strawberry_pear

hihi i second the thought of having one pre moving in outing maybe this weekend so tat we can discuss on renovation, share our frustrations and go house hopping to see those that are already under reno...and most importantly to network and foster strong ties within the blk so that in case anything happen, we can help lookout for each other. maybe the venue can be our carpark rooftop garden?? just a suggestion tho Hey zanie and Shivan, u are welcome!!! no need to say thank you bcos next time me and dh will be invited over to ur respective houses right?? and with complementary satay, goreng pisang and laksa too heeheheheh

just a few pics to share on the progress of my new home... tips for choosing downlight: 1. there must be a device for you tilt your plc bulb so as to prevent breakages. 2. atco bulbs for downlights are the best cos its direct from germany..osram is second best.. most suppliers will just anyhow provide so do ask your contractor before installing so that we can save as much as can be... 3. my half done common bathroom toilet 4. my half done living room floor 5. my mbr toilet 6. completed kitchen floorings

been a while since i was here to update on the progress of my reno... some significant incidents the past 2 week: 1. Floor and toilet completed!!!!!oh yeah! but also the beginning of another oh no cos the workers din connect the toilet bowls to the ac and they pooed and pee-ed inside without flushing for 1.5 week!! told him to get it fixed if not will get ultimatum from me (must provide me with new toilet bowl) and immediately the next day he fixed it liao... some more cleaned the whole toilet and scrubbed it for me 2. on the track now to do lightings and electricity now and estimated time of completion will be next week... looking at the light trunkings and etc, my whole house is in a mess now!!! (please refer to pic) wonder when will it look like my dream house....sighz.... will be checking out the taps and accessories tomoro with my id and after that will be carpentry works... hope that everything will turn out fine..

no lor... still got so much carpentry to do.... btw when did u go up?? haven't seen you for so long... u want to drop in tomorrow?? then can kaypo more there... btw, i sms u just now..

hey zanie98, u got ur keys already??

hi mace and applefreak, will definitely upload more pics!! thanks for dropping in and oh yeah!! the haulage is :furious:MAD!!!! hi jamez, thanks! am really enjoying the process hehe and have been going up to my new flat everyday to check that everything is ready!!all the way!! btw, when I say wallpaper tiles, it means that when its laid on the wall, it will look like wallpaper but its actually tiles so its much cheaper.... nice coffee table... care to share where u got it from & how much? hello cutebear and cornetto, my dining and coffee table are both from om in liang court!! really love the service by michael (their marketing exec) and the thoughtfulness of the boss to provide coffee and tea in the showroom. their furniture's quite cheap and it includes delivery.... the prices are as follows: 1. fiamma dining table: 1088 2. 6 chairs: 500++(not shown in pic) 3. uno coffee table: $600 4. cream colored carpet:$570 was given a 25%discount becos i was one of the first few customers at the home and deco fair last week... however, do go and check it out...when i was in the showroom, they actually go by appointment timing for you to choose your furniture and also a lot of designers actually bring their clients there to select furniture.... do go down and have a look if your theme's modern classic. Actually i did go to furniture club, lorenzo, mondi initially.. but in the end..... om still wins! ok then folks Enjoy!! and definitely will upload more pics here!!! my toilet and floor will be done this week!! hurray!!1

hi pple, thanks for the reply.... have already started most of the things and this week we'll be focusing on floorworks!! yippeee!! however, one issue is that i've settled the with hdb w rgds to the sum of money to pay for haulage and overhaul and guess what??? they say that tpy is a matured estate and also with the price increase for sand, thus we'll have to pay 1.1k(thank God for Cement screed by hdb then my price decreased to $800). Can you imagine those staying under financial aid in our blk under the SERs programme?? how much can they afford to pay??? and some more the amt of old pple living in my estate is quite a lot, how much can they pay?? the contractor even told me that ask the old and poor for hdb to cement screed their floor lor cos no choice!! wat kind of is this??? sigh.... wat to do now? just pay and look on the bright side of things lor!!

hihi thanks for the comment!! hope to have your comments coming in more!!

This is my modern classic home in tpy and have just started our reno... a little hiccup today as we couldn't believe that the haulage fees are soooooooooooooooooooo expensive can you imagine we went to hdb town council, hdb main office and the hdb branch office and the amt that they gave us was just $220.50 + $187.25 when the main hdb contractor told us its $1100????? really wanted to watever it is, I'll still see how it goes by and hope that hdb (who told me that they'll liaise with the contractor)will give me a proper answer by mon.... ok...so here's some pics that i hope everyone who drops in will enjoy! my blk in tpy view from my carpark rooftop garden Renovation in my hse!! sand here sand there! cement screeding! wallpaper tile for common bathroom to be mixed w white tiles white tiles for mbr toilet mosaic tiles for mbr toilet our coffee table our dining table:

some pics of my flat undergoing reno hihi bonkitty.. u're welcome but the haulage fee is to pay through our id to the hdb contractor one not to our id.... if you want to know the name of the contractor in charge of our blk , pls pm me... actually his name is also on all our lifts already...hope that we'll all be able to solve the problem and we all save some $$.

