madsoundster 0 Report post Posted December 1, 2009 Dear all, I'm new to this forum. Would appreciate all the help and advise. Recently secured a 4NG and completion in early January. Sold my Punggol and need to re-renovate the whole unit. Here's the quote I got from my previous contractor. Suddenly after reading most of the posts here, I think my quote is way too expensive. Please advice. Thanks in advance! Cheers! Help help! Recommend contractor also can!! DEMOLITION WORKS & HAULAGE: - - Supply & Demolish (S&D) existing floor tiles and wall tiles in kitchen - S&D exisiting kitchen sink support, kitchen top & bottom cabinets - S&D common and master toilet floor and wall tiles incld. toilet bowl, basin and door - S&D existing fixtures at whole house - S&D existing skirting at whole house - Supply labour to clear devris off site and haulage to premise Lump Sum: S$3,500.00 MASONRY WORKS (KITCHEN): - - Supply & Lay (S&L) waterproofing w/pressure grout, membrane = $150 - S&L selected homogeneous floor tiles = $1600 - S&L selected ceramic wall tiles = $3100 - Supply & Construct (S&C) cabinet base in tiles finish = $280 - S&C Washing machine base in tiles finish = $100 - S&C Fridge base in tiles finish = $100 - Supply & Install Stainless Steel Rubbish Chute = $250 COMMON & MASTER TOILET: - - Supply & Lay (S&L) waterproofing w/pressure grout, membrane = $150 - S&L selected homogeneous floor tiles = $7600 - S&C Shower Kerb in tiles finish = $180 - S&L selected ceramic wall tiles = $2600 LAMINATE FLOOR WORKS: - - S&C selected laminate flooring ****, dining, & 3 x bedrooms = $3500 PLUMBING WORKS: - - Replace all piping to stainless steel - Supply & Install drainage and inlet piping at kitchen & 2 x Toilets - Install Kitchen Sink & Mixer - Install 2 x Storage Heaters - Install 2 x Wash Basin & Mixer - Install 2 x Hand Spray - Install 2 x Toilet Bowls - Supply & Replace Sitting Toilet Bowl convert to casiron waste pipe and toilets Lump Sum $2800 WINDOW WORKS: - - Supply & Replace whole house with Aluminium Casement Windows = $2500 - Supply & Replace whole house with Aluminium Sliding Window Grilles = $850 PLASTERING WORKS: - - Supply labour & material to re-plaster whole house =$2600 CEILING WORKS: - - Supply & Install False Ceiling, Light Holders ****/Dining area = $380 PAINTING WORKS: - - Sealant & Paint whole house =$1800 DOOR WORKS: - - 2 x Bi-Fold Doors for Toilets = $400 - 2 x 10mm Shower Screen for 2 toilets = $1100 CARPENTRY: - - TV Cabinet w/Feature Wall (7ft) = $1750 - Full Height Cabinet (Dining-10ft) = $2200 - 3 x 6ft Wardrobe = $4500 - Kitchen Cabinet (33ft) = $3300 - Granite Top (18ft) = $2160 General Cleaning Works = $250 GRAND TOTAL = S$42,860.00 GST = S$3,000.20 TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL = = = = $45,860.20!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zhiz 4 Report post Posted December 1, 2009 way too expensive........from the hacking part its expensive then plastering also super expensive, painting, plastering. plus the need to pay gst is a big turn off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kohnlee 0 Report post Posted December 1, 2009 Dear all, I'm new to this forum. Would appreciate all the help and advise. Recently secured a 4NG and completion in early January. Sold my Punggol and need to re-renovate the whole unit. Here's the quote I got from my previous contractor. Suddenly after reading most of the posts here, I think my quote is way too expensive. Please advice. Thanks in advance! Cheers! Help help! Recommend contractor also can!! Yup ...a bit expensive... I did not do as much as u, my quote (resale condo, 1238 sqf), condo and HDB have got different height. HDB 2.4m, condo 2.9m...hence mine is higher wardrobe, etc.. 1) Indoor and outdoor paint for entire house 2) Chemical washing for entire place 3) Polish existing granite flooring 4) Revarnish parquet flooring + finishes with lacquer 5) Paint all doors 6) Construct base for fridge and washing machine 7) Shoe shelves 8) Custom make 14ft (L) TV console with wall finishing + shelving + wallpaper 9) False ceiling + Light Box + Cove lighting for living and dining area 10) 2 sets of custom made wardrobe 6ft (L) with sliding door 11) 6ft (L) study table + drawers + 3 suspended book cabinet 12) 2 sets of 6ft (L) granite top for bay window 13) Wardrobe 8.5ft (L) with sliding door 14) Custom made king size suspended bed with