30+ year EM Reno

[shiain 2]

It took another 2 weeks post moving back that our kitchen cabinets were delivered onsite. These were made by my main con's carpenter, who did not have an easy job measuring our kitchen with the slanted ceiling and walls! Plywood is 'chemical board' as my main con calls it, manufactured in Singapore, and the laminate is Greige Glaze from Arova. Soft closing hinges are from Blum for cabinets and Excel for drawers. 

The boxed up pipes.. the first time i opened that top cabinet I was shocked LOL. Truly boxed up... 

From here, it's another week for the countertop to be measured and cut, then installed... 

Edited August 5, 2021 by shiain

[shiain 2]

Countertop installed, and kitchen electrical work finished up!

It dosen't take very sharp eyes to see that the shade of the quartz countertop is duller vs. the stark white subway tiles... it bothered me a little initially but I've grown used to it. Also, it's not noticeable in the night version of the kitchen lighting 😂 

This quartz top is from Melmer Stoneworks (affiliated to Hafary, recommended by main con). I did check out Caesarstone which is super trendy right now, and definitely they have more beautiful and brighter marble style tops, but the price is eye-watering. It depends what you're willing to spend on!

Special call out to the sink because it was a nightmare - apparently the quartz hole was cut slightly too big for the sink (!!) And the plumber comes (to find this out) after the quartz top has already been sealed onto the cabinets.. so nothing we can rectify now. Our sink is quite standard in size though (760mm / 30") so if it does fall through -.- it probably wouldn't be too difficult to find a replacement, I hope. I mean, I don't think it will actually fall through, the hole is still smaller than the sink itself but it's just not as snug as it can be. Also, something about the sink being too thin - my main con did not recommend under mount. It's sturdier with top mount but just got to be diligent about cleaning the edges of the sink regularly. 

Our kitchen is considered bigger than average, but still grappling with space.. we could have used more space on the left of the sink for detergents etc. but didn't want to sacrifice the prep area.. 

This little bar dining area which we've kept from our previous layout. 

 

With the kitchen all done, we can finally heave a sigh of relief than the reno is complete. Now just to stay in the house on a daily basis and check that everything holds up! So far, so good!

[Missy75 0]

Hi Shiain, can you share the contractors contact details? What is the est. cost for the whole reno and how long does it take to complete the major works? Worried if it takes longer than expected during these period.