hi pple, some pics of the view of our flat...

hi josephine, you've got mail!!

hi everyone... been a week since I came in.... btw, some things happened b/n hdb and the haulage contractor and will like to share with you guys... last evening, the contractor told us that for our blk 79c, the haulage and overhaul (as in provision of sand, cement and everything) is the following charges: 4 room: $900 5 room: $1100 if you apply for hdb screeding in your rooms(ie ur rooms will be laminated flooring/ parquet which is provided foc by hdb) then the charges will be as follows: 5 room: $800 4 room: (didn't ask as mine is 5 room) having read from the forums such as Singapore brides and renotalk, I went to hdb this morning and according to the TOWN COUNCIL, HDB TRY-BISHAN BRANCH OFFICE and HDB itself (spoke to 3 senior officers should you need the names pls pm me), the prices should be as follows: HAULAGE: $187.25 SAND: $220.50 TOTAL: $407.75 THe price that the contractor is charging us is way too much....I agree that they are also providing a service and should earn a bit but the difference is simply way too much... I'm not paying the amt of $$ till the contractor confirms with HDB again on monday... btw, this contractor I'm mentioning here is not my own renovation id/contractor.... this is the one that hdb has engaged to do for all the units in our blk.

Hello M&M, I'm interested in the pics... maybe you'll like to share some here? I can't open my doors yet cos my mil pandang... btw, which level is yours?? can we go and take a look at your flat? To all dear neighbors, just wen to Aik Leong Electrical Appliances yesterday and I strongly recommend u to buy furniture there!! actually was becos I compared prices b/n the shop and many others like euro at lor7 Toa Pyoh and some others but the auntie there at Aik Leong really really good and she really went into the details of how each appliance is different from others. shld anyone be interested to get my price list(consisting of fridge, 37" TV, Washing machine, oven )pls pm me...

