Hood from lion city (Rinnai RH390)
$276
13 amp ceramic hob
$360
Monday 16 June 2014
Friday 13 June 2014
About Haulage and Debris removal
from some other blog
Only some town councils provide such service. AHPETC does not provide the service. Instead, AHPETC has a private contractor, Mr Soh who handles this. HOWEVER, when I called him he told me he does not cover BTOs, told me to ask my own contractor to do it and hung up; I guess he isn’t interested and probably only helps out for resale flats? In cases like mine, the building company i.e. Chip Eng Seng usually would employ a private contractor (Jack/Eto) to take up this service. The contact will be pasted on your lift door.
You can get the service from other contractors other than the one pasted on your lift door. According to Ms Chew, HDB does not appoint or fix any contractors for this service. So you and your contractor or ID are free to look for your own. HOWEVER, chances are your ID or contractor will just get that private contractor (Jack/Eto) to do it. Unless they have their own contacts; convenience is the key here.
You have to pay for this service. It should either be reflected in your renovation quote or if it is not, your contractor or ID will get you to pay the private contractor (Jack/Eto) directly, either way you should pay for the service ONCE. I suspect (just an inkling) that more owners are beginning to question the cost of the service and implying that their contractor or ID is trying to over charge. So some contractors and IDs have decided to leave the cost out and ask owners to check it out themselves to avoid this situation.
The cost depends on your renovation works. Once again, I do not know the charges and what is included if your town council does provide the service. The haulage and debris removal service fee provided by the private contractor (Jack/Eto) is inclusive of:
- labour to carry tiles, cement and sand to your flat
- labour to clear debris accumulated during the renovation process
- cost of sand
- transport cost for getting sand to flat*
- transport cost for getting debris to dump site*
*according to Ms Chew, HDB does not provide the lorry to transport the sand and debris.
For Hougang Parkview, the private contractor (Jack/Eto) charges:
$250 if there are no tiling or hacking works. The cost covers the the labour and material to build mortar bases for your kitchen and washing machine and kerb.
$900 if there is tiling of all bedrooms and living room. The extra cost covers more sand and additional labour to carry your tiles and cement.
$60 additional per feet of hacked wall if there is hacking. This cost will cover the labour for hacking plus the clearing of debris from hacking.
If I am not wrong, if you are getting HDB to do cement screeding for you, all materials and services required for them to complete the cement screed will be covered by them. I shall confirm this with HDB a little later.
Only some town councils provide such service. AHPETC does not provide the service. Instead, AHPETC has a private contractor, Mr Soh who handles this. HOWEVER, when I called him he told me he does not cover BTOs, told me to ask my own contractor to do it and hung up; I guess he isn’t interested and probably only helps out for resale flats? In cases like mine, the building company i.e. Chip Eng Seng usually would employ a private contractor (Jack/Eto) to take up this service. The contact will be pasted on your lift door.
You can get the service from other contractors other than the one pasted on your lift door. According to Ms Chew, HDB does not appoint or fix any contractors for this service. So you and your contractor or ID are free to look for your own. HOWEVER, chances are your ID or contractor will just get that private contractor (Jack/Eto) to do it. Unless they have their own contacts; convenience is the key here.
You have to pay for this service. It should either be reflected in your renovation quote or if it is not, your contractor or ID will get you to pay the private contractor (Jack/Eto) directly, either way you should pay for the service ONCE. I suspect (just an inkling) that more owners are beginning to question the cost of the service and implying that their contractor or ID is trying to over charge. So some contractors and IDs have decided to leave the cost out and ask owners to check it out themselves to avoid this situation.
The cost depends on your renovation works. Once again, I do not know the charges and what is included if your town council does provide the service. The haulage and debris removal service fee provided by the private contractor (Jack/Eto) is inclusive of:
- labour to carry tiles, cement and sand to your flat
- labour to clear debris accumulated during the renovation process
- cost of sand
- transport cost for getting sand to flat*
- transport cost for getting debris to dump site*
*according to Ms Chew, HDB does not provide the lorry to transport the sand and debris.
