My Dream Home - 4 Room In The Central Area

[calliecats 0]

I havent order yet, just considering only as the cost is $1000+.

I wanted full height mirrors say 2.6m to cover 5.8m of my walls. How much did you pay for your mirrors?

Hi kunzzy,

Your mirror size is very large. You will probably have to get them done in panels instead of 1 big piece. In which case, you will see the joins in the middle, but if they are placed nicely & the workmanship is good, it will still look great. I have 6 panels of around 2mx1.5m across my living area, not counting the bomb shelter & the mirrors on the 2 big tick tack doors.

Also, are your walls flat? Most flats' walls are not, in which case you might need backing for the mirrors. I was given 3 choices: no backing, partition backing or wood backing (least expensive to most expensive). No backing is cheapest but the most unsafe, with the wood backing being safest. Some contractors will tell you no need backing, just stick on bare walls. But if you ask the specialists, they will tell you that you need backing. I thought for a long time & decided to go with wood backing after discussing at length with my contractor. I need the assurance & peace of mind that they will not warp or fall off after awhile, as they are very large & heavy.

According to my contractor, it is also safer to let the panels "sit" on something, maybe your skirting. Mine sit on the wood backing that is placed horizontally.

Here is a pic of the wood backing:

You should also check the quality of the mirrors with your contractor. From what I've found out, there is also a range from imported high quality ones to some really lousy quality ones. So make sure your contractor shows you a sample of it.

The mirrors will definitely open up your space visually. But remember to place them in an area where there is no direct sunlight if not the glare will bounce off the mirror & give you a headache.An alternative is to get tinted mirrors, but I don't think they serve the purpose of visually enlarging your space, perhaps more for design purposes.

My mirrors were part of the package from my contractor, which I took everything from. All in, my mirrors (all customised including those in the bathroom) & glass (including my full glass master toilet, 2 sandblast glass doors, shower screens, half glass wall dividing living & master etc etc) cost around $4000.

Let me know if you need more info, I'd be glad to share them. Afterall, I live in a mirror & glass house, don't I?

[calliecats 0]

The AV system & speakers

I wanted hidden speakers which can give me a surround effect. I didn't want a sound bar, though looks neat, I find too two dimensional in terms of sound effect. I also didn't want bulky standing speakers, as I needed as much floor space as possible. Being totally clueless in this area, I again turned to my contractor for advice.

Solution? Built in speakers from the L box. I think I really squeezed my contractor . Actually this was only decided when I started my reno. I knew he was well versed in this area & a specialised in AV as he used to do commercial projects including all their audio visuals & sound systems, so I wanted to "exploit" his expertise. Initially, he was not so keen (I think alot of work maybe). But after my incessant pestering, he relented to my request (for a reasonable fee ) & even spray painted the speaker covers for me

Here are some pics of the finished product:

Total 10 speakers & no visible wires, all link up to this:

So, now everything is neat & tidy

Edited May 16, 2012 by calliecats

[Ode 0]

Hi Calliecats,

I am impressed by your MBR design and walk in wardrobe. What kind of system did you use? pole system? Did you built the additional wall to cover up the WIW. Would love to have the 2 side lamp mounted too...... how did you do it.... you mean you already bought the bed before the reno start so you know exactly where to fit the side lamp. It is very neatly done without any cables seen. You must have really put in lots of effort in designing your house. I love it.

I finally realised how confusing it is to go through the long list of proposals and quotations and some of these technical jargons used. Different ID/contractors giving different suggestions and packages. Manage to shortlist to 3 after meeting many of them and personally like the way your contractor presents as he is quite sincere and not agressive like others and also more attentive to smaller details but hubby feels that we should consider another very smily uncle who is slightly cheaper and committed that everything no problem and said he is flexible one. Afterall, will leave the decision to my hubby as i have cast my vote already.

Am crossing my fingers that Ed can take our job when the time comes in 2 weeks time........as he mentioned he only take up 1 job at a time. Will be great if you can help to ask him lower his price a little more...hahaha.

Love reading your blog... very informative and inspiring...... looking forward to more info and pic.

Edited May 16, 2012 by Ode

[waterfish 0]

Hi Callie,

Can I have your contractor hp no or email add? Coz I oso plan to do renovation for my house.

[calliecats 0]

Hi Callie,

Can I have your contractor hp no or email add? Coz I oso plan to do renovation for my house.

