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Of coz you can. I've same experience like you and I just give my contractor the sample I choose and he went to get for me.

Contractor Vs ID I was initially looking at engaging a contractor simply because I thought contractor will be cheaper and since I'm paying everything on my own, I didn't want to run up a huge bill before I even move in. Searched renotalk for contacts of both contractors and IDs and started meeting them over span of 1 month. I also sent in enquiry via renotalk and a few ID firms reverted. Here's my comparison among those I met. Contractor K Most on renotalk will be familiar with him as he's much sought after here for doing scandi-look. I was leaning towards getting him even before meeting as I thought if he's that good and a conctractor, his cost should be lower right? Unfortunately, no. We exchanged a few texts to confirm our meeting but his schedule is so packed that I could only get an appointment 1 month later. Nonetheless I agree. However, a few days before our meeting, he texted me to confirm but giving me another time instead of the agreed time. I agree as I didn't have another appointment that day. However, the meeting was awkward. He arrived late, we discussed all of 20mins where he just nodded, did not take much notes and didn't give inputs during that 20mins. I also didn't felt the connection (pardon me for using this word again haha) and thought if it's going to be a 2-3months working relationship, I needed someone who I can click with. Contractor A**n Again another popular contact on renotalk, meeting was on time and we spent about 1hr discussing how to layout the kitchen & MBR (my 2 problem areas). His quote came in on time and was quite easy to understand. However, I read several bad reviews just before I decided to sign and that was when I was hesitant as the comments were that owner needs to be very on-the-ball and scrutinise the reno process. I knew I needed someone whom I can trust to execute what we agree on so I dropped him. ID Firm 9C******* I emailed in my enquiry and arranged a meetup with the ID. The lady whom I met was a very young girl. The showroom/office was very similar to the look I was going for and I was hopeful. However, the lady seemed very inexperienced and couldn't advice on some questions I had so decided to drop her. The quote also excluded many things which made me hesitant. ID J***** Relatively new and unheard of on renotalk but since I had his contact, I wrote to him. He didn't want to meetup and asked me to email him my requirements. The 1st meeting was important and one of the selection criteria when I look for a contractor/ID. If he can't even bother to meet up with me, then I don't think this is the guy. Dropped. ID Foo from Custombox Mr Foo was the last one I met and duly so because I signed with him so I didn't need to look further . One thing I liked during our 1st meeting is that he emphasize on space planning rather than ID. To all new homeowners, we always want nice looking homes and thought ID will make it work but it's more of proper and effective space-planning that is more important. Bad space planning will result in waste of good space, unfriendly usage and in the long run, probably eye-sore (all these I say, not Mr Foo, so don't quote him He's a very talented young guy, and his dedication to his craft and willingness to listen is a big plus. He's very good at what he does, especially creative in industrial looks and flexible. Just note that Foo doesn't provide 3D but his hand-drawn layout is as good to visualize and more often than not, 3D drawings are expensive and not realistic. As you can see, I didn't go with contractor in the end but went with a ID instead. My reasons are: Foo is very open to ideas and willing to listen and give inputs on what's workable and not. This to me is important as a new owner, I am not familiar with renovation and I mustn't feel afraid to ask if I'm not sure. Some contractors/ID can be pushy or behaved like they know the best ways to do things. I wasn't willing to pay extra for 3D drawings which wasn't realistic His quotation was not the cheapest but is definitely within my expected range.I particularly liked what was proposed to me after our 1st meeting and I thought he nailed down some of my key concerns very well.I didn't meet with many as I feel the more I meet, the harder to make decisions. I did receive a few replies from the mass email sent out to IDs via renotalk but none came back promising. A few give me the very sales-guy feel and I didn't even went down to meet them. End of day, my decision was based on personal comfort level with Foo and also that I felt his idea was closest to what I have in mind, within an acceptable budget. Updates on reno journey coming up

I'm considering whether (1) to build feature wall and mount TV to wall OR (2) just place the TV on console. Anybody care to share their experiences? Thanks.

I agree with you. However, the only main issue is the concealing of cables. Without a wall, it would be difficult to conceal the wires from the tv and all..

Hi, I currently have vinyl tiles in my house. More than 20 years already so it really needs to be changed. My family does not want to splurge too much on flooring since we may not be staying for more than 10 years in this flat. Hence I felt laminated flooringwas quite a good option but I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me answer. Will my vinyl tiles require hacking or can it simply overlay? We dont want to move out just because of the flooring. Also, do most of you engage a contractor to do it for you? I know the brands have their individual websites.. Finally any one with prior experience with laminate flooring who wishes to share his conactor or quote would be great. Hope to get some response! Reena

If I had to do it again, would have done sliding. Casement hinges can be hard to open, plus you need to stretch outwards to open fully. Also has tracks to clean. Handles tend to loosen over time, need to constantly tighten.