For Hougang Parkview, the private contractor (Jack/Eto) charges:
$250 if there are no tiling or hacking works. The cost covers the the labour and material to build mortar bases for your kitchen and washing machine and kerb.
$900 if there is tiling of all bedrooms and living room. The extra cost covers more sand and additional labour to carry your tiles and cement.
$60 additional per feet of hacked wall if there is hacking. This cost will cover the labour for hacking plus the clearing of debris from hacking.
If I am not wrong, if you are getting HDB to do cement screeding for you, all materials and services required for them to complete the cement screed will be covered by them. I shall confirm this with HDB a little later.
Wednesday 4 June 2014
Air Con Surveying
1 x SCM60ZG Condensing unit
3 x SKM25ZG Indoor Unit's
Twin City Pricing:
$2670
providing:
G23 copper piping
Class 0 0.375 Insultation
16 mm PVC
maximum 2 trips installations
Warranty
Workmanship x 1 year
Mitsubishi Spare Part x 1 year
Motor x 5 year
If need to have Class 0 0.5 insulation, need to pay $80x 3 more, but twin city commented that it is not nesscary for BTO.
-----
Dr Cool Pricing:
$2800
providing
G23 copper piping
class 0 0.375 Insulation
13 mm PVC
Warranty:
Workmanship x 1 year
Motor 5 year
If need 16 mm PVC and Class 0 0.5 Insultation, need to pay $50 x 3.
-----
Kaisoon Group Pricing: (review not so good...)
$2580
providing
G22/23 copper piping
Class 1 0.5 insultation
16 mm PVC
Warranty:
Workmanship x 1 year
Motor 5 year
If need additional one more trip need top up $150
-----
Harvest Air Pricing:
$2699
providing
G23 copper piping
Class 0 0.5 insultation
16 mm PVC
2 trips
Warranty:
workmanship and parts x 1 year
Motor 5 years
-----
Supereme Air Conditioner pricing:
$2880
providing
G23 copper piping
Class 0 0.375 insultation
16 mm PVC
1 trip
Warranty:
workmanship x 2 years
parts x 1 year
motor 5 years
Claimed that some parts of insulation will be 0.5 and the rest will be 0.375. Additional trip another $100
3 x SKM25ZG Indoor Unit's
Twin City Pricing:
$2670
providing:
G23 copper piping
Class 0 0.375 Insultation
16 mm PVC
maximum 2 trips installations
Warranty
Workmanship x 1 year
Mitsubishi Spare Part x 1 year
Motor x 5 year
If need to have Class 0 0.5 insulation, need to pay $80x 3 more, but twin city commented that it is not nesscary for BTO.
-----
Dr Cool Pricing:
$2800
providing
G23 copper piping
class 0 0.375 Insulation
13 mm PVC
Warranty:
Workmanship x 1 year
Motor 5 year
If need 16 mm PVC and Class 0 0.5 Insultation, need to pay $50 x 3.
-----
Kaisoon Group Pricing: (review not so good...)
$2580
providing
G22/23 copper piping
Class 1 0.5 insultation
16 mm PVC
Warranty:
Workmanship x 1 year
Motor 5 year
If need additional one more trip need top up $150
-----
Harvest Air Pricing:
$2699
providing
G23 copper piping
Class 0 0.5 insultation
16 mm PVC
2 trips
Warranty:
workmanship and parts x 1 year
Motor 5 years
-----
Supereme Air Conditioner pricing:
$2880
providing
G23 copper piping
Class 0 0.375 insultation
16 mm PVC
1 trip
Warranty:
workmanship x 2 years
parts x 1 year
motor 5 years
Claimed that some parts of insulation will be 0.5 and the rest will be 0.375. Additional trip another $100
Tuesday 3 June 2014
Purpose of divider
For the partition to achieve its effectiveness, I was told that
1) it should be not allow wind (chi) to pass through (i.e. use of curtains as partitions or partition with patterned holes or gaps is not ideal)
2) it should be opaque and not allow light to pass through
3) it should be solid and not hollow
---
The divider is known as 萧墙, its original purpose was to stop the entry of evil spirit into the household. Recall that at the time when it was first mentioned by 孔子, people were
practising shaman.
