xinyu90

Hi All! As i'm writing this, I have already moved in into my apartment on the 16th August and counting till far about 5 weeks in the new house! So far so good I would say cause afterall its own house mah, but then thing is all the renovations going on and with the opp vista spring building day and night, so it can get kinda noisy and really really dusty every single day in the house!! No kidding!! And I have been super busy with moving in and unpacking and arranging things, plus it doesnt help that my mobile broadband internet is running like tortise hence I haven even been online much since I moved in which explains why I didnt update here! And also my number of blog post and advert waiting for me to write doesnt help at all with the slow internet speed!! And just a week ago there's a accident at home that scares everyone cause the light dropped directly infront of me and thank god no one was hurt with the broken glasses around so was also busying settling the light issues and changed new ones.. Plus, most importantly my house-warming is coming up on the 29th September 2012, Saturday! So also busy searching for my caterers and stuffs for the house warming!! * If anyone is interested to come by let me know! As for gift, we would prefer alcohols and wine to fill up our mini bar area for display!! * Photos yes! I will do a combine of photos of during renovation and moved in condition once my internet gets up to speed!! Its killing me seriously with the super slow turtle speed!! Changing to a home broadband asap! So here I am, moved in and overall happy! Would love to see some neighbours soon!! I'm friendly!! Audrey

Thanks Thanks! Hows your house coming along? Thanks alot!! Hows the reno on your house now? LOL! Shd organise some gathering if possible for ppl staying at Dew Spring!!! Audrey

Yup, I personally think its okay to put the TV and speakers in room if you want for MBR, But to coodinate the spaces carefully.. Mine was a beautiful mistake cause in the end my wardrobe already took half the room and I will need to put my dressing table and my bags all in the next room! So if you intend to put all in one room, gotta plan carefully!!! My method is I will use my measuring tape to measure on site at the room see how to plan where to put what things or how big or small the furniture size I need and measure it against the room on the position I want and adjust the size if need be.. As for floor tiling, I get where you're going, Cause I wont actually do all white or beige, Hahas! As for the black tiles with upskirt, I cant say for sure how it turns out but when I visual it in my mind, I will think anything is possible but match it with matching wall colors! I like to compare it always with my dressing style, always have one thing that stands out and compliment it with matching pieces and accessories! Audrey

Shall start section and section of what's around for my house stuffs etc etc Bi-Fold Doors for Both Toilets Was reading around and reseaching at first for PD doors but then I saw lotsa bad reviews so I decided to forgo it and find Bi-Fold Doors instead, So I outsourced on my own and I remember reading somewhere from this forum about this guy called Andrew for doing windows and initially I contacted him for windows and grilles for quotation but was given to my ID instead BUT at the same time I also realised that he does Bi-Fold Doors!! And some were saying his works are pretty okay plus the price was cheap cause they were having promotion so I asked him for a site quotation for both doors and took measurements and he showed me the available color samples for the doors.. Then a week later, He was at my place installing the doors, Both doors were installed in around half an hour and he was supervising the people installing and told me that the doors would be hard to slide cause its new door so gotta put oil or something to lubricate the tracking.. Anyways photos first! Grey for the common toilet aka guest toilets also Followed by the Master Bedroom Toilets, Same as my room wall color! So, Verdict here being.. I personally feel that the design wise and colors are totally okay, but on using it i feel that the bottom track is slight harder to slide (or maybe now during renovation so all the dust and stuffs trapped there so I'll take a rain check till after I move in and cleaned up and oil-ed it) And the thing to support the door seems to come out easily from the track, but then again could be the workers during renovation are all so chor lor that they dont treat it gently with love and care, BUT its easy to fix it back yourself like I did so then again another rain check on usage when I moved it! Audrey

PM'ed ! Audrey

Hi There! Welcome and Thanks for writing your first post for my thread! Hahahs, anyways no prob, Shall answer in my own opinion and based on my current house size! Hmm, my master room is sort of divided into half.. One side for walk in wardrobe which I gotten and roughly fit about 6 doors i supposed? Cause I used a corner wardrobe as well.. And my other side of the master bedroom is where I place my queen sized bed with slight walking space, so I guess its pretty reasonable space enough for two or spacious for one! And you were referring to my living room tiles right? Before I painted you can totally see the reflection and very glossy and pretty.. After I painted, It was still okay, slightly darker but still pretty much glossy and can see reflection in the daytime! So yeah I guess the tiles are good and but if yours is black I'm sure it'll be beautiful!! I used Kevin, He's pretty busy I guess but he has pretty good ideas sometimes so give him awhile I guess? You gotten keys already and etc? Audrey

