Bernation

[suikoden 1]

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are waiting for our keys for Punggol Waterway Terraces II. Ours is a 4-room BTO with doors and flooring already included. Crossing our fingers that there are minimal defects as nowadays seen too many complaints of many defects spotted.

Applied BTO in April 2011 and close to 4 years on, still waiting. Looking forward to it, just like all of you were excited with your new home. ^^

Anyway, we are pretty relax despite my kanchiong style. Haven't contacted any contractor or ID yet. Know that there are some pretty good ones that many of you recommend. Would greatly appreciate it if you can give me some advice as to whether contractor or ID better.

Managed to get my husband to agree and we'll be settling for Simple Scandinavian style. Hubby loves minimalist and lots of storage. We quite budget, so don't know if $15k purely on renovation is sufficient based on our requirement for massive carpentry. Excluding electrical appliances and furnitures. What do u think?

Important criteria:

1) Good workmanship

2) Reasonable price (means low budget)

3) Simple Scandinavian style

4) Lots of carpentry (I am a strong believer of built-in cabinets. Durable!): TV console, Bookshelves, WIW, Kitchen cabinets, bedside shelves, display cabinet

5) Walk-in wardrobe so as to free space in the MBR. I want a clutter-free MBR for a restful sleep.

6) Strong wireless internet and access to many TV channels cos I am a intenstive internet user & couch potato. (Would greatly appreciate any advice/tips on this. Thanks in advance!)

7) Display cabinet or shelves (Don't know how costly glass display is. We have A LOT of display items. I collect books and Elmo and other soft toys. Hubby is a huge fan of Man U and vintage decor items.)

8) Modern contemporary kitchen (no matter how much I adore the Scandi kitchen, I doubt can get a cheap yet durable wood countertop for kitchen)

Not having:

1) TV feature wall (save $$ and minimise problems of changing TV or etc)

2) Changing of floor tiles and doors (save $$)

3) Built-in shoe rack (we think ventilation is the key to maintaining our shoes)

4) False ceiling (Not having cove lights cos Hubby thinks will collect dust and insects)

Would greatly appreciate all the tips and advice you give. Arigato!!

Edited February 12, 2015 by suikoden

[suikoden 1]

This is the empty floor plan

Edited February 12, 2015 by suikoden

[suikoden 1]

2D version of the floor plan: what we would like to have.

[chilarvet 7]

2D version of the floor plan: what we would like to have.

Hi Suikoden,

Fellow neighbour Water Terraces II here too.

Looks like quote a lot of capentry for $15k. And that's not inclusive of your electrical works too?

I would suggest going for a contractor as you know what you want and contractors can help you save some money.

Good luck on your reno, and yes.. I'm also waiting for my keys to come in 2nd Quarter of 2015.. Haha

[suikoden 1]

Hi Chilarvet! Which blk is urs? Mine blk C. (:

Oh so do u think our budget is too low for this much of carpentry that we have?

[jez2014 16]

Hi suikoden!

Excited for you and your hubbs! For budget wise, since you have time, I think just go and get as many quotations as possible - and make sure they are itemized. Then you can compare items for each contractor and/or ID.

Make sure the quotations mention the dimensions (feet), so that you can compare the per foot cost (for a more fair comparison). If not, ask them to redo the quotation for you.

Your question number 6, I can answer! Hehe!

For our home, we run a Aztec Homeplug system. Not sure if you have heard of it before. Can buy from Challenger. There are two components to the Homeplug system. I don't know what they are called, but in my own words

1. The big homeplug (main thing, need one of this only) - $79

2. The small homeplugs (can buy as many as you need) - $39

The big homeplug needs to be placed as near your to your wireless router as possible as you will need connect it to your wireless router with a LAN cable. (It will come with the homeplug when you purchase). Your big homeplug must also be inserted into a wall socket. Note that your wireless router will already need one wall socket. So you can use the same socket (with an extension plug) or make sure you get your contractor to build an extra socket side by side.

