Impress21 Design And Build - My Home Makeover

[oogachaga 2]

wow your hse, is in which area? it looks so nice, esp the green green scenary. it feels like the Mt Faber feeling, when you look down, you can see all the beautiful nice lights and everything.

Thanks Pinklady...its near Bukit Timah area

I dun understand why never remove wall tiles?

Plastering over them...any reason?

i'm meeting Henry this sat!!

hmm where did you get the magic corners?

Hi XiaoBinBin,

With regards to plastering, you can refer to my post #4,

http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=345808

I got my magic corners from Shanghai Tong Lee. Its the cheapest I could find ( its chromed ), the stainless steel ones are more expensive, some brands are double the price You can see their display at their store, which looks good after many years there...besides its hidden inside the cabinets to serve its purpose.

Great to hear that you are meeting up with Henry. One thing is for sure...he is not a nightmare contractor

So far, I am happy with his work, and most importantly his sense of responsibility and trustworthiness.

You can check out Deepwhite's T blog as she has used Henry, and others ( cant recall offhand ) for reference.

As with any reno, do your homework and be specific about your needs, inspect regularly to ensure things are going accordingly.

You can go through my blog ...I have tried to include as much tips and relevant info as possible.

Good luck,

Cheers,

[ledd_777 0]

DAY 43 cont

Shopping for switches:

At Choo Chiang

20together/Switch-1.jpg

Note:'

1. LG mallia silver colour more expensive

2. LG Mallia comes LED ready , so to add LED lights, you need to customise and, add $2.30 for green led, or $2.80 for red colour

3. Clipsal E3000 is more expensive for the white ones

Dear pal,

You have a lovely home and it looks just great ......though you have the same concept as me not to spend too much on reno but you still manage to get it done with a budget and the place turns out "PRICELESS"

Is it somewhere at Jalan Loyang Besar??

My new place gonna TOP very soon and I've engaged an ID for my reno for about 30k. I didn't know i could get all my queries from your post and i cant thank you enough for it.

1) Who did you engage to re-paint your doors and how much? As my parquet and all doors are very light in colour, I need to re-paint all doors to dark brown or black as it's a waste to change them as it's new. My ID quoted me about $180 per door.

2) Ha I have 2 bay windows as well, wished they weren't there at all. My ID suggested to have cushions as it is the cheapest compared to other materials and it costs $600 each but I found an old shop along macpherson doing it for about $150 .

My question is, you need to paint it over with that what you called it 2 layers?, cant remember the nippon's name? It's not that hard right? sorry not an DIY man hopefully will be one soon.

3) Gonna change all my sockets and switches as well. Though you have posted a pricelist for legrand and clipsal can't really figure it out? You mean legrand's single gang costs $2.80 only? Understood Clipsal with a red led below the switch is about $60 for a single gang right? Saw legrand @ a DIY shop in thompson plaza and it costs easily over $10...puzzled!! Is clipsal better, from france as well? How much is legrand's plain and led, and clipsal?? So sorry though you have posted a price, and where is choo chiang?

That's all man. sorry for the long list of questions. I just have to take care of these, will seach other posts for curtains and blinds. Already gotten my sofa, dining, mattress etc..... As my ID will take care of living and mbr feature wall for tv, wall mounted shoes cabinet, feature wall with mirror for dining area, bed, bed head, and all wall hung stuffs.

Will post my pictures real soon, tks for your time pal.

Have a great weekend.

[oogachaga 2]

Dear pal,

You have a lovely home and it looks just great ......though you have the same concept as me not to spend too much on reno but you still manage to get it done with a budget and the place turns out "PRICELESS"

Is it somewhere at Jalan Loyang Besar??

My new place gonna TOP very soon and I've engaged an ID for my reno for about 30k. I didn't know i could get all my queries from your post and i cant thank you enough for it.

1) Who did you engage to re-paint your doors and how much? As my parquet and all doors are very light in colour, I need to re-paint all doors to dark brown or black as it's a waste to change them as it's new. My ID quoted me about $180 per door.

2) Ha I have 2 bay windows as well, wished they weren't there at all. My ID suggested to have cushions as it is the cheapest compared to other materials and it costs $600 each but I found an old shop along macpherson doing it for about $150 .

My question is, you need to paint it over with that what you called it 2 layers?, cant remember the nippon's name? It's not that hard right? sorry not an DIY man hopefully will be one soon.

3) Gonna change all my sockets and switches as well. Though you have posted a pricelist for legrand and clipsal can't really figure it out? You mean legrand's single gang costs $2.80 only? Understood Clipsal with a red led below the switch is about $60 for a single gang right? Saw legrand @ a DIY shop in thompson plaza and it costs easily over $10...puzzled!! Is clipsal better, from france as well? How much is legrand's plain and led, and clipsal?? So sorry though you have posted a price, and where is choo chiang?

