StevenNg 6 Report post Posted July 14, 2014 look forward to yr nice house .. do post pics thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaykay 36 Report post Posted August 11, 2014 Hi guys,Most of the works have been done. I am only left with carpentry. And the mosaic project.In fact I have already moved in for a couple of weeks. Yes, without carpentry.I am simply put off by the high cost quoted by all contractors and carpenters, that I think to myself that there has to be a cheap yet good (yes, it's a paradox) carpentry system I can source.Cal me a cheapo if you must, but for my tight pockets it sure provides me some relief.Various visits to Ikea is convincing me that their kitchen solutions can work.So I am jumping in.DIY.Include the countertop too.I will be using phenolic board for the countertop. It is infact the same material as a well known brand we currently see around.I am very fortunate to have a friend in that same industry, and am able to get it cheap.Here's a peek of the sample:So far I have put up 2 base cabinets.It was real fun, and rewarding.My contractor left me the plumbing lead like this:I just have to irrigate my way out. And the result, after hunting down the parts, and speaking with the shop owners at Kelantan Lane:It was indeed a lot of elbow grease, throw in some blisters and an aching back. Haha.Mounting of the kitchen sink I bought via Taobao gave me nights of planning, and lots of youtube research. I love YouTube!!As it is an undermount sink, the precision involved was rather high.This is what I decide on.I tried putting my weight on it. Thank God it was steady.I pray it remains steady after 5 years.The mosaics will go up after the full installation of the cabinets.Next up will be the installation of the built in oven, and even the chinmey hood.I have been reading the installation guides, and it seems not too intimidating.My electrician have also left me connecting parts for easy elect connections.I do hope to be able to provide pics along the way.This is now my full time weekend project.I think I will take the next 3 weekends to complete everything.Oh ya, for those of you wondering about the cost:The cheapest kitchen carpentry quote I received was $4,400+. Total of 23 foot run. (Solid surface top, 3 drawers)I am doing it up for less than $2,500, more if I decide on more drawers later. Current plan is with 7 drawers.More pics over the next weekend.Wish me luck. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnB 15 Report post Posted August 11, 2014 Wish me luck.Good luck, KayKay! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songz 132 Report post Posted August 12, 2014 Thats a lot a of DIY.You will get a great sense of satisfaction after the work is done However pls be sure and double check when you fix some of the stuff which cannot be reversible. Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mummychua 4 Report post Posted August 12, 2014 amazing amount of diy u got. looking forward to see the end result. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaykay 36 Report post Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) Good luck, KayKay!Thats a lot a of DIY.You will get a great sense of satisfaction after the work is done However pls be sure and double check when you fix some of the stuff which cannot be reversible. Good luck amazing amount of diy u got. looking forward to see the end result. Good luck!Thanks guys.Yes indeed it is a lot of DIY. Somehow I enjoy it tremendously, and the satisfaction I get is overwhelming.The cost savings was most enjoyable too.This is my 6 yr old son helping me out during the painting. However, I must say that I could have completed the painting much faster if I have done it all by myself. Haha..My cheapo Ikea cabinet used as my floating TV console.I had to modify the cabinet to accommodate the wire trunking and the wall sockets within. Edited August 12, 2014 by kaykay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaykay 36 Report post Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) My laminates for the bedrooms.I chose Bilrich for the flooring. Their signature range of laminate floor has natural wood grains embedded consistent with the printed designs. It almost feels like natural wood. I love this colour too.And it's made in France!! No kidding you.. Edited August 12, 2014 by kaykay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaykay 36 Report post Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) I am now left with a lot of LeGrand face plates for 1-gang and 2-gang switches.Anybody interested to take them?$1 per piece, or take all (20 x 1-gang)+(10 x 2-gang) at $25.These items are retailing at $1.50 to $2 per piece.If you are using dark grey pole switches, the silver plates will look like the one on the LEFT. Edited August 12, 2014 by kaykay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sherting 5 Report post Posted August 13, 2014 Wow looking great! Seems that you are the handyman which has talents in DIY home projects, you actually need not engage contractor at all to save cost! Looking forward to your house transformation! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimsim 8 Report post Posted August 15, 2014 (edited) No more continue to updated.. Edited August 16, 2014 by kimsim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KimNaNa 6 Report post Posted August 19, 2014 Hi KayKay.. let me buy the LeGrand switches from you since I need them anyway..u are so so talented i must say! All the best for your DIY projects!PM me so i can pay you accordingly :-)Cheers! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaykay 36 Report post Posted August 21, 2014 THE DREADED BEAM.I am building an open concept kitchen, which contains no top-hung cabinets.I bought a chimney hood, and now I am having extreme headache on how to mount this chimney hood on this even wall with a horizontal beam running across.I saw this, and am wondering if anyone knows where I can get the stainless steel sheet to be cut to the dimensions I want so it can fit the beam perfectly?If anyone knows such a shop or service, please let me know.(Please note that this is not my photo. And I seriously cannot remember where I copied this photo from.If you happen to be the owner of this photo, please accept both my thanks and apologies sincerely.)Thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rockycoco 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2014 Hi KayKay,I'm quit new in this RenoTalk, me share the same thing. I sold my 5 room at this Mounthbatten and bought a 3 room at Marine Parade. Whole unit is renovated but some how my wife like to have the kitchen redo and also build up a wall because ex owner hack one of the room wall and make it a big living room. Was thinking able to share which ID you engage? Please PM me. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaykay 36 Report post Posted August 28, 2014 (edited) I am now halfway through my kitchen cabinet building.The basic structure has been up. And I am mighty satisfied with how it turns up.I changed the colour of the counter top to a darker colour to match my maple dining table.Installed the faucet, stove, and oven on the same day.Of course, to save $$, I even transported the counter top back home in my trusty Nissan.For the backsplash, I will be installing the mosaic this weekend.A sneek preview.The sense of achievement is truly immense. Almost orgasmic.. Lol.. Edited August 28, 2014 by kaykay 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blackie 4 Report post Posted August 30, 2014 For the tiles mortar (cement paste) the correct method is to half fill of water or less ( yes or less) for a small pail ( those grey color tupe). Then scoop the cement powder bit by bit fill into the pail till u can see is like paste form. After which dont have to stir thoughly. Any tiling the wall portion got to be screed with cement paste and left it dry for bonding purpose. Hope u have done enough research before starting else tiles will pop out later on if the bonding process is not done properly!! My 2 cents Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
