3 Room Bukit Batok By Homesuccess

[laion 0]

Master bedroom wardrobe

Make up mirror and slide out mirror installed

Headboard to cover up the trunking, it is glossy textured. Think I would have preferred matte surface

Plaster board feature wall, waiting for wallpaper

[laion 0]

Toilets after cleaning

Common toilet

[laion 0]

Quite pleased with the effect of this Swarovski crystal dining light

Shop: Eurostar Ligthing in Balestier (recommended by my friend)

Damage: $377 (much cheaper than Arco)

[laion 0]

Your toilet bowl looks good! Very compact and sleek!

Thanks! It was a promo package together with the basin

[Tiler Seng 57]

Laminate at common room wardrobe, twinkle twinkle little star

Cabling work rectified

i Love your blinking stars laminate

[Synace 0]

Bro, swee

[blazing 0]

Nice overhauling...at first awed by 35k+ for the reno and thought you got ripped off, but your home looks truly beautiful after the extensive works.

Congrats

[laion 0]

Nice overhauling...at first awed by 35k+ for the reno and thought you got ripped off, but your home looks truly beautiful after the extensive works.

Congrats

Ha.. I was waiting for someone to say that (we got ripped off)! Thanks. Actually we feel quite expensive too, like an impulsive deal. But this two-month renovation journey really opened up my eyes and taught me a lot, a lot of things. Let me summarize them in the following afterthoughts.

1. In Singapore context, ID is like more a middleman/coordinator and less a designer.

I am quite surprised to see how an ID makes money here. Instead of charging a design fee, he will give FOC. Instead of quoting reasonably, he will mark up the contract item prices and earn the diff. You can bargain down but still his margin is super! IMHO, I hire an ID is to get his design first, I don't mind paying him design fee. This encourages ID to be more professional right? Earning through items mark up and commission of external contacts should not be the way ID makes a living.

2. Paying a lot upfront and on time can sweeten your relationship with ID, make him work harder, but that depends on your ID's conscience.

Initially our budget was 25k, and towards the end it is close to double! Over the reno course, we certain heard this quote multiple times, "since you reno already, as well get this done too/as well get do a nice one". Money flows out like water but in the end, it is quite rewarding and you wake up smiling everyday. Do not forget to bargain even after signing the contract, like we got back some money due to delay.

3. If you have lousy design sense, get a good ID. Otherwise, don't bother.

You can browse through thousands of catalogs, sample pictures from the Internet. But ultimately, if you are lacking design sense, it is better to engage an ID, browse through his work, be open and listen to his ideas. Over the reno course, there will be many instances where his advice and experience come in handy. I am very particular about the overall theme in design, by mixing and matching myself will be quite risky.

4. Do not expect a hassle-free reno if you get an ID. I spent considerable effort in managing him constantly.

There will be hiccups, frequent phone calls, price bargaining, negotiations and last but not least, "give and takes". Whatever it is, try not let the relationship go sour as if that happens, he risks his reputation and you risk your house. You can also create an open blog and make known to him, give him the incentive to do a better job.

Overall, is Derrick a good ID? IMHO, he is. But can be better, thanks!

[joyousonline 0]

congrats on your reno!!

i also like your sink with the solid top!! looks nice undermounted!!

i also like your 'glass wine' crystal pendant lights! saw this design and almost wanted to get it for my island light but felt its not suitable due to the hot halogen lights. so we gave up!!

[laion 0]

Bro, swee

Thanks, how is your reno? Jackson was quoting you as a nice guy, hope his electrical work is good

[laion 0]

congrats on your reno!!

i also like your sink with the solid top!! looks nice undermounted!!

i also like your 'glass wine' crystal pendant lights! saw this design and almost wanted to get it for my island light but felt its not suitable due to the hot halogen lights. so we gave up!!

Thanks! Yea the halogen bulbs are quite hot, I wonder how long they last. Only switch on when makan haha

[Vecheron 0]

Hi laion,

Went thru your t-blog and was really impressed with the renovation works. I'm also getting a 3room flat and going to exercise option tonite . I would like to ask you out of 10, how would you rate your id? I'm also going for open concept reno and now i'm looking for afew good id/contractors to choose from within my budget . Please help me input comments. Thank you!

Cheers,

Vecheron

[laion 0]

Hi laion,

Went thru your t-blog and was really impressed with the renovation works. I'm also getting a 3room flat and going to exercise option tonite . I would like to ask you out of 10, how would you rate your id? I'm also going for open concept reno and now i'm looking for afew good id/contractors to choose from within my budget . Please help me input comments. Thank you!

Cheers,

Vecheron

I am in no position to rate him yet, this is only my first reno! I think he is okay, but different people different expectation I guess. Sure bro, I try to help if I know, wish yours a smooth one! I think for 3 room has very limited space so design is very important, for us we hack off the store room so lots of old things are forced to be thrown away

[idealistic 0]

Hmm I like your kitchen lighting

The slanting downlights are unique

Who inspire u with the idea?

Edited August 16, 2011 by idealistic

[laion 0]

Hmm I like your kitchen lighting

The slanting downlights are unique

Who inspire u with the idea?

Thanks bro, Derrick came up with this and we thought is not bad. Cause we didn't want any cables seen and false ceiling is not so suitable in the kitchen.