Second Home First Reno

[Ahyong81 3]

Lol haha.. this forum got under 21 so must censor

[bykaraanne 30]

Do you guys (in HDBs) feel safe not locking the metal gate? My hubby has suggested that so we only need to buy one digital lock, but I'm a bit worried leh haha!!

[Guest yoonmunkit@yahoo.com]

Yes, that is why I am also wondering why some ppl install digital lock at the door and using key for the gate...

Defeat the purpose of 1.keyless and 2.conveniences...

Even if install digital lock on both gate and door, it is not convenient. So like many other places overseas, usually they have only the main door in apartments and condo. So they are quite used to using digital lock on main door only.

For HDB, when there's a main door and a metal gate..it's really personal preference...

Depends on why u want to have digital lock in the first place. For me, i installed it so that I no need to use key. If i have gate and use key for it, then it defeats the purpose of installing the digi lock on the door. So I decided not to have gate at all.

[Ahyong81 3]

Most people dont lock the maingate nowadays. Where got people go and try to open the gate when its in a closed position

[Ahyong81 3]

Only if you going overseas then u maybe can physically lock the gate. Normal day sure got people at home as in daily will have people at home.

So digital lock on the main door should be good enough.

Edited October 10, 2015 by Ahyong81

[bykaraanne 30]

We were thinking of buying both digital locks for gate and door or not at all. :dontknow:

Cus my hubby works night shifts, I alone at home never lock both like a bit scary at night. But good food for thought, thanks guys.

[Guest yoonmunkit@yahoo.com]

Actually there was a demo in YouTube on how easy it was to just knock off the hinges of HDB metal gates.

The lock can be very strong but the weakness link is the the hinges. The hinges are external and can be accessed from outside.

The only comfort u will have is having a strong lock at the main door. The hinges of main door are inside of the house so not easy to temper with these hinges.

We were thinking of buying both digital locks for gate and door or not at all. :dontknow:

Cus my hubby works night shifts, I alone at home never lock both like a bit scary at night. But good food for thought, thanks guys.

[ZzzMonster 7]

Personally I think it is quite safe for mature estate but of course don't put your guard down. But for new estate like pungol, fernvale, etc where not many people move in yet, it is not safe. My ID told me that the house which her colleague is in charge of renovating got broken into. So metal gate sometime is still necessary. Even if you don't lock , at least it's a deterence.

[ZzzMonster 7]

Do you guys (in HDBs) feel safe not locking the metal gate? My hubby has suggested that so we only need to buy one digital lock, but I'm a bit worried leh haha!!

In my previous home (HDB) in a mature estate, I made sure I lock both metal gate and door.

[bykaraanne 30]

Yeah I think I should just stick to my no digital lock next time upgrade to private then buy. Shall lock with keys for both for now.

[Ahyong81 3]

If people want to break in. 1 or two lock does not matter anymore. Anyway digital lock is just for convenient. Its not 100% foolproof. Even if i only install a digital lock on the main door. I can still lock my gate with a key. I just need to bring out one key instead of two keys. But like i say if everyday you or your loved one are at home after work everyday. It should be fine.

At night if you worried, u can always manually lock the gate.

[ZzzMonster 7]

My reno was completed for about one month already.... Somehow, I kinda feel something is missing. I enjoyed the reno process. In all reno process, there definitely be some hiccups, it is how the hiccups are being resolved that determined the outcome. In the next few post, I will share my experience during the reno, reviews on ID, curtain maker and mover.

I tried to take pics on the completed renovated home with furnishings but because my home is too small, my mobile phone can't capture what I wanted. I will have to use my wide angle lens to do so. I'm currently having a vacation, will do so when I'm back.

[ZzzMonster 7]

Review of ID and sharing of reno experience

I must say that I'm blessed to have the correct ID handle our reno... From the shortlisting process, she is one of the IDs who stood out amongst others. The reason why I chose her is because she can visually show me the end result. Although it's not 100%, it is close to 80-90% similar (just from her sketches, no 3D at that point).

ID is patient person, we change our choice of laminates a few times (of course before carpentry fabrication). We spent quite a lot of time choosing laminates. At the end of each session, wifey and me were shack and drained. I guess ID would be worst, but she still got a lot of energy in her...

During the reno process, there are some things not right. I'm quite good at spoting things that are not right..... ID got these fixed, I guessed some of these are at additional cost to her, but she willingly do that without pushing back. For this I am grateful to her. In my earlier post, I shared that I did a minor reno to my previous house bathroom, the ID I engaged always push back and told me to top up when things need to be remedied. So now u know why I like my ID.... Even after handover, she still respond promptly when I need to fix some things, which is of no fault of hers.

In this reno, I managed everything very closely (closely may not be the right word, but can't think of a better word). I went to the site almost everyday. This is so I know the progress and also most importantly, if there is any problem, I can flag it up to ID immediately. I believe that it is easier to remedy any issue immediately rather than when everything is built up... And my ID is very prompt in replying my whatsapp when I flag up these issues to her. She responds almost immediately or within 2 hrs if she was in a meeting. I think some other IDs, especially those with high ego, may be put off by how I managed the reno process. That's why I find my reno process very pleasant.

I didn't do much wet works, so I won't comment on that. Her carpentry, false ceiling and painting contractors are good. I'll rate them about 8-9/10. The electrician contact she recommended is good as well about9/10, but pricey...

Actually, I recommended my ID to my parents who were also looking for ID to renovate their new place.... I must say that during the reno process, my parents are much more difficult than me. So it prompted me to ask her is my parents her most difficult clients. She told me no, she had clients who made a lot of changes through out the reno. And she understands, because the homeowners have spent so much in a new home, they could have just spend a minimum amount to furnish it and live in it. But if they choose to spend more money to renovate it, they have to like their reno. So she will do her best to fulfill their needs. I must say I'm impressed with her answer.

Edited October 18, 2015 by ZzzMonster

[Ahyong81 3]

My reno was completed for about one month already.... Somehow, I kinda feel something is missing. I enjoyed the reno process. In all reno process, there definitely be some hiccups, it is how the hiccups are being resolved that determined the outcome. In the next few post, I will share my experience during the reno, reviews on ID, curtain maker and mover.

I tried to take pics on the completed renovated home with furnishings but because my home is too small, my mobile phone can't capture what I wanted. I will have to use my wide angle lens to do so. I'm currently having a vacation, will do so when I'm back.

You can use your phone camera to take panorama photo. Samsung and iphone both can. I just realise it one week ago lol. See my recent update, most taken using the panorama mode

[SaltedCaramel 0]

Congratulations ZzzMonster on the completion of your renovation and moving in! Must be busy furnishing your home now?

Yea, I also just realised that can use phone camera to take panorama photo. Sighh... didnt know about it during the renovation so no panorama photos during the renovation.