Here's an image of how the set up looks like (top view). The yellow wire is the LAN cable, and it connects the WHITE big homplug to the black wireless router. The black plug in between is the power supply for the wireless router. (Our wireless router is in a sad corner of the living room floor because we wanted to buy a cabinet to put it in, but haven't gone to buy one yet.) Despite our router being on the floor, our signal is always at a maximum, thanks to the small homeplug! (next paragraph)

The small homeplug is simple. You just plug it into a electrical socket in the room/s that require better Wifi coverage. Here's an image of how the set up looks like (our house runs the Eubiq system - the metallic strip is just a normal electrical plug). This photo is also taken from the top view (and its upside down, sorry!)

The big homeplug will receive signals from your wireless router and transmit these router signal to the small homeplugs VIA THE ELECTRICAL WIRING in the house!

Since it runs via electrical wiring in the house, there are no need for messy wires. I find it hard to describe, so you may want to go to Challenger itself to better understand how it works. Its AWESOME.

We got one big homeplug and one small homeplug for a "package" price of $99. One small homeplug is enough for us, because it can be unplugged and moved around the house.

Edited February 12, 2015 by jez2014

[suikoden 1]

Hi jez2014! Welcome to our blog. {:

U r so helpful!! Thanks for coming here n giving ur tips n support. Haha. Even comes with a useful pic. Thank you!! 😊😊

I have a similar homeplug extender n repeater at my parents' home, not my new house. But sometimes I find the wireless signals dropping, especially at nights.. not so stable, I guess. Not sure if it's because there are too many interference. Or the repeater signal not strong enough.

Oh, I see that u have mentioned u unplug the small homeplug as a portable homeplug. Is there any dropped signal where u use in the MBR? What was ur model or signal range? Hope you can share. Thanks!! (:

Saw your Eubiq! My hubby n I got ours too! Thou a bit ex, we believe it's a well-worth investment haha. Wire-less! I'm a very clumsy or accident prone person.. easily trip n fall so no wires at home.. or at least minimal hanging wires~~

[chilarvet 7]

Hi Suikoden,

I think that 15k is not impossible but really have to ask for a lot of quotations and check on they type of materials they provide that's whithin that quotation. If your not fussy with high end quality stuff like iquartz and you don't mind solid surface, there's some saving there.

With IDs, they sometimes charge you GST and also their "service charge" to manage the project for you. If you don't need someone to manage your project for you and you have time to visit ur new house during reno to supervise the contractors, then you save the money of not engaging a ID. Also IDs will help you come up with a 3D design which they inbuilt into their quotation so if you go with a contractor, they probably give you hand drawn 2D samples on the spot for your visualization. Again that 3D can cost between $300-$1000 that's already in the quotation.

I chose an ID company for a few reasons:

1. That ID company was having a package which included free items like downlights, hood & hob, bathroom accessories, storage heater, and kitchen sink + tap.

2. Their company had one time free offers like $1,000 discount on Aircon + free digital lock + all drawers come with Blum closing + internal color for cabinets when I sign up at their showroom.

Seriously all these if I were to buy outside would amount me to thousands. So if I can save these few thousands why not. The only downside I feel is that you cannot choose the brand of kitchen appliances, bathroom accessories and brand of storage heater. However, since I'm no too concerned about the brands of all these as long as they can serve their purpose, I'm ok.. Haha.

I've also seen the company's work on their facebook and showroom + I've also seen my ID's work on actual renovations he was assigned. So I'm not too worried.

Btw, I'm from blk A. Still got long long way to wait.. Haha.

[suikoden 1]

Hi Chilarvet.

Thanks for your feedback!

Initially was quite keen on contractor cos I know exactly what layout/design I want. So, I don't even need a 3D layout. But it's the coordination that I'm concerned about. I do not know intensive the involvement will be like if I engage a contractor. That's why I'm 50-50 on contractor or ID.

Hmms.. just wondering your quotation includes installing false ceiling right? How about TV feature wall?

