simei_mum

Alan26, may i compare with you re Pergo quote. I was quoted $2700 for 540 sq ft area (all inclusive of trimming of 1 door, shifting up of kitchen sliding door and shifting up grill gate, and skirting hacking and replacing. is this reasonable? And what do others in this forum think of this quote? It is the family range of Pergo ie the cheapest range, Made in malaysia (which I don;t have problem with). Alan26, another question: I thought there is only ONE company carrying Pergo, namely, Good**** (not sure if I can put the exact name down here so I marked with asteriks). Is that where you got yours from? May I enquire how much you did yours for? Jaskel, let me check out their website. Many thanks. I haven;'t heard of this particular brand before so a bit wary. Finally, one thing that I sorta mind about Pergo is that their "images" of the wood have a lot of board-tones - looks like many irregular-sized planks joining together sort of like parquet look, which I don't really like. I prefer the type as if it is one long plank. Hope you all get what I mean. I know Kronotex has what I described but their price is $3400.

Hello88, although my contractor did say my apt actually has a high grade of marble flooring, I concur with Alan26. Not sure if others experience this but the marble has been making my feet very cold and lately I have developed numbness / joint pain of my ankles and legs. And I just don't like wearing slippers. Chinese doctor said the marble is too cold for me. Plus I also noticed my kids' legs to be cold everyday, which can't be good for them. Jaskel, I don't quite understand - your flooring is real timber?

mister molly, yes, the same guy, Najib, serves me. he appears nice. Jaskel, did they charge you for changing the flooring? If not, then I think waiting 3 weeks is worth it ler. And what brand are you going for with your new house reno, may I ask? Actually I did also call up Supreme and Vohringer. Supreme salesguy was really pushy, like he cannot wait for me to sign on even before explaining his flooring to me. And the vohringer salesguy, I was not impressed with the way he gave me a quote then later said oh by the way this doesn't include hacking of skirting, GST, sawing of doors and shifting up my grill gate. But surely these shd be part and parcel of the whole package right. You mean some people actually lay the floors without hacking off (marble) skirting??

CraB, Nice and very classy Pergo flooring! I am also int he process of deciding which Pergo colour to go for for my living and dining rooms. May I ask the following: (1) What colour is your flooring? (2) What range is it? the most expensive one (expressions) or Practic or Family (made in Malaysia)? (3) Which dealer did you go to? I went to Euro Floor Gallery for a quote - they quoted me $2654 for overlaying area of 540sqft - but the Malaysia-made cheapest range. Is this ok? THANKS!

Hi there, I wish to overlay my marble flooring to laminated flooring, in the living and dining rooms and hallway. I have also decided on the brand - Pergo - mainly cos they have the high skirting that I require. However, I will be choosing the Malaysian-made "family" range. May I ask especially those with Pergo flooring themselves: (1) would you totally recommend Pergo to other brands? (2) What colour name is your Pergo flooring? I am more inclined on the darkwood eg Wenge or Wooden Chocolate - but I worry it will be too dark for my condo. (3) Anyone using Sumatra Teak? This is the one recommended by the Salesguy. Thank you so much for your help!

Hi Alan, May I know what colour name is your Pergo flooring? i am also considering Pergo, the lowest range Malaysia-made ones. Would you recommend this flooring now that you have used your floor for some time eg no kok-kok sound and easy to clean? Thanks!

lawry, thx i will check your blog now.... Back to Ikea - I like their designs really but some things aren'just aren't long lasting. I also had rust problem but with their 365+ frypan and knife. Bought them only 1 month ago and already the coating of the pan has started to peel off. Yes the peeling is minor but only after 1 month of usage? The sharp point of the knife is also already rusty. I could have dried it more diligently but I thought stainless steel doesn't get rusty? Anyway I threw both items away without getting refund cos too draining to argue with the Ikea people.

flyersummer, may I know the name and brand of your kitchen cabinet doors and wardrobe? Thanks.

I am currently choosing kitchen laminate for cabinet doors. I noticed many of you went for black or white laminate but I am worried of scratch-visibility (I cook a lot) and I also prefer the woodgrain series of laminate. In particular, I love the classy graining of the LamiTAK series. One catches my eye very much, called Cafe Spectro, which has streaks of multi-colour woodgrains. Although I find this laminate very unique, I am worried the graining is too much for the eye after some time. What do people think of having woodgrain laminate all over the kitchen? Shd I go for the woodgrain for bottom cabinets and matt white laminate for wall cabinets? Would this look weird? THANKS for any advice or input!

I am currently renovating kitchen. Any "words of wisdom" or "regrets"?

I also have same woes about Ikea!! I bought two pillow cushions (the bluish colour ones with japanese round motifs - they are STILL selling them) and they are not cheap but after just ONE handwash, the colours run. My sister also bought same cushions and the colours run too. So we took taxi all the way there to return and imagine our frustration when the guy said "you are FIRST one to complain". Even said my laundry detergent is too strong (what I onyl use standard Persil). Then he said must be my helper's fault. But is it coincidence both my sister and I had colour run with two different laundry detergents and two different helpers to wash? They refunded us in the end but already we were blowing steam from our ears. My Amasco fans are fine ler - very good in fact. But lesson I learnt - always try to buy direct. I buy from Amasco factory direct cos installation process is very important - they are trained to install ONLY Amasco fans. Very expert - balancing done so well even if the fans are at top speed, no noise or shaking at all.

