Chunky Monkey

Good question. Here's a website that shows swatches of different types of wood species, and also describes their most common uses. http://eth.com.sg/default.asp I believe the most common recommendation by contractors is Burmese teak. I honestly didn't specify the species that I wanted. I left it to my main contractor to choose for me. I was however particular about the colour and varnish. I didn't want too much red in the wood stain, and I made sure I asked for matte varnish. Glossy varnish looks cheap. I think for quick advice and discussion, call Wood Doctor to talk to a sales guy. You might want to know that the broader & longer the timber strip, the more expensive it is. Depending on the area that you want the timber flooring, get advice as to what is the best size. These days, most installers use the tongue and groove method of installation. Which I believe helps to reduce the risks of timber strips popping up or warping. Mine are only 6cm strips. I think 10 - 12 cm wide strips are actually more elegant. By the way, I replaced the timber on my internal stairs, and each of them are 26cm wide (width of one step on the stairs), and the cost came up to S$6K. Very ex.

Is anyone using Le Creuset cast iron cookware? They're the best, aren't they?

Congratulations! Your home has turned out to be really nice! I am sure you will enjoy many great times in your new home.

I am looking for bathroom accessories, such as stainless steel (not chrome) shelvings, ceramic shelvings, stainless steel mirror cabinets, bathrob holder. I have bought simple stuff from Hoe Kee Hardware, e.g. toilet paper holders, hand towel holders, bath towel racks. And intend to check out Sansei at Jln Besah and Bathroom Gallery (Wan Tai) at Changi. Where do all of you shop for your bathroom accessories?

Yes, I have timber flooring for my current home. 6cm x 120cm strips. Timber makes the bedrooms look luxurious and beautiful but they are expensive. Over time, these strips will shrink and you will see gaps between these gaps. And that's when you will need to call in the timber floor installer to use matching wood putty to fill up the gaps again. If you want very good installation, you need to ask your ID to make sure that the timber floor installer allows time for the timber strips to shrink before vanishing the timber floor. And ask for matte vanish for an elegant look.

You have a choice as to how to obtain your approval from SLA. If you want to get approval PRIOR to finding a landed property, you may. Alternatively, find a landed property first BUT make sure that your Sale & Purchase Agreement/Option has a clause that allow you to pull out of the deal should SLA not approve. Please highlight your foreigner/PR status to your lawyers. It takes 6 weeks to get the approval (no fast path, I'm afraid), including the involvement of a Minister. Good luck!

Solid wood? I don't see how solid wood can be reskinned, when it does not have a lami or veneer over it. The best thing to do is to have it re-painted by hand using matte paint. If you want a smooth effect, you can get it spray painted but it will cost you. Ask your main con to get someone to dismantle it. I am sure there will be joints which can be undone.

Yes, although I agree with you 100% on your sentiment about this, I am still with Rhoyxon after all these years because the quality of their products is great, and their prices are also very good. And I have learnt how to handle them. Yes, that's there registered company name. I cannot vouch for everything they sell. I only buy 2 types of products from them. Their imported italy made stainless steel wire baskets VIBO and their italian made sinks from Foster.

tingshen, what is concealed behind this L shaped wall? Piping? Is there an aircon unit close by?

HDB is a no, I believe. But for landed properties, no issue. Condos, no too.

Main door you said? So the rain is splashing onto this false wall panel, isn't it? Did your main con use waterproof gypsum boards? He should. Call your main con and get it rectified.

I don't have an ID and only because of the following reasons;- a) DH is great with space planning. So much so, I think he did that in his past life (just kidding) b) my DH and I know exactly what we want to the minute detailing c) I am not working and I have time EVERY single day to oversee the renovation works, and so the workers on site can ask me questions when they are unsure. d) I say yes, and I mean yes. And I don't change my mind to drive anyone crazy. f) My main con is very accomodating. And he can take my style. Not every main con can. We once had an ID. Same one as Fann Wong. That one experience was enough to tell us as a couple, we do not need an ID to be an overpaid messenger. You need to evaluate your own customer profile and ask yourself if you *need* one who can understand what you want, and translate your wants into the design of your home. It is not an easy decision, and it's a lot of effort on your part, if you do not have an ID. Go without, only if you can commit the time, and have some experience with space planning and want to get your hands dirty.