Later, its purpose was explained as to provide privacy to the household and to prevent the outflow of wealth.
---
posted from Bloggeroid
1) it should be not allow wind (chi) to pass through (i.e. use of curtains as partitions or partition with patterned holes or gaps is not ideal)
2) it should be opaque and not allow light to pass through
3) it should be solid and not hollow
---
The divider is known as 萧墙, its original purpose was to stop the entry of evil spirit into the household. Recall that at the time when it was first mentioned by 孔子, people were
practising shaman.
Later, its purpose was explained as to provide privacy to the household and to prevent the outflow of wealth.
---
posted from Bloggeroid
Icon interior design part 3
http://www.hdb.gov.sg/bn25/isos118p.nsf/0/FF89BC0A629D9E1148257C370034FB32?OpenDocument&ReDirectFLag=1
posted from Bloggeroid
Living arts part 2
http://www.hdb.gov.sg/bn25/isos118p.nsf/0/3F5054C68828ADBE4825747C000C4C64?OpenDocument&ReDirectFLag=1
posted from Bloggeroid
Living arts review
http://www.renotalk.com/forum/blog/1388/entry-7853-my-renowith-living-art-design-gallery/
http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/37052-anyone-engage-living-art-design-gallery/#entry857408
Generally thomas got good reviews
http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/37052-anyone-engage-living-art-design-gallery/#entry857408
Generally thomas got good reviews
posted from Bloggeroid
Icon inferior review 1
I hope your reno went fine.
I had a horrendous experience with Icon Interior Design.
They said it will take 6-8 WEEKS to renovate my HDB flat, but instead, they took 6-8 MONTHS and the renovation is YET to be completed!!!
Have you heard of any ID FIRM (take note, not contractor some more, but ID FIRM) which takes 8 MONTHS to renovate a HDB flat??? It's a JOKE in the industry!! I have spoken to other players in the industry, and you can BUILD A NEW HOUSE in 8 MONTHS! I can renovate my flat 4 TIMES in 8 MONTHS!! Now I finally understand why the blogger Xiaxue's home (Icon was the ID) took 2 years to renovate!
Project management skills is NON-EXISTENT. I had to manage the timeline and remind them of every milestone.
And they will delay wherever they can - only when you chase, then they will come out with loads of excuses saying why it cannot be done, or that it is not agreed before!!?? Even coming up with a quotation takes chasing and chasing to happen. Everyone has been fed up with them - my bankers, their contractors. Every time you ask them for ANYTHING, it's always "later today", but the "today" may take weeks or months to happen.
I am losing rental for the 6 MONTHS delay, and I have to pay Interest to the banks on both flats, but they are refusing to compensate me even rental loss for the delay.
The original project manager was called Glenn Ng (the so-called Chief Designer). The boss Wayne Chan finally took over, but all he was concerned about is to take more money from you, claiming that this and thathas not been agreed upon; even things that he just agreedpersonally, he will go back on his word without batting an eyelid.
It's a horrendous experience having Icon Interior Design as my ID, and I would not have wished it upon any home owner out there.
I had a horrendous experience with Icon Interior Design.
They said it will take 6-8 WEEKS to renovate my HDB flat, but instead, they took 6-8 MONTHS and the renovation is YET to be completed!!!
Have you heard of any ID FIRM (take note, not contractor some more, but ID FIRM) which takes 8 MONTHS to renovate a HDB flat??? It's a JOKE in the industry!! I have spoken to other players in the industry, and you can BUILD A NEW HOUSE in 8 MONTHS! I can renovate my flat 4 TIMES in 8 MONTHS!! Now I finally understand why the blogger Xiaxue's home (Icon was the ID) took 2 years to renovate!
Project management skills is NON-EXISTENT. I had to manage the timeline and remind them of every milestone.
And they will delay wherever they can - only when you chase, then they will come out with loads of excuses saying why it cannot be done, or that it is not agreed before!!?? Even coming up with a quotation takes chasing and chasing to happen. Everyone has been fed up with them - my bankers, their contractors. Every time you ask them for ANYTHING, it's always "later today", but the "today" may take weeks or months to happen.