BTW someone told me that if one does not buy the ventilating models (ie duct brings fume outside) then it is pointless getting a hood to being with. further, even ones with the highest suction power (eg TEKA offers 1300m3/hr suction which I am also eyeing now) - if it is just circulating not ventilating, then no pt to get it. How true is this?

My daughter has severe allergies so in recent years I have had the need to bake our own cakes / cookies for her. I have a good Siemens Oven but too few functions (no fan; only top+bottom heating and bottom heat). So would like to replace with another built-in oven but this time with fan and more functions (so I don;t need to make cookies tray by tray). I am overwhelmed and confused by the FAN functions offered. Would now like to call on all baking experts on advice with the following: (1) Which is the better function to have: (a) top+bottom elements + fan; or (b) fan heat only (ie heat element wrapping around fan at rear of oven); or © need both functions (2) for grilling, do I really need all grill, maxigrill and variable grill functions? (I will do minimal grilling) (3) How useful is the rapid pre-heating function? (4) Any brand that stands out? (5) What functions should my oven absolutely have? THANKS in advance for your help.

Pinkpetter, yes, your second layout is right except L-shape turns right not left to make the 6ft. $163 per foot run - expensive oh......but this contractor was recommended by a friend who is very fussy, and he passed her expectations. He doesn't have a website nor does he have a showroom to show me his workmanship. Only friend's recommendation ler. enough or not? cabinet base is included in his 'package'. Hob and hood - haha, I want the Fujioh hood and Teka hob and oven lar - I don;t think he can freebi these. I wish! Actually both contractors already told me no more discount cos their original quote were higher. With laminate, I will choose the earthy 'woody' looking type. It feels slightly rough by touch. Contractors said better not choose the super rough type hard to clean. BTW the 19k contractor promised his wood will be solid gd-quality type. He said something like the plywood or veneer will be solid(?) and it wouldn;t be two thin pieces of veneer glued together onto the plywood which many other contractors do to cut cost. Well, I didn't understand what he means though. Oh yes he also said he let me choose from the scratch-resistant range of Lamitak. LG solid top is 38 ft = $3000 (contractor A) or $3600 (contractor B). OK? Noted on floor tiles and handles! You mean I shd ask him for his current projects and ask to go visit these places??? I would love to but surely these owners wouldn't appreciate a stranger going into their homes to look-see?

aha with tile pricing! ok, for floor tiles, I remember I chose the 1 foot square piece and these are $3 per piece then. for wall tiles, i did choose the biggest they have and it is a rectangular one prob 600 x 900mm (not very certain) - this is an expensive one? Hmm, I do plan to go back to Hafary (so crowded lah) and slowly browse through. maybe i choose a cheaper one.

haha, pinkpetter, you are not being silly, cos I am STILL trying to work out the cost per foot run, cos so confusing if it is top and bottom cabinet per foot run or top or bottom per foot run, if you know what I mean. this is layout again: After entry into kitchen at door, on left side is a rectangular room with 3 walls, so countertops will go on all 3 walls making it u-shape. Two walls will be 8ft each and 1 wall is 7ft. Then, on the right side of door, ie opposite side to the rectangular room, there is a long wall of 11ft where a countertop will sit and at the end of this long wall, the wall turns right to add another 6ft of wall (ie L-shape). I hope this time my explanation is clearer. It is a weird shape. i tried to upload a word document sketch but don't know how to upload ler. For cabinets alone, the cost is ~$9000. (he wrote supply and install top and bottom cabinets 55ft 9k). Does this mean it is $200 per foot run? Others seem to suggest the norm being $70-100 per foot run? The first contractor, when I mention the soft closing thingi, sort out skirted the issue and said he will provide the best he can so it makes me worried he has no experience installing the more modern systems. Anyone can drill such tracks or not? I would love to take on the first contractor (14k quote) but 14k is still lots of $ and if he fails to install the system properly, it may very well be 14k wasted, not 5k savings! BTW the first contractor didn't mention Lamitak. probably give me sth else. But does laminate quality really matter? HOW???

No, no, so embarrassed my calculation is wrong: (1) 55ft in quote is actually SUM OF wall AND bottom cabinets (lamitak laminated finish & ABS trimming) (2) countertop is 38ft - LG solid surface not granite I don't know how to draw and upload. But essentially, my kitchen if you imagine the u-shape has dimensions of 8ft x 7ft x 8ft; then the L-shape has dimensions of 9ft x 6ft. Ceiling painted white; and walls in yard also painted white. Kitchen door is between the U-shape and L-shape Kitchen has no window Kitchen opens into yard separated by a half cement wall (Which I will hack off to "open up" kitchen) Floor tiles for both kitchen and yard (half size of kitchen) Yes, I will add additional 5 more electrical sockets I will change lighting (cos kitchen is dark cos no window will intall four lighting points in existing false ceiling) the 14k contractor - normal ball-bearing not anti-slam system but the 19k contractor (whom I like more) has. His is all smooth closing hinges and anti-slam drawer system but not Hettich or Blums. He said can take 30kg weight no prob. Handles are stylish european looking type. Changing pipes? I don't think need to right. He will take out existing sink and replace back and fix plumbing included. Yes, tiles are $3 or $4 psf. I don't even know what that means!!! hahaha. stainless steel dish rack included. installation of hood hod oven included Actually I will not be hacking off existing wall tiles just replacing it. Is that ok???? cos if hack off, need another 3k!!!!! I will have heart attack if the quote keeps going up! Ok, is 19k quote outrageous?

