claypot

Dear All, I'm starting this t-blog to document my renovation journey, to thank all fellow t-bloggers and forumers for their contributions in this forum i.e. sharing their ideas, recommendations, and advice. Hope this t-blog will also help others and future forumers. My flat unit is HDB 3I corner mid-floor in Tampines. I started viewing for 3-rm HDB flats in early Oct 2013. I only viewed about 5 units (1 unit is in Bedok and the rest in Tampines) within a single day. One of the units that suit my requirements was found on that day too. OTP was done within a week and HDB first appointment was in mid-November 2013. I've only gotten my keys on the 2nd last day of 2013. The former owner has done some works on the WC, Bathroom and Kitchen. The Bathroom was hacked to create a doorway into the MBR, and also hacked another doorway to the WC. He also sealed up the original Bathroom doorway at the Kitchen. This provide direct access to the WC and Bathroom from the MBR. But the downside to it is that there's less space in the WC and Bathroom to mount a proper size wash basin. As it is 3I, both WC and Bathroom are tiny compared to other 3 room HDB flats, and this is one of the downsides of my flat unit. The former owner also shrink the kitchen further in, so that the dining area is in the living room. I've edited the floorplan to reflect the current layout. The upside of it is that it's corner (not along corridor) and its approx 8 mins walk to Tampines MRT/bus-interchange. ID was appointed in early Dec 2013. 1st payment of 15% was made, and off we go in this renovation journey.....

Maxccy, please share which KDK model are you currently using? (so that i can avoid). i'm also looking for ceiling fan

You don't need to have OpenNet point in every room. Only 1 OpenNet point is sufficient. Reason: the OpenNet point will connect to a modem (provided by whom you subscribe e.g. Singtel, MyRepublic or Starhub), then from the modem you connect to your wifi router, and from your wifi router if it has built-in switch, you can lay network cables to other rooms. OpenNet point -> Singtel modem -> Wifi router -> Network cables to other rooms or wifi signal OpenNet is vendor-neutral. It depends on whom you subscribe for Internet. If you subscribe Singtel, Singtel will use the same OpenNet point but provide you with its Singtel modem. Likewise if you subscribe Starhub fibre for Internet, the same OpenNet point is used (unless you subscribe to Starhub Maxonline which uses SCV point and NOT OpenNet)

Hi Astarz, can PM me where you get your foldable glass door?

your underlay for your laminate flooring is foam. check whether you can ask them to use rubberized underlay instead.

How's the samsung bottom freezer fridge after using it for 1 year?

how much is Philips Fidelio soundbar?

18k cov is okay lah. Same as the cov I paid too. your area bigger so worth it. Mine smaller.

I'm not renovating my toilet/bathroom as it has just undergone HIP (hdb home improvement program) with new piping, WC and doors. Maybe 1-3 years later (save up a bit first) then rehaul it. So can't advise on bathroom items yet. For kitchen sink, I've gotten Blanco stainless steel and Kroz kitchen mixer from Hoe kee. On hindsight, I should have gone to universal union at geylang. It's cheaper though they don't carry Blanco. Maybe I should start my t blog too

Hi SPTan, Mine is also 3i unit. just like you only 1 wc & 1 shower, and no storeroom. Good thing is that the former owner already hack and opened up a entry from MBR to the toilet. Just gotten my keys and renovation only start last Friday. Songz, has a much bigger 3rm unit (even has utility room) so envious

your PM full liao. looks like many are keen.

which brand/model is that?

Congrats! Start looking for IDs but don't commit yet, they may indirectly give you some ideas on how to renovate your house. Consolidate all their ideas, combine/adjust them to your taste and balance them with practicality and budget too. Look at home deco magazines (online too) for more ideas. Electrical and furniture selection can come later once you decide on your room themes/designs.

Can't ask Ikea to deliver later?

Don't think there's a norm. Mine was 15% as deposit to get 3D drawings & for the ID to start doing scheduling with the sub-contractors, 40% at the start of the work, 40% before fabrication of carpentry, and 5% for completion (after defect rectification). negotiate with your ID first, if you don't like the payment scheme, then choose another ID .

Yes, 74sqm is indeed spacious. Nice reno especially the cat flap! can't wait for your elaboration on the cat-friendly features

There's a aircon in my living room, and to prevent the cold air from drifting into the kitchen, i'm thinking of having a Non-flammable/non-fabric curtain that is full height (from ceiling to floor). Non-fabric will be good as it will be easier to clean (use damp rag to wipe it) and can block cold air from escaping. The curtain between the living room and kitchen can also act as room divider and also sound absorbent. Anyone has any idea how/where to get this kind of curtain (including the curtain rod/railing to be ceiling-mounted instead of wall mounted)? Or a very big/tall shower curtain? A google search only lead me to: http://www.itp.eu/en/non-flammable-curtain-material

What is the dimension of the coca-cola sign? Is it still avail ?

Can PM me how to get the downright. Thanks

Best wishes on your renovation! Looks like a very good start by the looks of the photos.

Very well renovated. Love the idea of the hanging ceiling lights as bedside lamps. Save space

My friend engaged TIL and have just completed their reno this month (Dec 2013). Their feedback is good so I've also recently engaged them. I've also went to my friend's house to check, and the carpentry is good (using blum and its internal coloured PVC. not the typically white internal cheap PVC). They are not cheap but they are not too expensive. No gst. They will start renovating my flat as soon as i get my flat keys.

Doubt you could start renovation in early Feb as it will be CNY period and most workers who are Malaysians will be back to their hometown. Probably mid-Feb. Carpentry and glass works are typically more expensive. A breakdown of each individual items may help us to determine whether they are expensive.