side tables + bed head 15) 10ft (L) granite top for bay window 16) Light box + cove lighting for master bedroom 17) Wall feature mirror at dining area 18) Change entire suite of existing switch cover 19) Install another 4 electrical point 20) Changing of toilet bowl Plus hacking of existing cupboards, etc...well, actually my ID added in some extra stuff for us too. ( i did not type in everything here) I had posted this quote several times already. My blog www.kohnlee.blogspot.com can view renovation progress from there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MTlot 0 Report post Posted December 2, 2009 way too expensive........from the hacking part its expensive then plastering also super expensive, painting, plastering. plus the need to pay gst is a big turn off. Agreed with Zhiz, the plastering and painting is super ex. Another thing is master and common toilet HOMO tiles need 7.6K ?? If i remember correctly my living,dining and 3rooms HOMO tiles is ard 6K (600mmx600mm). Rubbish chute outside contractor charge 150 to 200. BUT your false ceiling @ living and dining is super cheap @ 380 Just my 2cent opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kohnlee 0 Report post Posted December 2, 2009 (edited) Yup ...a bit expensive... I did not do as much as u, my quote (resale condo, 1238 sqf), condo and HDB have got different height. HDB 2.4m, condo 2.9m...hence mine is higher wardrobe, etc.. 1) Indoor and outdoor paint for entire house 2) Chemical washing for entire place 3) Polish existing granite flooring 4) Revarnish parquet flooring + finishes with lacquer 5) Paint all doors 6) Construct base for fridge and washing machine 7) Shoe shelves 8) Custom make 14ft (L) TV console with wall finishing + shelving + wallpaper 9) False ceiling + Light Box + Cove lighting for living and dining area 10) 2 sets of custom made wardrobe 6ft (L) with sliding door 11) 6ft (L) study table + drawers + 3 suspended book cabinet 12) 2 sets of 6ft (L) granite top for bay window 13) Wardrobe 8.5ft (L) with sliding door 14) Custom made king size suspended bed with side tables + bed head 15) 10ft (L) granite top for bay window 16) Light box + cove lighting for master bedroom 17) Wall feature mirror at dining area 18) Change entire suite of existing switch cover 19) Install another 4 electrical point 20) Changing of toilet bowl Plus hacking of existing cupboards, etc...well, actually my ID added in some extra stuff for us too. ( i did not type in everything here) I had posted this quote several times already. My blog www.kohnlee.blogspot.com can view renovation progress from there. So sorry...i just realise my posting looks funny.... Edited February 13, 2010 by kohnlee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jadens28 1 Report post Posted December 2, 2009 (edited) Dear all, I'm new to this forum. Would appreciate all the help and advise. Recently secured a 4NG and completion in early January. Sold my Punggol and need to re-renovate the whole unit. Here's the quote I got from my previous contractor. Suddenly after reading most of the posts here, I think my quote is way too expensive. Please advice. Thanks in advance! Cheers! Help help! Recommend contractor also can!! DEMOLITION WORKS & HAULAGE: - - Supply & Demolish (S&D) existing floor tiles and wall tiles in kitchen - S&D exisiting kitchen sink support, kitchen top & bottom cabinets - S&D common and master toilet floor and wall tiles incld. toilet bowl, basin and door - S&D existing fixtures at whole house - S&D existing skirting at whole house - Supply labour to clear devris off site and haulage to premise Lump Sum: S$3,500.00 MASONRY WORKS (KITCHEN): - - Supply & Lay (S&L) waterproofing w/pressure grout, membrane = $150 - S&L selected homogeneous floor tiles = $1600 - S&L selected ceramic wall tiles = $3100 - Supply & Construct (S&C) cabinet base in tiles finish = $280 - S&C Washing machine base in tiles finish = $100 - S&C Fridge base in tiles finish = $100 - Supply & Install Stainless Steel Rubbish Chute = $250 COMMON & MASTER TOILET: - - Supply & Lay (S&L) waterproofing w/pressure grout, membrane = $150 - S&L selected homogeneous floor tiles = $7600 - S&C Shower Kerb in tiles finish = $180 - S&L selected ceramic wall tiles = $2600 LAMINATE FLOOR WORKS: - - S&C selected laminate flooring ****, dining, & 3 x bedrooms = $3500 PLUMBING WORKS: - - Replace all piping to stainless