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Study Room - Bookshelves up with books Study Room - Glass Cabinet Kitchen (wet) Kitchen (Dry) There are a lot of challenges we faced, such as conflicts, disagreements and family disputes.... However we choose to believe that things will eventually be resolve and all these challenges has thus make us stronger and strengthen our bonding. It is definetly not easy to set up a home and furthermore to maintain it, there will definetly be more challenges ahead of us... but as long as we are together and our hearts as one, nothing will pull us down or break us apart. We are ready to start to write a brand new chapter in our lives. It has been a wonderful journey for our renovation, and once again we will like to thank Colin from Renozone for his great effort, responsibility and always steady on every aspect. Thanks everyone for reading and your time! 梦无止境，田园之家, our Zakka-Country Home.

Hi all, I seldom write bad reviews on anything, preferring to say nothing when i have nothing good to say. In this case, I've received such horrible serivce that I feel like i have to say something even though its going to be a long story. Its been a long time since i've come into T-Blog, but I used to update regularly on my T-blog Journey Home. Which i should really update again now that my home is quite lived in. So at the end of november, I went to a furniture shop at Jalan Besar that was owned by Lush. And there i bought two stools, (called Fortune Cookie Stools by a brand they carry called Matzform). Each stool was about 300 bucks, which I think most people can agree is not exactly cheap, but once in a while, we do indulge. The sales person, Dino, said he would try his best to deliver it before Christmas and said we would probably get it by then. The invoice wrote that delivery would be in 4 to 6 weeks. 1 week before Christmas, nobody has called, so i call to inquire when i would see the stools. They said oh, its not gonna arrive before Christmas, but it would be in by 15th January. Definitely before Chinese New Year. I said okay, do you promise by 15th Jan I will see the stools? They say yes, for sure. I tell them to please keep me updated if there the stools come earlier or there will be more delays. They said, yes, we will. Fast forward to Jan. I call around 15th Jan to ask, where my stools are. Again, no apology or anything for not calling me, just a "Oh, its delayed. But definitely before Chinese New Year you will get those stools." At this point, I'm getting frustrated. Nobody has called to tell me of delays, every step of the way, I've had to call and ask, nobody at Lush has taken any initiative to call me to inform me of delays. In fact, apologies for the repeated delays were also not forthcoming. All I kept hearing was, delay in shipping. So, 2 weeks before Chinese New Year, I am in full Panic Mode. I call and ask, where are the stools, I have guests coming during CNY, and the extra seating would really be important. The person calls me back after a day or so to say, we can deliver those stools tomorrow. I say fantastic, and i arrange for delivery. Day of delivery, my mother in law is at home waiting for it, as they are delivering during office hours. The stools come, and my MIL calls me saying "Its all scratched and there are dents." I talk to the delivery people who tell me, "You mean you dont know? these are the show room pieces, your new ones are in bad condition, so we cannot send you your new ones, we lend you the showroom ones for CNY." Since I had no idea of this arrangement, I called the office to ask what was going on. The office also expressed no surprise that i didnt know i was getting showroom pieces, which made me suspect they were hoping i wouldnt realise. They then said that my stools were still in shipping, and that they would be in Singapore 27th Jan but they were afraid it would be too short a time to ensure delivery so they decided not to risk it. At this point, i was getting really mad. First I had to call myself to find out where my stools were, secondly nobody told me they were sending me showroom pieces until it arrived at my door, and they followed this up by giving me different stories. Delivery guy says new stools arrived but in bad condition, office says they are not in Singapore yet. The office people then tell me i should be MORE UNDERSTANDING. As its CNY and these stools are called Fortune Cookie stools so they are very popular. But i ordered them in NOVEMBER. its not like i ordered in Jan right? All the while, they were completely unapologetic about it until i called a customer service officer to complain. When they delayed it the second round, I asked them to compensate me for the delay and they offered me $50 vouchers at their store. This time, after i REPEATEDLY said that they should compensate me, they said okay how about 88 dollars of vouchers. To which I said I would not be purchasing anything from them again, so i would have no use of vouchers. So after many tos and fros, they said 88 dollars in cash. Fine. And they said they would TRY to send my stools before CNY as I wanted to have new stools and not old ones for CNY. When i asked what would happen if they could not send me new stools before CNY? They said then they will refund me and take back the show room pieces. Take it or leave it. No compensation. This was basically the attitude they took throughout the entire episode. In the end i got so frustrated i said just take your stools back and refund me, forget compensation. And they did. But the entire episode has left a sour taste in my mouth and I will never buy anything from them again. Thanks for reading.

