AxelC

Toilets hacked - New waterproofing & new tiles (Problem Solved!) No more leakage. No more flooding. Totally dry Aschick, My apologies. In case your question goes unanswered due to my long response, I am reposting it: Posted Today, 02:17 PM Dear Icon Interior, in an unrelated issue, is it your practice and credible to start carpentry works before satisfactory acceptance of 3D design by your client?

Toilets hacked - New waterproofing & new tiles (Problem Solved!) No more leakage. No more flooding. Totally dry Aschick, My apologies. In case your question goes unanswered due to my long response, I am reposting it: Posted Today, 02:17 PM Dear Icon Interior, in an unrelated issue, is it your practice and credible to start carpentry works before satisfactory acceptance of 3D design by your client?

To all Renotalk Forumers, I have made the conscientious effort in documenting my experience with Icon Interior Design, providing evidences where possible and both accounts of my claims at Small Claims Tribunals, Singapore. If you have taken the time to read, I would not want to repeat what have been posted (so as not to bore you). It is definitely fair to give Icon Interior Design a voice. Yes! You have heard both sides of the story and the decision to engage which ID firm or renovation contractor for your house renovation is entirely yours. On hindsights, there are many perhaps (which show that Icon Interior Design may not be the one responsible for the defects/water leakage at all): Perhaps after spending $76,000 to renovate my house (excluding variation order), I had wished for the water leakage to happen. And perhaps I love challenges and I wouldn't mind handling the problem and seeking compensation from Icon Interior Design. The entire process took 8 months and lots of my energy. Perhaps it was the aircon piping that leaks (and NOT the quality of waterproofing works) even though the waterproofing report provided by Icon Interior Design has indicated that waterproofing is not functioning well (one possibility). The same document was submitted by Icon interior Design in defense of their claim. However, this claim was found inconclusive by Small Claims Tribunals. Perhaps Small Claims Tribunals has made a mistake to rule the first claim in my favour. Despite considering all evidences submitted by Icon Interior Design, Small Claims Tribunals has ordered Icon Interior Design to make a payment of $6000 to me. Perhaps it was really a mistake! Letter from CASE (dated 25 October 2013) sent about 2 months after Icon Interior Design was notified of the defects. It was ignored. Lawyer letter sent at a later date was also ignored. Perhaps Icon Interior has been diligent in responding to the defects and has been very prompt in its rectification (how long was it that I waited?). Perhaps CASE could have made a mistake, giving Icon Interior Design insufficient time to respond to the rectification. Perhaps the law firm that I engaged to seek compensation (weeks after CASE letter was sent) had also made the same mistake. Perhaps everyone made the same mistake. We were just too impatient. We could have granted more time to Icon Interior Design. Perhaps Small Claims Tribunals has also failed to see this point or perhaps the tribunals is equally impatient like me (demanding for compensation without giving sufficient time and space). And the perhaps go on..... Here's an update on the water leakage. I have personally monitored the renovation of the two toilets (I have to since I did not move out during the renovation) in January. Four months have passed and I am more than happy that I had the problem solved. Both my kitchen ceiling (located below the bathroom) and the area outside the bathroom (which was flooded) are totally dry. Perhaps it wasn't the waterproofing even though the hacking and laying of new waterproofing to the two toilets solved the problem. And everything is settled in 3 weeks. Perhaps many of us (including CASE, the law firm and Small Claims Tribunals) need to deeply reflect so that we are not fast in making a judgement on the renovation work and service provided by Icon Interior Design.

