Lightings, Kitchen / Closet Specialist And Others....

[123abc 0]

Hello everyone

Like everyone here...... I L.O.V.E to have a beautiful home.

But beautiful things in Singapore are really costly esp. Renovation stuff.

So I try to save money to get the best stuff at affordable prices. I mean .... I really do not mind retailers earning a profit but I think it is **** wrong if they are earning too much from us consumers.

I will be documenting my research here of all the retailers I visited for quotations. Feel free to check them out yourself. But do pardon me that I will not comment on any of your comments/feedbacks -- good or bad.

These research are my own personal opinions. You may like them or dislike them. I am not here to debate with you. They are for your reference only. I just want to share all my hard work with you so that for those of you who are really busy to run around, you can use my notes as reference.

But I am still human afterall -- so, whether you are .......or have a bad feedback or you feel the urge to scold me or you want to me ..... please take a deep breath first ... and just laugh it off, ok?

CAUTION - Writer is a very sensitive creature. Writing may ceased with too many bad reviews or scoldings. Writing will flow more with more encouragement and love

Part 1 - Lighting

I lost count but I think I have visited almost 30 shops on lights alone. Yeah ..... I am a crazy shopper.

Of which, let me highlight the really good ones - Megaman, 168 Trading, LightsCraft and Lumerie.

I love lights that are simple, timeless, modern and energy-saving. The above shops have it all. When I shop, I look for practicality (does it serve my needs?), function (does it save energy and money in the long run?) and value (is it worth spending the penny?)

I do not advise that you buy lights from just one place. Come on, do not be lazy This is going to your nest for many years to come. Invest the time -- treat it as a weekend outing. Take your time and find the stuff you like -- do not compromise.

Okie, my review on the above 4 shops -- Megaman's sales person is not as customer orientated as Lumerie. They have solid products but they need to build more sales knowledge in their staff. In fact, I was served by the accounts person when I shopped at Megaman - Kitchener Branch! She is Lynette and she is very knowledgeable about lights. Lumerie lights are EXPEN$IVE but they have lots of pretty timeless stuff. If money is no object, Lumerie is a good place to shop for unique lights. Look for Steven.

168 Trading and LightsCraft are local "chee- na" shops. They are economical for simple stuff like downlights & T5.

My learning and tips on lighting

-- go for simplicity that will not go out of fashion. For example - it is no longer in trend to have hanging pendant lighting over the dining table. Now, the trend is to have a floor lamp that arches over the dinning table. So, do not follow trend blindly. Ask yourself -- if this goes out of trend, will I still like it ? If the answer is YES, then buy it. And enjoy it for as long as you like it.

-- lights are forever..... well almost. So, do not try to save too much money here. You can save money by going to "chee- na shops" like 168 Trading and LightsCraft for simple general task lights like downlights & T5. But do invest the money and get 1 or 2 nice lighting pieces from expensive shops like Lumerie or Space Furniture and they will be a conservational piece in your lovely nest.

-- go for energy savings ! Do your part for the earth.

-- in bathrooms, it is quite important to provide adequate light around the vanity and mirror. A light above the mirror to illuminate downward is recommended. Also lights on both sides of the mirror are recommended to reduce shadows on the face.

-- there are three basic types of lighting that work together to light your home: General, Task and Accent. A good lighting plan combines all three types to light an area, according to function and style.

That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post.

In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~

End of Part 1.

[yokine9a 1]

Very good article, thumbs up for the work

[123abc 0]

Part 2 – Paint

After you have ordered your lights, paint your house 1st. It is easier to paint the ceiling without the lights installed.

Paint Selection

After talking to dealers and surfing the Internet for hours, my conclusion is that there is little variation in interior paint quality between the brands, esp. for lighter colors.

Those who advertise aggressively, they may charge a little more. So, you do your own maths.

Then comes one million dollar question – Matt or Sheen finish ?

I always like Matt because it is smooth, non reflective and not calling out for attention. Some people may like the Sheen look. So it is a personal choice. I always feel that the Sheen look has an “oily” texture to it, just like the T zone on a face.

Of course, some paints are special – ICI Dulux Light and Space Range. Even the dealer-uncle said, “it ist leally blighter.” Yeah, but hey, 1 can of L&S cost $60 per 5L!

