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EXQsite Interior Design invites you to join us on a journey to transform houses into homes. We create the definition of ideal living from the perspectives of our homeowners. Giving life to houses, illuminating interior design with style. Our experts venture to enhance the quality of living with the objective of turning every house into something delicate, handcrafted and one-of-its-kind. Contact us today for a non-obligatory discussion on your "Project Dream Home" and let us give you a personalized proposal to design and transform your home into one that suits your lifestyle and budget perfectly --- and makes you the envy of all your neighbours and friends! ? Email us at: lawrencelee@exqsiteinterior.com Visit our website to see more: https://exqsiteinterior.com/ Call us to book an appointment: +65 6873 1800 WhatsApp us for more info: +65 9819 0705 Visit our showroom: 8 Boon Lay Way Tradehub21 #01-18, Singapore 609964

Hi all Renotalkers, This is Monica and is the first time using Renotalk forum. I came across this particular renovation contractor - MAXZO DESIGN AND BUILD PTE. LTD. but not sure how credible it is. The quote which they gave is quite attractive, but at the same time is also one reason of worry (something is too good to be true). I searched from the website and not much information can be gathered, but managed to get some of their rough data from this website https://www.sgpbusiness.com/company/Maxzo-Design-And-Build-Pte-Ltd. I discovered that they have not even operated more than one year and this is what freaks me out as not sure how trust-able it is. Just a check if anyone had used this company before? Thanks.

Hi all, I m super newbie on landed reno. Deciding to get a old landed property. The drive way and roof are rather aged. Thinking of doing minimal touch up such as rebuilding the drive way shelter, paint and re-roofing. Have few questions: 1. Does this consituted to an A&A work? 2. Do I need to get PE on this? 3. Any cost estimates? Thanks in advance

Hi, i did my toilet s( 2 units) reno last dec and was recommended by my other contractor to this company. After less than 2 months of reno, one of my toilet flooded and they came and rectify indicating the pipe they used for the joint is too small..... (no experience at all). during the quotation stage, i request him (dennis - boss) to change out my aircon pipe since it is concealed and and i am doing reno must as well change the pipe (using for 18 years). so he charged for it. After 6 months, my aircon run lows on gas so i tot might be my old aircon so i changed my aircon in this june. who knows in Nov time, the gas is running low again. so i called him and let him know that the change pipe is leaking. to my horror he said that in this quote he only indicates that he change the pipe in the toilet not outside the toilet and the leak might be from outside connecting to the compressor unit so not his fault. he also indicates that he only change the damaged pipe as hacking will always damaged the pipe. So i am charged double, he made me pay for the pipe that his guys damaged while playing with words (to lay man when we indicate change pipe we think as the whole pipe). very dishonest contractor so please be very careful when you are dealing with him. Last but not least, he accused me of not paying him the last payment which i did and i had to remind him to collect it a few times (which is recorded in watsapp). Mine is a terrace house and his man was so rough, spoiled our parquet (they even broke my stair parquet though they replace but the colour is totally off, but we accept). they damaged 2 rooms parquet at the entrance to toilet door. they polish one room as compensation (whole as if only polish at the entrance it looks worst), while the other room they say is our fault. we are easy, so we just let it goes... till the aircon incident and is time to warn people about them.