steel - Supply & Install drainage and inlet piping at kitchen & 2 x Toilets - Install Kitchen Sink & Mixer - Install 2 x Storage Heaters - Install 2 x Wash Basin & Mixer - Install 2 x Hand Spray - Install 2 x Toilet Bowls - Supply & Replace Sitting Toilet Bowl convert to casiron waste pipe and toilets Lump Sum $2800 WINDOW WORKS: - - Supply & Replace whole house with Aluminium Casement Windows = $2500 - Supply & Replace whole house with Aluminium Sliding Window Grilles = $850 PLASTERING WORKS: - - Supply labour & material to re-plaster whole house =$2600 (ard $1600 to $1800) CEILING WORKS: - - Supply & Install False Ceiling, Light Holders ****/Dining area = $380 PAINTING WORKS: - - Sealant & Paint whole house =$1800 (ard $1300) DOOR WORKS: - - 2 x Bi-Fold Doors for Toilets = $400 - 2 x 10mm Shower Screen for 2 toilets = $1100 (ard $760) CARPENTRY: - - TV Cabinet w/Feature Wall (7ft) = $1750 - Full Height Cabinet (Dining-10ft) = $2200 - 3 x 6ft Wardrobe = $4500 (ard $3800 for sliding) - Kitchen Cabinet (33ft) = $3300 (ard $3000) - Granite Top (18ft) = $2160 General Cleaning Works = $250 GRAND TOTAL = S$42,860.00 GST = S$3,000.20 TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL = = = = $45,860.20!!! Hi above in red is the rough price which i get from my contractor. hope it does help. Edited December 2, 2009 by jadens28 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madsoundster 0 Report post Posted December 2, 2009 Dear all, Thanks for all the comments and suggestions these past days. Ya, I have a **** feeling that I'm about to be ripped off! But then again, I have not ask for a discount yet. This is the 1st quote that he sent me. How much do you guys think I should ask as a lump sum discount? May I ask that you guys can recommend me your ID or contractors? Name and tel, website url would be most appreciated. I don't have much time on my side as I will be collecting my keys on the 1st week of Jan 2010. Also, my family and I are bunking in with my aunt now and we can't wait to move out... After all, nothing beats your own home! So, I you guys can, will, please do pm me or send me a reply with your contractor details. Its easier to choose someone who has renovated any of our forumer's home. Thanks thanks thanks! $46000!!!!! Oh My Goodness! :-( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nini 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 GRAND TOTAL = S$42,860.00 GST = S$3,000.20 TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL = = = = $45,860.20!!! look for those id/contractor without gst, u may save up few k Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charemme 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 (edited) hmm, you want to get a few more quotes and compare mah? as for how much lump sum discount you want to request.. also mainly depends on your reno budget. if you are not removing any of the items.. and ask him to discount i think the max is he round down.. $45k still. I will pm you my ID's contact, current into my last wk of reno.. you can go view if you want. Try ask for more quotes and compare bah. Edited December 10, 2009 by charemme Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
colossus 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Hi all This is story: Just got keys to my 4RM (90m)flat in Compassvale Lane. Personally, i felt like "Chpped Carrot". Pls advise... Meet up with 1st contractor and this is his quotation presented to mi this morning: 1.0 GENERAL WORK 1.1 To supply labour and material to delivery of sand and tiles. 1.2 To supply labour to haulage and debris removal. 1,000 2.0 WETWORK 2.1 To supply labour and material to lay selected 60 x 60cm homegenous tiles c/w skirting at: i) Living / Dining / Passage way & 3 Bedrooms 4,800 ii) Household Shelter 360 2.2 To supply labour and material to construct U shape cabinet base at Kitchen area c/w 320 tiles skirting. 2.3 To supply labour and material to construct 1 No. washing machine base c/w selected 120 tiles finish. 2.4 To supply labour and material to overlay selected homogenous floor tiles at Master 450 Bathroom. 2.5 To supply labour and material to overlay selected homogenous wall tiles at Master 600 Bathroom shower area. (L1800mm) 2.6 To supply labour and material to construct 1 No. shower kerb at Master Bathroom. 150 2.7 To supply labour and material to construct 1 No. L-shape shower kerb at Common 150 Toilet. 