Hi waterfish,

You can contact Ed 97563849. All the best on your reno!

[calliecats 0]

Hi Calliecats,

I am impressed by your MBR design and walk in wardrobe. What kind of system did you use? pole system? Did you built the additional wall to cover up the WIW. Would love to have the 2 side lamp mounted too...... how did you do it.... you mean you already bought the bed before the reno start so you know exactly where to fit the side lamp. It is very neatly done without any cables seen. You must have really put in lots of effort in designing your house. I love it.

I finally realised how confusing it is to go through the long list of proposals and quotations and some of these technical jargons used. Different ID/contractors giving different suggestions and packages. Manage to shortlist to 3 after meeting many of them and personally like the way your contractor presents as he is quite sincere and not agressive like others and also more attentive to smaller details but hubby feels that we should consider another very smily uncle who is slightly cheaper and committed that everything no problem and said he is flexible one. Afterall, will leave the decision to my hubby as i have cast my vote already.

Am crossing my fingers that Ed can take our job when the time comes in 2 weeks time........as he mentioned he only take up 1 job at a time. Will be great if you can help to ask him lower his price a little more...hahaha.

Love reading your blog... very informative and inspiring...... looking forward to more info and pic.

Hi Ode,

No, I did not use the pole design. I went to see many closet companies & also Ikea. Initially, I wanted the pole system as I liked the fact that it can be dismantled & reconfigured as I go along, but a friend of mine who used the pole system told me that it has quite limited space actually (because of all the poles blocking). I also wanted it to be continuous & unblocked as I have alot of bags to put on it.

So had a good discussion with my contractor & he proposed this system, I call it the "boutique" system It's built with the original wall as the long side, the short sides are partition. The tracks are drilled into the wall/partition & the shelves are customised to fit exactly. The shelves are "hooked" onto the tracks & can be shifted up & down. So I can still reconfigure it as I go along & dismantle it totally in future if I need to shift. It's similar to the pole system, just without the poles. Best part is that it's cheaper than the pole system! Are you looking to do a WIW too?

Glad that you managed to get Ed to quote. I've had an overall good reno experience with him & I think you will not be disappointed. Price-wise you discuss directly with him la. All the best!!

[rogeryap 0]

The AV system & speakers

I wanted hidden speakers which can give me a surround effect. I didn't want a sound bar, though looks neat, I find too two dimensional in terms of sound effect. I also didn't want bulky standing speakers, as I needed as much floor space as possible. Being totally clueless in this area, I again turned to my contractor for advice.

Solution? Built in speakers from the L box. I think I really squeezed my contractor . Actually this was only decided when I started my reno. I knew he was well versed in this area & a specialised in AV as he used to do commercial projects including all their audio visuals & sound systems, so I wanted to "exploit" his expertise. Initially, he was not so keen (I think alot of work maybe). But after my incessant pestering, he relented to my request (for a reasonable fee ) & even spray painted the speaker covers for me

Here are some pics of the finished product:

Total 10 speakers & no visible wires, all link up to this:

So, now everything is neat & tidy

Ur sound system setup for the speakers super nice!!

Can Chk with u where u bought ur speakers and hw much? Tks!

[calliecats 0]

Ur sound system setup for the speakers super nice!!

Can Chk with u where u bought ur speakers and hw much? Tks!

Hi Rogeryap,

Thanks for your compliments! I like them alot too

My contractor helped to source & install for me. I can't really remember the exact cost but I don't think it was very expensive

Are you looking to install something like this for your home too?

[rogeryap 0]

Yalo tot of just buying those 7.1 home theater systems and hanging the speakers using those speaker holders...but ur setup looks very sleek!

[calliecats 0]

Yalo tot of just buying those 7.1 home theater systems and hanging the speakers using those speaker holders...but ur setup looks very sleek!

Hi roger,

Thanks alot. I've also got my TV, SCV, DVD & CD players all linked up, so it automatically switches to my surround speakers when I turn on the TV,DVD etc. It's cool you should consider it.

Have a great week ahead!

[calliecats 0]

More Living Room pics....

Colour changing LED light strip with remote control. I installed these lights for the fun of it. They are great conversation starters & for festive parties.

[calliecats 0]

I realised that I haven't posted the pics for the guest room yet!Here it is:

Guest Room

Due to the oddly shaped room, I decided to build a customised seatee with storage shelf below for the sharp corner. Supposed to be better from the fengshui point of view, right?

