Love Nest @ Casa

[theitsybits 0]

Day 92

Most of our living room's furniture has arrived! But we still need a console and a coffee table..and a mirror above sideboard..

Took a few pictures with iPhone.

View from kitchen counter..

View from sofa..

sofa, feature wall, side board..

loots from Franc Franc..they've 40% discount now!

The colorful things..

The fridge and washing machine and mattress is coming tomorrow!

Will take more pictures to share..

[theitsybits 0]

Day 93

The home is almost ready. The fridge, washing machine and mattress came, and we spent the day doing some cleaning and lazing around at home. I really do love how things turned out, it looks like how i envisioned it to be despite not having any 3D drawings.

Pictures paint a thousand words.

View from entrance.

View from Kitchen.

Dining table and bench.

Living area.

View from corridor.

[theitsybits 0]

Day 93 cont.

View from sofa.

Corridor.

Our king-sized mattress came, and surprisingly, we still had quite abit of space!

The fridge came later in the day, and my shoe-shelf is not getting enough attention since my door is always open.

Here's how the kitchen looks like now.

The husband is traveling from tomorrow, and we'll get our TV delivered in 2 weeks. Hopefully we can get the console by then..

[sunny613 0]

About renovation cost, IDs and contractors.

I've been getting alot of questions about my renovation costs, what's the difference between IDs and contractors, and I'll try to share my take on these:

I will share my total renovation cost, but not the breakdown by items since every project is different, and it's not fair to compare quotes item by item. From my understanding, every contractor/ID would calculate individual costs and also ensure that the whole project earns a certain profit margin, usually at least 30%. This is to cover things like transport cost, potential rectification costs etc, and is also why some contractors who charge cheap prices would refuse to rectify works since it would result in a loss. IDs generally charge more than contractors, as they are on a commission based pay package, and provide services such as 3D drawings, space planning, working with you to design your homes. They are also supposed to supervise all works for you and coordinate all sub-contractors and manage the whole project timeline. Having said that, not all of them actually manages your project actively and hardly visits your site or do enough follow-ups!

I chose a contractor instead of an ID, mainly because I have not met any IDs who actually understands the look and feel I wanted. Of course budget played a part and I preferred to get more bang for the buck. IDs usually show me a huge portfolio of typical modern contemporary styles which I was trying to avoid. I wanted something Scandinavian inspired, something rustic with some elements of industrial, country and mid-century. Space planning wise, I have more or less decided on what I wanted and just needed someone to get it done for me, unless anyone can convince me otherwise (my mum and orangecrab did). I hate it when IDs try to change my layout, seemingly just to change it for the sake of showing that they contributed to the design process. It went against my basic principle of enlarging my living space visually, and enhance the circulation of air in the home. Some gave me weird comments like insisting on a plastered brick wall looked like the real thing, and asked me if it was because of Fengshui that I wanted my whole living area white. Apparently it seems like white is outdated and boring and nobody does it anymore. There are IDs specializing in my themes, but they are waaaayyyyy out of budget and I didn't even bother to approach them despite knowing that they exist.

After many frustrating meetings with IDs who did not understand what we wanted but gave quotations way out of budget, we went to contractors. Mr K was the 3rd contractor I approached, and his quotation at about 40k was pretty competitive all-in, but obviously we chose him for his attitude, workmanship, trust, and ease of communication. We also got a quotation from a relative who quoted us at 'cost', but he charged us 35k after discounts but excluding electrical, haulage, before upgrade of tiles, additional hacking and brick wall, 3 toilet doors and service yard windows. We eventually got the relative to do carpentry on the insistence of MIL, while Mr K did all things else. Looking at how our carpentry went, I can only say that luckily we didn't agree to use him for all our works. The chasing and lack of progress updates and delays would have killed us. My cheapest quote was 33k before additional brick wall, electrical, windows, 3 toilet doors and additional hacking. My most expensive quote came to about 60k.

My major works are hacking of 6 walls, flooring for whole house (excluding toilets), 2 brick walls, 1 cement screed wall, overlay 2 toilet walls with shower screens, MBR false ceiling, living L-box, 2 wardrobes, 2 toilet vanity, shoe cabinet, feature wall,~30ft kitchen, electrical and painting for about 40k.

In terms of renovation cost, IDs usually cost quite abit more than contractors. Although I've heard instances when IDs are cheaper than contractors, every ID quote was pricier than contractors' quote for me. However, alot also depends on what materials you choose. To keep costs low, you can use laminated flooring instead or tiles or parquet wood or use china solid tops instead of banded solid tops or granite. Also, look at the details of your quote. For flooring and tiling, some IDs price indicates 60x60 tiles up to $2.20 - and this is a huge limitation, the selection for $2.20 tiles is very small and you will need to top-up a substantial amount if you choose say $3.20 tiles. Also, the workmanship for laying 15x60cm wood-grain tiles is more expensive. Carpentry quotations also vary widely, do check the thickness of wood and laminates used, whether you can choose laminates from any brand or only a certain range, what accessories are provided e.g. blum drawers or china-made soft-closing, dish racks and pull-out trays? Do clarify and ask for quotes if you require any upgrades. Also check if electrical is charged by points or a lump sum, if haulage and sand is included.