Not sure if it is appropriate to share my story of my landed rebuild here in this forum. But I guess its the piece of vital information that all house owners like me need and will just like to share some experience I gained in my rebuilding journey. Being new landed home owners, my family bought a old semi detached house which was 1 storey high around Jalan Kuras, most of you should know that these houses definitely come at a steal because of it being relatively old and just 1 storey high. However, it definitely needed a reconstruction as it was not spacious enough to hold my big family. After the transaction was done and receiving the keys, the next step was definitely to call for a tender for my new home. It was indeed a tough job, D&B contractors and small scale contractors turned up for my interview and each submitting their pricing. There were about 11-12 contractors whom visited the site walkabout, prices ranging from $1.1million to $1.3million. These prices were abit steep and due to the preliminaries I have to set aside to the main contractors whom will help to manage the sub-contractors. Besides, from my new neighbor whom did his reconstruction 2 years before me had a nightmare with his main contractor whom owed all the subcontractors even after being paid by the owner in full progress payment. As we can see from this industry, the main contractors are like the "big brother" in the process, they are paid by the owners and can also choose to cut payment off from the sub-contractors and sometimes even refusing to pay them altogether. This leads to a vicious cycle where they sub-contractors will lead to poor quality and workmanship for all the works done. Even when these main contractors earn big profit, they will sometimes even abandon the project. The end results was us homeowners who paid for our house and yet get defective works all around. After hearing these horror stories from my new neighbor, I begin to consider doing the reconstruction my own way, by myself. I sourced for my own Architect and Consultant, where after 3 months of submission, the structural and architectural drawings were out. This was where I sourced for my own "sub-contractors". I appointed my main structural contractor as my builder to apply from BCA, as he was a qualified general builder. The main structural contractor was referred to me by my friend whom studied in civil engineering in ntu, this contractor was a young man whom had a father and son combination for the entire of my project, and they were in this industry for more 21 years and completed numerous landed projects all around Singapore. This further gave me assurance as the number of years and experiences with a proven track record was definitely what I was looking for. Guideline on Total Cost and Duration of my work: 1)Architecture Fee: $41,100 2) Consultant: $52,700--> 3 Months to release of approved drawings from BCA 2) Demolition Of Existing 1 Storey Corner Terrace: $21,100--> 3.5 Weeks (Actual quoted price: $25,000) 3) Excavation and foundation works: $60,000---> 2 months (Actual quoted price: $70,900) 4) Structural Works: $320,900--> 4-5 months (Actual quoted price: $330,000) 5) Plumbing Works: $50,800--> together with structural works (Actual quoted price: $68,200) 6) Electrical Works: $40,00-->together with structural works (Actual quoted price: $48,900) 7) Interior Designing and Finishing: $118,600---> 3-4 months (Actual quoted price: $140,100) Total cost: $705,200 , Actual Quoted Price: $776,900, Total Savings: $71,700 Actual Savings from handling the whole projects: $1,100,000-$705,200= $394,800 I basically have to keep track of the timeline I have given to each contractors and pop by 3-4 days in the afternoon to make sure that all these contractors have their man at work each and every day where the progress are up to date. This basically saved me the money for hiring project managers, as smaller building projects need not have an expensive project manager to be on site everyday. These were all the savings when I skipped the steps of hiring a main contractor to cover the whole work, and the relentless haggering the prices from each individual contractors. A savings in the housing cost, is a savings towards my future. As what the old saying " A penny saved is a penny earned."

TM Designer PTE LTD invites you to experience the art of building ideas. Their legacy is where lovely homes are built and smiles are created. Every client is personal to them and they want the spaces they created to represent the best of them. With a team of highly creative and experienced project consultants, quality builders, carpenters, and renovators, we will turn your dream home into a reality. There are so many options out there! With so many options to choose from, you may walk away from a purchase or design decision wondering if you made the right choice, the right quality. With all the design options, home decor, and interior designers out there we’d like to tell you what sets TM Designers apart. We are professional, humble and we vouch for the quality of our work and our contractors. We can praise ourselves a lot but you will only know when you start with a FREE quote from us! It’s more than a passion project. It’s more than a creative vision realized. Visit us at: 362 Upper Paya Lebar Road #01-15, Da Jin Factory Building, Singapore 534963 Call us at: (65) 6909 8709 Fax us at: (65) 6909 8719 Email us at: enquiry@tm-designers.com

#marbletiles infuse with #kitchendesign⚪#calacattamarble

Hi all, I am looking for a reliable contractor/builder who charges market rate and specialises in landed properties. House profile: 30years old 2 storey Inter-Terrace L1900sqft B2300sqft I would like to give the house a modern facelift(all windows change to full length, new awning, new gate, tile up garden area, change skylight, waterproofing, termite treatment, plumbing, rewiring etc) with the intention to sell after 5years. I have a budget to work with and no interior designing is required. Just basic false ceiling and new wardrobes in every room and all floor tiles to be overlayed, changed or polished. Prefers my own designs hence only requires a knowledgeable person to execute them. Welcome IDs and Everyone as long as your rates are competitive. Thank You!