[Edlyn 0]

Dear Ode,

I can understand your confusion and I suppose everybody goes through the similar process. Just a word of caution "Cheapest is not necessarily good". If contractor give cheap price but deliver lousy quality products and services, that is expected as you can read many bad experiences. Expensive good designer providing good quality work is expected since so much has been paid but personally I feel that you should consider contractor who are dedicated, give reasonable price but provide good quality finishing and service. I call this value for money. I consider my contractor value for money but in terms of the planning & details, I think it pales in comparison to what i have seen from calliecat blog. Is the price difference so much to take the risk is something you should consider. All the best

Let me know if you need my contractor contact, can PM you.

Hi Calliecats,

I finally realised how confusing it is to go through the long list of proposals and quotations and some of these technical jargons used. Different ID/contractors giving different suggestions and packages. Manage to shortlist to 3 after meeting many of them and personally like the way your contractor presents as he is quite sincere and not agressive like others and also more attentive to smaller details but hubby feels that we should consider another very smily uncle who is slightly cheaper and committed that everything no problem and said he is flexible one. Afterall, will leave the decision to my hubby as i have cast my vote already.

Am crossing my fingers that Ed can take our job when the time comes in 2 weeks time........as he mentioned he only take up 1 job at a time. Will be great if you can help to ask him lower his price a little more...hahaha.

Love reading your blog... very informative and inspiring...... looking forward to more info and pic.

Edited May 28, 2012 by Edlyn

[Edlyn 0]

Dear Calliecats,

Has been busy and have no time to come in the last week or so and notice there are quite a bit of new photos. Your house is really cool, lots of thought and planning must have been done before your reno started and I dont think many contractor or ID have so much time to go through all these details, you are very lucky to have a good contractor to work with you to realise your dream. I would have graded my contractor a 7 as compared to yours.

Your Walk In Wardrobe is really really nice and the space usage and planning is done up very well. You deserve a lot of credit for the entire reno, your planning and colour coordination is probably among the best I have seen. The mirror hiding off the aircon access is really a very smart move, REALLY 1 STONE 2 BIRDS, nicely concealing up the window and cab be used as full mirror for dressing up. I think your contractor deserve a good meal from you LOL hahaha

It is so nice of you to share all these nice photo and the reno process with all of us, hope I can start posting mine too...If I have the time.....

Are you very into this home theatre stuff? Not easy to configure if you are not technically trained to do it, it is amazing.

[calliecats 0]

Dear Calliecats,

Has been busy and have no time to come in the last week or so and notice there are quite a bit of new photos. Your house is really cool, lots of thought and planning must have been done before your reno started and I dont think many contractor or ID have so much time to go through all these details, you are very lucky to have a good contractor to work with you to realise your dream. I would have graded my contractor a 7 as compared to yours.

Your Walk In Wardrobe is really really nice and the space usage and planning is done up very well. You deserve a lot of credit for the entire reno, your planning and colour coordination is probably among the best I have seen. The mirror hiding off the aircon access is really a very smart move, REALLY 1 STONE 2 BIRDS, nicely concealing up the window and cab be used as full mirror for dressing up. I think your contractor deserve a good meal from you LOL hahaha

It is so nice of you to share all these nice photo and the reno process with all of us, hope I can start posting mine too...If I have the time.....

Are you very into this home theatre stuff? Not easy to configure if you are not technically trained to do it, it is amazing.

Hi Edlyn,

Thanks for your compliments & sorry for late reply as I was overseas for work (again) & just came back.

I'm completely zero when it comes to all the technical things like the home entertainment etc so like I said my contractor was the one who designed it for me as his background is engineering & he used to do AV for large commercial projects, so I think my house was chicken feed for him...haha. We did spend around 1.5 months before the start of the reno to discuss all the small things. There were also changes along the discussion when either of us had a new idea or concept. When the reno started, I felt comfortable enough to leave most things in his hands as the details have all been trashed out. So I think it is really important to discuss everything before hand to minimise hiccups during the reno process.

I know what you mean about some contractors not doing detailed discussion with their clients before the reno. I talked to some friends whose IDs just gave them a package & when the reno started, they had to add on many things that were not reflected in the original quotation. In the end, budget busted & relationship also soured.

By the way, I did give him a treat when he finished doing my place.

Have you finished your reno? How was it? Would be good if you could share the pics here.

Have a great weekend