3.0 CEILING WORK 3.1 To supply labour and material to install light holder cum L-Box **** area. 3.2 To supply labour and material to install false ceiling at Dining area. 3.3 To supply labour and material to install L-box at Master Bedroom and Bedroom 2 area. 1,200 4.0 PLUMBING WORK 4.1 Supply labour and material to install inlet and outlet piping at Kitchen area. 4.2 Supply labour to install tank heater at Common Toilet area. 4.3 Supply labour to install I No. Kitchen sink. 4.4 Supply labour to install 1 washing basin at Master Bedroom area. 4.5 Supply labour to install shower set at Master Bathroom and Common Toilet. 4.6 To supply labour to install Mirror set. 700 5.0 WINDOW 5.1 Supply labour and material to install 1 set sliding window at Service Yard area. 650 PAINTING WORK To supply labour and paints (Nippon) for whole unit painting. $1,300.00 7.0 SHOWER SCREEN 7.1 To supply and install 1 set 10mm thk tempered clear glass shower screen at Master Bathroom area. 750 8.0 CARPENTRY WORK Living 8.1 To supply and fabricate 1 No. T.V console c/w feature wall in selected laminated 1,680 plywood finish **** area. 8.2 To supply and fabricate 1 No. shoe cabinet c/w selected laminated plywood finish. Kitchen (Cooker Hood, Hob, oven, sink and kitchen accessories by owner) 900 8.3 To supply and fabricate 1 No. top kitchen cabinet cum tall unit c/w selected laminated plywood finish. 8.4 To supply and fabricate 1 set u-shape bottom kitchen cabinet c/w selected laminated plywood finish. 3,300 8.5 To supply and install 1 No. selected U-shape solid surface table top. 1,600 8.6 To supply and install 1 No. 8mm thk tempered white glass at cooker wall area. 950 Master Bedroom / Master Bathroom 8.7 To supply and fabricate 1 No. Bench c/w selected laminated finish at Master Bedroom. 1,400 8.8 To supply and fabricate 1 No. suspended vanity cabinet in selected laminated plywood 750 finish and c/w 1 No. selected solid surface top. Bedroom 1 8.9 To supply and fabricate 1 No. Bench c/w selected laminated finish at Master Bedroom. 1,400 8.10 To supply and fabricate 1 No. suspened writing table c/w drawers in selected laminated 1,500 plywood finish at Bedroom 1 area. Bedroom 3 8.11 To supply and fabricate 1 No. L-shape full height wardrobe c/w selected laminated 4,650 plywood sliding door and heavy duty track at Bedroom 3 area. Total: 30,780.00 9.0 ELECTRICAL WORK PER POINT 9.1 To run Lighting Point $40.00 9.2 Installation of light $12.00 9.3 To run !3 Amp x 1 Single Power Point $50.00 9.4 To run 13Amp x 2 Double Power Point $70.00 9.5 To run Tel Point $60.00 9.6 To run SCV Point $100.00 9.7 To run cooker hob Point $40.00 NOTE: i) Any items not mentioned above will be charged accordingly. ii) All sanitary W.C toilet bowl, washing basin, kitchen sink , shower set, mixer, heater, kitchen accessories and lighting by owner. iii) Tiles range $2.50per sqft, Border or mosaic tiles Not Included. iv) Any change after installation / completion will be charges separately. v) Work will only commence upon signed confirmation on the above and receipt of downpayment. Pls advise/gossip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chronograph 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Dear all, I'm new to this forum. Would appreciate all the help and advise. Recently secured a 4NG and completion in early January. Sold my Punggol and need to re-renovate the whole unit. Here's the quote I got from my previous contractor. Suddenly after reading most of the posts here, I think my quote is way too expensive. Please advice. Thanks in advance! Cheers! Help help! Recommend contractor also can!! DEMOLITION WORKS & HAULAGE: - - Supply & Demolish (S&D) existing floor tiles and wall tiles in kitchen - S&D exisiting kitchen sink support, kitchen top & bottom cabinets - S&D common and master toilet floor and wall tiles incld. toilet bowl, basin and door - S&D existing fixtures at whole house - S&D existing skirting at whole house - Supply labour to clear devris off site and haulage to premise Lump Sum: S$3,500.00 MASONRY WORKS (KITCHEN): - - Supply & Lay (S&L) waterproofing w/pressure grout, membrane = $150 - S&L selected homogeneous floor tiles = $1600 - S&L selected ceramic wall tiles = $3100 - Supply & Construct (S&C) cabinet base in tiles finish = $280 - S&C Washing machine base in tiles finish = $100 - S&C Fridge base in tiles finish = $100 - Supply & Install Stainless Steel Rubbish Chute = $250 COMMON & MASTER TOILET: - - Supply & Lay (S&L) waterproofing w/pressure grout, membrane = $150 - S&L selected homogeneous floor tiles = $7600 - S&C Shower Kerb in tiles finish = $180 - S&L selected ceramic wall tiles = $2600 LAMINATE FLOOR WORKS: - - S&C selected laminate flooring ****, dining, & 3 x bedrooms = $3500 PLUMBING WORKS: - - Replace all piping to stainless steel - Supply & Install drainage and inlet piping at kitchen & 2 x Toilets - Install Kitchen Sink & Mixer - Install 2 x Storage Heaters - Install 2 x Wash Basin & Mixer - Install 2 x Hand Spray - Install 2 x Toilet Bowls - Supply & Replace Sitting Toilet Bowl convert to casiron waste pipe and toilets Lump Sum $2800 WINDOW WORKS: - - Supply & Replace whole house with Aluminium Casement Windows = $2500 - Supply & Replace whole house with Aluminium Sliding Window Grilles = $850 PLASTERING WORKS: - - Supply labour & material to re-plaster whole house =$2600 CEILING WORKS: - - Supply & Install False Ceiling, Light Holders ****/Dining area = $380 PAINTING WORKS: - - Sealant & Paint whole house =$1800 DOOR WORKS: - - 2 x Bi-Fold Doors for Toilets = $400 - 2 x 10mm Shower Screen for 2 toilets = $1100 CARPENTRY: - - TV Cabinet w/Feature Wall (7ft) = $1750 - Full Height Cabinet (Dining-10ft) = $2200 - 3 x 6ft Wardrobe = $4500 - Kitchen Cabinet (33ft) = $3300 - Granite Top (18ft) = $2160 General Cleaning Works = $250 GRAND TOTAL = S$42,860.00 GST = S$3,000.20 TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL = = = = $45,860.20!!! Your plastering work, ceiling work, door work and carpentry are reasonable. The rest is way to expensive, especially the masonry/wet work. Can u get your contractor provide you pricing in unit, $ per square feet for your masonry work, casement window etc? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jadens28 1 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Hi all This is story: Just got keys to my 4RM (90m)flat in Compassvale Lane. Personally, i felt like "Chpped Carrot". Pls advise... Meet up with 1st contractor and this is his quotation presented to mi this morning: 1.0 GENERAL WORK 1.1 To supply labour and material to delivery of sand and tiles. 1.2 To supply labour to haulage and debris removal. 1,000 2.0 WETWORK 2.1 To supply labour and material to lay selected 60 x 60cm homegenous tiles c/w skirting at: i) Living / Dining / Passage way & 3 Bedrooms 4,800 ii) Household Shelter 360 2.2 To supply labour and material to construct U shape cabinet base at Kitchen area c/w 320 tiles skirting. 2.3 To supply labour and material to construct 1 No. washing machine base c/w selected 120 tiles finish. 2.4 To supply labour and material to overlay selected homogenous floor tiles at Master 450 Bathroom. 2.5 To supply labour and material to overlay selected homogenous wall tiles at Master 600 Bathroom shower area. (L1800mm) 2.6 To supply labour and material to construct 1 No. shower kerb at Master Bathroom. 150 2.7 To supply labour and material to construct 1 No. L-shape shower kerb at Common 150 Toilet. 3.0 CEILING WORK 3.1 To supply labour and material to install light holder cum L-Box **** area. 3.2 To supply labour and material to install false ceiling at Dining area. 3.3 To supply labour and material to install L-box at Master Bedroom and Bedroom 2 area. 1,200 4.0 PLUMBING WORK 4.1 Supply labour and material to install inlet and outlet piping at Kitchen area. 4.2 Supply labour to install tank heater at Common Toilet area. 4.3 Supply labour to install I No. Kitchen sink. 4.4 Supply labour to install 1 washing basin at Master Bedroom area. 4.5 Supply labour to install shower set at Master Bathroom and Common Toilet. 4.6 To supply labour to install Mirror set. 700 5.0 WINDOW 5.1 Supply labour and material to install 1 set sliding window at Service Yard area. 650 PAINTING WORK To supply labour and paints (Nippon) for whole unit painting. $1,300.00 7.0 SHOWER SCREEN 7.1 To supply and install 1 set 10mm thk tempered clear glass shower screen at Master Bathroom area. 750 8.0 CARPENTRY WORK Living 8.1 To supply and fabricate 1 No. T.V console c/w feature wall in selected laminated 1,680 plywood finish **** area. 8.2 To supply and fabricate 1 No. shoe cabinet c/w selected laminated plywood finish. Kitchen (Cooker Hood, Hob, oven, sink and kitchen accessories by owner) 900 8.3 To supply and fabricate 1 No. top kitchen cabinet cum tall unit c/w selected laminated plywood finish. 