For a size of 1500 square feet, you will need at least 7 cans of 5L to do a 2 coats on ceiling and walls. WOW – so “blight” that it burns a hole in my wallet ~

Waller Sealer or not?

Ladies who wear make up will know the answer to this question.

DIY or pay someone to do it for you?

Well, if you have strong back, neck and arms, why not put it to good use? You can save up to $1000 if you DIY. But, please be kind to your body and spread the work over 5 to 7 days. You are not a

Asking someone to do it, you have many options.

a. Ask the paint shop (they have packages, labour + paints)

b. Ask your contractor for a quote (ICI paint in Jotun containers?)

c. Call one of those painters in the Classified page.

You know, when I call those painters in the Ads, the conversation always goes like this. I think there is a booklet out there. I suspect, they are reading from the standard pattern.

Painter : Hair-lo

123abc : Hello, Good Morning.

123abc : How much does it cost to paint an apartment, size around 1500 square feet? I provide the paint.

Painter : HDB or Condo ?

123abc : Why ….? If it is Condo, are you going to charge me more?

Painter : (….silence…)

123abc : Condo

Painter : Where is Condo ?

123abc : Why ….? If it is Condo in District 9, are you going to charge me more ?

Painter : (….silence…)

123abc : Newton Circle.

Painter : Ahhhhh…. Newton… can ….can …S$1,300/= 2 men. One day, can finish.

123abc :

I think, I have uncovered their secret code. I think, the basic price is only $500 for a 1500 sqf size. Then, they “mark up”, depending on situation.

MARK UP CHART

~ Add $1000 for Condo in Sentosa.

~ Add $800 for Condo in District 9, 10 & 11.

~ Add $500 for Condo in other Districts.

I also think I have discovered their secret conversational pattern. Even the “silence” you see up in the above conversation is also well-planned. And these painters have been well-trained. They have an answer for every question you may ask. Don’t believe me ….?

STANDARD Q&A

Your question : Why you charge $1,500 for condo in Sentosa ?

Standard answer : Sentosa very far, must take cable car.

Your question : Why you charge $1300 for condo in Orchard ?

Standard answer : Orchard very expensive, workers must eat in restaurant. No hawker center, you know.

Your question : Why you charge more for condo ?

Standard answer : Condo ceiling very tall. Singapore men very short. So, must get foreign talents to come and paint for you. (Don’t be fooled by them. Foreign Talents = Bangladesh workers, ok !)

So now that I have broken their code and crushed their secrets, you can bargain very well with them now. Good Luck -

My tips and learning on Painting

-- There will always be touch-up. Do not be naïve. Your electricians are also human. Although did you notice that many of them like to say – “AND, LET THERE BE LIGHT” when you switch on for the 1st time..

-- If you DIY, after touch-up, donate your brushes and tray. Cross your heart and ask yourself honestly, will you paint again? Now, honestly answer that question ! No, right? So save yourself that storage and help another couple save some money.

-- Wait for the walls to be completely dry before applying another coat of paint.

-- Start from top – ceiling first then walls. Always use masking tape unless you are a natural born If you are that good, do not just paint your ceiling, draw on them like Michelangelo !

Please leave your contacts if you are one Michelangelo.

-- Remember, painting work is typically done only once. If done well, you do not have to worry about it for a long long time.

That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post.

In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~

End of Part 2.

[123abc 0]

After thoughts on Part 2: Paintworks

Actually besides colored walls, you should also try to invest in wallpaper coverings. It will surely add a luxury feel to your home instantly. But, please use the following tip wisely –

Big wall – simple design, preferably the design and background are of the same colour.

Small wall – can take more complex design; even of different color

Tip: Next time, when you go on holidays, pay attention to how hotels room are done up with wallpaper coverings.

You can also buy unique wallpaper overseas or over the Internet but first, make sure your contractor knows how to install it properly. To save you the headache, I would advise you to simply go to Goodrich Global http://www.goodrichglobal.com/english.htm

They have a wider range of selection to choose from very reasonable priced to obscenely opulent. Look for Jason. But their business is so good that you need to factor in the long waiting time.

But they are very good at installing the wallpaper. They even treat the walls to smoothen it before applying the glue.