That's all man. sorry for the long list of questions. I just have to take care of these, will seach other posts for curtains and blinds. Already gotten my sofa, dining, mattress etc..... As my ID will take care of living and mbr feature wall for tv, wall mounted shoes cabinet, feature wall with mirror for dining area, bed, bed head, and all wall hung stuffs.

Will post my pictures real soon, tks for your time pal.

Have a great weekend.

Hi ledd_777,

Thanks for your kind words, and glad to be of help

1. Painting was included in the package by my contractor, Henry. I suggest you check around and ask for quotations to get a feel of market rates for painting doors...you can always ask for a better price from your ID

However, I think you should reconsider painting. As yours is a new apartment, the doors given nowadays are usually nice and coordinated, and come with laminated finish - not sure if it is easy to paint these surfaces.

Besides, the light coloured doors sounds alright...unlike my ugly doors I had before ( they were not laminated but painted so werent a problem to paint over ). Wait till you get your keys and look at them again.

2. Bay windows... I share your sentiments about them.

Cushions is one of the cheaper alternatives, you should have these considerations in mind:

a. Fixed or movable? got pros and cons..

b. Fabric or PVC? PVC is easy clean, fabric got to wash.

c. Easy maintenance?

d. Costs

e. Purpose

f. Resulting effect

I use Duracote for the bay windows ( you can refer to my blog ). I did 2 coats ( on different days )...its actually quite easy..you will need masking tape, the fine hair roller brushes ( used once and discard ).

It has been a breeze wiping the surface clean...and no strain on the pocket

3. You can check out the link for Choo Chiang Marketing

http://www.ccm.sg/LocateUs.htm

You can visit any of the branches convenient to you...they carry many brands and displays there, and can help you with your queries...best is to see the switches yourself and compare. You will have a better idea of the pricing.

Those DIY shops are quite pricey, and has limited range.

I only narrowed down to those 3, and clipsal LED is the priciest.

Legrand LED -ready switch just has the little tiny window there but doesnt have the LED light bulb fitted in yet, ...so you need to add the cost for either the red or green LED eg $2.80 + $2.30 ( green LED ) = $ 5.10 for the switch.

As for the Cliipsal LED switches, the LEDs are all preinstalled, and comes as is.

Congrats on your new home, and looking forward to your pics:)

Good luck,

Cheers

Edited May 18, 2009 by oogachaga

[ledd_777 0]

Hi ledd_777,

Thanks for your kind words, and glad to be of help

1. Painting was included in the package by my contractor, Henry. I suggest you check around and ask for quotations to get a feel of market rates for painting doors...you can always ask for a better price from your ID

However, I think you should reconsider painting. As yours is a new apartment, the doors given nowadays are usually nice and coordinated, and come with laminated finish - not sure if it is easy to paint these surfaces.

Besides, the light coloured doors sounds alright...unlike my ugly doors I had before ( they were not laminated but painted so werent a problem to paint over ). Wait till you get your keys and look at them again.

2. Bay windows... I share your sentiments about them.

Cushions is one of the cheaper alternatives, you should have these considerations in mind:

a. Fixed or movable? got pros and cons..

b. Fabric or PVC? PVC is easy clean, fabric got to wash.

c. Easy maintenance?

d. Costs

e. Purpose

f. Resulting effect

I use Duracote for the bay windows ( you can refer to my blog ). I did 2 coats ( on different days )...its actually quite easy..you will need masking tape, the fine hair roller brushes ( used once and discard ).

It has been a breeze wiping the surface clean...and no strain on the pocket

3. You can check out the link for Choo Chiang Marketing

http://www.ccm.sg/LocateUs.htm

You can visit any of the branches convenient to you...they carry many brands and displays there, and can help you with your queries...best is to see the switches yourself and compare. You will have a better idea of the pricing.

Those DIY shops are quite pricey, and has limited range.

I only narrowed down to those 3, and clipsal LED is the priciest.

Legrand LED -ready switch just has the little tiny window there but doesnt have the LED light bulb fitted in yet, ...so you need to add the cost for either the red or green LED eg $2.80 + $2.30 ( green LED ) = $ 5.10 for the switch.

As for the Cliipsal LED switches, the LEDs are all preinstalled, and comes as is.

Congrats on your new home, and looking forward to your pics:)

Good luck,

Cheers

Hi OOG,

Tks for your swift reply.

Yup i wont waste money by changing doors as they are brand new. Will ask my ID to get me a cheaper price to paint. Is your workmanship of painting doors good? Light colours are ok but my theme is dark especially with the tv console, shoe cabinets and feature wall for dining are black....

I'll get a pvc removable cushion for the the bay windows, its about $150 neg and I will post a pic for you and see if you needed any when i get it done. Will pop by choo chiang for their switches and most likely will get clipsal as what u mentioned.

Thanks for all your help pal, have PMed you a link of how my house looks like which belongs to another owner cos i have no idea how to post pics here. My house is exactly the same layout and pls advise if the light-cloloured doors got to be re-painted.

Lastly, is your place at jalan loyang besar??? Almost secured an uint there, well long story.

Cheers

[oogachaga 2]

Hi OOG,

Tks for your swift reply.

Yup i wont waste money by changing doors as they are brand new. Will ask my ID to get me a cheaper price to paint. Is your workmanship of painting doors good? Light colours are ok but my theme is dark especially with the tv console, shoe cabinets and feature wall for dining are black....

I'll get a pvc removable cushion for the the bay windows, its about $150 neg and I will post a pic for you and see if you needed any when i get it done. Will pop by choo chiang for their switches and most likely will get clipsal as what u mentioned.

Thanks for all your help pal, have PMed you a link of how my house looks like which belongs to another owner cos i have no idea how to post pics here. My house is exactly the same layout and pls advise if the light-cloloured doors got to be re-painted.

Lastly, is your place at jalan loyang besar??? Almost secured an uint there, well long story.

Cheers

Hi Ledd 777,

PMed you.

[Jstar_closet 0]

Hi,

Thks for all the info sharing. I have a few questions in regard to your reno.

1) where did you get your blinds for your masterbedroom bay window? what type is it called?

2) Is your kitchen cabinet from ikea or did you get it customize by Henry?

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq96/ko...on/P1030189.jpg

3) For the cost of $800 full length mirror how many pieces were there? Not good in measurement thus going by pieces you had requested for installation.

http://s437.photobucket.com/albums/qq96/ko...nt=P1030134.jpg

Thanks!

[Angel81 1]

Really amazed that ur sofa is 8yrs old liao. Still look very good and new.

Edited May 25, 2009 by Angel81

[oogachaga 2]

Hi,

Thks for all the info sharing. I have a few questions in regard to your reno.

1) where did you get your blinds for your masterbedroom bay window? what type is it called?

2) Is your kitchen cabinet from ikea or did you get it customize by Henry?

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq96/ko...on/P1030189.jpg

3) For the cost of $800 full length mirror how many pieces were there? Not good in measurement thus going by pieces you had requested for installation.

http://s437.photobucket.com/albums/qq96/ko...nt=P1030134.jpg

Thanks!

Hi Jstar,

1. The roller blinds are of the opaque PVC/polyester material, for easy maintenance...the code is R2622 ( they used the same catalog ).

However, the mechanism used is from Japan, supposedly better quality and comes with a 2 year warranty.

My contact is Desmond from Apex5 @97927404...and the roller blinds costs about $6 per sq ft.

2. You obviously didnt read my blog

The kitchen cabinets are custom made by Henry's carpenter...NOT from IKEA.

3. There are 3 pieces of mirror panels on the wall...each measuring about 2000mm by 920mm.

Really amazed that ur sofa is 8yrs old liao. Still look very good and new.

Thanks Angel....I am amazed myself . Its age would have shown if it has been of a lighter colour like white or cream.

[ledd_777 0]

Hi Jstar,

1. The roller blinds are of the opaque PVC/polyester material, for easy maintenance...the code is R2622 ( they used the same catalog ).

However, the mechanism used is from Japan, supposedly better quality and comes with a 2 year warranty.

My contact is Desmond from Apex5 @97927404...and the roller blinds costs about $6 per sq ft.

2. You obviously didnt read my blog

The kitchen cabinets are custom made by Henry's carpenter...NOT from IKEA.

3. There are 3 pieces of mirror panels on the wall...each measuring about 2000mm by 920mm.

Thanks Angel....I am amazed myself . Its age would have shown if it has been of a lighter colour like white or cream.

wow 3 big pieces of mirrors only $800?? not forgetting they cut a small hole at the bottom left for the switches....

are they part of yr id or u out-sourced those mirror guys??

cheers man

[oogachaga 2]

wow 3 big pieces of mirrors only $800?? not forgetting they cut a small hole at the bottom left for the switches....

are they part of yr id or u out-sourced those mirror guys??

cheers man

Hi Ledd and Jstar,

Just to point out, the mirrors costs $850 done by Sen Glass Specialist( engaged by me ) as stated in my blog....You can refer to my post #119 on pg3 .... http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?sh...st&p=352308

Just to share my research, below are the contacts for mirrors that I shotlisted during my search:

1. Sen Glass Specialist....Colin @ 91888341

Its my friend's contact and good feedback as they have done great work for him, btw, they are the ones that did the glass panels at T3.

Oh...mirrors are from China.

2. How Yan Glass Mirror Merchant

Blk 1047 Eunos Ave 5B #01-22 Singapore 409668

Telephone: 67455842

China mirrors....price also comparable to above.

3. Mirror made for U http://www.mirrormadeforu.com/

Block 302 Ubi Avenue 1, #01-43 Singapore 400302

Tel : (65) 6743 3686 Or Call Margaret for further Enquiries 90276381

Email: margaret@mirrormadeforu.com

A choice of China or Belgium mirrors....the latter slightly more expensive, and better quality. Additional $50per hole to to be cut in the mirror.

Overall, slightly more expensive, but very professional and helpful over the phone.

[XiaoBinBin 0]

@oogachaga

I just enaged Henry. He just passed me EDL catalog.

Was wondering did you choose EDL glossy ice white for your kitchen cabinets? How is it so far?

The whiteness matches your painted kitchen wall?

[oogachaga 2]

@oogachaga

I just enaged Henry. He just passed me EDL catalog.

Was wondering did you choose EDL glossy ice white for your kitchen cabinets? How is it so far?

The whiteness matches your painted kitchen wall?

Hi XiaoBinBin,

Great ...you can begin your renovation soon

I chose the Piano White glossy laminate...its EEG 1010 ( if I am not mistaken ), the 1 mm thick laminate, the standard 0.8mm is available as well. I did consider the Pearl White( a light creamy white with pearlescent finish ), but it was out of stock.

This Piano White is a new model, has better quality with premium gloss finish and more expensive than the Ice White glossy laminate...its makes no diff since its included in your quotation, so of course I choose the better one

It goes well with my kitchen wall.....its next to impossible to get an exact match, as there are so many " shades " of white...choose one that you think will go well.

The laminates still looks good, and no yellowing so far

However, if you look closely and from certain angles, you can see a dull "film" on the laminate surface ( bcos I havent cleaned it like for months now )....like what you see on mirrors or glass which have not been cleaned for some time. You can easily restore the glossy shine with a dry wipe, or if you prefer, can use a bit of glass cleaner...quite easy maintenance, honestly, I dont wipe the laminates that often ...also because its really not that obvious.

You can request big pieces of the laminates that you shortlisted and subject them to your various tests eg fingerprints, drips, etc , and try cleaning it as well.

Looking forward to your pics

Edited May 28, 2009 by oogachaga

[ncy 0]

Hi Jstar_closet,

Noticed you asked about roller blinds. I just got mine done 2 wks ago aft renovating my place which was also completed recently in May-09.

Aft going through shops aft shops, I finally settled with Window Cool, got the more ex material for 3 of my bedrooms with 100% light blockage and nett price paid was $490. In fact I rejected one of the blind as it didnt fit in my window as it shows off a portion of the railings. They were nice enough to change it the following week.

Good sales service from Window Cool.

[Jstar_closet 0]

OPPS BIG reaction from the mention of IKEA hahaa..sorry abt that i have not read your blog just saw the pictures you've uploaded.

Are there any website on your recommended blind specialists or i need to go down & visit each one of them. I have not gotten a quote from Impress 21 (have shortlisted 3 contractors) but wanted to compiled my preferred ideas of the various items before i meet & request for a quote.

Finally any problem with your roller blinds since the last time you installed? the reason for asking bcos my parents' home have roller blinds but after a few years the string (sorry don't know what it's called) use to open& close the blinds broke off thus now my mum have replaced with curtains

Thanks oog for the insights- you're very dedicated to responding!

Hi Jstar,

1. The roller blinds are of the opaque PVC/polyester material, for easy maintenance...the code is R2622 ( they used the same catalog ).

However, the mechanism used is from Japan, supposedly better quality and comes with a 2 year warranty.

My contact is Desmond from Apex5 @97927404...and the roller blinds costs about $6 per sq ft.

2. You obviously didnt read my blog

The kitchen cabinets are custom made by Henry's carpenter...NOT from IKEA.

3. There are 3 pieces of mirror panels on the wall...each measuring about 2000mm by 920mm.

Thanks Angel....I am amazed myself . Its age would have shown if it has been of a lighter colour like white or cream.

Edited May 29, 2009 by Jstar_closet

[Jstar_closet 0]

Hi ncy,

went to their website http://www.windowcool.com/index.html but i guess you visited the shop as they do not display the various types of roller blinds on their website?

Hi Jstar_closet,

Noticed you asked about roller blinds. I just got mine done 2 wks ago aft renovating my place which was also completed recently in May-09.

Aft going through shops aft shops, I finally settled with Window Cool, got the more ex material for 3 of my bedrooms with 100% light blockage and nett price paid was $490. In fact I rejected one of the blind as it didnt fit in my window as it shows off a portion of the railings. They were nice enough to change it the following week.

Good sales service from Window Cool.