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Hi Jstar, Big reaction is bcos you didnt read my blog ...if you had, its pretty obvious thats the cabinets are custom made I do buy IKEA stuffs, only certain items, one has to be mindful of the quality and materials used for the item. In fact, I just spent $99 for a 1.3m study table...quite value for money and nice too. Check out this website http://apex5.com/shop/ Thats where I got my roller blinds from...and my Egyptian cotton bed linens ( imo, quite reasonable price ). If you are looking for roller blinds, they all seem to be using the same catalogs, some will carry more than others. You should be concerned about the mechanism for your rollers if you want them to last...there are locally made ones , china ones, malaysian ones, etc. So far, no problem with mine...besides got 2 years warranty on the mechanism You can go visit a few shops to get an idea of whats being offered, which was what I did, and especially so, if you are intending to do curtains because of fabric varieties. In any case as ncy has mentioned, most will do a no-obligation quotation at your home without you having to step into their store...so just call and compare prices, and get them to come down if suitable. I have got Karbell but quite ex their quotation. No problem...just here to help and share what I have learnt Cheers,

Hi XiaoBinBin, Great ...you can begin your renovation soon I chose the Piano White glossy laminate...its EEG 1010 ( if I am not mistaken ), the 1 mm thick laminate, the standard 0.8mm is available as well. I did consider the Pearl White( a light creamy white with pearlescent finish ), but it was out of stock. This Piano White is a new model, has better quality with premium gloss finish and more expensive than the Ice White glossy laminate...its makes no diff since its included in your quotation, so of course I choose the better one It goes well with my kitchen wall.....its next to impossible to get an exact match, as there are so many " shades " of white...choose one that you think will go well. The laminates still looks good, and no yellowing so far However, if you look closely and from certain angles, you can see a dull "film" on the laminate surface ( bcos I havent cleaned it like for months now )....like what you see on mirrors or glass which have not been cleaned for some time. You can easily restore the glossy shine with a dry wipe, or if you prefer, can use a bit of glass cleaner...quite easy maintenance, honestly, I dont wipe the laminates that often ...also because its really not that obvious. You can request big pieces of the laminates that you shortlisted and subject them to your various tests eg fingerprints, drips, etc , and try cleaning it as well. Looking forward to your pics

Hi Ledd and Jstar, Just to point out, the mirrors costs $850 done by Sen Glass Specialist( engaged by me ) as stated in my blog....You can refer to my post #119 on pg3 .... http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?sh...st&p=352308 Just to share my research, below are the contacts for mirrors that I shotlisted during my search: 1. Sen Glass Specialist....Colin @ 91888341 Its my friend's contact and good feedback as they have done great work for him, btw, they are the ones that did the glass panels at T3. Oh...mirrors are from China. 2. How Yan Glass Mirror Merchant Blk 1047 Eunos Ave 5B #01-22 Singapore 409668 Telephone: 67455842 China mirrors....price also comparable to above. 3. Mirror made for U http://www.mirrormadeforu.com/ Block 302 Ubi Avenue 1, #01-43 Singapore 400302 Tel : (65) 6743 3686 Or Call Margaret for further Enquiries 90276381 Email: margaret@mirrormadeforu.com A choice of China or Belgium mirrors....the latter slightly more expensive, and better quality. Additional $50per hole to to be cut in the mirror. Overall, slightly more expensive, but very professional and helpful over the phone.

Hi Jstar, 1. The roller blinds are of the opaque PVC/polyester material, for easy maintenance...the code is R2622 ( they used the same catalog ). However, the mechanism used is from Japan, supposedly better quality and comes with a 2 year warranty. My contact is Desmond from Apex5 @97927404...and the roller blinds costs about $6 per sq ft. 2. You obviously didnt read my blog The kitchen cabinets are custom made by Henry's carpenter...NOT from IKEA. 3. There are 3 pieces of mirror panels on the wall...each measuring about 2000mm by 920mm. Thanks Angel....I am amazed myself . Its age would have shown if it has been of a lighter colour like white or cream.

Hi Ledd 777, PMed you.