I also recommend wall murals ( www.dnalife.com.sg ) and decals ( www.whatisblik.com ) but like what I said in Part 1:Lights -->

Do not follow trends blindly. Make sure you will still like them after the fad for these temporary wall tattoo is over. Wall murals and decals are excellent for kids room because they are removable. Use your imagination because the sky is the limit, er…. almost…..subject to the thickness of your wallet. :blink:

Part 3: Tile Retailers

Today I would like to share some of my learning / tips on tile selection. I would say, the choices for tiles are so plentiful that it confuses me more than clarify.

You can buy from the tiles shops recommended by your ID or contractor. They usually have a business (some times, personal) relationship with a few shops that they always patronize. They may get better rates or better services from these shops because of their long-standing relationship. No harm visiting them first and perhaps what you like is already there.

But if you have the time and energy, I strongly advise you to shop around and source for the tiles you like best and bring the tile samples to your ID or contractor’s “friendly shops” – sometimes, they do carry these tiles too, sometimes they can “borrow” from their competitors and sell it to you at “contractor price”. By doing this, you still get tiles from your ID or contractor so next time, anything goes wrong, you can still approach your ID or contractor to rectify. Unlike lights, I recommend that for tiles, you try to get it from one source only.

There are many tiles shops in Singapore, too many if you ask me.

You can try walking down Balestier Road or Defu Lane in your comfortable shoes from dawn to dusk. But I would like to highlight a few good ones that I have visited ;- Hafary, Hup Kiong, Lian Seng Hin, Stiles (Changi Road).

They have many imported tiles for your expensive taste buds. Most tiles these days come from China. Always ask the salesperson to explain to you the pros and cons of the tiles you like. Always tell them where you would like to install them. Of all the salepersons, I strongly recommend Eggie from Lian Seng Hin. He is very patient, very knowledge about tiles quality but best of all, he will help you to save money. The young lady salesperson from Hafary was the worst salesperson because she does not even know that there are full-bodied homogenous tiles! I ended up teaching her.

Do not assume that all China tiles are bad and that all imported tiles are good. Know the different properties of the stone materials you like – marble is most classy but it can be porous, granite is very hardy & durable but they have limited color range, homogenous tiles are cheap and good but within the same box and patch, the color run may be so bad that you may end up with different shades of white homogenous tiles. Be mentally prepared.

My learning and tip on tiles selection

-- when you enter the shop, ask the salesperson to show you their “best sellers”. From there, you can get an understanding of what is in trend now. Why some people prefer these tiles. What are the price ranges like.

-- Bring your floor plan. On the spot, they can do a cost estimate for you on the materials you like. That is very useful when you later approach your ID or Contractor’s “friendly shop” to get the tiles from them. It gives you a better edge at negotiating the prices that your ID or contractor may quote.

-- Always chose rougher or slip-resistance type of tiles for wet areas like toilet and kitchen. Beauty is important but falling down and breaking your back is no laughing matter too.

-- Do not put wall tiles on the floor. This may sounds like a stupid school experiment but Eggie said that some customers really insisted on doing so. Wall tiles are thinner tiles therefore they may not withstand the heavy usage on the floor. Install at your own risk.

-- Larger tiles can be installed quicker than smaller tiles. Factor that in when you calculate labor cost.

-- Ask whether trim pieces such as bull-nose tiles (tiles with one or two rounded edges rather than four 90-degree corners) and cove (curved) tiles are available in a tile you're considering. For installing tile on steps and in bathrooms and kitchens, these pieces can be critical to aesthetic success.

-- Remember that high-sheen tiles will quickly show dull footprints from people and pets.

-- Choose a large, light-colored tile if you want a room to seem larger. Choose smaller, darker tiles to make a space seem smaller and more intimate and cozy.

-- Before actual lay, ask your ID or contractor for a Dry-lay (set on the surface without grout) party, Bring popcorn.

That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post.

In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~

!!

End of Part 3.

[jeddie 0]

hi 123abc

Your comments are indeed very useful....keep it going...have already bookmarked this thread..

Thanks!

[flyersummer 1]

your comment is very entertaining, maybe you can publish a handbook on this. cheers~

[123abc 0]

My apologies ....... work commitments prevent me from posting earlier.

We have discuss my experiences with lighting, painting and tiles. I thought I should back track a little and explain why I did not use an ID. Instead, I chose to plan and co ordinate the reno works myself.

Part 4 : Can the real Interior Designers please stand up ?