I am just like many people, doing all sorts of research works before engaging a Renovation company for our renovation. From price to quality , these are very taxing. I am a silent reader in this forum since mid 2013, indeed this forum is the best of the best gathering infos people shared here. I also realized, there are many competitors inhere, so some are here for self promotion and some are here to comment on their competitors. I really gain a lot of knowledge in here, now is time for me to share. From searching an housing agent to my renovation finish. I will not comment on the products, shops, person and renovation work now as all these are still on going, but I have input the searching and purchasing part. Here are some tips to share, starting from a housing agent. This is just a resale 3 room, but I really want it to progress smoothly..................... so I started searching for the area I had in my mind. This way it will be easier and faster getting your desire flat. If you have many areas in mind, it will take slightly longer. For my case, I took only 4 days to purchased an unit. Please note, chose an agent who is driving. Why I said this? Try getting an agent to serve you, whatever unit you shortlisted or if the agent is hardworking enough, he/she will do the homework for you. Tell the agent what you looking for, when all are sorted out, let this agent drive you around to view all the units. I am very lucky to have this agent serving me, and very clear cut, I bought from her. Patient and hardworking is her reward and yes, she is driving. After the paper signed, basically you have 6weeks ( 1st appt ) + 6weeks ( 2nd appt )to search for a renovation company, many people use the Renotalk portal and after submitting, you will get dozens and dozens of emails and calls. From my experience, do not meet more than 5 IDs approaching you, you will get very confuse in the end. Try to contact them by emails, phones and shortlist about 5 to meet personally. See how the proposals are. This part is really taxing. I will not write anything about my ID first, because Reno is on going and I will try to update here day by day. When you had sort out who to engaged, another hectic part will be, buying things for your new house, Lighting, Furniture, Appliances blah blah........ This needs a lot of research. I read a lot here, came across a Blog a friend bought many many items from Tao Bao, at that time, I tell myself, he/she must be crazy......... But when I did my own shopping comparing products and prices, I gave that forummer a thumb up by using Tao Bao. Just said my lighting, I bought a numbers of hanging crystal pendants. I shop around in Singapore lighting house, comparing apple to apple. But the items I found is ridiculously expensive. Let's say it this way, 85% of lighting in Singapore come from China, many people do not want to involve in on line shopping is the troublesome of handling the after sales........ I am one of them. You might think, How if the items don't arrive, how if the items arrive damage, how if this how if that. If that is the case, I will say, buy it in Singapore shop paying at least 3-5 times more than you shop yourself online. For example, I saw a Crystal hanging dining table light in Singapore which offer me $880. I bought it online, EXACTLY the same light ........... for........... $220 includes shipping. Somehow, the risk is still there buying on line, this is just my call, you can always have your decision. I will update my Reno day by day. Recommend the good and Comments the bad. The Kai Meng ( OPEN DOOR ) ritual had perform, now waiting for the Reno to start in days time........... This is the 3D my Id propose and it will be exactly what I want..... all lightings and furniture were purchase before the Reno starts...... I brought my ID and show him what are the items will be like, at least the 3D came out very similar .

Here's something which might interest those who cannot live without a fast internet connection. Today a parcel arrived from the UK. I thought my wife bought something from the UK using my name but she denied it. She opened it to find a TP-LINK N600 Dual Band Wireless Dual band gigabit Router. I had totally forgotten I had signed to participate in the SamKnows Broadband Performance Measurement Study, commissioned by IDA. This is the WhiteBox that I was supposed to get. (note: it is actually black in colour) I don't get paid for this. Neither do I have to pay anything. My thinking was simply that maybe if my ISP knows that I am one of those users whose broadband speed is being tracked and used for IDA reports, they will make sure mine is really fast, so that they will look good in the IDA broadband speed reports. So I plugged everything as instructed and did a speed check of my basic 100Mbps fibre connection. I don't know what to say. But I think it is a fluke because after that, I was not able to get this kind of speed, although it is still fast. If you are interested to participate, click here: http://www.samknows.com

Sure it will be my pleasure. Will go back and take some pictures tonight to illustrate At one point in time, the planning of the aircon trunking gave us a big headache. It's definitely a serious aspect to consider especially with regard to aesthetics.

Finally, today the HDB has called me to arrange the schedule to do the cement screeding. I applied on the 14th of Feb.. so its really 4 weeks wait! Passed his contact to Johnny to ask him to arrange. I'm just glad that I have an id that updates me and makes sure that i dont stress out because my job is already super stressful. Very glad that everything is moving along great!! now waiting for tomorrow's of the installation of the air con.. Tonight, hubby and I going to open all the loots from taobao. will document each one and review the condition of the item. ^.^V

Yup, concealed!! Swee hor. Have to plan properly all the points.

New BTO wiring is all hidden inside the wall...