Super mad busy and mad happy that if everything's on schdule, I can officially move in on the 16th! Shall update the progress with pictures soon! Been super busy! Audrey

Shall start to post about my experience in search for ID's and Contractors when I got my keys for my 4room flat! Been putting this post off cause super duper busy with renovations and constant search for furnitures and items and overseeing some stuffs! Just to bascially list down some of the ID's/Contractors I've been to and my feelings on them: * I wont be naming the ID name cause this is my own experience but if you need can PM me and I tell you off hand if you need to know!* Sky C Met the ID at site for discussion but basically the ID wasnt that good I feel cause they dont give any ideas or advise, just keep saying okay to whatever I requested and want and say will email me the quote and get back to us, So when we received the quote it was wayyyy over our budget and also felt that we couldnt click hence a straight NO Joo Guan Huat Design & Contract PTE LTD Met with an old uncle, He was very patient and also I feel pretty experience in what he do and advise, As he's a contractor we feel and hope that the quote would be reasonable but when his quote came out, we got a shock cause its very high even though its contractor so we have to pass! And we only ask to quote for capentary and room flooring.. NW Interior Went to the one at Tradehub, Took a look at the showroom there pretty okay but the ID we spoke to cannot make it, We tell her what we need to do, most of it she say cannot do or not sure how to do, hence we gave a straight pass imm.. Whereby other ID can try to help us do or know how to do.. Plus If you're looking for real cheap quote with lots of stuffs to do, you can try this but my own experience with this ID is that they change the design I want to what they think/feel is good for them with the expense of us wasting additional money for the kind of design they insists till I have to tell them that its a waste of money for us and we have a budget. Gotten a few quotes due to them keep missing out what we want and constantly reminding them that they miss it out, pretty irresponsible when it comes to puntual for meeting, cause I arranged to meet them one sunday to talk over the 2nd quote and design which was promised to send to email and meet at my area but there were no news at all on sun! Send over the quote few days only after and didnt explain why didnt meet us till we asked them personally then only tell us that they had urgent matters to settle. I understand that you have urgent matters and wont angry if you tell us cause we waiting whole day doing nth just to wait instead of us asking then say few days after. Inside Living Nothing much to comment, except I specifically asked her for a rough quote first but keep saying will email but no news till I asked few times then emailed with a ridiculously high quote so its not them. Objet d'art Promising young ID and close to my age hence the able to click feeling is there and his designs are pretty good in terms of space saving and maximise your space! Even took the effort to teach me stuffs on renovation and what is okay what is not and etc, one of the ID that I shortlisted but in the end my husband feels that his quote is too high and things to do is actually very little for the amount hence gotta pass also! DeFONG Initially asked for quote just to compare but when saw the quote I was very impressed cause of the amount of works esp capentary we thought would be very expensive but after some measuring and etc the quote was slightly below the budget we set so we can a lil more on furnitures! And also first met discussion, also a young ID but he was very detailed and actually went through each and every item on the quote with me slowly to say more! So he gave me a good impression, which led me to search DeFONG in here and found some of his works actually were pretty good and positive feedbacks and visited one of his on going project and pretty impressed so far! Then we had a few more discussion and eventually engaged him as our ID but now more like friend cause his age and mine pretty close so can talk very relax and joke around, also he and his workers get along well so give him some credit for it.. So we got a pretty good deal and dedicated to his each and every projects from him and within our budget for lots of capentary works and so far reno going pretty good! If you need can engage him or meet him for discussion! Else can come over to my housewarming and discuss more with him hahas! So that ends my search for ID's and Contractors, as I'm a very anal person when it comes to lots of things like small details and big decision so the ID must be sure to match what I need and yet have a good workmenship, so I'm still lucky when it comes to this search and hope the final results would be a good one! Audrey

Its really infamous month loh! Also national day take away 2 days also le, even lesser time for reno, I already know sure cant make it to move in at mid august le! Nope, Saw but didnt join hahas! Dont think can be in time le, August already short even 2 days due to our singapore national day! Haiz, gotta move only at Mid Sept le! Hahas, Yeah should hold some gathering often or entertainment often, people can take time to host at their house! And Yes, Jio mahjong can le! Play over night also not scared cause stay same blk only hahahahs! Audrey

Yeah I'm also moving things bit by bit now, Hoping to move in by August 16th, If cant then also around mid sept le due to 7th Mth, better safe then sorry... At least during the 7th mth can move and tidy things up so can just move in and dont need unpack till so rush le! Audrey

