets, about 11m; To balcony about 11m; To Kitchen sink about 4m; Central heater to be installed above one of the toilets, supply to toilets but not kitchen. Fully agree the quoted price can get stainless steel pipe. Correct me please: prices aside, my understanding is stainless steel pipe cannot be bent, thus need separate joints whenever there is a turning. Therefore more joints means more risk of leakage? Copper pipe on the other hand, can be bent and thus reduces the number of joints. Based on the length, is $3500 still too expensive? 16. Main Water Supply from Meter Room outside the house to the entry point of the house is about 15m. Another contractor quoted $1800, this contractor quots $1600, can go lower? 30. Casement doors for the kitchen cabinets. I will verify with contractor how he derived 36ft. But one thing for sure is, this house doesn't come with a storeroom, thus the need to build as many cabinets as visually acceptable. 34. This Bar counter is outside the dry kitchen area, facing the living room. Wooden top and frame, glass doors front and back. 35. Contractor asked me to do homework; Work out exact number of points for power and lights, and their locations, then can reduce the quotation from the worst case scenario of $5000. I am working on it now, will post it up for discussion when done. 37. There are 2 doors from the corridor into the house; 1 into the kitchen and 1 into the living room. I also wished to simplify it by having only wooden doors, but the doors need to be opened for air circulation, thus the need to install metal gates. Saw the Gateman F10 finger print recognition lock at friend's place, very impressed and convinced. Possible to install such locks onto metal gates?

Greetings! So sorry this is yet another request for opinions. This is for a 20+ years 1173 sqf condo thus a major renovation, all tiles, cables and pipes need to be changed. A reputable contractor firm (mentioned in this forum) gave me the following 1st draft quotation. Please let me know if it is reasonable or there are points to consider, do bear in mind it's a condo; More constraints and generally charged more than HDB for various reasons. In contribution, i shall endeavor to blog the reno progress here so some may be able to benefit from my experience. 1.Living Room Floor Tile Homogenous 60cm x60cm (460 x $3 psf) $3100 2.Living Room Timber Skirting $800 3.Kitchen Floor Tile Homogenous (150 x $3 psf) $1000 4.Water-Proof Kitchen Floor $200 5.Base for Kitchen Cabinets, Washing Machine & Fridge $300 6.Kitchen Wall Tile (250 x $2.50 psf) $1900 7.Chute Replace S/Steel Flat Type $280 8.3 Bedrooms Parquet Floor Revanish + Replace Partial Floor $1500 9.2 Toilet Wall Tiles (420 x $2.50 psf) $3800 10.2 Toilet Floor Tile (100 x $3 psf) + 2 Shower Kerbs $1400 11.2 Toilet Water-Proof $400 12.Contruct New Partition Wall for 2 Toilets $3200 13.Cancelled 14.Labour to Install Toilet Bowl, Accessories, Basin/Taps, Kitchen Sink/Tap, Water Heater Tank $500 15.Lay New Copper Water Pipe for Entire Hse; Kitchen, Balcony, Toilets $3500 16.Lay New Copper Water Pipe from Main Water Supply to Hse + Trunking $1600 17.2 Toilet Vanity Cabinet w Solid SurfaceTop w Integrated Sink $1400 18.2 Toilet Mirror Vanity Cabinets $700 19.Cancelled 20.Box-up 2 Toilet Windows + Install Exhaust Fans $450 21.False Ceiling w Manholes for 2 Toilets $800 22.False Ceiling for Lving & Passage Way to Bedrooms $900 23.2 New Door Frames for Toilets $300 24.Cancelled 25.Overlay Balcony Floor Tile + Skirting (50 x $3 psf) $650 26.Cancelled 27.Painting (5 Colors $2000) + Sealer ($800 $2800 28.Hacking Work $3000 29.Kitchen False Ceiling + Manhole $600 30.Kitchen Cabinets (36 ft) $4400 31.PD Door between Dry/Wet Kitchen $750 32.Kitchen Glass Door $500 33.Kitchen Top (11 ft) $770 34.Contruct Bar Top w Cabinets below $2000 35.Electrical Re-wire for Entire Hse + Install Switches/Power Points $5000 36.Re-paint 3 x Old Build-in Wardrobes $1000 37.Supply & Install 1 Iron + 1 Aluminium Gates $1300 Total: $ 50800 Thanks in advance!