I thought will be saving some $ because not doing false ceiling, downlights/cove lights and TV feature wall. I'm also forgoing the brick wall that I adore so much. Cos looks super pretty but very costly. Thinking the long-term if I will regret anot~ Maybe need to cut down on the carpentry as well.

But then again, haven't obtained that many quotations to make comparison. Hmms, we are quite particular about kitchen countertop. Have seen solid top countertop sinking or the laminate warping.. want to avoid this kind of problem in the future.

Actually I do like how your ID packages the Blum soft closing and other freebies. Btw, what roadshow did u go that time? Have to drag my hubby to go n see see liao.

ooh block A. Still up and going hor? I see the progress super slow~ haha.

Edited February 13, 2015 by suikoden

[chilarvet 7]

Hi Chilarvet.

Thanks for your feedback!

Initially was quite keen on contractor cos I know exactly what layout/design I want. So, I don't even need a 3D layout. But it's the coordination that I'm concerned about. I do not know intensive the involvement will be like if I engage a contractor. That's why I'm 50-50 on contractor or ID.

Hmms.. just wondering your quotation includes installing false ceiling right? How about TV feature wall?

I thought will be saving some $ because not doing false ceiling, downlights/cove lights and TV feature wall. I'm also forgoing the brick wall that I adore so much. Cos looks super pretty but very costly. Thinking the long-term if I will regret anot~ Maybe need to cut down on the carpentry as well.

But then again, haven't obtained that many quotations to make comparison. Hmms, we are quite particular about kitchen countertop. Have seen solid top countertop sinking or the laminate warping.. want to avoid this kind of problem in the future.

Actually I do like how your ID packages the Blum soft closing and other freebies. Btw, what roadshow did u go that time? Have to drag my hubby to go n see see liao.

ooh block A. Still up and going hor? I see the progress super slow~ haha.

Hi Suikoden,

Yup, the general package they offer downlights, false ceiling works, TV feature wall,TV console also. I replaced the TV feature wall and TV console to a stucco wall. It's a cheaper version of the brick wall.. Hehe.. I bought my own TV console off Taobao too so that's why no need my ID to build me a TV console.

The roadshow I went to was their open house of one of their completed projects.. They usually get permission from their clients to use their renovated houses as showflat to future customers. You can check out their Facebook page https://www.face-book.com/absolook and check out their next showflat..

[jez2014 16]

Hi suikoden!

If you say the signal mostly drops at night, I can think of two possible reasons? Either - interference from too many devices in the house, or a bandwidth problem - too many people (both in your house and around your area) trying to use your internet service provider.

What internet service provider are you with? I used to be with Starhub (at my parents' place) until last year, and I would experience a drop in bandwidth and latency at night which was VERY noticeable when the hubbs played online games or when I streamed videos.

I made the switch to MyRepublic for my new house, and I've always been at full reception. With the homeplug system there is no dropped signal anywhere in the house. I'm not sure if its:

a. because of the homeplug system

b. because we paid more to get the most expensive router (about $200 more), with the largest signal range. (MyRepublic offers three router choices, we took the mostest maximumest one)

c. because not that many people use MyRepublic

There is only one SMALL issue though, my "main/big" homeplug is in the living room (nearest to house entrance), and my "small" homeplug is in the MBR (furthest from house entrance). There is a slight overlap of signals - and may require manually selecting the correct/closer SSID.

E.g. If I start using WiFi in the living room, and then I walk towards the MBR, at the bedroom 2 (next to MBR), I will need to manually select the "small" homeplug SSID. Otherwise, my iPhone continues to try to connect to the "big" plug, and there is a large signal drop.

I try to illustrate with a simple diagram:

Entrance to House

Living Room (Main homeplug and router are here)

|

Study (Still maximum signal from router, almost no signal from small plug) - need to select SSID of router

|

Bedroom 1 (Almost no signal from router, but maximum signal from small plug) - need to manually select SSID of small plug

|

MBR (Small homeplug is here, no signal from router)

Lastly, you asked about our homeplug right? I threw away the box already, so I can't see the model, but when I went to buy at Challenger, I think there was only brand, with different prices and speeds. I also just took the most expensive one. Internet is my life haha.