Over the last weekend, I went to the Expo Hall at Changi. It was a hot hot day! Singapore hot weather is back, huh? I always find that Singapore is one of the best country to stay in, except it is just too BLXXDY hot.

When I was a child, I always day-dream that our government will build a dome-like covering over our tiny island. That can protect against foreign invasion; that can also protect against ozone cancerous stuff.

Best of all, it can also be a huge solar-powered air-conditional dome !

Then, Singapore will be surely the perfect place to stay in ……….! Agree…..?

{“Yeah, dream on, 123abc ~ you think building a dome over an island is so easy.... like 123 or abc …?! You stupid wooooman......”}

Anyway, back to Saturday afternoon, I thought I should visit the Furniture Exhibition for some ideas and inspiration. I was truly inspired indeed! I was so glad that I made this trip. It was worth every drop of my sparkle from the heat. I was so inspired; you have no idea how grateful I was. It confirmed that I was right to chose NOT to work with these so-called IDs from the beginning.

Like many of you, I wanted to try planning my own Interior Design because I wanted to enjoy building my own nest from scratch. I wanted to enjoy the process as well as the end-result. I wanted to be as involved as I can with every step of the way. But, throughout the process, it made me respect those genuine IDs even more, as interior designing is really no j.o.k.e. – worse for us since we are doing it at our spare time due to our day job.

Many of those so-called interior designers out there do not have a clue of what interior design is all about! I mean, those so-called interior designers are just, at best, a very good copycats! They have thoroughly insulted the high profession of ID that I have grown to respect so much.

I was browsing through one shop today and looking at their portfolio when I heard a sissy male voice behind - “Madam, you like it? We can do the same for your HDB too.” Then, he flashed his namecard to my face, Creative Director. WOW ~ Without even studying my floor layout, he knows he can “do the same” for my HDB too? What does he thinks he is? Creative Director cum Ghost Whisperer? And, since when does interior design equals creatively copying?!

Hello, Creative Director, if you are reading this, please see my definition of a geniune interior designer.

My definition of a true blue interior designer

An Interior Designer must have an accounting mind, an engineer head, a creative artistic eye, a communicative heart and a pair of hands that can turn dreams into reality.

The ability to satisfy the clients’ needs is as important as the designer’s creativity. So, in my opinion – a good designer must have 3 sets of core skills – creative technical drawing skills, interpersonal skills and management skills.

 Technical know-how – to help design a place for you that cater to your unique needs and practical living. At the same time, it is beautiful to all the senses.

 Interpersonal skills – To sit down and understand each individual member of the house. Yeah, including the kids. Their preferences, their day to day living style, their needs vs their wants etc etc

 Project Management skills – to overseas the quality provided by the contractors and their workers, to manage the budget you gave, to manage the reno project within the timeline you gave.

Technical Know How

They must be well versed beyond knowing what colors are in now, what fabric is practical; they must know how to fit these stuff to you and your unique needs (I keep repeating “you” because every one of us are so unique. And that is why you are paying so much money to get a good interior designer to customize it for “you”.)

A person who copies a certain look from a glossy magazine cover for you or who recycle his designs from house to house is NOT an interior designer, in my opinion. Although I am a believer in recycling your garbage, but I think only a lazy designer recycles!

I believe, many of you can start a thread –> Singapore’s own “Believe it or Not! – Tales from the renovation nightmare”. And trust me, it will get responses faster than my thread. (PS: Thanks to those that wrote so sweetly. The Writer is very touched by your comments and sincerity. Not so easy to pen experiences into words, but I will try my best, ok?)

My 2 contributions to the “Believe it or not..” section

1. One ID boss cum interior designer from XXX Designs that I called up over the phone was so funny – she kept asking me, how much I paid for my nest? I kept saying, “Does it matter? What does my purchase price got to do with interior designing budget that I have planned for?” Minutes later, I managed to probe the reason out of her. She said that she kind of priced the interior design cost as a percentage of the property. WHAT??? So, if my property is worth 10 million, I must pay 1 million for interior design, even though I am not hacking all the floors, even though the kitchen is already done up? Wow ~ Double Wow ~~

2. Another ID boss from WhXXX is even more amusing – he kept asking me how big is your nest size. Finally, I said around 1500 square feet and he immediately said that the design cost is around 80K. So I said but I am not hacking the floor, I am not redoing the kitchen. I just want to do the typical condo package – lighting, tiles for balcony, some storages and painting. Nevertheless, he said that is the minimum amount I should be prepared to spend for a 1500 square feet nest. If not, go find those small shops in IMM to do it for me. He insisted that he is a space designer, not a materials supplier. That is true but should not all good space designers also listen to what the customer has to say -→ I repeat, “no-need-to-hack-the-new-marble-floor … floor …. floor ….. floor…….”