Hello all fellow neighbours... thanks to everyone... it seems that my daughter is a super spreader of the flu virus and now, my mil, dh and I are all down with flu and cough!! and we're going to collect keys tomorrow!! attached is the list of hidden cost list update that I've found on Singapore Brides forum and all thanks to hippo (a fellow forummer) who compiled this list. Hidden Cost List Update ----------------------- 1. Charge for each additional electrical power point *** Take note each additional electrical power point in the market nowadays is between $60-$70. Pls be ensure 2 way switch installation only costs $40 for lighting and pls ensure that the contractor has indicated everything clearly. This is what I have checked up before agreeing my electrician to go ahead with the work. My electrician did a good job and the price is reasonable. *** Take note also each installation of new lighting point is between $30-$40, some contractor may quoted more than $50 per point. Also pls do not ask the contractor to disconnect the power point when it has been done, as this also incurred costs and losses. 2. Cost of aircon wiring, re-wiring *** The cost of aircon wiring and rewiring is always inclusive together with the air con equipment depends on the model you buy. For instance, a standard LG model costs around $1600 with installation. Pls do not be happy with the free gift the contractor provided together with the air con as the free gift is also one of the hidden costs in it. Nothing is free, pls bear in mind. 3. Quotation at time of signing does not included detailed specs of all materials used eg. acceptable price range for floor tiles given budget **** You must always ask your contractor to state everything as clear as possible. The dimension as well as the type of floor tiles given. This is important. My contractor did that for us and all are quote accordingly. 4. Cost of clearing of debris and haulage **** As per conversation with HDB council, the standard cost for clearing of debris and haulage is always at the cost of $215 inclusive of GST. Do not be surprised when contractor quote you more than $500 and do not get convinced by them when they told you the reason why it is so expensive. Some contractor will tends to tell you that they have rented a lorry to collect debris, this is not true. The lorry is provided by HDB who will do the clearing up. The contractor only needs to pay them $215 and everything will be done properly. Reason: HDB pay outsiders to do the clearing and this is liaise with the contractor and the HDB third party, when only a single receipt will be given. HDB bay contractors will tends to quote more in their hauluge fees, pls take note. 5. Renovation permit costs *** Renovation permit costs is always provided free when the contractor apply to HDB. There is no costs at all. You may check with HDB itself. Last time HDB used to charge around $200 for permit fees but not now. Policy has changed. 6. Cost of chemical wash *** Pls take note chemical wash also can be called acid wash is between the cost of $95-$150. This done once or twice depends between contractor and owner. This only done after painting and flooring has completed and before the completion of kitchen cabinet. 7. Remember to check all water hole for any cement or sand. Some contractors may just throw the cement onto the pipe, which in the long run will cause leakage. This is important. 8. Cost of gas piping. The contractor will liaise with City gas contractor for work to be done and this only incurred the cost of $70 per trip. As for the connection of gas piping to the cooker hood will be done separately on another day. The billing of gas piping will be send to your house by the PUB people and not the contractor . 9. Cost of painting. The cost of painting is between $1100 - $1600. It normally consists of 5 colors Nippon and colors can be selected and adjustable. Type and brand of paint, no. of coats and no. of colors. ** Shall always make them state clearly what brand, how many coats, how many colour u are choose etc 10. Installation of bathroom accessories & electrical point. *** This can be negotiable. You can discuss with the contractor to install these items free of charge at your house. When the contractors said they will bring you to the shop to buy bathroom items, do not agree and follow them. This is another way of hidden costs appearing, as contractors may earn commission from there. Take note. The same goes with the lighting points and bulb. Get these items yourself and ask the contractor to install for you. For bathroom accessories and lighting, you may go to Jalan Besar or Geylang area to get it. Balestier can be considered but not all. Some places in Balestier tends to quote higher. 11. Low price for kitchen cabinets can mean no frills like stainless steel dish racks etc. 12. When hacking walls, make sure contractors include touching up with tiles i.e. on the area that is being left exposed by the wall that is being hacked off.... otherwise some will charge u separately for those tiles. 13. If you are installing instant heater or ceiling fan, contractor will charge you around $60 each. But can be negotiated and get it FOC. HDB only collect debris fees on behalf of the town council cost won't be more than $250. you can get the print out copy by HDB from your contractor . The haulage and buying of sand from the appointed contractor ( you can find their contact pasted at the lift lobby for new flats )should be paid by the contractor or the ID firm engaged . Some contractor or so call " ID " firm will say the haulage fees is home owner should pay ( bout $ 800 or more )Don get CON . all these should be quote inside the contract under the tiling works . Resale flats Town concil don't charge haulage fees as there is no more haulage contractor appointed by HDB station there . Yel, received your msg and w rgds to the haulage and sand, what i did was tell my contractor to give me a rough estimate of how much he charged others based on his experience and we'll work from there.. at the same time, i also try to find out more from my colleagues and seems that market rate now is from $250 to $300...hope it answers ur qn.... btw pple, have another list of where to buy cheaper electrical appliances (also thank singapore bride forummers here for their info), hope that it helps: Aik Leong Blk 121 Bt Merah Lane 1 #01-16 Tel 62719365 Hong Liang Blk 123 Bt Merah Lane 1 #01-16 Tel 62719365 Dav Electronics at Bukit Timah: 64677767(Call for quotation based on models u provide him) Euromark Electronics Address: Blk 4 Lor 7 Toa Payoh #01-119 Singapore 310004 Telephone: 6255 4688 Fax: 6296 7767 Mega Discount Store--> consistent discounted prices and very new range of products. United Square B1 (opp dessert stall and near food court) P.S: Beddings 1. Ackerman and Smith --> have just called on SAt(1.9.07) and found that they have shifted to boon lay. --> provides a wide variety of brands of beds and promises to match the lowest price possible.. the serviceman was also very helpful and prompt in providing quotation and service over the phone. Hihi to all dear neighbours who have helped to provide your quotations and advise and pics for us as reference, A BIG THANKS!! I agree with what darkwing says... thanks for helping us to walk out of blurness!!

Hi sorry yel, girl was sick for past few days and thus unable to reply... prior to receiving the loan application letter, we din receive anything so it came as a surprise for us. however, maybe you want to get these things done first cos its needed on the day of flat acquisition/collection of keys: 1. buy fire insurance for new flat from AIA 2. set up joint acc for giro payment of monthly instalment. I'm staying in blk 33 now... shld there be anything maybe can meet up and discuss?? btw, have you searched for any ids yet?? there's a kind soul from singapore brides who has kindly shared a list of hidden cost and things to look out for when looking for a contractor. shld you need it pls pm me...I'll email it to u... btw, this kind soul's username is hippo... can look for it at singapore brides, home and decor section too

Hello yel, I'm frm SERS and we'll be collecting keys next tuesday.... which blk are u currently staying in?? When did you hand in the form for hdb home loan? We submitted around three weeks ago and just got our letter this monday.

hihi my id is leonard... think that they are quite nice and is quite willing to help and adapt our ideas... learnt about them from my colleague who's very hardworking in rackeying abt ids... will email you the details yeah??? will also check on singaporebrides on the company... thanks!! rgds

hi guys, hope that will be able to get some feedback or any opinions w rgds to how this id is doing as we r considering them as our id.... so far the quoted price is around 39k for a 5 room flat in tpy central... as we are first time owners, will like to know wat are the things we'll have to look out for in a contract and any other additional matters to take note of.... thanks in advance!!

Hi everyone, i'm new to this forum and am staying in 79C... level 33 good to hear from so many of you and thanks for the pics that you guys have provided... btw, went down to the block on friday and the main contractor was telling me that we will get all our keys from next month onwards as his complaint centre has to be set up this week for all homeowners should they have any complaints... but din manage to get into any units as he told me that hdb is now very strict and is conducting a lot of searches constantly and he can't bear the risk.... hope to learn more from all of you and btw, have you guys sourced for any reno ids?? care to share?? rgds, gina