Hi ledd_777, Thanks for your kind words, and glad to be of help 1. Painting was included in the package by my contractor, Henry. I suggest you check around and ask for quotations to get a feel of market rates for painting doors...you can always ask for a better price from your ID However, I think you should reconsider painting. As yours is a new apartment, the doors given nowadays are usually nice and coordinated, and come with laminated finish - not sure if it is easy to paint these surfaces. Besides, the light coloured doors sounds alright...unlike my ugly doors I had before ( they were not laminated but painted so werent a problem to paint over ). Wait till you get your keys and look at them again. 2. Bay windows... I share your sentiments about them. Cushions is one of the cheaper alternatives, you should have these considerations in mind: a. Fixed or movable? got pros and cons.. b. Fabric or PVC? PVC is easy clean, fabric got to wash. c. Easy maintenance? d. Costs e. Purpose f. Resulting effect I use Duracote for the bay windows ( you can refer to my blog ). I did 2 coats ( on different days )...its actually quite easy..you will need masking tape, the fine hair roller brushes ( used once and discard ). It has been a breeze wiping the surface clean...and no strain on the pocket 3. You can check out the link for Choo Chiang Marketing http://www.ccm.sg/LocateUs.htm You can visit any of the branches convenient to you...they carry many brands and displays there, and can help you with your queries...best is to see the switches yourself and compare. You will have a better idea of the pricing. Those DIY shops are quite pricey, and has limited range. I only narrowed down to those 3, and clipsal LED is the priciest. Legrand LED -ready switch just has the little tiny window there but doesnt have the LED light bulb fitted in yet, ...so you need to add the cost for either the red or green LED eg $2.80 + $2.30 ( green LED ) = $ 5.10 for the switch. As for the Cliipsal LED switches, the LEDs are all preinstalled, and comes as is. Congrats on your new home, and looking forward to your pics:) Good luck, Cheers

Thanks Pinklady...its near Bukit Timah area Hi XiaoBinBin, With regards to plastering, you can refer to my post #4, http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=345808 I got my magic corners from Shanghai Tong Lee. Its the cheapest I could find ( its chromed ), the stainless steel ones are more expensive, some brands are double the price You can see their display at their store, which looks good after many years there...besides its hidden inside the cabinets to serve its purpose. Great to hear that you are meeting up with Henry. One thing is for sure...he is not a nightmare contractor So far, I am happy with his work, and most importantly his sense of responsibility and trustworthiness. You can check out Deepwhite's T blog as she has used Henry, and others ( cant recall offhand ) for reference. As with any reno, do your homework and be specific about your needs, inspect regularly to ensure things are going accordingly. You can go through my blog ...I have tried to include as much tips and relevant info as possible. Good luck, Cheers,

Hi xherion, Glad to know my blog has been of help Ok, its best to explain with pics I used the existing lighting point for the kitchen PLC lights, which was controlled by a single gang switch originally. I had to change to a 2 gang switch in order to control the LED and PLC separately. The new 2 gang switch and water heater switch As the wiring for the PLC lights are already laid above in the false ceiling, the electrician just took it from there using this lighting point to create control for PLC and LED lights with the new 2 gang switch. The adapter is placed above on the false ceiling ( no need to take up space in my cabinet )- I have 2 wires extended for the 2 LED strips, one on the left and the other the right of the top cabinets.... You can see the wiring going into the false ceiling at the top The other side ( wiring is the same like above - hidden from view ) Hope this helps, Cheers

Hi xherion, Great to hear.....the LED lights looks good, and will save you energy bills. The adapter was hidden above in the false ceiling. Cheers, Thanks, rdnest So far all my friends have positive comments on my home makeover especially the kitchen...I love it too Actually not really that ex la...for an italian made designer label and its quality...in case anyone is mistaken, the $7K is for the whole set...2x armless chairs, 1x pouf chair, the L shaped sofa, 1x cushion and 1x fabric magazine holder. I figured the L shaped sofa should costs around $3K-$3.5K....besides, I already save money since I dont have to change the sofa for many more years to come...its still in great condition, really comfortable and its design timeless Cheers

Hi s mario, Honestly, I dont do much maintenance on my sofa...an occasional vacuuming like once in 2 months, spot clean stains/spills, and wash the fabric like once a year ....plus stains and age dont show up clearly with my choice of the grey fabric...very easy maintenance for lazy people like me. Though I thought it was expensive then when I bought the set at the sale, on hindsight, it appears to be a good buy considering its quality. During this economic gloom, there will be lots of sale and discounts being offered,..be patient and check out the sales, you should be able to snag some good buys, depending on your budget. You should check the forum for recommendations and feedback...personally, I like stuffs from AIR, OM and other italian designer brands ( very ex but I buy only when on sale ) Good luck