I am losing rental for the 6 MONTHS delay, and I have to pay Interest to the banks on both flats, but they are refusing to compensate me even rental loss for the delay.
The original project manager was called Glenn Ng (the so-called Chief Designer). The boss Wayne Chan finally took over, but all he was concerned about is to take more money from you, claiming that this and thathas not been agreed upon; even things that he just agreedpersonally, he will go back on his word without batting an eyelid.
It's a horrendous experience having Icon Interior Design as my ID, and I would not have wished it upon any home owner out there.
posted from Bloggeroid
Monday 2 June 2014
About renovation part 2
Plumbing
Stainless steel is harder to bend than copper, therefore, there will be more corner joints. Stainless steel does not rust easily but copper can rust and may get corroded faster. Copper can be painted over to blend in with house and also is more costly compared to stainless steel.
Instant Heater
Convenient - can access to hot water almost immediately. Can set water temperature easily. Easy to install and less pipings required.
Water pressure is lower, may not be suitable for rain shower systems. Consume electricity and not able to share with other toilets.
Storage Heater
Higher water pressure, just need 1 storage water to supply hot water for entire house. Recommended for new HDB flats as water
pipings already laid out and just need Installation will do.
Consume electricity, will need to wait for 10-15 minutes before water is heated up. Got to manually turn shower mixer to control
temperature. Unsightly pipings as there will be separate pipings for hot and cold water.
City Gas Heater
Good water pressure. No electricity consumption. Battery-operated. 1 heater to supply hot water for entire house.
Cannot be installed in toilets, need good ventilation areas. Wind may blow off the fire and you will need to ignite the fire again. Got
to manually turn shower mixer to control temperature. Unsightly pipings as there will be separate pipings for hot and cold water.
Painting/Plastering
Matte finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light.
Colors are often referred to as "warm" and "cool". Orange, red, and pink are considered "warm" colors, while blues, greens, and violet are thought to be "cool". Knowing the theory behind color can help you select the right tone for the feel you're trying to achieve.
Light colors are usually most pleasing for a ceiling, because ceilings are seen in shadow. If you'd like the ceiling to match the wall color, choose ceiling paint one or two shades lighter than the wall color.
Getting used to a new room color might take a few days. A new bold color may seem overwhelming at first. Put some furnitures, flooring, and decorations in the room. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised to see that your new color harmonizes with other room elements.
Carpentry
High Pressure Laminate (HPL) are commonly used in today's lamination. HPL are made from specially selected kraft and printed papers impregnated with thermosetting synthetic resins and fused together under heat and high-pressure in a controlled environment to form single high-density sheets of laminates.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - is just a plastic material used for edging on doors, table top and any edge finishes.
However, it is restricted to 40mm thickness as the ABS rolls come in 22mm and 42mm sizes. The most important mechanical properties of ABS are impact resistance and toughness.
Glass/Mirror
Toughened or tempered glass is glass that has been processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Tempered glass is made by processes which create balanced internal stresses which give the glass strength.
Often called safety glass, tempered glass does not shatter as easy as non-tempered glass. When it does break, it crumbles into very small pieces to reduce the threat of injury. You will need to request for tempered glass for your renovation works.
Door/Window
Door openings into passageways (such as staircases, lift lobbies) that serve as a mean of escape in case of fire. The new door/ frame must be half hour fire rated solid door/frame with door closer (fire door/frame must have PSB label on the door/frame).
You will need to check with your contractor to confirm if there is a need to change to a fire rated solid door/frame. Do note that the cost of fire-rated door does not come cheap.
For fire-rated door, there should be a label that sticks on the door.
This is a PSB label to prove that the door has been tested to withstand a certain hours of fire rating.
Stainless steel is harder to bend than copper, therefore, there will be more corner joints. Stainless steel does not rust easily but copper can rust and may get corroded faster. Copper can be painted over to blend in with house and also is more costly compared to stainless steel.
Instant Heater
Convenient - can access to hot water almost immediately. Can set water temperature easily. Easy to install and less pipings required.