Apart from cost, it's important to confirm time frame. If you IDs are giving you your 3D drawings and quotations late, not answering calls or replying your queries promptly , it may be a sign that your works might be delayed and would be less smooth. Even if prices are right, and you work well with them, can you accept it if your renovation works drag for 3 months or not having prompt updates of your renovation progress? Do also try to view their finished projects and talk to other owners and observe their relationship. If workmanship is good and they are still on good terms, it's a good sign. Do not be too impressed by sales talk, pictures, pretty showrooms and freebies and follow your gut feel! This applies to both contractors and IDs.

Personally, I feel that sometimes contractors work with a better and more experienced network of sub-contractors. For Mr K, he does the customer facing and also knows all his sub-contractors very well. In terms of working relationship and experience of how things are supposed to be done, contractor are more hands-on. I've experienced and heard about instances when wants were communicated to ID/coordinator, but it did not flow down to the sub-contractor level, resulting in rectification works and delays. Having said that, I'm sure that there are experienced IDs who are hands-on and work well with their sub-contractors too, and it's better to get some referrals or research on the ID firm before getting them. Do meet up with a few IDs/contractors to get ideas to compare quotes and to find someone who 'feels right' and communicate well with you. If in doubt, it's better to strike them off the list instead of taking the risk.

Do keep in mind that contractors are usually chinese speaking, no 3D (unless you request and pay for it) and you have to have an idea of what you want done. Experienced contractors can give you comments or advise, but will not do space planning and sit down to work with your needs and ideas. The pros are getting more value for your money, since contractors do coordination work and gives constant updates nowadays too and are not that different from IDs.

It seems like Mr K is pretty busy these days with the 7th month upcoming, and people scrambling to start renovation works before the 7th month starts. But I do like it that he lets his potential customer know that and set a realistic time frame for new meetings/jobs instead of over-promising and end up not delivering on time or quality work.

Hope this answers some of your concerns, and I'm going to refer people to this post if I do get similar questions. I will be away for the week, heading to Bangkok with the girls, hoping to find some treasures for my home while I'm there. Will share the shopping list when I'm back, and perhaps answer more questions.

Hi, can share with me your contractor Mr K contact. Thanks.

Edited September 8, 2012 by sunny613

[casa 0]

Wow your MBR looks big after placing the King sized mattress

So u'll be placing mattess on bed frame??

Ample of walking space

Edited September 9, 2012 by casa

[originalbread 0]

yes! totally agree..we wanted pure white for kitchen, so we went for solid top..someone offered quartz for like 110pft but i was skeptical..black for toilets so we wanted granite which was at a pretty good price and adds some 'class' with the shiny top and specks of gold in it..plus it doesn't scratch!

we grabbed all our lights there, since all pendant lights were from taobao..birdcage lamp was from taobao for about $30..they have it from lighting.com too but it's more than double the price..

Wow, $30! Lighting.com and lighcrafts selling around $150 if I remember correctly. Still thinking if I should get this as my ceiling rather low. Urs is 2.6m at least? Envy...

[originalbread 0]

Day 93 cont.

View from sofa.

Corridor.

Our king-sized mattress came, and surprisingly, we still had quite abit of space!

The fridge came later in the day, and my shoe-shelf is not getting enough attention since my door is always open.

Here's how the kitchen looks like now.

The husband is traveling from tomorrow, and we'll get our TV delivered in 2 weeks. Hopefully we can get the console by then..

Nice! Especially the view when you get in. The blue rug has a nice shade. Can share where u buy n how much?

Its great that it turned out like what u visualized. I'm v bad with that. I had many sleepless nites choosing materials and it doesn't help that I have q contractor that is not familiar with not so conventional style.

[theitsybits 0]

Hi, can share with me your contractor Mr K contact. Thanks.

pm-ed.

Wow your MBR looks big after placing the King sized mattress

So u'll be placing mattess on bed frame??

Ample of walking space

yea, we are still looking for a bed frame..surprisingly there's still ample walking space and perhaps a lounge chair..but I like it big, don't want to be knocking into things in my own bedroom..

Wow, $30! Lighting.com and lighcrafts selling around $150 if I remember correctly. Still thinking if I should get this as my ceiling rather low. Urs is 2.6m at least? Envy...

hmm there are different sizes, ours is the smallest one..i think ours is standard HDB height..not sure if it's 2.4 or 2.6m..

Nice! Especially the view when you get in. The blue rug has a nice shade. Can share where u buy n how much?

Its great that it turned out like what u visualized. I'm v bad with that. I had many sleepless nites choosing materials and it doesn't help that I have q contractor that is not familiar with not so conventional style.

thanks thanks..you mean the round blue rug outside toilet? It's from Aussino, about $19.90? Should be around there..

my contractor is pretty good with industrial style and textures..which was also why we chose him..he did give some inputs, and i'm glad everything turned out nice..