Yeah, both of them own the ID firms very highly recommended in this forum. So, beware! Not everyone that is highly recommended by others is trustworthy and genuine IDs. Talk to them yourself. Assess them as if you are meeting them for the 1st time. Do not let any feedback, including mine, affect your own assessment.

Interpersonal Skills

It is good to get an interior designer that is highly recommended by friends and relatives, but what works well for them may not work at all for you. A talented interior designer is strange – yes…. I said STRANGE. But I meant it in an extremely flattering way. Think Philip Starck, Think Maarten Baas – these are highly creative, highly intelligent people, no doubt at all. But they are so strange with their own quirks and style of working. So, it is important that the designers you selected can “click” with you and communicate openly (and truly) with you. Find a designer you can click with, not just one that is highly recommended by any people.

Project Management skills

A genuine interior designer SAVES money for their clients. Yes, you heard me right. A genuine interior designer will know where to source the good materials at a fraction of the cost because of their industry standing in the ID circle. They will also have good budgeting skills and can overseas ordering and installation within the budget & timeline that you gave them.

My learning and tip on ID selection

-- Most so-called IDs out there are just Interior Design Project Managers. They have no formal education in Design Arts. They do not even draw; they recycle. They merely help you to co ordinate with the contractors and sub-contractors. At times, they could even be the cause of communication breakdown between what you want and what the contractors actually delivered. You can easily take their place if you have the energy, interests and time to spare.

-- Good ID are professionally educated and they are trained to work with architects, engineers and contractors to understand fire codes, safety measures, besides knowing the ergonomics and aesthetic side of the equation. That is why they are not cheap to come by!

-- Good ID designs, bad ones copy. Out of the 13 IDs out there that I have spoken to, only 1 truly can design. This is my own assessment; I would like to emphasis that no IDs was hurt during the assessment.

-- If you enjoy the planning process like I do, and have some spare time, why not try to plan your own home yourself. Co-ordinate with the contractors yourself. A good ID is not cheap - Their cost is usually at least 30% of the whole works. You can save that money to buy some designer furniture. My design may not be 1st class but at least it is uniquely mine. You will not see another similar one in Home and Décor magazine.

-- But before you jump right in, do your research well. Read the entire threads in this forum. That was what I did.

That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post.

My next post will be on Kitchen cum wardrobe specialist. I have spoken to Closet Design, Seng Kwong Furniture, Mudian, Classic Design (at Tanjong Katong Complex and AU Closet. You will be so surprised that how come the same set of carpentry works with same materials can cost between S$25K to S$62K.

In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy your life ~~~

End of Part 4

Edited April 3, 2008 by 123abc

[Misty 1]

Hi 123abc

Enjoy your reseach materials. Please keep them coming. Your thoughts on IDs are spot on. My experience with my ID wasn't so good and now thinking of redoing my WIW cos of the lousy shelvings and space done by the ID.

My hat off to you.

[babytan 0]

thanks for your write-out, i get more information too

keep it up

[brightred 0]

Very entertainting to read and filled with info. Keep it up. Bookmarked the page already. Thanks for sharing.

[weiht 2]

wah 80k ah! I think he trying to cover his cost of the exhibition in 2 deals!!

U shld ask him can recommend which shop at IMM??? Since he so proud, u shld ask him if 1500sq feet is too small for him or not... ATAS man

[123abc 0]

HELLO !

Sorry.... very busy at work. Need some more time to write the next part.

In the meantime, I would like to dedicate tomorrow Friday, April 11, 08 from 12 am to 12 am for anyone to ask any Renovation-related questions.

This will give me some time to write the next part, and for those who visit this site daily, some useful things to read in the meantime until my next posting.

Ok, remember to hang loose and enjoy your life ~~~

[LGG 0]

My apologies ....... work commitments prevent me from posting earlier.