Water pressure is lower, may not be suitable for rain shower systems. Consume electricity and not able to share with other toilets.
Storage Heater
Higher water pressure, just need 1 storage water to supply hot water for entire house. Recommended for new HDB flats as water
pipings already laid out and just need Installation will do.
Consume electricity, will need to wait for 10-15 minutes before water is heated up. Got to manually turn shower mixer to control
temperature. Unsightly pipings as there will be separate pipings for hot and cold water.
City Gas Heater
Good water pressure. No electricity consumption. Battery-operated. 1 heater to supply hot water for entire house.
Cannot be installed in toilets, need good ventilation areas. Wind may blow off the fire and you will need to ignite the fire again. Got
to manually turn shower mixer to control temperature. Unsightly pipings as there will be separate pipings for hot and cold water.
Painting/Plastering
Matte finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light.
Colors are often referred to as "warm" and "cool". Orange, red, and pink are considered "warm" colors, while blues, greens, and violet are thought to be "cool". Knowing the theory behind color can help you select the right tone for the feel you're trying to achieve.
Light colors are usually most pleasing for a ceiling, because ceilings are seen in shadow. If you'd like the ceiling to match the wall color, choose ceiling paint one or two shades lighter than the wall color.
Getting used to a new room color might take a few days. A new bold color may seem overwhelming at first. Put some furnitures, flooring, and decorations in the room. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised to see that your new color harmonizes with other room elements.
Carpentry
High Pressure Laminate (HPL) are commonly used in today's lamination. HPL are made from specially selected kraft and printed papers impregnated with thermosetting synthetic resins and fused together under heat and high-pressure in a controlled environment to form single high-density sheets of laminates.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - is just a plastic material used for edging on doors, table top and any edge finishes.
However, it is restricted to 40mm thickness as the ABS rolls come in 22mm and 42mm sizes. The most important mechanical properties of ABS are impact resistance and toughness.
Glass/Mirror
Toughened or tempered glass is glass that has been processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Tempered glass is made by processes which create balanced internal stresses which give the glass strength.
Often called safety glass, tempered glass does not shatter as easy as non-tempered glass. When it does break, it crumbles into very small pieces to reduce the threat of injury. You will need to request for tempered glass for your renovation works.
Door/Window
Door openings into passageways (such as staircases, lift lobbies) that serve as a mean of escape in case of fire. The new door/ frame must be half hour fire rated solid door/frame with door closer (fire door/frame must have PSB label on the door/frame).
You will need to check with your contractor to confirm if there is a need to change to a fire rated solid door/frame. Do note that the cost of fire-rated door does not come cheap.
For fire-rated door, there should be a label that sticks on the door.
This is a PSB label to prove that the door has been tested to withstand a certain hours of fire rating.
posted from Bloggeroid
Doing renovation part 1
Planning
Renovation planning is the most important process for your renovation. It not only marks the beginning of the project, it also determines the success or failure. This process requires joint effort from both owners and interior designers/contractors.
Themes and requirements
Owners should decide on a general themes (e.g. modern contemporary, retro etc) as a start. List down your requirements, identify the main purposes of each bedroom (study, guestroom,
master bedroom, entertainment etc). Do some researches on existing projects on web / magazines for references, will be good if you can show your interior designer as a rough guide on how your unit will look like.
If you are going to engage a fengshui master to determine your house layout and design, start early. Let him/her starts the ball rolling by advising you on all the necessary items. You will need to convey the advices to your designer/contractor to build a common understanding right from the start.
When meeting up with the designers/contractors, let them suggest to you on their designs, gather their feedbacks on your requirements and the feasibilities of your design ideas.
Consolidate their ideas and advices and finalize your designs.
Budget
Be realistic & practical. Work within your budget. Find alternatives for certain renovation works (e.g. get off-the-shelf bedframe instead of customed-make ones) to control your budget. If possible, DIY (do it yourself) some work.
Quotation
Research on shortlisted companies, view their websites or visit forums for customers' feedbacks and reviews. Make sure they are
licensed contractors. Shortlist 3-5 potential contractors for comparisons.