Here are some of taobao links for carpets which I kept. Enjoy Nice carpet shophttp://mega-rug.taobao.com/search.htm?spm=a1z10.5.w5002-1913485648.1.F0fRul&search=y blue geometric - 300 yuan per sq m http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5.w4002-1913485696.42.qOND7K&id=25895388529 grey carpets! Good price from tmall shophttp://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5.w5718339-3417987766.7.DK6z7e&id=2224749913

Hi, Supermama I like the way you detail your renov into step by step everything looking good may I know that at your living room is that KDK r56vk model can kindly give me feed back when you turn on to speed on 2 or 3 it there any noise especially at night looking forward for you kitchen cabinet picture thank.

Just to warn you that the kitchen and bathroom works are the 'most dusty'. Literally can smell concrete in the air. If your unit not well ventilated, the dust in the air will make you choke. hahah...[my mom's place just renovated only kitchen....so I know the horrible dust.] So usually people will ask you to do these first before you move in.....reno on bedroom stuff - don't think the dust will be as bad as the kitchen works.

yea still lol. don't worry

nice to see things coming up bit by bit eh .. hahah ..havent able to feel what you fell now cos my reno havent started yet..... may i know what brand is yr ceiling fan ? how much is it and is it good? i am still considering between a ceiling fan and a normal fan.....

Try this shop http://a.m.tmall.com/i9884584670.htm?ut_sk=1.UtVem2i3uMkBAFZzYh8eCnf%2B_12278902_1394031257189.SMS.Page_ShareItem

Hi Leon/Jenna, In drooling haha!! Could you share with me of your reno quote and breakdown too. Plsssss Taiwee7@hotmail.com

Thanks Bro Devilaz, as for Iquartz, they ever pass me a copy of tested proven lab result so I trusted them. Been using them for all my customers cabinets. Cheaper ones are solid surface but it's not heat resistant and not scratch prove. ID normally charges are higher then direct contractor cause their profit is based on how much they top up from contractor cost. Positive points for ID is they are able to design your whole house to showroom standard and some fantastic ID can design the whole house to give you a wow factor. Direct Contractor takes jobs from ID or salesman. We gives better after sales services cause we are direct and confirm better pricing also. If you knows what you want already it's better you look for direct contractor. We can give you advices on your requests and some ideas as well. Jason

looking at your progress, it makes so much sense to buy from taobao, if the shipping is reasonable. do share with us your experience with amcon, and their charges by sea per cubic meter.

So I was busy over the weekend painting up the ceiling cos the ID wanted to install the track lighting on Tuesday. I must say I'm quite happy with the results, considering we are not professionals (although we've painted a few houses before this). The process is tiring (especially the ceiling, which is literally a pain in the neck), but it is very meaningful and good for the couple to be painting their own house. We have also managed to buy our sinks (kitchen and MBR), the gas cooking hob and MBR tap. We are still on the lookout for our kitchen tap cos we're looking at something more antique looking. The hunt continues! Our feature ceiling! It wasn't easy to measure and ensure it was straight and parallel, so we are proud of our own work. =) We painted the ceiling "Smoky Pearl" in prep for the tracklights theme. More pics to come in the near future! =)

Grey is nice. Dirt is less obvious.

just paint your shower curbs white? will that help?

nice to see things progressing.

I'm planning to use this glass system for my dinning room so that if we have more guests over, we'll just keep the room fully opened so we won't feel claustrophobic.

Ok that really looked weird. But hope you don't mind. Haha. They can't seem to process it in portrait mode leh! This slim cabinet came pre-installed! I'm impressed with HDB really. The top part contains a box that handles all the electricity and network connections. Our HDB is Fibre Broadband ready. I think that is wonderful news. The bottom part is empty but has a usable space where you can put shoes if you install the shelfs!

HAPPY CNY 2014 everyone! We will be closed from Tomorrow 29th (Half day) and Re-open on 5th (Wed) 祝你马年行大运, 身体健康,事事顺心! May everything beautiful and best be condensed into this card. I sincerely wish you happiness, cheerfulness and success! -Tiler Seng via Ronald

Interesting and great idea, vicx1234. Looks fantastic too. can have your permission to copy your idea ?

Just echoing what has been said about kompactop. The two things I like about it - wood grain available and it's thin-ness so looks sleek. It made durable because of the resin and most stains can be removed using thinner, including tumeric (which has been the thing that stains even the toughest surfaces) The two things which you have be careful about 1. cutting on the surface, obviously will scratch 2. cannot put hot cookware on it directly - must have a trivet.

Impulse buy today! Surprised that Mr E gave in to this pretty pinkie for our master bedroom Master Bedroom ceiling fan (coming with light kit) by Makanology, on Flickr Was grinning from cheek to cheek just now but now scratching my head! There was supposed to be pops of green in our master bedroom BUT green doesn't seem to go well with pink?

Was browsing through the forum and realized there are many many many 3-roomers here. Can't help to think that 3-rooms are 'in the trend' now. Though the layout for the different 3 room configuration varies slightly only, we have seen different decor styles. Would be nice if someone can compile these together and create a club or something!