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Hi, may I know what Is the cost to install a home lift in a landed 3 storey house? I know there are a few options like chair lift, hydraulic & pneumatic lift, anyone know the approximately cost to install that? any good recommendation? It is mainly for elderly to go up. Thanks for the help in advance

Stone suppliers in Singapore carry a wide range of kitchen tops. From natural stone like granite, marble and sandstone to solid surface kitchen tops and engineered quartz stone, each type of stone has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the desired aesthetic tastes and functionality. So how do you choose the right thickness for your countertop? There are several types of kitchen countertop stones which have their own physical characteristics. Depending on each homeowner’s individual lifestyle and expectations, different types of stone would work best. Today, we’ll take a look at the different thicknesses of countertops in production, their advantages and disadvantages. 10-13MM, OR ABOUT 1/2 INCH COUNTERTOPS. One of the first questions you’ll be asked by a stone supplier is the thickness you want. While thicker stones are preferred for their dramatic but minimalist look especially for natural stone or quartz, thin countertops have several advantages that any smart homeowner should consider carefully. THINNER AND LIGHTER. The biggest advantage that thin, 10-13mm countertops provide is lightness. Gravity does nasty things to a heavy slab that’s hanging off a surface, and trying to fasten it vertically would be a technical impossibility without special support systems in place. In many applications where the slabs hang freely and unsupported, excessive weight would jeopardize the structural integrity of the piece if special load-bearing or anchoring system is not in place. They are also much easier to work with and handle and do not require eight people just to move a slab from the ground floor up to your place. Stone Italiana Quartz carries exceptional 13mm quartz kitchen tops in three types of finishes; polished, rock face and grain. FLOATING COUNTERS, WATERFALL EDGES AND MORE. Thin countertops are a lot lighter than thick slabs, which makes it possible to build special applications. These include vertical surfaces such as feature walls, fuller backsplashes and waterfall edges. The sides of a kitchen island is a good example where waterfall edges have a nice touch. Thin slabs also make it possible to build floating counters where they are minimally supported by a foundation. Thin and light countertop slabs are also easier to cut and shape, which lends its suitability to integration work such as installation of a kitchen sink. If necessary, thin slabs can be laminated around a lightweight core material such as wood. This makes the countertop thicker without adding too much weight. 20-30MM, 1 TO 1 ¼ THICK COUNTERTOPS. MORE DURABLE Although heavier, more expensive and less versatile, thicker countertops are more durable than lighter ones; 30mm slabs are less prone to breaking compared to 20mm slabs, which in turn are more durable than 13mm ones. Countertops come in slabs as thick as 40mm or 60mm, but are often too expensive and too heavy for most homes to support. Soft stone such as marble and sandstone benefit significantly from the extra thickness. BUILT TO LAST AND CARRY HEAVIER LOADS. Thick kitchen top stones also last longer, which makes up for the difficult installation and high initial cost. Thick slabs of high-quality stone, especially when well-installed, also bring with it a nice hike in equity value, which alone is enough reason for stone suppliers in Singapore to recommend them. Thicker slabs are also best suited whenever high traffic/usage is expected, and a special emphasis on durability is required; e.g. kitchen tables, bathroom vanities, grilling stations (hard, natural stone like granite provide the best heat resistance), shower seats, decorative cutting boards and coffee tables. MORE KITCHEN TOP EDGE PROFILING OPTIONS. In addition, the extra material provided by thicker countertops gives homeowners more options for kitchen top edge profiling and fashions. You cannot cut deep curves into thin laminated countertops without biting into the laminated core. Edge profiles aren’t just for aesthetic purposes. For safety reasons, many interior designers and home owners opt for the bullnose edge profile, which is not something you want to accidentally hit.

Hi All, I need help for your recommendation for contractor for my landed house. please help me. would be glad if you can share your personal experience also. I plan to engage several contractor to minimize the cost. 1. Wet work contractor 2. Swimming pool installation (insert type) 3. Plumber 4. Electricity 5. Wood Carpentry for window and door 6. Wood outdoor decking and trellis 7. Glass door 8. Landscape/ garden I appreciate for your help. Thank you.

Hi, can anyone advise if i can construct from exisitng single storey to 2.5 storey ?

I'm doing a reconstruction of a corner terrace of land size 2900sqf. Current built up is small (1600sqf) and we have obtained BCA approval to increase the built-up area to 4100sqf over 2.5 storeys. We have called for a tender and received 3 bids, and need to select the builder soon. Wanted to get a feel of the market rate in terms of PSF for reconstruction projects nowadays. My architect is using mid-range materials. Appreciate if you can share how much you paid if you did a reconstruction project recently. Thanks.