Hello! Thanks, I love my tiles too! They looked like marble dont they? They're just homo tiles but pretty expensive range ones cause we really love the design and color of it! Currently just starting to do the screeding and laminating of wooden floor for 2nd room and master room, and other stuffs like gas, electrical and capentary! Audrey

Yes, would be commenting on that soon in a post of my search in IDs/Contractors! Stay Tuned! Wanted to take more photos of the beautiful tiles, But if I take now probably wont do justice to my tiles le cause I painted my living room wall color slightly darker so it kinda darken the tiles I supposed? Will take and show if I got time go up to new place! So your unit is the corner unit right on the other end on 10th Floor? I nearly read your KRS as KNS, Lols.. Anyways I was hoping my reno can finish before August 14th and move in by August 16th cause the 7th mth first day is Aug 17th as per my mum says! So if cant then we gotta move in only right after 7th mth end then tidy things and hold house-warming and celebration and start to Mahjong le!! Hate the 7th mth cause wasted one whole mth there for nothing! Been dying to play Mahjong at new place, to spice up the area in my place hahahs Sure, If anyone's interested to come over for my house-warming all are welcomed!! Hahas, got a bar counter area so neighbours can pop by for drinks anytime! Neighbours also can hold gathering once a while or pot luck! * Just talking about it seems fun! * Wah, Can I come by and see your reno one day? Hahas, Mine also small budget project for renovation but after buying new items and furnitures for house, already going to broke soon le! I think Neighbours at same blk shd have better relationships like friends! Like that wont so bored at home sometimes hahas! Audrey

I decided on DeFONG, My ID is Kevin But I outsourced a few stuffs so he's not doing the whole reno works except capentary works and windows and grilles plus electrical & plumbing.. Have you stared reno and where do you stay? Audrey

Thanks! I loved my tiles too! Audrey

* A close-up on the tiles at main door way! * * Even nearer close-up on the lining of the tiles! * * And the room tiling, Room tile was choosen by my dad * * Close-up to show the tiling that it was place very straight together with living room tiles! * Overall I would say I'm very pleased with the tiling works done by this person as engaged by my dad! Really neat work and very professional and fast, he finished all these in just like 5 days work with no detection of any hollow tiles!! If I get my second home next time, I would ask him to help me do again!! Audrey

Time for some pictures on earlier progress, I haven been updating! But no one here's to talk on this topic too!! Anyways, Here's the photos for when we do the tiling for living/diner and the first bedroom! (Tiles are from Hafary) * It was raining just when they were starting work, Speak about good weather man and the packets of sand and cement for laying!* *The China Man in charge of doing all the tiling works, My Dad engaged him cause his tiling skills are really superb! You'll see the photos in awhile and you'll know! * *Tiling done, this is a corner of the Living Room near the window! * * The Bar Counter area, one side of the dining area * * View from the Main Door * And then to be Continued on the photo of tiling!.... Audrey

Been super busy lately with all the shopping for furnitures, electrical and comparing prices!!! Some minor updates! I've finally choosen and decided on my ID! After all the many IDs/Contractors I've talked to and stuffs, finally there's one who fits all my criteria and best of all, someone that can click well and always know what I wanted even when sometimes I dont understand what I'm saying also! LOL! (Shall write up a post on my ID selection soon!) Also my living/dining area and Bedroom 2 flooring is finally done... Pretty much a few hiccups during this process of tiling works these two parts but am glad all went well! Will share photos soon and updates! Now just gotta start on painting and finding the air con which i feel is a headache, anyone esp seniors here have good recommandation for either panasonic or mitsubishi system 3 inverter air con? Cause heard alot of horror storries like bad installations and super lousy services and follow ups on certain companies hence the major headache now on AC!!!! AHHHHHHH!!! Will update with photos soon, and thanks for helping me with the recommandation if have pretty please Audrey

Yeah, Was so busy lately till I got no time come this forum! Talk about being busy -_- True and very important is you must be confortable when talking to your ID and the able to click and be like friens feel! Cause I finally confirmed on my ID and I must say so far I'm very satisfied with him! Hahas Audrey

Hi There! So far your reno looks great! Btw, Just checking you got your aircon from which company? Are their installation for the aircon good and service? Cause we're soucing for aircons also and its a headache if get a lousy company that doesnt good installation the pipes lining and stuffs!!! GRR! Audrey