Hi s mario, My sofa set is already 8 years old!...its an Italian designer brand ELAM bought from Interni ( closed shop already), for $7K including the 2 chairs, pouf and the cushion. I am happy with the quality, as the sofa still maintain its shape and looks good too for its age. The sofa combined length is 2.8m long, 100cm deep. The L part is 150cm from back to front, and 106cm wide. Cheers, Hi DoubleJ, Thanks I know exactly what you mean...even with the bay windows, sitting on them will get your pants or skirt "powdery". I believe the balcony you are referring to is similar to my yard ledge, I had difficulty wiping it clean previously...it gets dirtier and streaky the more you wipe, the dirt dont lift off easily from the emulsion paintwork. The new paintwork looks and feels like glossy paint....I havent touched the floor of garages yet for comparison If you drag your fingertips across its surface, there is a squeaky sound, however if your wipe with a damp cloth, the dirt lifts off easily in just a swipe or two. In fact I just wiped it last week, the first time since I did the paint work which was months ago! I have rubbed turpentine to clean off dried paint drips, and it is unaffected and doesnt come off, still retaining its glossy surface! It doesnt feel sticky or anything, and you wont be getting any more powdery residue, unless its dirty to begin with. Yes..I have considered that, but unfortunately thats the best position to center my projector. The small opening/vent on top is just off the front of the airconditoner, so any drips would just flow off backwards hopefully. In any case, I havent had a drip problem with my air conditioners considering they have been there for 8 years already, still working well, and serviced only once a year with an occasional top up of gas. My plasma tv in my bedroom is also placed under the aircon ...its either the tv or my bed ie my head getting dripped ). Thanks Hi jailbird, I have plastered my kitchen walls over the old existing tiles, the surface is smooth as you can see from my posted pics. I dont see any stains so far, not forgetting that I cook only once a week, not much oily cooking like deep frying. The paint I used is Nippon paint with Teflon for easy cleaning. The stainless steel backing is a breeze to maintain as well, and I dont clean that often only like once in a few months esp at the sink area, when you get the water marks on the steel. Cheers, Hi shkeat, Thanks...I luv the environment there

Hi ashes 02, See my post #113.... http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?s=...st&p=352248 Cheers, Hi nottimonster, I bought the paint from Hin Hoe located at Blk 3, AMK Tech 1 Tel: 64815544/6..only sell the 1 litre, which is sufficient for my needs. You can ask any good paint shops for polyurethane paint ( may be different brand ), and some come in 5 litre as well, costs around $80 if I recall correctly. I believe the paint is normally used for flooring as its hard wearing properties can withstand heavy traffic, will not wear or peel, and its chemical resistant as well, so I think it can be used for any surfaces depending on your purpose..but its best to check the paint shop. Cheers,

BAY WINDOWS cont The yard ledge was given the treatment too, and it has been a breeze wiping it clean...and its very hard wearing that it can withstand heavy traffic if used on floors. I treated my other place as well, but with the clear instead of white . Do note that the clear colour is not like water clear but has a brownish tinge to it, so the end result is that it will differ slightly from your base paint colour...if you are not particular. The master bedroom bay window...really long and wasted space , inevitably ended up putting lamps, books, knicks knacks there. Even with cushions there, its going to be uncomfortable sitting there on the narrow area. The other room The results above speak for themselves...it looks good, and has been a breeze to clean with just a damp cloth, and the best part is I didnt spend a bomb doing it...only about $30! for the 1 litre set of polyurethane paint costs $25, and 2 4-inch fine hair roller brush ( 2 coats ). So if you are on a budget, try this, and if you ever dont like it and have budget for solid surface or laminated wood board treatment etc, it can still be done with no hassle.

BAY WINDOWS Love them or hate them...as for me, the latter. They are not practical, and inevitably end up as expensive shelvings or ledges...they eat up into your effective floor area not forgetting that they cost $$$ psf. I rather have my floor space anytime...as I have more space to move about or to furnish. Yes..many have entertained the romantic idea of lazing on the bay window reading a good book or gazing into the wonderful view yonder, but really for long periods, it would be more comfortable lounging next to the window in a comfy chair or bed...no? There are many ways to treat the bay windows eg 1. Laminated wood or solid wood planking 2. Solid surface 3. Tiled with marble, granite, etc 4. Customed cushion seating All the above means more money spent ranging from a few hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your choice of treatments. As I felt that they are useless space, I didnt really want to spend so much on treating these areas as they will end up being shelves. I also wanted easy maintenance, since dirt and dust will settle on these surfaces easily. Heres the before pic of my master bedroom bay window...its paintwork was aging, and has been scraped and prepared, and it had been diffcult to wipe clean on the matt finish paint... I decided to DIY to save money and bought these in white colour After pics Master bay window The other bedroom bay window See water just pool up on its surface....it makes for easy cleaning

WALLPAPER NO NO IMO I have seen wallpapers done beautifully at showflats and some homes, but unfortunately a friend's apartment was wallpapered the NO NO way, and I pointed this out, but he wasnt really bothered by it. Anyway heres the pics I took without his knowledge I would have preferred they removed the switches ( more work as may have to rewire ), and have the switches overlap the cut edges so as achieve a clean neat look. Most showflats have them done this way, though I have seen a few done the NO NO way No No for me if I were ever to do wallpaper ( my mirrors were done the proper way..switches mounted on top of the mirrors, the workers rewired my switches..no problem at all ), cut edges of the wallpaper showing, not flushed around the switch...quite ugly in my opinion. A closer look..you can see the "black hole" ! And the wallpaper lifting up there, not really glued properly.

Hi everybody, Its been a long time since I checked in here...have been really really busy I am happy to see many new bloggers are here to share their experiences ...will have to find time to read them. Anyway, my blog is overdue for updating, and my apologies to those who pmed me, sorry for the absence, you have got my replies. I have been asked for my mirror contractors, I understand they have moved to Eunos..... Heres the contact for Sen Glass .... