Our Simple Crib In Tampines

[zapped 0]

"SEARCHING FOR AN ID FIRM"

Since I started this blog the same day our reno started, I didn't have the time to write about the onerous task of finding the right ID/contractor. The experience was exhausting. My hubby and I argued a few times. Eventually he agreed to sign up with the ID that I wanted. In retrospect, I should have let him choose the ID because we are now experiencing a lot of hiccups with our designer. But I digress; that ID deserves another post so I will give my review after the renovation.

Anyway, the first firm my husband and I approached was Hamid and Sons located in Tampines. The person who attended to us was Johnny. His quote was overpriced by more than 10K compared to the other quotes we received. He was so pushy and kept urging us to sign right away. He asked about our salary like 5 times during our first meeting because he said he will assist us in getting a loan. Obviously, we were turned off. He seemed like a con man to me and didn't even bother listening to our design ideas.

Next stop was Asia Renovator ... err something (forgot the exact name). This firm was recommended by my female colleague. Unfortunately, her ID named Mona, was in Malaysia (Mona) so we weren't able to talk to her personally. We left our layout plan in her office and got a call from her a week later. The ID seemed extremely busy that time so we decided to drop the firm. Quote was mid range.

Then we met with Veron of IZ Design in Tampines. I liked her ideas but she called just last week! haha.

Also met with Steven of 6th Dimension, also in Tampines. Arrogant. Dropped him right away.

Then we went to Boon Siew, also in Tampines. My husband liked the ID right away because he was chatty and he listened to our ideas before giving his. The quote was fantastic. It's one of the lowest we got. We shortlisted this contractor. The only thing I didn't like about this contractor is that they don't give 3D designs. Hence, I decided to give ID firms a try albeit they are a bit pricey.

So we went to the expo fair and discussed our layout with eight ID firms. Only four bothered to give their quotes after a week of waiting. We were already rushing so we dropped the other firms who were slow in giving quotes. Here are the four firms that we met for the 2nd time:

Classc Ideas: Met up with Jason and immediately felt at ease with him. He gave us the lowest quote. I was almost sure that we would sign up with him because I am stingy, but then I googled "-" and saw one blog (written in 2008) that mentioned the materials used for carpentry was not good and the blogger said he got what he paid for. My hubby doesn't want to take the risk.

Rest and Relax: The price is on the high side and the proposed design wasn't to my liking. Also, the ID forgot a couple of things that we require.

**: Another firm that we shortlisted. The IDs who attended to us were Benjamin and Joey. Service was superb. My husband wanted to sign up with this firm but I wanted to save 3-4K so in the end, we chose Unimax (but will probably end up paying the same amount because ID is blur).

Unimax: Chose this firm. I'll write my review after the reno.

Edited February 21, 2011 by admin

[zapped 0]

whenever I type C lassic Ideas it is deleted....... does this firm own this website?

[zapped 0]

Reno in progress...

Common toilet

Tiles after hacking the laminated floor

[zapped 0]

wires

false ceiling

common toilet tiles (Hafary Balestier)

[yhanie_17 0]

*** Boutique ung name ng Shop...ung mga ilaw nmn nmin e sa *** 2300 e natawaran ng 1850 ng ID ko...dami kasing ilaw

dahil papalitan ung buong house plus may false ceiling kasi ako sa dining, living and master bedroom.

Sa lahat ng shopping ko e kasama cla kaya super ok. Tapos ung electrical works e 2700 dahil re-wiring ng buong house plus mga new switch

at SCV points sa 5 rooms.

[lord vader 0]

#4. like those in supermarkets?

Its a normal door...just that the hinge is at the centre, instead of the sides. It can be rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise.

[zapped 0]

^oh I see... haven't seen anything like it. We've decided not to put a door to separate the entrance/balcony and living room. We won't be installing an aircon in the living room, anyway. But thanks for the advice. We are changing the tiles in the balcony.

[zapped 0]

*** Boutique ung name ng Shop...ung mga ilaw nmn nmin e sa *** 2300 e natawaran ng 1850 ng ID ko...dami kasing ilaw

dahil papalitan ung buong house plus may false ceiling kasi ako sa dining, living and master bedroom.

Sa lahat ng shopping ko e kasama cla kaya super ok. Tapos ung electrical works e 2700 dahil re-wiring ng buong house plus mga new switch

at SCV points sa 5 rooms.

hi yhani, i'll answer in English so other forummers would understand. What lights did you buy? Are chandeliers included? Because ours was only 517! We got them from lightings.com shop in balestier. We bought downlights for the false ceiling (cozy corner, living and dining, master, entrance balcony, wiw), 2 lights for the kitchen, 2 lights for the toilets, and 3 mini spotlights for the feature wall. We haven't bought the hanging lights for the dining area yet, but my budget for that is <300. Our bathroom fixtures were bought from AOS, located in Mcpherson. Spent around 3,5K+ for those (with discount). I think your quote for re-wiring the whole house is reasonable. I heard it usually costs 3K, and your house is huge! Ours costs 1,700 (not full rewiring) including the switches.

Edited September 20, 2009 by zapped

[yhanie_17 0]

hi yhani, i'll answer in English so other forummers would understand. What lights did you buy? Are chandeliers included? Because ours was only 517! We got them from lightings.com shop in balestier. We bought downlights for the false ceiling (cozy corner, living and dining, master, entrance balcony, wiw), 2 lights for the kitchen, 2 lights for the toilets, and 3 mini spotlights for the feature wall. We haven't bought the hanging lights for the dining area yet, but my budget for that is <300. Our bathroom fixtures were bought from AOS, located in Mcpherson. Spent around 3,5K+ for those (with discount). I think your quote for re-wiring the whole house is reasonable. I heard it usually costs 3K, and your house is huge! Ours costs 1,700 (not full rewiring) including the switches.

Hahhaha...sorry ha coz I was trying to send a PM to you but your inbox is full...hmmmm for us it's only a normal light coz we have a false ceiling in my master bedroom, living, toilets, dining area plus the lights in the cozy area and foyer. Our house will be full of lights. I am planning to scout for the dining and kitchen lights next week.

[yhanie_17 0]

Any progress in your renovation? When is the end date?

[zapped 0]

False ceiling, room partitions, tiling of toilet and first coat of paint -- done. Laminated floor, balcony tiles and feature wall, 2 tv feature walls, and wardrobe will be done this week. Reno should be finished by 28 sept, but it may extend till first week of Oct.

[Pinklady 0]

False ceiling, room partitions, tiling of toilet and first coat of paint -- done. Laminated floor, balcony tiles and feature wall, 2 tv feature walls, and wardrobe will be done this week. Reno should be finished by 28 sept, but it may extend till first week of Oct.

zapped, your progress photos looking good! so it should be coming to an end soon, but i have to say, your before pics really looked like it has been nicely renovated before by the previous owner, good buy!

[zapped 0]

Thanks, pinklady! Yeah, my mom told me to just move in and save the money. Hopefully I won't regret spending a lot on renovation after seeing the transformation. Now that the renovation is coming to an end, I'm now excited to hit the furniture shops. I'll be bankrupt before the year ends.

[Pinklady 0]

Thanks, pinklady! Yeah, my mom told me to just move in and save the money. Hopefully I won't regret spending a lot on renovation after seeing the transformation. Now that the renovation is coming to an end, I'm now excited to hit the furniture shops. I'll be bankrupt before the year ends.

yeah man, its like that! did you take a bank loan or a friendly loan by your parents? shopping for furniture is always very exciting, esp looking for sofa, mattrees, coffee table, wardrobe, study table etc etc. you have any theme in mind?

[zapped 0]

bank loan and cash i already bought bedframe and mattress for the two rooms. I need one more set for the third room. Already bought the dining table and chairs from the Expo fair, I think it was from the Home Living exhibit. Still a lot of shopping to do, not that I'm complaining hehe.

My hubby and I initially wanted a modern resort theme, but now the theme is WHATEVER!! We tend to gravitate towards earth colors, though. Light brown/beige and black. Aiming for simple yet cozy feel for the whole house, except for the masters where a tinge of red will be added.