The front of the plug says "Aztec brand, Homeplug AV, 500Mbps". Don't know if it will help. Haha.

Ya man! Eubiq is awesome! I would recommend it reaaaallly strongly on my own t-blog, but the problem is the expense, so I rather let people find it and decide on it themselves.

Haha. Ok, I don't want to hijack your t-blog. Happy CNY and good luck with meeting the contractors/IDs! It can be quite tiring towards the end, but every meeting you go for could teach you something - and it might mean thousands of dollars saved!

Edited February 15, 2015 by jez2014

[X6GT 3]

Hi suikoden!

Excited for you and your hubbs! For budget wise, since you have time, I think just go and get as many quotations as possible - and make sure they are itemized. Then you can compare items for each contractor and/or ID.

Make sure the quotations mention the dimensions (feet), so that you can compare the per foot cost (for a more fair comparison). If not, ask them to redo the quotation for you.

Your question number 6, I can answer! Hehe!

For our home, we run a Aztec Homeplug system. Not sure if you have heard of it before. Can buy from Challenger. There are two components to the Homeplug system. I don't know what they are called, but in my own words

1. The big homeplug (main thing, need one of this only) - $79

2. The small homeplugs (can buy as many as you need) - $39

The big homeplug needs to be placed as near your to your wireless router as possible as you will need connect it to your wireless router with a LAN cable. (It will come with the homeplug when you purchase). Your big homeplug must also be inserted into a wall socket. Note that your wireless router will already need one wall socket. So you can use the same socket (with an extension plug) or make sure you get your contractor to build an extra socket side by side.

Here's an image of how the set up looks like (top view). The yellow wire is the LAN cable, and it connects the WHITE big homplug to the black wireless router. The black plug in between is the power supply for the wireless router. (Our wireless router is in a sad corner of the living room floor because we wanted to buy a cabinet to put it in, but haven't gone to buy one yet.) Despite our router being on the floor, our signal is always at a maximum, thanks to the small homeplug! (next paragraph)

The small homeplug is simple. You just plug it into a electrical socket in the room/s that require better Wifi coverage. Here's an image of how the set up looks like (our house runs the Eubiq system - the metallic strip is just a normal electrical plug). This photo is also taken from the top view (and its upside down, sorry!)

The big homeplug will receive signals from your wireless router and transmit these router signal to the small homeplugs VIA THE ELECTRICAL WIRING in the house!

Since it runs via electrical wiring in the house, there are no need for messy wires. I find it hard to describe, so you may want to go to Challenger itself to better understand how it works. Its AWESOME.

We got one big homeplug and one small homeplug for a "package" price of $99. One small homeplug is enough for us, because it can be unplugged and moved around the house.

Really useful information you've shared... thanks!

[X6GT 3]

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are waiting for our keys for Punggol Waterway Terraces II. Ours is a 4-room BTO with doors and flooring already included. Crossing our fingers that there are minimal defects as nowadays seen too many complaints of many defects spotted.

Applied BTO in April 2011 and close to 4 years on, still waiting. Looking forward to it, just like all of you were excited with your new home. ^^

Anyway, we are pretty relax despite my kanchiong style. Haven't contacted any contractor or ID yet. Know that there are some pretty good ones that many of you recommend. Would greatly appreciate it if you can give me some advice as to whether contractor or ID better.

Managed to get my husband to agree and we'll be settling for Simple Scandinavian style. Hubby loves minimalist and lots of storage. We quite budget, so don't know if $15k purely on renovation is sufficient based on our requirement for massive carpentry. Excluding electrical appliances and furnitures. What do u think?

Important criteria:

1) Good workmanship

2) Reasonable price (means low budget)

3) Simple Scandinavian style

4) Lots of carpentry (I am a strong believer of built-in cabinets. Durable!): TV console, Bookshelves, WIW, Kitchen cabinets, bedside shelves, display cabinet

5) Walk-in wardrobe so as to free space in the MBR. I want a clutter-free MBR for a restful sleep.