Hi, We have just bought a old terrace and hope to extend the build-up areas. Being a newbie with limited budget, I probably have to figure out my way slowly. Hopefully, we will meet some kind souls who will help us along our journey to build our new home. I was thinking, maybe some of you have worked with good builder for terrace A&A before. Perhaps in return for their good work and services, you can share their contact with us (either pm me or email me at pland1228@gmail.com ) ? We will be most grateful for your help. Cheers! Panda

Can anyone recommend a good licensed plumber for landed AA works. Thanks

Hi all, kinda new to posting stuff on renotalk. Appreciate if i could have advice on my roof truss or rafters. Bought a resale walkup apartment. Above the bedroom false ceiling, i discovered there are roof truss and rafters (those horizontal ones forming a grid like pattern; parallel to the ground). Planning to have them painted matt black. However, my wife feels that there are too many rafters and planning to have them remove or at least some. Any advice, or experience or contracts or anything on this, pls help to share with me. Appreciate. Thanks in adv.

Hi all, I always think about termites problem before build it.....

renovation

We bought a corner terrace and did some basic A&A works. Though the contractor was recommended by a friend he did such a bad job that we might have to reconstruct the house. We tried to save on the architect cost - big mistake - he was a hands off guy. After reading the posts and the stress we went through, have decided to go for a good architect who will advise us and the contractor. Those who have had experience with architects, please can you advise what to look out for in an architect. Also if you have a good experience with an architect is it possible to PM me the contact. Thanks for the help. My email is sharanya@outlook.sg Sharon

Hi Everyone, I am new to this forum and also to this whole idea of reno! Purchasing a semi-D soon. I would just like to get a rough idea of renovation costs and other miscellaneous costs. Firstly, the house is really old and in original condition about 50+ years old. This are the things i would like to get done, without tweaking much with the original structure: - Change all tiles except bedroom parquet - Rebuild all 3 toilets - Rebuild the whole kitchen - Change lighting of bedrooms - Exterior and interior painting - Change all windows and grills ( mainly to french windows / grills) even expand the windows - Change front door and construct stretch of sliding door at the side - The house has a large front-yard & backyard so want to build a large water feature and patio Any rough idea guys? Thanks in advance !

Hi, I'm planning on doing some A&A works (Additions and Alterations) to an oldish semi-D. Have worked with contractors before, mostly in condos, no major alterations, however this time we''re planning on tearing down some walls and building an extension to the house in the back. Can the seasoned ones here advice whether a regular contractor (and or ID) will do, or would I need to engage a builder - who I assume is one more familiar with structural works? Will I also need to get proper plans done, and have them submitted to the URA for approval - in which case an architect might be needed? I am really not planning anything fancy, fairly simple, yet I sure wouldn't want any structure built to be unsound. Thanks! MBev

Hi i am intending to do A+A for my 22 year old 2.5 Storey Inter Terrace. Have previously asked for several quotations from ID and Contractors and numbers varied quite a bit. Scope of Work General 1) Extension of Back to Maximise 2nd Storey GFA for an additional room 2) Replace existing roof with either curve metal roof/new tiled roof 3) Replace existing car porch to a simpler structure (Existing is a tiered car porch with 4 support pillars) 4) Remove existing tiles for drive way and re lay with either pebble wash or tiles 5) Replace existing auto gate with concealed auto gate and new gate posts and fence 1st Floor 1) Polish existing marble flooring 2) Resurface existing walls with cracks 3) Replace ground floor room sliding glass doors 4) Remove non loading bearing wall 5) Retile kitchen floor and walls 6) Expand current ground floor toilet 7) Replace existing kitchen cabinetry and install island kitchen 8) Installation of false ceilings 2nd Floor 1) Replace all existing bedroom parquet flooring 2) Replace all bedroom doors 3) Replace current staircase wall 4) Expand current 2nd floor toilet 5) Replace all existing windows in the 3 bedrooms Optional 1) Addition of additional bathroom on the 2nd storey - Need advice on costing and feasibility 2) Hacking of existing solid concrete and tiled staircase with exposed timbre staircase - Need advice on costing and feasibility I am not looking into very high end finishings just practical materials. Could anyone share their experiences for similar works especially extension of the back of the house for additional room on the 2nd storey OR recommend a good builder?