[sunny613 0]

Hi, thanks for the reply and contact

[kelhy 2]

Very nice!! Envious!!!!

What type of white colour u used for wall paint?

Look at the ceiling fan... Haiku?? Nice!!!! But that was out of budget for me ;(

Day 93 cont.

View from sofa.

Corridor.

Our king-sized mattress came, and surprisingly, we still had quite abit of space!

The fridge came later in the day, and my shoe-shelf is not getting enough attention since my door is always open.

Here's how the kitchen looks like now.

The husband is traveling from tomorrow, and we'll get our TV delivered in 2 weeks. Hopefully we can get the console by then..

[theitsybits 0]

Very nice!! Envious!!!!

What type of white colour u used for wall paint?

Look at the ceiling fan... Haiku?? Nice!!!! But that was out of budget for me ;(

i'm sure your place will turn out as u like too.. =)

yea, the haiku's price is inflating ridiculously these days..but i fell in love with it, luckily when it was still slightly cheaper..

the white was pure white..contractor simply used this when we said we wanted pure white..

[kelhy 2]

haha, I always show my bf ur hse pic every now and then.. Ur hse is really an inspiration to me.

I am trying to keep my place white and woody things plus bit of blue and green color. We are so worry it turns out to be disaster especially recently contactor feedback that our choice of laminates are alien.. cos nowadays ppl don’t choose.. Only old ppls like those..

But, think i do have old auntie taste! hahaha! Sorry to have me rank my story at ur T-Blog.

I am looking forward to wait for all ur funitures come in.. End Product!!!

i'm sure your place will turn out as u like too.. =)

yea, the haiku's price is inflating ridiculously these days..but i fell in love with it, luckily when it was still slightly cheaper..

the white was pure white..contractor simply used this when we said we wanted pure white..

[crypaz 1]

Hi can i check with you your flooring the tiles is the warping ok? as in when you walk around does the unevenness feels obvious?

[originalbread 0]

pm-ed.

yea, we are still looking for a bed frame..surprisingly there's still ample walking space and perhaps a lounge chair..but I like it big, don't want to be knocking into things in my own bedroom..

hmm there are different sizes, ours is the smallest one..i think ours is standard HDB height..not sure if it's 2.4 or 2.6m..

thanks thanks..you mean the round blue rug outside toilet? It's from Aussino, about $19.90? Should be around there..

my contractor is pretty good with industrial style and textures..which was also why we chose him..he did give some inputs, and i'm glad everything turned out nice..

Yes, I meant that rug. Thanks, will go Aussino, and also get some bedsheets, after things are more settled. Yes, I can see he is really good at it, from the few houses I saw on renotalk done by him. Looks designer standard.

[theitsybits 0]

haha, I always show my bf ur hse pic every now and then.. Ur hse is really an inspiration to me.

I am trying to keep my place white and woody things plus bit of blue and green color. We are so worry it turns out to be disaster especially recently contactor feedback that our choice of laminates are alien.. cos nowadays ppl don’t choose.. Only old ppls like those..

But, think i do have old auntie taste! hahaha! Sorry to have me rank my story at ur T-Blog.

I am looking forward to wait for all ur funitures come in.. End Product!!!

sound like we've similar taste..i wanted it white and woody too..with splash of colors everywhere (i like turquoise, pink, royal blue)

trust yourself and try to imagine your home in 3D or look for more inspiration pictures..pinterest was my favorite..!

these days old people likes things that are 'modern' while younger generation likes retro and vintage things increasingly..some IDs also told me that 'nobody does this anymore' or 'why you want all white? fengshui? only last time people do this'..and if i listened to these people and doubted myself, my home wouldn't look like this and end up like one of their portfolio's modern contemporary themes le..guess it hasn't caught up yet..

while i liked slightly raw and rustic, some of Mr K's ideas were a tad too raw (especially for the husband)..we still couldn't accept like hanging bulbs with wires around and rejected a few of Mr K's suggestions when it became too industrial..

some friends who came already find it very weird to have raw plywood around - 'why no laminate? not very weird meh?' while many asked why is my wall like that? finish already? lots of comments but at the end of the day it's your own home, you like it good enough..

Hi can i check with you your flooring the tiles is the warping ok? as in when you walk around does the unevenness feels obvious?

hmm most of the house it's okay, but you can still feel it if you notice it..but after the furniture is in and getting used to it, it's acceptable..and many others who came to look at our floor thinks it's alright too..my mum complained about it though..don't expect it to be as even as marble or homogenous tiles..if you're worried, lay it staggered instead of 'gong'.. i heard it's a lot better..

Yes, I meant that rug. Thanks, will go Aussino, and also get some bedsheets, after things are more settled. Yes, I can see he is really good at it, from the few houses I saw on renotalk done by him. Looks designer standard.

haha he'll be very happy to hear that..he's a proud daddy..