To all Renotalk Forumers, I have made the conscientious effort in documenting my experience with Icon Interior Design, providing evidences where possible and both accounts of my claims at Small Claims Tribunals, Singapore. If you have taken the time to read, I would not want to repeat what have been posted (so as not to bore you). It is definitely fair to give Icon Interior Design a voice. Yes! You have heard both sides of the story and the decision to engage which ID firm or renovation contractor for your house renovation is entirely yours. On hindsights, there are many perhaps (which show that Icon Interior Design may not be the one responsible for the defects/water leakage at all): Perhaps after spending $76,000 to renovate my house (excluding variation order), I had wished for the water leakage to happen. And perhaps I love challenges and I wouldn't mind handling the problem and seeking compensation from Icon Interior Design. The entire process took 8 months and lots of my energy. Perhaps it was the aircon piping that leaks (and NOT the quality of waterproofing works) even though the waterproofing report provided by Icon Interior Design has indicated that waterproofing is not functioning well (one possibility). The same document was submitted by Icon interior Design in defense of their claim. However, this claim was found inconclusive by Small Claims Tribunals. Perhaps Small Claims Tribunals has made a mistake to rule the first claim in my favour. Despite considering all evidences submitted by Icon Interior Design, Small Claims Tribunals has ordered Icon Interior Design to make a payment of $6000 to me. Perhaps it was really a mistake! Letter from CASE (dated 25 October 2013) sent about 2 months after Icon Interior Design was notified of the defects. It was ignored. Lawyer letter sent at a later date was also ignored. Perhaps Icon Interior has been diligent in responding to the defects and has been very prompt in its rectification (how long was it that I waited?). Perhaps CASE could have made a mistake, giving Icon Interior Design insufficient time to respond to the rectification. Perhaps the law firm that I engaged to seek compensation (weeks after CASE letter was sent) had also made the same mistake. Perhaps everyone made the same mistake. We were just too impatient. We could have granted more time to Icon Interior Design. Perhaps Small Claims Tribunals has also failed to see this point or perhaps the tribunals is equally impatient like me (demanding for compensation without giving sufficient time and space). And the perhaps go on..... Here's an update on the water leakage. I have personally monitored the renovation of the two toilets (I have to since I did not move out during the renovation) in January. Four months have passed and I am more than happy that I had the problem solved. Both my kitchen ceiling (located below the bathroom) and the area outside the bathroom (which was flooded) are totally dry. Perhaps it wasn't the waterproofing even though the hacking and laying of new waterproofing to the two toilets solved the problem. And everything is settled in 3 weeks. Perhaps many of us (including CASE, the law firm and Small Claims Tribunals) need to deeply reflect so that we are not fast in making a judgement on the renovation work and service provided by Icon Interior Design.

In response to my post on Renotalk Forum, Icon Interior Design has publicly published my personal data, i.e. name and residential address. In its enthusiasm to present a more convincing account, it has failed to protect individuals personal data, be it intentionally or unintentionally. Clearly, this is a breach of Personal Data Protection Act (2012). I have lodged a complaint with Personal Data Protection Commission, Singapore, providing evidences to support my claim. I have also kept HDB informed of this breach. At the same time, I reiterated the outcome of my case filed with Small Claims Tribunals - The order made by the Tribunals was in my favour as Icon Interior Design has provided an unconvincing and unreliable account of the incident. I have notified the moderator of Renotalk Forum of the breach and requested for the thread Daunting Experience with Icon Interior Design to be taken down. It is now temporarily removed. My appreciation goes to the team for their quick response. Meanwhile, I have directed readers to my blog to learn about my renovation experience: http://axelc2174.weebly.com/ For other's experiences, you may look at: http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/70578-here-is-my-dreadful-experience-with-celebrity-icon-interior-id-firm/ http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/home-decor-furnishings-188/here-my-dreadful-experience-celebrity-icon-interior-id-firm-4996717.html Although this blog has documented what I have posted earlier in the thread removed, unfortunately it does not capture all other posts that are put up by members of Renotalk forum. Neither has it included the response from Icon Interior Design. I welcome Icon Interior Design to repost his account of the incident on Renotalk Forum, so that the concerned party gets his voice heard. However, the onus is on Icon Interior Design to check his post. Learning Point: To all forum users, please take note that we are obliged to protect personal data of any individual that is mentioned in our post. We have to ensure that we made the effort to delete/black out important information such as name, phone number, residential address etc. This does not apply businesses data. Likewise, no organization/company is allowed to use or disclose your personal data without your consent. Neither can they use the information for other purposes, i.e. deviate from the original intent. For more details, you may refer to the following website: https://www.pdpc.gov.sg/