We have discuss my experiences with lighting, painting and tiles. I thought I should back track a little and explain why I did not use an ID. Instead, I chose to plan and co ordinate the reno works myself.

Part 4 : Can the real Interior Designers please stand up ?

Over the last weekend, I went to the Expo Hall at Changi. It was a hot hot day! Singapore hot weather is back, huh? I always find that Singapore is one of the best country to stay in, except it is just too BLXXDY hot.

When I was a child, I always day-dream that our government will build a dome-like covering over our tiny island. That can protect against foreign invasion; that can also protect against ozone cancerous stuff.

Best of all, it can also be a huge solar-powered air-conditional dome !

Then, Singapore will be surely the perfect place to stay in ……….! Agree…..?

{“Yeah, dream on, 123abc ~ you think building a dome over an island is so easy.... like 123 or abc …?! You stupid wooooman......”}

Anyway, back to Saturday afternoon, I thought I should visit the Furniture Exhibition for some ideas and inspiration. I was truly inspired indeed! I was so glad that I made this trip. It was worth every drop of my sparkle from the heat. I was so inspired; you have no idea how grateful I was. It confirmed that I was right to chose NOT to work with these so-called IDs from the beginning.

Like many of you, I wanted to try planning my own Interior Design because I wanted to enjoy building my own nest from scratch. I wanted to enjoy the process as well as the end-result. I wanted to be as involved as I can with every step of the way. But, throughout the process, it made me respect those genuine IDs even more, as interior designing is really no j.o.k.e. – worse for us since we are doing it at our spare time due to our day job.

Many of those so-called interior designers out there do not have a clue of what interior design is all about! I mean, those so-called interior designers are just, at best, a very good copycats! They have thoroughly insulted the high profession of ID that I have grown to respect so much.

I was browsing through one shop today and looking at their portfolio when I heard a sissy male voice behind - “Madam, you like it? We can do the same for your HDB too.” Then, he flashed his namecard to my face, Creative Director. WOW ~ Without even studying my floor layout, he knows he can “do the same” for my HDB too? What does he thinks he is? Creative Director cum Ghost Whisperer? And, since when does interior design equals creatively copying?!

Hello, Creative Director, if you are reading this, please see my definition of a geniune interior designer.

My definition of a true blue interior designer

An Interior Designer must have an accounting mind, an engineer head, a creative artistic eye, a communicative heart and a pair of hands that can turn dreams into reality.

The ability to satisfy the clients’ needs is as important as the designer’s creativity. So, in my opinion – a good designer must have 3 sets of core skills – creative technical drawing skills, interpersonal skills and management skills.

 Technical know-how – to help design a place for you that cater to your unique needs and practical living. At the same time, it is beautiful to all the senses.

 Interpersonal skills – To sit down and understand each individual member of the house. Yeah, including the kids. Their preferences, their day to day living style, their needs vs their wants etc etc

 Project Management skills – to overseas the quality provided by the contractors and their workers, to manage the budget you gave, to manage the reno project within the timeline you gave.

Technical Know How

They must be well versed beyond knowing what colors are in now, what fabric is practical; they must know how to fit these stuff to you and your unique needs (I keep repeating “you” because every one of us are so unique. And that is why you are paying so much money to get a good interior designer to customize it for “you”.)

A person who copies a certain look from a glossy magazine cover for you or who recycle his designs from house to house is NOT an interior designer, in my opinion. Although I am a believer in recycling your garbage, but I think only a lazy designer recycles!

I believe, many of you can start a thread –> Singapore’s own “Believe it or Not! – Tales from the renovation nightmare”. And trust me, it will get responses faster than my thread. (PS: Thanks to those that wrote so sweetly. The Writer is very touched by your comments and sincerity. Not so easy to pen experiences into words, but I will try my best, ok?)