8.4 To supply and fabricate 1 set u-shape bottom kitchen cabinet c/w selected laminated plywood finish. 3,300 8.5 To supply and install 1 No. selected U-shape solid surface table top. 1,600 8.6 To supply and install 1 No. 8mm thk tempered white glass at cooker wall area. 950 Master Bedroom / Master Bathroom 8.7 To supply and fabricate 1 No. Bench c/w selected laminated finish at Master Bedroom. 1,400 8.8 To supply and fabricate 1 No. suspended vanity cabinet in selected laminated plywood 750 finish and c/w 1 No. selected solid surface top. Bedroom 1 8.9 To supply and fabricate 1 No. Bench c/w selected laminated finish at Master Bedroom. 1,400 8.10 To supply and fabricate 1 No. suspened writing table c/w drawers in selected laminated 1,500 plywood finish at Bedroom 1 area. Bedroom 3 8.11 To supply and fabricate 1 No. L-shape full height wardrobe c/w selected laminated 4,650 plywood sliding door and heavy duty track at Bedroom 3 area. Total: 30,780.00 9.0 ELECTRICAL WORK PER POINT 9.1 To run Lighting Point $40.00 9.2 Installation of light $12.00 9.3 To run !3 Amp x 1 Single Power Point $50.00 9.4 To run 13Amp x 2 Double Power Point $70.00 9.5 To run Tel Point $60.00 9.6 To run SCV Point $100.00 9.7 To run cooker hob Point $40.00 NOTE: i) Any items not mentioned above will be charged accordingly. ii) All sanitary W.C toilet bowl, washing basin, kitchen sink , shower set, mixer, heater, kitchen accessories and lighting by owner. iii) Tiles range $2.50per sqft, Border or mosaic tiles Not Included. iv) Any change after installation / completion will be charges separately. v) Work will only commence upon signed confirmation on the above and receipt of downpayment. Pls advise/gossip Can't comment much but overview is on the high side. Base on the shower screen my contractor only quote mi $380. As for the tiling works i believe can get cheaper by 10%. As for the carpentry works need the dimension. If u interested i can pm u my contractor to get a quote to compare price. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Summer Forever 0 Report post Posted December 11, 2009 Hi, For saying this, think the contractors & ID will hate me. Just did my reno for condo recently, most things DIY. Maybe due to my job (I'm in sales) so I understand that all things are cheaper if go direct. The contractors & IDs will sublet the jobs out to 3rd party and thus need to mark up prices. My direct contacts & reno jobs 1)I engaged direct co. to hack my condo kitchen & 2 toilets (floor & wall tiles, kitchen cabinet, removal of sanitary wares in toilets & removal of debris) - for only $2K I heard from the boss that the cost is lower for HDB as condo is strict with the reno timing so it would take them more days to complete as compared to HDB thus the higher cost for condo. ** The boss is so sweet to help hack wardrobe & other shelvings all at no extra cost. The quotes that I get from contractors & IDs for just hacking (Kitchen & toilet wall & floor tiles) & removal of debris is - $2,600 - $2,800 ** See the savings for going direct?? 2) bi-fold doors, classic doors & iron gate - better to get direct from co. Source for quotes yourself & bargain a good price. The contractors would have earned 20-30% commission from your sales. If go direct, you may probably get 10-20% savings yourself. These co. can't offer 30% discount to direct customers as their main source of biz still come from IDs & contractors. Can't afford to offend them. 3) People know people in this trade. I got the contact for tiling job from my hacker. The tiler did my kitchen & toilet floor & wall tiles & I'm satisfied with the job done. I even went on site to see his workmanship & confirmed the job on the spot. I bought my own tiles though. Again, contractors will get 20-30% commission bringing you to choose tiles & you won't enjoy savings. I bought the tiles myself & got a discount for going direct (though the discount is not as much as the co. gives to contractor, but it's still savings) The tiler charged me tiling job by per sqm, whereas the contractor charge me a lump sum. I heard from my tiler HDB toilet & kitchen tiling job is only $2+/sqm. The lowest quote I got from contractor is $3.50/sqm but my tiler only charges me $2.30/sqm. See the mark up? These contractors also find these tilers to do the