Dear Homeowners, In response to my post on Renotalk Forum, Icon Interior Design has publicly published my personal data, i.e. name and residential address. In its enthusiasm to present a more convincing account, it has failed to protect individual’s personal data, be it intentionally or unintentionally. Clearly, this is a breach of Personal Data Protection Act (2012). I have lodged a complaint with Personal Data Protection Commission, Singapore, providing evidences to support my claim. I have also kept HDB informed of this breach. At the same time, I reiterated the outcome of my case filed with Small Claims Tribunals - The order made by the Tribunals was in my favour as Icon Interior Design has provided an unconvincing and unreliable account of the incident. I have notified the moderator of Renotalk Forum of the breach and requested for the thread “Daunting Experience with Icon Interior Design” to be taken down. It is now temporarily removed. My appreciation goes to the team for their quick response. Meanwhile, I have directed readers to my personal blog to learn about my renovation experience: http://axelc2174.weebly.com/ For other's experiences, you may look at: http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/70578-here-is-my-dreadful-experience-with-celebrity-icon-interior-id-firm/ http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/home-decor-furnishings-188/here-my-dreadful-experience-celebrity-icon-interior-id-firm-4996717.html Although this blog has documented what I have posted earlier in the thread removed, unfortunately it does not capture all other posts that are put up by members of Renotalk forum. Neither has it included the response from Icon Interior Design. I welcome Icon Interior Design to repost his account of the incident on Renotalk Forum, so that the concerned party gets his voice heard. However, the onus is on Icon Interior Design to check his post. Learning Point: To all forum users, please take note that we are obliged to protect personal data of any individual that is mentioned in our post. We have to ensure that we made the effort to delete/black out important information such as name, phone number, residential address etc. This does not apply businesses data. Likewise, no organization/company is allowed to use or disclose your personal data without your consent. Neither can they use the information for other purposes, i.e. deviate from the original intent. For more details, you may refer to the following website: https://www.pdpc.gov.sg/

In response to my post, Icon Interior Design has publicly published my personal data, i.e. name and residential address. In its enthusiasm to present a more convincing account, it has failed to protect individual’s personal data, be it intentionally or unintentionally. Clearly, this is a breach of Personal Data Protection Act (2012). I have lodged a complaint with Personal Data Protection Commission, Singapore, providing evidences to support my claim. I have also kept HDB informed of this breach. At the same time, I reiterated the outcome of my case filed with Small Claims Tribunals - The order made by the Tribunals was in my favour as Icon Interior Design has provided an unconvincing and unreliable account of the incident. I have notified the moderator of Renotalk Forum of the breach and requested for the thread “Daunting Experience with Icon Interior Design” to be taken down. It is now temporarily removed. My appreciation goes to the team for their quick response. Meanwhile, for sharing of my renovation experience, readers may proceed to my personal blog: http://axelc2174.weebly.com/ Although the blog has documented what I have posted earlier in the thread removed, unfortunately it does not capture all other posts that are put up by members of Renotalk forum. Neither has it included the response from Icon Interior Design. I welcome Icon Interior Design to repost his account of the incident, so that the concerned party gets his voice heard. However, the onus is on Icon Interior Design to check his post. Learning Point: To all forum users, please take note that we are obliged to protect personal data of any individual that is mentioned in our post. We have to ensure that we made the effort to delete/black out important information such as name, phone number, residential address etc. This does not apply businesses data. Likewise, no organization/company is allowed to use or disclose your personal data without your consent. Neither can they use the information for other purposes, i.e. deviate from the original intent. For more details, you may refer to the following website: https://www.pdpc.gov.sg/

http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/67153-daunting-experience-with-icon-interior-design/?hl=icon Hope it helps and not too late.