Sorry to say your cabinets look like the workmanship is quite bad ler. How much did he charge you for the kitchen carpentry, mind I ask? If I were you, I will demand he re-do some of the work cos doesn't look like re-patching will rectify ler. Hopefully you haven't paid in full!!!! Possible to mention ur ID in this forum so we all don't engage him next time? I am in the process of choosing a contractor to hack off kitchen and re-do everything and so scared I will choose the wrong person.

survivor, are you a current user of 1000LVD? Am I right to say this is not a common model carried in shops? How much and where you get yours from? And may I ask why you prefer this model to the others? Thanks.

What? Am I soooo overquoted? I asked another contractor and this time his quote is 19k!!!!!! I know all of you like this now right Please tell me if really so EX after I explain the following: - My kitchen is u-shaped one side and L-shaped (extending to yard) other side. Total area is 55ft ie 55ft of coutnertop, 55 ft of wall cabinets, 55ft base cabinets - that is how they calculate right? - I will have mostly drawer system on base cabinets, and cupboards for wall units. - I am overlaying floor tiles (kitchen and small yard area) - I am overlaying floor tiles and tempered glass backsplash on hob wall. - I am only using laminate doors, no glass doors at all - I am hacking off old cabinets to rebuild new ones; new painting; new lighting points. Contracter said he is giving me scratch-resistant laminate from LamiTAK. Can you enlighten me if this is just a standard brand? He said can choose from several companies. WHICH ONE SHOULD I GO FOR, SO I GET MY MONEY'S WORTH????? Buying tiles from Hafary: Floor tile is square type and $3.00 per piece; wall tile is the biggest piece Hafary has and cost (I think) $4 per rectangular piece. OK, dish out your comments now. Any reliable contractor to recommend??? CHEERS

Hi, I am most inclined to get a Fujioh hood after reading all the positive comments abt its effectiveness in keeping the kitchen non-oily even after heavy cooking. Now scratch head as to which model to get. Two criteria: easiest to clean and oil suction good enough. For all Fujioh users, which model do you recommend? On the cheapest end is the FX900 - non chimney type - is this good enough? The price is too hard to ignore, only about $400, but can it really do the job? Then comes the800mk2, priced enough at $800. Because of its unique shape, anyone experienced knocking one's head on the top part of the hood? Then comes the F99, priced at $1200. Too pricey for my budget but salesperson keeping pushing this to me. Lastly, anyone aware of a new model called NL900? It isn't even shown on their website, claiming to have nearly 100% oil absorption. I was offered special price of $999. Of course if the $400 FX900 can do its job well, I would prefer to save $ and get this. Other than the oil collector, do you need to clean any other parts of the hood? What do you think?

Hi, may I ask where you get your FX900 from? I just came back from Poh Kee the price they quoted me was $465. Would yours come with installation too? what made you decide to go with FX900 amongst the three hoods by Fujioh? Many others in this forum seems to go for 800MK. I was told that the chimney type of hood is better than the slim type of FX900. Any words of wisdom? Are you also using Fujioh hob? THANKS

I am a first time user here - wow, so impressed with theis forum with so much information. I am renovating my kitchen and changing all appliances at the same time. Which hood / hob / oven brands do you personally like? I love cooking (frying fish, stir-fry, steaming) so am looking for reliability, after-sales services and easy-to-clean maintenance: (1) HOOD : Fujioh is the best? 900FX vs 800MK2; is the latter worth the $$? Comments on chimney vs slim type for heavy-duty users like myself? Any comments on the bulkiness ie hitting head on hood? the tallest member of my family is 170cm. (2) STAINLESS STEEL HOB: Looking for 3 burner type, largest burner on one side, two burners on same other side. Shops recommend TECHNO (really made in Italy??), CUIRIZO (made in China?) and EF (made in Italy or Malaysia?). Which has good big flame? Electric ignition better? (3) OVEN: again which brand (I love baking)? Is it true that some ovens do NOT come from fan? My current SIEMENS appliances are excellent but the distributor has seen stopped bringing them into Singapore. Anywhere still selling Siemens? Many thanks for your input and would appreciate any advice you have.

Hi, Anyone used this contracter before, In Bishan? Any comments? I am renovating my kitchen - he quoted me $14K total (exclude hood, hob, oven). IS this reasonable?

meok, yes, i needed totally blackout curtains for my bedrooms and find these curtains in s'pore are very expensive! bought some sets from Australia last summer for dirt cheap and took up the hems myself with my faithful sewing machine. haha