6) Strong wireless internet and access to many TV channels cos I am a intenstive internet user & couch potato. (Would greatly appreciate any advice/tips on this. Thanks in advance!)

7) Display cabinet or shelves (Don't know how costly glass display is. We have A LOT of display items. I collect books and Elmo and other soft toys. Hubby is a huge fan of Man U and vintage decor items.)

8) Modern contemporary kitchen (no matter how much I adore the Scandi kitchen, I doubt can get a cheap yet durable wood countertop for kitchen)

Not having:

1) TV feature wall (save $$ and minimise problems of changing TV or etc)

2) Changing of floor tiles and doors (save $$)

3) Built-in shoe rack (we think ventilation is the key to maintaining our shoes)

4) False ceiling (Not having cove lights cos Hubby thinks will collect dust and insects)

Would greatly appreciate all the tips and advice you give. Arigato!!

[X6GT 3]

Hehe.. ok, do you mean

a) $15k for all other things EXCEPT carpentry; or

b) $15k for ALL things including carpentry?

Huge difference wor...

As you may already know, carpentry alone makes up a huge chunk of any renovation budget. A full everything is going to cost you over $10k liao. Assuming you need 5 main wardrobes/cabinets/console, that's already $7k. Then the small things like side cabinets la, shoe cabinet la, bathroom cabinet la, shelves etc maybe another $2k. And the killer item, i.e. kitchen cabinets from my surveys would cost $3-6k (indeed the standard deviation amongst companies is high! if you are lucky you can find the lower end...but if not, you may just end up with the median).

So that leaves very little from your $15k budget to get furniture... Unless you don't mind buying those really entry-level stuff like from 42 or non-branded places. They are ok for a couple of years, but not for like 10yrs la.

Anyway. Just a little tip on kitchen cabinet... I found that IKEA actually has very extremely affordable options if you're looking for just simple stuff. I'm not even talking about their customised cabinets and tabletops (never tried), but just those normal off the rack kind. I saw some serious quality wooden countertop tables for like $200+! And I know it's good quality because I have this silly habit of banging on the IKEA things when I'm looking at them. Like, banging hard with my fists. If it sounds hollow and feels flimsy, I move on until I find a solid one.. So there are some that really pass the banging test.

Having said that, who am I to advise you on budget...! When I've just spent over $8k on one stupid toilet...

Happy renovating!

[BunBun 5]

Bro, which wooden countertop are you referring to?

Hehe.. ok, do you mean

a) $15k for all other things EXCEPT carpentry; or

b) $15k for ALL things including carpentry?

Huge difference wor...

As you may already know, carpentry alone makes up a huge chunk of any renovation budget. A full everything is going to cost you over $10k liao. Assuming you need 5 main wardrobes/cabinets/console, that's already $7k. Then the small things like side cabinets la, shoe cabinet la, bathroom cabinet la, shelves etc maybe another $2k. And the killer item, i.e. kitchen cabinets from my surveys would cost $3-6k (indeed the standard deviation amongst companies is high! if you are lucky you can find the lower end...but if not, you may just end up with the median).

So that leaves very little from your $15k budget to get furniture... Unless you don't mind buying those really entry-level stuff like from 42 or non-branded places. They are ok for a couple of years, but not for like 10yrs la.

Anyway. Just a little tip on kitchen cabinet... I found that IKEA actually has very extremely affordable options if you're looking for just simple stuff. I'm not even talking about their customised cabinets and tabletops (never tried), but just those normal off the rack kind. I saw some serious quality wooden countertop tables for like $200+! And I know it's good quality because I have this silly habit of banging on the IKEA things when I'm looking at them. Like, banging hard with my fists. If it sounds hollow and feels flimsy, I move on until I find a solid one.. So there are some that really pass the banging test.

Having said that, who am I to advise you on budget...! When I've just spent over $8k on one stupid toilet...

Happy renovating!