ICON INTERIOR DESIGN From RenoTalk forum, I have read many homeowners’ experiences in renovation and some can be quite daunting. I would like to also share my personal experience with Icon Interior Design (at 441 Macpherson Road) on its workmanship (in terms of waterproofing) and follow-up services. The person that I have liaised with is the sole proprietor, Wayne Chan as the Project Manager, Clive that handled my renovation has left the company. To keep to the facts of the case, the following is a brief summary of the claim which I have submitted to Small Claims Tribunal, Singapore on 22 January 2014. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Icon Interior Design was engaged to do renovation works to an executive masionette at (my address). The renovation was completed in September 2012. In less than a year, water seepage was found on the false ceiling of the dining area on the ground floor. Water was leaking from the common toilet just above the affected area. Icon was first contacted in August 2013 to look into the leakage, i.e. determining the cause and carry out the necessary rectification. However, over the course of more than 3 months, the following were noted: 1. Icon has failed to take responsibility for the defect. It has been a push-the-blame process. An example would be claiming that the defect was due to the aircon piping. 2. There were frequent changes of appointments and often at the last minute. Excuses given include the contractor’s van has broken down. 3. Icon was not able to provide satisfactory follow-up, i.e. to determine the cause of the leakage and carry out rectification work. (Till the day of hearing, the findings were still inconclusive) 4. Did not respond to the 2-week deadline given after a letter was issued by Consumer Association of Singapore (C.A.S.E) was delivered. Icon has been informed of the possible actions that I will be taking, which includes engaging a 3rd party to do the rectification work and all charges will be claimed against Icon. I have asked for quotations from (name of a 3rd party contractor). On 10 December 2013, I have requested for Icon to reimburse a sum of $17387.45, so that rectification work can commence. Icon has initially intended to reimburse by claiming against its sub-contractor. Failing to do so, Icon has refused to reimburse me the amount and thus missing the 2-week deadline set by C.A.S.E. On 13 January 2014, a letter of demand was issued to Icon by (name of a law firm), giving Icon one week to respond, Again Icon did not respond, neither to the letter issued by C.A.S.E or the letter of demand. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All content mentioned in the preceding section of this post are the exact points submitted to Small Claims, supported by evidences such as whatapps messages. The tribunal was in favour of the claimant and has ordered Icon Interior Design to pay the claimant a sum of $6000. To bring a case to Small Claims, the maximum sum that can be ordered is $10,000. Although it was only a fraction of what I have asked for, I felt that I have fought for my rights, as a consumer. The case was finally closed in March 2014, after 7 months of tussle. Moving forward to August 2014, another seepage was found on the false ceiling in the kitchen (a different area from earlier case). The water was leaking from the master bedroom toilet through the floor and wall. As a result, my parquet flooring was damaged. Icon was informed and they came on 12 September. Rectification work is massive as it involves chemical injection, removal of the kitchen cabinet (to access the leakage area) and replacement of affected parquet flooring and new kitchen cabinet. On 16 September, I have asked for the follow-up action and expected date of rectification. However, the sole proprietor has dismissed its liability by quoting the warranty period of 15 months for waterproofing works. This has only come after the inspection and knowing the work involved. For now, I plan to file another case with Small Claims based on poor workmanship and damage of property. The leakage did not happen over one night. Look at the pictures carefully, the metal structure that holds the false ceiling has turned rusty and stalagmite-like structures were formed. It takes time for these to happen and the leakage could have taken place way back. Not forgetting there was already a record of poor workmanship. Icon was entrusted with the full renovation of the entire house at $77,500. Two toilets (out of three) are leaking and causing me problems. This speaks a lot about its workmanship. I am crossing my finger that the third toilet will not start to leak. As for its follow-up services, I will leave it to the reader to interpret. In this post, I have put up pictures of the leakage but not the legal documents. Anyone who is caught in such a situation, you are most welcomed to message me. I hope I could be of some help. I would also appreciate suggestions or advice on how to resolve the issue.

Fellow EM owners, Does anyone has water seepage problem? That is water seeping through the toilet to your ground floor ceiling. I

EM Owner, Does anyone here have problems of water leakage, seeping through the ceiling from second floor to first floor? If you do, pls advise what are the options. Appreciate.

Oh yes! Don't forget to file with HDB and RADAC, if the ID company is registered

It has been a long battle, spanning over 8 months before I finally took the ID company to task. The ID company which I have engaged to renovate my house did not take responsibility for the defects. Like those irresponsible company, they have thousands of reasons to push the blame to others, to change appointment as and when they want and to play the disappearing act. Many would probably have given up chasing. I have decided to persevere and I must say there's a lot of work to be done to seek compensation at Small Claims Tribunal. Just to share my experience (so that others who are in similar situation) know what to do. 1. Documentation This is very important when you are doing renovation. Everything has to be black and white. Otherwise, when things go wrong, it's your words against the ID company. Any important details in conversations can be followed up with a message. DO NOT DELETE THE CHAT HISTORY! Keep it as supporting evidence in the event you plan to file with Small Claims Tribunal. 2. Proper Procedure If you have enough nonsense from the ID company and plan to seek compensation, i.e. money order, you must prove that you have given them the time and chance to do the work (your chat history should show this). I took the following steps: 1. Communicate clearly to ID the issues at hand (e.g. What's the problem and what has not been done) 2. File with CASE (a letter will be issued, to either get the ID company to do the work or compensate) 3. Ask for 3rd party quotations 4. File with Small Claims Tribunal Be prepared to take time off to get things done. I spent 4 afternoons - CASE, first consultation, further consultation and hearing before a referee at Small Claims Tribunal. Your documents to be submitted especially the sequence of events has to be done properly. Your chat history with the ID company will be useful as you recall the details of the events. To bring ID company to task is not an easy process. Many have suffered and I strongly believe that such ID company should not be let off easily. For those who are having problems, never let it go! For my case, the court was in my favor and I managed to get the money I needed for a 3rd party to do rectification work.

Going through rectification and it didn't seem to end. Does anyone have any experience of changing certain strips of parquet? Is it true that any warping (sinking in of surface) is due to the old and new parquet? Advise pls.