inthechouse 8 Report post Posted January 20, 2014 (edited) Update:- It's proven to be quite a challenge to get quotes for a new iron gate, I assume it's because of the pre-CNY rush. I'm cool to have it installed after CNY but it's not even possible to place an order now. Everyone's just so busy/aloof.- Will be meeting the workers tomorrow morning for light installation. All lights but one are ready. P.S: Maybe it's common knowledge but we did not know that you can't just purchase and pick up lights on the same day. At Balestier over the weekend, we found out that the goods can only be picked up today (Monday). So do take note of that.- We've purchased a 56-inch KDK fan (R56) from Goh Ah Bee @ $275 nett. No delivery nor installation. Got a feeling it may be a little too big for my long and narrow living room. I guess we'll find out soon enough.- The paint job done by the foreign workers was not entirely satisfactory. Pictured here is the main door frame. We've highlighted this to Alan and apparently these can all be resolved during the touch-up stage, which will come during/after (?) carpentry. So we're not too bothered. Good thing the big walls and ceilings are ok. P.S: The cement screed wall in the kitchen has yet to be "finished".- Alan said he would arrange for a major washing after the lights are installed. Then it's break for CNY. Wondering what can we do during this time. Just DIY cleaning/washing? It's probably too soon to have the furniture delivered. And I doubt deliveries can be arranged for that period.- Anyone's got a good recommendation for blinds/curtain-makers? We prefer to use companies which have served some Renotalkers. After all, there's nothing more powerful than word-of-mouth! Edited January 20, 2014 by inthechouse Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inthechouse 8 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Update: Met up with the electricians this morning for a briefing. They opened the KDK fan box and said that there was no brackets. I asked if the packaging was short of the bracket. They said no, I have to buy it separately. Once again, we didn't know about this. And the salesman at Goh Ah Bee did not tell us too. This is the second time (read my earlier post about the 707 water heater). I had to leave, so I don't know how they were gonna install it.Some of Alan's clients here have talked about a group of "elderly" electricians doing a less-than-ideal job. These guys doing my electrical work are not exactly elderly - they're in their late 40s to early 50s (I think). Anyway, if it's the same group then there's a bit of worry about the KDK fan installation. Guess I'll find out soon enough.Alan said his carpenter will come and take measurements this weekend. That's when we'll get to choose the laminates. It's highly likely that we'll go for Lamitak. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vicx1234 38 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Update:- It's proven to be quite a challenge to get quotes for a new iron gate, I assume it's because of the pre-CNY rush. I'm cool to have it installed after CNY but it's not even possible to place an order now. Everyone's just so busy/aloof.- Will be meeting the workers tomorrow morning for light installation. All lights but one are ready. P.S: Maybe it's common knowledge but we did not know that you can't just purchase and pick up lights on the same day. At Balestier over the weekend, we found out that the goods can only be picked up today (Monday). So do take note of that.- We've purchased a 56-inch KDK fan (R56) from Goh Ah Bee @ $275 nett. No delivery nor installation. Got a feeling it may be a little too big for my long and narrow living room. I guess we'll find out soon enough.- The paint job done by the foreign workers was not entirely satisfactory. Pictured here is the main door frame. We've highlighted this to Alan and apparently these can all be resolved during the touch-up stage, which will come during/after (?) carpentry. So we're not too bothered. Good thing the big walls and ceilings are ok. P.S: The cement screed wall in the kitchen has yet to be "finished".- Alan said he would arrange for a major washing after the lights are installed. Then it's break for CNY. Wondering what can we do during this time. Just DIY cleaning/washing? It's probably too soon to have the furniture delivered. And I doubt deliveries can be arranged for that period.- Anyone's got a good recommendation for blinds/curtain-makers? We prefer to use companies which have served some Renotalkers. After all, there's nothing more powerful than word-of-mouth!My blinds/curtains are being installed tomorrow - we hired someone from across the causeway to do it for us cos she's at least 25-30% cheaper than if you were to do it locally. Hope the workmanship is good, and if so I will let you know the contact.Update: Met up with the electricians this morning for a briefing. They opened the KDK fan box and said that there was no brackets. I asked if the packaging was short of the bracket. They said no, I have to buy it separately. Once again, we didn't know about this. And the salesman at Goh Ah Bee did not tell us too. This is the second time (read my earlier post about the 707 water heater). I had to leave, so I don't know how they were gonna install it.Some of Alan's clients here have talked about a group of "elderly" electricians doing a less-than-ideal job. These guys doing my electrical work are not exactly elderly - they're in their late 40s to early 50s (I think). Anyway, if it's the same group then there's a bit of worry about the KDK fan installation. Guess I'll find out soon enough.Alan said his carpenter will come and take measurements this weekend. That's when we'll get to choose the laminates. It's highly likely that we'll go for Lamitak.That's funny that the fan doesn't come with brackets, then again I'm not sure our my crestar one did or our electrician is just good haha.Good choice to go with Lamitak! They have some really wonderful laminate choices. Do be sure to take a look at the big pieces as far as possible, cos most of the time the small samples they have in the catalogue don't give you a good picture. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inthechouse 8 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 My blinds/curtains are being installed tomorrow - we hired someone from across the causeway to do it for us cos she's at least 25-30% cheaper than if you were to do it locally. Hope the workmanship is good, and if so I will let you know the contact.That's funny that the fan doesn't come with brackets, then again I'm not sure our my crestar one did or our electrician is just good haha.Good choice to go with Lamitak! They have some really wonderful laminate choices. Do be sure to take a look at the big pieces as far as possible, cos most of the time the small samples they have in the catalogue don't give you a good picture.Thank you in advance! When will you have your blinds/curtains installed?That's why la. Not sure what happened there with the brackets. Hopefully some friends here who have purchased KDK fans will see this and enlighten us.I was very taken with Lamitak's website, to begin with. LOL. Alan handed us some catalogues of unknown brands, but we did not really fancy any of those laminates. How do I view the big pieces though? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songz 132 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Hope to see your curtains and blinds soon.Will be a bonus for me if they are good since I haven't started on my Reno yet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retchlow 7 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Update: Met up with the electricians this morning for a briefing. They opened the KDK fan box and said that there was no brackets. I asked if the packaging was short of the bracket. They said no, I have to buy it separately. Once again, we didn't know about this. And the salesman at Goh Ah Bee did not tell us too. This is the second time (read my earlier post about the 707 water heater). I had to leave, so I don't know how they were gonna install it.Some of Alan's clients here have talked about a group of "elderly" electricians doing a less-than-ideal job. These guys doing my electrical work are not exactly elderly - they're in their late 40s to early 50s (I think). Anyway, if it's the same group then there's a bit of worry about the KDK fan installation. Guess I'll find out soon enough.Alan said his carpenter will come and take measurements this weekend. That's when we'll get to choose the laminates. It's highly likely that we'll go for Lamitak.correct. bracket not included. electrician should have informed you, even if GAB did not. for mine, the electrician bought the bracket for me & i was charged 5 bucks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retchlow 7 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 my curtains are also installed by a malaysian company. their prices are indeed 20% - 30% lower. got the recommendation from several renotalkers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Makanology 29 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Hi, Alan told us before we started our renovation that if we were buying KDK fans, he would prefer KDK guys to install them. He warned that it is not easy to install and balance KDK. That's why we bought Fanco and Amasco. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inthechouse 8 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 correct. bracket not included. electrician should have informed you, even if GAB did not. for mine, the electrician bought the bracket for me & i was charged 5 bucks?Then they must have been hoping that I had purchased one. When they saw that I didn't, they just mumbled something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inthechouse 8 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Hi, Alan told us before we started our renovation that if we were buying KDK fans, he would prefer KDK guys to install them. He warned that it is not easy to install and balance KDK. That's why we bought Fanco and Amasco.Hi Makan, from the start, Alan said ok to installing KDK fans so we just went ahead to buy it. He didn't even give any disclaimer. PARANOID! I can only check tomorrow evening... I hope they've had more practice by now... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Makanology 29 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 If it is the same batch of mid 50s electricians (hard to ascertain their ages), then take extra note when installing the ceiling fans. We have a simple Fanco ceiling fan for the study and in their haste to finish the work quicker, they didn't install it properly. So time was subsequently wasted for rectification. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iceage 1 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Some update on electrical. Printed a chart for the workers. Even though we've had a word with the boss, I decided to meet the workers on the morning they started work, so as to brief them again. The boss wasn't there, so they were reliant on the wall markings. It is highly advisable to go through everything with them again. In fact they provided some very practical tips, which I was thankful for.What you see here was completed in a day. New DB box installed in the storeroom. Extra cost for new positioning: $200-300. Had a slight shock when I saw the funky cover. Turned out it was just a piece of paper they used to wrap the plastic flap. LOL.Think we overdid it a lil' with the power sockets. We've got 'em littered all over the flat... The next morning, the aircon guys from Gain City came at 10am. After going through the trunking route, they said they would run it down that wall that was being rectified by Alan (see my earlier posts), because the side was taken up by electrical cables. There was no way I could accept it because it would look really fugly! Anyway the wall wasn't plastered yet so how's that even possible. They then said they could come back again - at the penalty fee of $150. Such a situation calls for the presence of Alan, so I rang him and he said he'd drop by in 45 mins. No protest whatsoever.An hour later, Alan showed up. He told the workers sternly that they could remove the electrical cables and run whatever that was needed to run alongside the wires, and he will redo the cables later.Installation ended close to 7pm. The workers did not wrap the fan coils in plastic. When I asked, they said they could come back the next morning to do it. There was no testing of the aircon because the 15A socket wasn't entirely ready. They had kept their extension wire in the van, and the sky was getting dark, there was no lighting, and we all just wanted to get out of there. By the way, does anyone know if I can still install blinds at this window? Since the trunking is right next to it??The next morning, they came back as promised. They touched up some parts of the wall and trunking with plaster, and wrapped the units with plastic. I saw that there was water on the condenser. They said it came from upstairs and there's nothing much I can do about it. I also asked about the PVC water pipe on the bathroom floor. They said I shorten it slightly if I wish. But it has to end close to the floor trap, otherwise it could lead to inter-level leaks (if waterproofing wasn't done properly). I'll have the PVC pipe painted.That's all now. Painting will commence in a bit. We're busy getting all the lights ready so Alan can arrange for them to be installed before CNY. Source: Ikea, Arc Lighthouse, Chan Huat, Lumiere and Lightings.com.sg. Nothing from Taobao. Our Chinese language skills leaves much to be desired.We've asked to have a chat with the carpenter before CNY. Alan said ok to that.Hi IntheChouse,Took your advice and met up with my electrician as I did not want any misunderstandings to surface when the electrician is fixing the lights for me if I just tell my contractor what I wantedThe man and I bought a roll of thick masking tape (those you can write on) and went through our place to decide what we want while the man wrote on the masking tape and me taking down notes dutifully on my hp in words only i understood The man ended up left a few markings on the newly painted walls Had to ask my contractor to rectify them again So when my electrician came, the briefing was done properly and he recapped everything we said before we parted ways. Must say I am quite impressed when all my requirements were done the next day (which is today!) I think he must have wanted to prevent forgetting all our points (we had 25 points in my notes to tell him, so can you imagine??? ) Forgive my rant above. Just wanted to thank you properly for advising that we go through one round with our electrician. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vicx1234 38 Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Thank you in advance! When will you have your blinds/curtains installed?That's why la. Not sure what happened there with the brackets. Hopefully some friends here who have purchased KDK fans will see this and enlighten us.I was very taken with Lamitak's website, to begin with. LOL. Alan handed us some catalogues of unknown brands, but we did not really fancy any of those laminates. How do I view the big pieces though?We're installing it tomorrow! For the big laminate pieces, you might have to make an appt to go down to their actual showroom (though I didn't) if you want to see the real deal. An easier (though less accurate) way is to just download the pdf file from their online catalogue by clicking on the code you want and then the downward arrow button. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ahhboi 15 Report post Posted January 22, 2014 my curtains are also installed by a malaysian company. their prices are indeed 20% - 30% lower. got the recommendation from several renotalkers.Can share share this curtain company please? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iceage 1 Report post Posted January 22, 2014 Can share share this curtain company please? my curtains are also installed by a malaysian company. their prices are indeed 20% - 30% lower. got the recommendation from several renotalkers.Yes, I am curious too but too late, already paid my curtain deposit but also Malaysian company Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