You must compare apple to apple, provide consistent requirements to all of your shortlisted contractors/ID firms. Compare item by item, measurement by measurement, quotations must indicate clearly the dimensions and prices.
Choosing Contractor
There are a few factors to consider when choosing your ideal contractor. Price, Workmanship and Reliability. Do not be tempted by low prices, there might be hidden costs. Go through the quotation carefully and compare apple by apple. Get the contractors to show you their existing ongoing projects, observe their workmanships. Research on the contractors reputations and reviews. Make sure you are comfortable with the contractor as you will need to work closely with him/her throughout the renovation.
Confirm contractor
Make sure your confirmed contractor work out a schedule and update you with the time frame for your renovation. Set a start date, a plan of actions to be taken, project schedules and a target completion date.
When signing the contract, check for details, hidden costs, liabilities and set a reasonable time frame to achieve completion.
NEVER pay full upfront. Check with your contractor whether to pay in stages for each completed phase. Check and request for a
warranty period and pay full upon satisfactory completion of the renovation.
Design
Other than comparing prices from contractors, you can also consider whether contractors can offer free consultation with space layouts, free perspective drawings and 3D drawings for your house upon signing up.
It will be a plus point if contractors themselves can also draw 3D drawings and perspective drawings. Usually, most ID firms have in-house 3D designers, however, they are not the ones to liaise with you and may not be able to design what you really want. You should also request your contractor to show you the internal structures for your carpentry works to avoid any discrepancies.
Also some contractors/IDs will promise you that they will provide FREE 3D drawings, you need to confirm with them whether are they providing changable drawings or simply some drawings whereby customers are not able to make ammendments from the designs. They should be providing drawings which reflects at least the designs and laminates selections which you are going to have physically for your home.
Project Management
If you are going to renovate a HDB unit, it is advisable to visit HDB website to read through the renovation guidelines. Owners are responsible for the renovation works carried out in the unit. When there is a need to request for a permit, you should verify with your contractor for the permit. Make sure your contractor is following strictly with the guidelines.
Make the effort to drop by your house to check the progress. A responsible contractor will update you the progress automatically.
If you are too busy with work or other commitments, call up your contractor for updates, make sure that your contractor knows the progress for the renovation. Sound out to your contractor immediately whenever you discover any defects, it will be easier to rectify the problems.
There is NO cost incurred for HDB renovation permit. Do be careful when your contractor charge you for renovation permit application. Only HDB licensed contractors can apply for renovation permits. Check the permit before you start the renovation. Make sure the permit which your contractor applied for is valid and the dates of work carried out are correct.
Renovation planning is the most important process for your renovation. It not only marks the beginning of the project, it also determines the success or failure. This process requires joint effort from both owners and interior designers/contractors.
Themes and requirements
Owners should decide on a general themes (e.g. modern contemporary, retro etc) as a start. List down your requirements, identify the main purposes of each bedroom (study, guestroom,
master bedroom, entertainment etc). Do some researches on existing projects on web / magazines for references, will be good if you can show your interior designer as a rough guide on how your unit will look like.
If you are going to engage a fengshui master to determine your house layout and design, start early. Let him/her starts the ball rolling by advising you on all the necessary items. You will need to convey the advices to your designer/contractor to build a common understanding right from the start.
When meeting up with the designers/contractors, let them suggest to you on their designs, gather their feedbacks on your requirements and the feasibilities of your design ideas.
Consolidate their ideas and advices and finalize your designs.
Budget
Be realistic & practical. Work within your budget. Find alternatives for certain renovation works (e.g. get off-the-shelf bedframe instead of customed-make ones) to control your budget. If possible, DIY (do it yourself) some work.
Quotation
Research on shortlisted companies, view their websites or visit forums for customers' feedbacks and reviews. Make sure they are
licensed contractors. Shortlist 3-5 potential contractors for comparisons.
You must compare apple to apple, provide consistent requirements to all of your shortlisted contractors/ID firms. Compare item by item, measurement by measurement, quotations must indicate clearly the dimensions and prices.
