DarrenLimSG

Reputable. Do very good work. Alot of detail boils down to which designer that serves you in the end.

You mean the software or just the design? Design cost is up to the complexity of your interior. From few hundreds to few K. Judging from what I see above. It's not gonna be cheap.

Sure. Will PM you the contact. Do feedback here if he does a good job for you. Not sure which company he's at now. Last I heard, he struck out on his own. After even Bryan Wong approached him for designs.

Hmm, most actually do not step into the actual house. Cause most know the house at the back of their hand. You want I can PM you the ID I know who does excellent work!

Koong Yee used to have a very experienced ID called Alloysius. Heard he has started out on his own already.

Agree with that. Some prices are ok. A few are are just a tad higher. Just ask for a overall discount before signing. They usually will accede to such requests.

Your budget for what you intend to do. Is impossible.

Hmm. It's all the ONE post Newbies that are here recommending?

Why not just openly share here? If it's a factual event.

Hmm. Same company with such different results?

Err. Some prefer to let word of mouth do the talking. So they not really interested in updating online. But I realise here quite saturated with IDs coming in to push their own work. Have heard of many IDs that are actually delivering very good work. But sometimes, same firm can deliver absolutely different results, depending on the designer you work with. In Singapore, many designer holds many hats. From designer to site co-ord. Some might give you fabulous designs. But they simply CMI in site coordination. So...it honestly is luck. LOL. I feel better working with small firms. Usually their bosses micro-manages everything. The same reason they don't expand big enough. But at the same time, the very reason why they do their work very well.

Nope. Usually it's not. They just usually find other companies which are HDB certified to apply for necessary permits. Not having a permit doesn't mean they are not up to standard.

Hacking, depends bah. Prices I've heard range from 3k upwards for whole house? Think they go by psf.

Tried using charcoal as a remedy? Can try placing some in bowls around the place. The smell comes back as the old paint absorbs moisture. Charcoal will act as a dehumidifier. Removing the moisture, and thereby lessening the odor. Hope it helps! Cheers.

Heh, I realise. Contractors also mark up their price when you go direct. What's the difference? My friend's 4 room was quoted about 5K+ ?

Wow! :good:

Can try S&K. Cheers

Hmm, that is costly. Was there under lying issues? You could have asked why it costs so much. I have seen toilets which have 2 layers of tiles to be hacked. Thereby increasing the hacking costs. Most hackers are not out to conned honestly. Price difference of $30 - 50 per toilet is because of their manpower costs. Some has freelancers. Some has their own in-house workers. But, like I love to say. Be bold to ask. It's YOUR money.

Primer/sealer has special bonding agents that help it stick to the surface of walls – new or old. So it sticks well to walls … and then paint sticks well to the primer. This means it provides a sturdy ‘interface’ between the wall … and the final, quality coats of paint. Primer/sealer does also allows the top coat to go on more smoothly providing a better quality, longer lasting finish.

Hacking is expensive, partly because of haulage. Overlay is ok, as long as your waterproofing and old tiles are fine bah. If it's a really old flat. I think to hack first would honestly save you from possible nightmares.

To proof the ID firm in acting on behalf of owner?

The one I heard most recently is S&K. No idea about their contacts, Google is your best friend.

Go ahead and check all interior fittings. OMG, you are buying it over. There's nothing to be paiseh about. Walk around and touch...feel the conditions. Somethings might be masked over, as the owners know they have an imminent viewing. I have been to viewings with my friends, and they couldn't notice see the yellow patches all over the house. Turns out it's algae growing. As it's a low floor unit, and ventilation is bad. Just be bold, and ask. It's a pricy investment for a house in Singapore. If you choose to be shy and not be prudent, the consequences might be costly. Cheers!

No one is blaming the contractors. Just discussing their competency in such cases. Cheers.

I believe it is more likely your contractor is not well versed with Skylights. You might want to get an windows/glass specialist to do it. Your contractor tried to change your mind, as such specialists are costly. Silicon will will certainly wear out, therefore having a good design is very important, mainly to prevent water from ponding. Water ponding is a big no-no, as they will slowly find their way though any fissure. As such, most contractors without the necessary know-how, won't be able to prevent your Skylight from leaking after a few years. If you really want to get the Skylight, don't save on the cost, get the specialist to do it. I'll save you alot of hassle in the long run. And oh, 4 x 6 is certainly doable. Cheers.