Our Move To Toa Payoh - Where Old, Becomes "sort Of" New

[lilyden 0]

Hello guys! Since my place is sort of ready (and with some spare time in hand), I thought it would be nice to detail our little journey for your reference, and for our memory... a return contribution to this amazing forum for the many ideas and suggestions found.

Here goes... My mom and I purchased an ancient 3-room unit at Toa Payoh about 3 months ago and renovation only took place last month. We wanted to move into the new place before the lunar 7th month but apparently, that didn't happen (our room doors and blinds could not be installed in time). So, we're doing the big move in September instead.

To be honest, when my mom and I first saw the flat, we were PETRIFIED! It was an Indian owner and the colours were, all-so-wrong. The place wasn't well kept and there was a foul smell of dead rats. Decoration was tasteless - it simply looked like time froze for a couple of decades. I mean, we're not artistic folks but we do like a clean and white home. This was just too much to digest. The price wasn't fantastic... but we paid for convenience. A pretty reluctant trade-off.

I knew we had to renovate... just a matter of to what extend.

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[lilyden 0]

More images...

Edited August 10, 2013 by lilyden

[lilyden 0]

Day 1

Sourcing of contractors – I knew what I wanted and didn’t wish to engage a full-fletched ID. I mean, my mom and I just needed a simple white clean home. That’s it! I made a list of all the items I wanted done and solicited a couple of quotations from contractors found in this forum as well as an ID recommended by a relative (out of courtesy). The quotes I receive were pretty crazy for my scope of works… it was demoralizing! It was more than what I had budgeted.

I was whining to the whole world of my plight! Then came my BFF who recommended this guy who was an ID. I was wondering if my friend actually listened cause I didn’t want an ID. After hearing her out, I decided to meet this fella since I have already met up with quite a few contractors – what is one more? And I shall call him, the designer, since I’m not here to promote his services but to share my journey. Haha!

So, I met with the designer… He turned up looking so polished, and I told myself there is absolutely no way this guy is coming cheap. I didn’t want to waste his time, and mine, so I simply brushed him off by passing him the list of items that I wanted done. He took his measurements while I was waiting at the walkway. He said he’d contact me soon, I simply gave a tired smile.

3 days passed, and I received an email from the designer. Lo and behold! His quote was actually the lowest among what I had received, near $14K difference between his quote vs my relative’s ID, and about $1K difference among the contractors. I thought it was some crazy joke with potential hidden costs or lousy grade materials so I gave him a call. Later I found out he is actually a unique breed – a hybrid between an ID and contractor. We met up again, this time with him showing some potential materials I could use. The rest is history; I got him aboard, and he shall be called the designtractor going forward! Haha! And to be honest, I felt really bad judging the designtractor the first time

Edited August 10, 2013 by lilyden

[lilyden 0]

Day 5 to 10

We spent quite a few days bouncing off ideas of how I wanted the place renovated. I had my ideas, he simply expanded the concept while injecting materials I never had thought of using. It was a pleasant experience… Design aside; what’s next is truly the deal-breaker… WORKMANSHIP. I could only comment and track the progress as I go along. I have heard too many horrific stories and I’m keeping my fingers crossed hoping all would turn out well.

[hapigal 0]

Good luck in ur reno....

[lilyden 0]

Thank you hapigal! I'm glad we're almost done! I'm having so much fun now recollecting the process... the pains and gains

[lilyden 0]

Day 14

Our designtractor commenced works when my cheque cleared… this marked a new chapter in my life. My mom and I were quickly whisked by the designtractor to a few places to pick out our items.

At our place selecting materials for flooring and cabinets...

[lilyden 0]

And more materials...

[lilyden 0]

At Hafary... selecting tiles. It was such a pain with so many options. I wanted some really beautiful looking tiles but budget didn't fit. The designtractor shortlisted a few, I wasn't really happy but he promised it'd turn out well.

Edited August 10, 2013 by lilyden

[lilyden 0]

At Hoe Kee for some wares...

[lilyden 0]

And lastly, we ended the day at Lightings.com.sg for the obvious Nothing fantastic... but real functional designs. Price is reasonable too.

[lilyden 0]

Day 16 to 24

In order to cut cost, our designtractor had suggested we do an overlay of tiles. I didn't knew it was possible until he explained. All these while I had only imagined "hacking" as the only option. Works were carried out and place was an absolute mess!!

Our horrific looking toilet... honestly, I panicked when I saw.

We selected a glossy white tile the designtractor picked out. It would be used to tile the whole kitchen. It wasn't as bad as I thought...

Edited August 10, 2013 by lilyden

[lilyden 0]

And, City Gas turned up as well.

Edited August 10, 2013 by lilyden

[lilyden 0]

By evening... Our new windows were up!

I'm loving the frosted glass finish! Allows sufficient light from the walkway to pass through yet having the privacy.

[lilyden 0]

The mess is crazy...