Hahas, Really? Which floor are you on? Started any reno already? Audrey

Hi there, Nice reading your reno progress! Mad loves the WIW with dressing table! Audrey

Thanks! Seems like everyone's loving the kichen tiles that HDB has done! But yeah first time got such nice view when cooking and washing clothes! Yeah no bay windows but we're doing one for the master room for storage and putting our laptops! I dont have more pictures of the virgin house le, perhaps shall start to post photos only when renovations are up and going, doing tiling first tomorrow by my father for the living/dining and passage ways! ♥♥♥ Audrey

And here the photo tour continues because here's all the rooms photos! Rooms are small and tiny, wells, my friend's condo unit is about the same size as my current flat though so for a vest price difference, I guess I'm pretty good cause afterall its your own cosy home! First room you'll see in my house would be bedroom 2, That room is for my parents and they want it simple and clean so they'll renovate their own small yet cosy room! Up Next, Bedroom 1! Part of the wall would be hacked to create a walk in from Master Bedroom so we can walk to and fro between these two rooms! my baby boy would be sleeping in this room, a small bed for him even though we foresee that he will stick to us in sleeping or with my mum! Also a mini study/work table with shelves, and my huge wardrobe + a dressing table would be here as well cause I have tons of items and clothings due to my jobs! * Left side of the room is covered cause of the angle! so just imagine it to be bigger then what you see here* And of course the walk way to the rooms! Which you'll also see that my master bedroom itself have a mini walk way before you turn and see the actual room! And here's the Master Bedroom! There'll be a wardrobe for my husband's clothings and stuffs, doing a platform bed, then we have the bay window with storage and some shelving around the room! Last but not least, The master room toilet! Taking away the basin and doing a cabinet with our own choosen basin and mirror instead and some racks at the corner for stuffs! * Again due to angle, front half of the toilet isnt taken! Sorry for that! * So that basically sums up the photo tour of the pre renovations and a ideal of how my house is! Overall I'm thrilled cause its going to be my own place! And down point would be I cant do much to the toilet reno due to the 3 year hdb rule and didnt wanna overlay it so yikes! But it wouldnt be a long term flat as well cause we intend to stay for 5 years only and move as the area is actually not that accessible to transport unless you drive so yep I got no choice but to take my driving license now! Plus the buy low sell high pricing we would probable get 5 years later would be enough to renovate the next one nicely yet still have a sum to put aside I guess! * Prays that property price wont drop 5 years later! * Now already shortlisted 2 ID firms and awaiting for the second finalized quotation before we start to confirm either one and do works! Would write another post on my search and thoughts for choosing ID/Contractors when we confirm! So how do you guys think? Audrey

Thanks! And Yes, I was surprised that my main door and gate was so beautiful as well except the flooring for both toilets and kitchen its not to my liking but we'll live with it for now, other then that the mosaic tiles seems okay for our view too cause when we do the kitchen cabinet and stuffs it'll most likely be all covered up so only toilets are the most original state! Thanks Jaskel, Really hope so that it'll be smooth and not any major issues! LOL, I feel you regarding the o biang ones that we used to see in HDBs! And Thanks! It's actually not that HUGE because wait till you see the rooms! The bedrooms are all tiny and we've been cracking our heads to work around the space! But true to that, Yes I like wine and cocktails and I know how to make mocktails so the bar counter is the one I'm looking forward to other then my wardrobe and dressing table! We're getting a wine chiller instead together with our mini fridge and coffee maker etc etc, basically all the drinks stuffs! But yeah we're doing a wine glass rack def for all the different sizes of the glasses! YESSS, Kitchen is small to the max! I'm putting my fridge at the longer side of the kitchen with the cooker and hood, then the kitchen sink on the other side cause the sink outlet happens to be on the shorter side of the kitchen! Which unit is yours huh? I realised that units are all very far apart from each other and mine is right at the end! *Imagine all the walking to and fro to the rubbish chute from my unit!* Start reno so late? Thats 4 mths after and when are you moving in though? I probably already hope to be staying before oct! Audrey

Figured and realised that each post only 5 photos! And I am having a hard time uploading those pictures at ImageShack, But anyways yep.. And the photo tour continues! And the inside of the household shelter with the extra tiles from HDB! Here's the Dining area for dining tables and chairs! Living Room! Its actually not that small cause i was standing in the middle hence looked small! And the other side of the dining area for our mini bar counter, so we can slack at home more often since we can have drinks at home! This is the part where I'll be doing it up nicely! And the common toilet also known as guest toilet! Audrey