Choosing Contractor
There are a few factors to consider when choosing your ideal contractor. Price, Workmanship and Reliability. Do not be tempted by low prices, there might be hidden costs. Go through the quotation carefully and compare apple by apple. Get the contractors to show you their existing ongoing projects, observe their workmanships. Research on the contractors reputations and reviews. Make sure you are comfortable with the contractor as you will need to work closely with him/her throughout the renovation.
Confirm contractor
Make sure your confirmed contractor work out a schedule and update you with the time frame for your renovation. Set a start date, a plan of actions to be taken, project schedules and a target completion date.
When signing the contract, check for details, hidden costs, liabilities and set a reasonable time frame to achieve completion.
NEVER pay full upfront. Check with your contractor whether to pay in stages for each completed phase. Check and request for a
warranty period and pay full upon satisfactory completion of the renovation.
Design
Other than comparing prices from contractors, you can also consider whether contractors can offer free consultation with space layouts, free perspective drawings and 3D drawings for your house upon signing up.
It will be a plus point if contractors themselves can also draw 3D drawings and perspective drawings. Usually, most ID firms have in-house 3D designers, however, they are not the ones to liaise with you and may not be able to design what you really want. You should also request your contractor to show you the internal structures for your carpentry works to avoid any discrepancies.
Also some contractors/IDs will promise you that they will provide FREE 3D drawings, you need to confirm with them whether are they providing changable drawings or simply some drawings whereby customers are not able to make ammendments from the designs. They should be providing drawings which reflects at least the designs and laminates selections which you are going to have physically for your home.
Project Management
If you are going to renovate a HDB unit, it is advisable to visit HDB website to read through the renovation guidelines. Owners are responsible for the renovation works carried out in the unit. When there is a need to request for a permit, you should verify with your contractor for the permit. Make sure your contractor is following strictly with the guidelines.
Make the effort to drop by your house to check the progress. A responsible contractor will update you the progress automatically.
If you are too busy with work or other commitments, call up your contractor for updates, make sure that your contractor knows the progress for the renovation. Sound out to your contractor immediately whenever you discover any defects, it will be easier to rectify the problems.
There is NO cost incurred for HDB renovation permit. Do be careful when your contractor charge you for renovation permit application. Only HDB licensed contractors can apply for renovation permits. Check the permit before you start the renovation. Make sure the permit which your contractor applied for is valid and the dates of work carried out are correct.
posted from Bloggeroid
Sunday 1 June 2014
Quartz story
I also have my quartz counter top from Lian Hin. I believe my contractor did mention it is the material is from China but it's as durable as those that claimed to be be made from Europe.
Reason being that at the end of the day how durable a item/material is depends on the user.
So many people want to buy quartz that are made in Europe but how can you be 100% sure that yours is? Cost wise, it would cost 30-40% more for same material but if it's made in
Europe as one has to factor in the import tax, shipment cost etc.
---
I was told that the China and Israeli quartz differences is in the certifications. E.g. Caesarstone has sent their products for lab
test to show their chemical composition does no pose a threat to humans but the China ones being cheaper does not have.
The other one I was told to test is the weight of each similar sized quartz. One which is denser is also heavier, the other is slightly lighter.
-----
Comparing different tops
http://www.lianhin.com/quality-stones.html
-----
Types of lian hin quartz
http://www.lianhin.com/quartz.html
---
Reason being that at the end of the day how durable a item/material is depends on the user.
So many people want to buy quartz that are made in Europe but how can you be 100% sure that yours is? Cost wise, it would cost 30-40% more for same material but if it's made in
Europe as one has to factor in the import tax, shipment cost etc.
---
I was told that the China and Israeli quartz differences is in the certifications. E.g. Caesarstone has sent their products for lab
test to show their chemical composition does no pose a threat to humans but the China ones being cheaper does not have.
The other one I was told to test is the weight of each similar sized quartz. One which is denser is also heavier, the other is slightly lighter.
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Comparing different tops
http://www.lianhin.com/quality-stones.html
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Types of lian hin quartz
http://www.lianhin.com/quartz.html
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