My 2 contributions to the “Believe it or not..” section

1. One ID boss cum interior designer from XXX Designs that I called up over the phone was so funny – she kept asking me, how much I paid for my nest? I kept saying, “Does it matter? What does my purchase price got to do with interior designing budget that I have planned for?” Minutes later, I managed to probe the reason out of her. She said that she kind of priced the interior design cost as a percentage of the property. WHAT??? So, if my property is worth 10 million, I must pay 1 million for interior design, even though I am not hacking all the floors, even though the kitchen is already done up? Wow ~ Double Wow ~~

2. Another ID boss from WhXXX is even more amusing – he kept asking me how big is your nest size. Finally, I said around 1500 square feet and he immediately said that the design cost is around 80K. So I said but I am not hacking the floor, I am not redoing the kitchen. I just want to do the typical condo package – lighting, tiles for balcony, some storages and painting. Nevertheless, he said that is the minimum amount I should be prepared to spend for a 1500 square feet nest. If not, go find those small shops in IMM to do it for me. He insisted that he is a space designer, not a materials supplier. That is true but should not all good space designers also listen to what the customer has to say -→ I repeat, “no-need-to-hack-the-new-marble-floor … floor …. floor ….. floor…….”

Yeah, both of them own the ID firms very highly recommended in this forum. So, beware! Not everyone that is highly recommended by others is trustworthy and genuine IDs. Talk to them yourself. Assess them as if you are meeting them for the 1st time. Do not let any feedback, including mine, affect your own assessment.

Interpersonal Skills

It is good to get an interior designer that is highly recommended by friends and relatives, but what works well for them may not work at all for you. A talented interior designer is strange – yes…. I said STRANGE. But I meant it in an extremely flattering way. Think Philip Starck, Think Maarten Baas – these are highly creative, highly intelligent people, no doubt at all. But they are so strange with their own quirks and style of working. So, it is important that the designers you selected can “click” with you and communicate openly (and truly) with you. Find a designer you can click with, not just one that is highly recommended by any people.

Project Management skills

A genuine interior designer SAVES money for their clients. Yes, you heard me right. A genuine interior designer will know where to source the good materials at a fraction of the cost because of their industry standing in the ID circle. They will also have good budgeting skills and can overseas ordering and installation within the budget & timeline that you gave them.

My learning and tip on ID selection

-- Most so-called IDs out there are just Interior Design Project Managers. They have no formal education in Design Arts. They do not even draw; they recycle. They merely help you to co ordinate with the contractors and sub-contractors. At times, they could even be the cause of communication breakdown between what you want and what the contractors actually delivered. You can easily take their place if you have the energy, interests and time to spare.

-- Good ID are professionally educated and they are trained to work with architects, engineers and contractors to understand fire codes, safety measures, besides knowing the ergonomics and aesthetic side of the equation. That is why they are not cheap to come by!

-- Good ID designs, bad ones copy. Out of the 13 IDs out there that I have spoken to, only 1 truly can design. This is my own assessment; I would like to emphasis that no IDs was hurt during the assessment.

-- If you enjoy the planning process like I do, and have some spare time, why not try to plan your own home yourself. Co-ordinate with the contractors yourself. A good ID is not cheap - Their cost is usually at least 30% of the whole works. You can save that money to buy some designer furniture. My design may not be 1st class but at least it is uniquely mine. You will not see another similar one in Home and Décor magazine.

-- But before you jump right in, do your research well. Read the entire threads in this forum. That was what I did.

That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post.

My next post will be on Kitchen cum wardrobe specialist. I have spoken to Closet Design, Seng Kwong Furniture, Mudian, Classic Design (at Tanjong Katong Complex and AU Closet. You will be so surprised that how come the same set of carpentry works with same materials can cost between S$25K to S$62K.

In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy your life ~~~

End of Part 4

Can you share with us which is the company in your opinion who can really design? Thanx!!

[applefreak 1]

Can you share with us which is the company in your opinion who can really design? Thanx!!

i believe a few forummers here had actually engaged interior designers

if my memory doesn't serve me wrong they paid about $500 for EACH drawing

so if you have 10 3D perpective, you are paying $5k for just the design

but it's worth every single cent

i used ho bee as i simply don't believe in any of the 'ID' firms i visited

that includes almost every single one in IMM, some along balestier road, some at clementi and others all over the island !!

[delirious_jeff 0]

i believe a few forummers here had actually engaged interior designers

if my memory doesn't serve me wrong they paid about $500 for EACH drawing

so if you have 10 3D perpective, you are paying $5k for just the design

but it's worth every single cent

i used ho bee as i simply don't believe in any of the 'ID' firms i visited

that includes almost every single one in IMM, some along balestier road, some at clementi and others all over the island !!

Is ho bee a project coordinator?