That's a very nice stone you have got Mrs Phantom. There's a small typo. It's culet, and yes it should say "pointed" to mean no culet. I personally prefer a stone with no fluorescence.

You're most welcome, Phantom. I like talking about them. LOL! You're right! It so does not matter if it's from Larry or a branded diamond from a local store. What matters most is from *the husband*! It's true. When a diamond is self bought, women say it's independence. When it's a gift from the husband, they smile from ear to ear. The satisfaction is priceless! G colour is too yellow. It may still pass with yellow gold setting. But these days, women like white gold or platinum, so G is too poor. Cut is top priority. Next comes Carat, then Colour followed by Clarity. For me, it's Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat. If I have to compromise too much for Carat, I would rather not buy and then save up for a bigger stone. What are the specs of the diamond you bought your wifey?

I am not sure if you're aware, many ladies in the US would even choose SI stones, so that they can get a stone with bigger caratage for their budget. But what they would try not to compromise is the Cut. I think in Asia, women are more hung up about the clarity.

For 10 ~ 20 pointers, I would try to stay with VS1 if I can help it. But if there's a real price breaker, assuming that I am buying up a whole parcel of 10 and 20 pointers to make a choker, I may even consider VS2. But yes, so long as the colour is DEF, it would still knock the eyes out of the onlooker.

The job market in FS would be tight next year, so hang in there until the sun comes out! As to your question of clarity ~ if the cut is good, I would even go to VS1. The naked eye can't see these impurities. That said, there is still a condition. If the blemish is not on the crown but the underside, it'll be real fine.

Yes, I study my stones in great details. My DH is also very good in his diamond knowledge. The day he proposed to me, he proposed to me with a GIA cert, and till today, it's still a family joke. He knew that I would ask to see the cert, and so came prepared and presented it to me first! LOL. I am very particular. I choose different grades of diamonds for different purposes. We can't always have the best C's in our choices. So we need to know which C's we can compromise and which C's we die die must have. Most people will say the bigger the Carat, the better. I am not like that. I cannot compromise the Cut. This is what gives a diamond its sparkle / fire. And for example, diamonds for earrings and necklaces, I always recommend friends to go for lower grade colour ... no need for D. F or G will do. Rationale ~ the wearer cannot admire and see! Whereas, for a ring on the lady's fingers, need to go for D or E. Yes, DeFred customises just about anything. Are you familiar with Van Cleef? Their renowned butterfly ring is in the S$30K price range. DeFred customises it, and it's in the S$8K range. How's that for real bargain. The likes of Tiffany & Van Cleef charge a premium for their brand equity. PS: you said you made a bad move in your career. You switched over to UBS or Citi? No bonus, right?! These *%^$%$ banks. So messed up.

The famous Yum Cha Restaurant at Temple St.

Although I haven't met you, Phantom, I know you know your diamonds. So your lady in your life is very lucky. And I can also gather that you like ROCKS. And I bet something like 1+ solitaire is your target? And of course, but you must know that you need to plan ahead. DeFred is very particular about quality stones. You cannot want it "NOW". They can take up to several months to pick the best stones, and get them shipped in from the US or HK. Their factory is in HK. Workmanship is superb.

Just to add that if you want to use the latest paints, you will have to top up a bit more. I asked for the latest Dulux All in One (dark blue tin), and I have to pay S$400 more.

Without a doubt, it would be lesser than S$3K. Once you get a quote, please PM and tell me whom you have talked with at DeFred. Then I can call the Lady Boss to give you a good discount. My word on it.

Getting a pair like Bluberi's is a good idea. It has heel straps. On your wedding day, and with a heavy gown, I don't think getting a pair of slip-ons is a good idea. All that click clock click clock. And imagine you have to run, the slips ons may fall off. You would already have a heavy gown to handle, so the last thing you want is filmsy shoes.

I installed a Franke water filter at my Mum's home a couple of years ago. I like the Franke water filter. The filter itself has such a slim profile and does not take up much space under the sink. I know the Diamond water filter has all along been a premium choice with many Singapore homes. But I was told that the filter is too good, so much so that all the good minerals, chloride and fluoride are also being filtered out, thereby leaving nothing left in the water. Not sure how true this is.

Yup! The moment you realise you have to keep repairing/servicing/replace parts .... that's clear enough signals that you'd be better off with new aircons. Approximately 7 years.