job for them. The contractor get your deposit but will not pay these hacker & tilers, carpenters, plumbers etc so soon. So these people like to work direct with us, customers. Get paid on time. 4) For hacking of kitchen cabinet, the quote for direct is only $200-$300, but look, your quote is $600. All these savings here & there can get you new cutains, or whatever you like to buy. 5) I also engaged a worker for painting job (contact from my tiler). His pay is on daily basis. But same rules - I supply the paint etc. It's still cheaper than getting contractor. And contractor also earn commission from paint co. 6) I also engaged a co. to do my false ceiling in toilets (contact from my tiler). He quoted me $550 for 2 toilet false ceilings. My lowest quote from contractor is $780. Enough said. Source direct will give you so much savings! : ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisngpg 0 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Problem with this approach is very difficult to get reno loan! Hi, For saying this, think the contractors & ID will hate me. Just did my reno for condo recently, most things DIY. Maybe due to my job (I'm in sales) so I understand that all things are cheaper if go direct. The contractors & IDs will sublet the jobs out to 3rd party and thus need to mark up prices. My direct contacts & reno jobs 1)I engaged direct co. to hack my condo kitchen & 2 toilets (floor & wall tiles, kitchen cabinet, removal of sanitary wares in toilets & removal of debris) - for only $2K I heard from the boss that the cost is lower for HDB as condo is strict with the reno timing so it would take them more days to complete as compared to HDB thus the higher cost for condo. ** The boss is so sweet to help hack wardrobe & other shelvings all at no extra cost. The quotes that I get from contractors & IDs for just hacking (Kitchen & toilet wall & floor tiles) & removal of debris is - $2,600 - $2,800 ** See the savings for going direct?? 2) bi-fold doors, classic doors & iron gate - better to get direct from co. Source for quotes yourself & bargain a good price. The contractors would have earned 20-30% commission from your sales. If go direct, you may probably get 10-20% savings yourself. These co. can't offer 30% discount to direct customers as their main source of biz still come from IDs & contractors. Can't afford to offend them. 3) People know people in this trade. I got the contact for tiling job from my hacker. The tiler did my kitchen & toilet floor & wall tiles & I'm satisfied with the job done. I even went on site to see his workmanship & confirmed the job on the spot. I bought my own tiles though. Again, contractors will get 20-30% commission bringing you to choose tiles & you won't enjoy savings. I bought the tiles myself & got a discount for going direct (though the discount is not as much as the co. gives to contractor, but it's still savings) The tiler charged me tiling job by per sqm, whereas the contractor charge me a lump sum. I heard from my tiler HDB toilet & kitchen tiling job is only $2+/sqm. The lowest quote I got from contractor is $3.50/sqm but my tiler only charges me $2.30/sqm. See the mark up? These contractors also find these tilers to do the job for them. The contractor get your deposit but will not pay these hacker & tilers, carpenters, plumbers etc so soon. So these people like to work direct with us, customers. Get paid on time. 4) For hacking of kitchen cabinet, the quote for direct is only $200-$300, but look, your quote is $600. All these savings here & there can get you new cutains, or whatever you like to buy. 5) I also engaged a worker for painting job (contact from my tiler). His pay is on daily basis. But same rules - I supply the paint etc. It's still cheaper than getting contractor. And contractor also earn commission from paint co. 6) I also engaged a co. to do my false ceiling in toilets (contact from my tiler). He quoted me $550 for 2 toilet false ceilings. My lowest quote from contractor is $780. Enough said. Source direct will give you so much savings! : ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
user101 0 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 It is difficult to compare item by item. Looking at the overall figure is more practical. Pick the lowest overall quote and nego further as a package. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
