New To Engaging Id/ Contractors For Reno

[monk8 1]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum but having been reading up on the many threads and helpful suggestions/guidance given by many here so decide to register myself to get some help.

I'm looking at minimalist theme and color will be white and grey and dark wood.

Wonder if a budget of 40-50K be enough for a minimalist theme given I'm redoing the flooring for the whole house, 2 toilets, wardrobes for 3 bedrooms and kitchen cabinets and perhaps wiring since it's a resale.(12 years old or more)

I have seen a couple of threads with that theme but I need some suggestions.

Here goes:

1. am thinking of cement screed flooring but from what i have read, it seems to be not a good idea...cons being it's dusty and depending on the skill of the contractors. Is it really that bad? I really like the idea of concrete floor...simple and bare and durable.

2. do i really need a ID and does having one cost a lot? i have an idea of what i want but dont mind better suggestion to improve the design.

3. i like dark wood so wondering if that will goes with the minimalist theme given it's going to be mainly white and some grey.

any advices and suggestions are welcome....thanks.

[musicbox 0]

My view:

1) cement screed flooring - wouldn't it looked 'dirty'? I haven't seen any 'good looking' cement screed flooring, probably what I can't imagine are those old type of cement flooring, haha. Btw white tiles go well with minimalist theme

2) No. I don't like ID as their designs normally overdo and not lasting. But good point is their design is theme based. They mark up on the quote, you might pay same price to ID comparing to getting a contractor but the quality of the things you get is different. ID tend to get something cheaper for you so they can earn the margin.

3) I don't like the idea of dark wood, don't think it goes well with white and grey. Wood is more for country desgin, unless you're using glossy or black colour, like the zen style.

[monk8 1]

My view:

1) cement screed flooring - wouldn't it looked 'dirty'? I haven't seen any 'good looking' cement screed flooring, probably what I can't imagine are those old type of cement flooring, haha. Btw white tiles go well with minimalist theme

2) No. I don't like ID as their designs normally overdo and not lasting. But good point is their design is theme based. They mark up on the quote, you might pay same price to ID comparing to getting a contractor but the quality of the things you get is different. ID tend to get something cheaper for you so they can earn the margin.

3) I don't like the idea of dark wood, don't think it goes well with white and grey. Wood is more for country desgin, unless you're using glossy or black colour, like the zen style.

hi musicbox,

thanks for your comments.

Yes, i have decided on matt white tiles as I have read many threads and reviews on cement screed flooring and so far there are more cons than pros...

I know normally ID is more expensive but it's not easy to get a contractor who can give some ideas to enhance your design...so what I'm looking for now is some IDs or contractors who provide good quality reno jobs without being too expensive..

I know that light wood is the current trend to go with minimalist theme but light woods get dirty easier and trend changes every year....so trying to get a good mix of the color going....the dark wood is like chocolate color but not black...

Love the white flooring of your living room.

[zhiz 4]

can take a look at my threads in my signature as a guideline for you when starting off with reno

[monk8 1]

can take a look at my threads in my signature as a guideline for you when starting off with reno

hi zhiz,

yes, i did read both your threads...have done some research and have selected a few IDs and contractors...now waiting for quotations and meetups.

i already know what i want but want to see if any of the IDs can further improve...

[Batman 0]

All the best to ur reno bro..

Get ID if u dun have time to co-ordinate.. if ur work allows u to take time off easily, walking in n out answering phone calls etc, then go for contractor..

[monk8 1]

All the best to ur reno bro..

Get ID if u dun have time to co-ordinate.. if ur work allows u to take time off easily, walking in n out answering phone calls etc, then go for contractor..

Thanks...still trying to get pass step 1...getting an ID/contractor...

oh...contractor dont do co-ordinating..i'm thinking if the contractor has all the in-house carpentry, wetworks, electric works etc...he will be co-ordinating them (?)...

I doubt most of us have work with very flexible hours..if contractors cant do co-ordinating then will have to settle for IDs.

[monk8 1]

Yes my contractor have to coordinate everything since they do a couple of works with own workers and factory, normally done by separate sub contractors that were used by ID. They do hacking, tiling, wet works, carpentry, painting, plumbing, marble polishing, laminate floor and parquet, electrical, ceiling partitions, and that's almost everything except countertop and glass backsplash which is supplied together with the kitchen carpentry, shower screens and windows, grilles, etc. Actually workong with them is no difference from engaging an ID except you get faster responses for some changes, Add-ons items, besides better direct contractor pricing. ID have to markup from sub contractors they used. They even do 3D designs and they are not only very experienced and good too.

hi tanslee,

oh so your contractor has his own in-house workers...is your contractor any good? in terms of carpentry, painting etc?

what's your comments on your reno completed by him?

can share your contractor's contact?