Gymrat76

I see.. so its mainly because of the higher cost for Toto? For their WC's I like their simplistic designs, very easy to clean... will likely buy TOTO WC and sinks

...and I'm not referring to the lottery Just curious, most people go for Grohe/Hansgrohe, but seldom hear people use Toto in their homes. But all the new and 'higher class' shopping centres use Toto, so just wondering why this brand is not so popular for residential?

Think will be forfeited. Cos you are given 14 days after you are given the OTP to confirm your eligibility, loan etc. This is only fair on behalf of the seller who needs to incur the waiting (1-3 months) for the 1st HDB appointment

Yup therat is right The price is fixed one you have given the OTP. However, with the prior agreement of the seller, can re-do the valuation to try and reduce his cash outlay. Think they leave out the date of the OTP first (or somethign like that). I remember cos when we were looking around, this was one of the options explained to me by my agent. We didn't get the unit in the end and went for another unit

No prob, think most items are on sale, though still seems quite ex even after discount. Was looking at the Grohe kitchen faucets and after discount still mid-400s to 800 plus.. think i buy Thailand Grohe or other brands haha

Not really. If buyer is short on cash and the current valuation's expiry is near, they can do another valuation. If valuation higher, then they can pay more from CPF and less cash up front. If valuation lower then reverse, they have to come up with more cash (but unlikely unless you sabo them and trash the flat when the valuer comes )

Hi Need recommendations for a storage water heater.. will be used in my new 4-room flat (2 bathrooms). Current users is just me and the wife, no kids yet. Very occassional guest, most of the time only 2 persons. Want to link hot water to both bathroom showers, sinks, as well as to kitchen sink. Light cooking only most of the time. Will a 35-40L storage water heater be sufficient (both of us shower will shower one after another on workdays)? And what is a good brand to get and what kind of price range are we talking about? Thanks!

Its just the showerhead, no hose etc.. paid $90+ They said all of their stuff is the German-made Grohe... certainly feels quite solid They have only one rainshower set (rainshower, rails, handshower, thermostat mixer) going for 1.4k... but I didn't bite.. think will go for the made in Thailand ones.. same 5 years warranty

Was just there and bought a Grohe Euphoria shower head... enjoyed it during my bath just now

I'm sure there's a simple solution, but I've been wondering how to resolve this problem. I plan to buy a storage water heater, which will basically serve 2 bathrooms in the house (4-room flat). Was planning to have 2 switches (1 in the masterbedroom toilet, and the other nearer common bathroom in kitchen). HOwever, if both bathrooms are used, how will I know whether the heater is on or off (without having to check the position of both switches?). Some have suggested only one switch, but also not very convenient for guest to flip switch located in masterbedroom, or for us to walk to the kitchen to switch the heater on for a bath in the master room. Any solution? TIA!

Whats the diff between a branded granite sink and a no-name one? I saw quite nice ones at Heritage last weekend.. double bowl granite sink for slightly over $300 (list price was $400+). Any pros and cons?

Thanks guys. We went down to Interior Afairs and Heritage today to take a look. Quite impressed by the layout and setup of IA, and found Heritage to be quite friendly and approachable. The Grohe items look good, will either wait and see what promo will be given at IA during their sale. Any difference btw made in Thailand and the Germany sets? I only saw the price diff which was almost double for the Germany sets. However, both comes with 5 years warranty right? Was thinking of getting the cheaper promo set from Heritage which was around $400+ for the common bathroom and see what nicer stuff are available during IA's promo for our master bedroom

Haha.. maybe I'm staying same block as you?

Thanks everyone. I did some reading last night and basically found out that older units like mine that have not been upgraded is only allowed one condenser unit (CU), whereas newer blocks or those with upgraded electrical capacity are allowed a max of two CU. I suppose the only option if I want to have aircon for larger masterbedroom, living room and one common room is to get a system 3, but with a larger capacity CU and to get an inverter system. I understand that inverters are more expensive, but its the only way to avoid going over the 8.5A continuous running current should all units be turned on at once?

Just asking, where's the best place to get GROHE items? Both kitchen as well as bathroom.. are they long lasting and worth the money spent?

It says: Electrical Work that requires permit Flats that have not been provided with higher electrical loading, require an HDB permit to install new 15 Amps power points for air-conditioners or other higher capacity equipment/appliances. I took this to mean we can, then again, I know nuts about electrical work haha

Any way for me to upgrade electrical capacity during my house reno to increase capacity?

I just checked my new block's postcode and it says: "Your block has not been provided with higher electrical loading. You will need to apply for an HDB permit to install new 15 Amps power points for air-conditioners or other higher capacity equipment/appliances (e.g. high powered IT equipment). Under the Building Control (Amendment) Act, flat owners are required to engage Building & Construction Authority-trained air-con installers to install the air-con outside their flats and to keep the authority informed when they carry out the installation works. However, for installation of air-conditioners using existing approved air-con points and other electrical works, there is no need to apply for an HDB permit. You need to submit an application (using SP Services Ltd's Form CS/5H) to HDB. Thereafter you may apply to SP Services Ltd to test the extensions." Its a 4 room flat, and the 3 bedrooms already have aircond installed (split units). We intend to knock the wall down to enlarge the common room (this will mean 2 existing aircon for master). However, we also want to install an aircond for the living room, which currently does not have aircond. Can I shift the FCUs around such that: 1. 2 FCU in living room (perhaps 2x9000BTU) 2. 1 higher capacity for master bedroom (1x14000BTU) 3. 1 FCU in remaining common room (untouched) Would I need to apply for permit or any other kind of upgrade when I do my reno to accommodate the additional aircond? Thanks

My friend's total income exceed by quite a bit (I won't say how much).. he appealed through his MP and got accepted.

Just checked with my friend who's an architect.. he say can.. the contractor said will write to HDB to ask.. but I think 33 years ago dun have precast walls right? All bricks?

thanks!

Quick question If the wall I want to hack is not bold on the floor plan, i.e. non-load bearing, but it is a precast block, then also cannot? I was told this by one of the contractors...

I think need to get your HDB approved contractor or a PE to take a look, cos bold line could mean structural beam.. if its a beam then can hack the wall to combine 2 rooms together, but cannot touch the beam. If its structural wall then cannot touch at all.

There are also 5 room resale HDBs going for 900+k along Marine Drive.. asking 200k COV.. also old EA's at Bedok South Rd asking $938k on Property Guru. Personally think its ridiculous to pay so much COV especially when valuation has already taken into account location, high floor, state of renovation etc.. however, I suppose its willing buyer willing seller. If people wanna throw money at me, I won't reject right? So try lor

Standard Chartered seems OK.. 3.5% fixed for 5 years (like car loan).. good if you're taking 30k and 5 years repayment Else, if you took a bank loan for your house purchase, they usually give a better rate if you also take a subsequent reno loan from them, I think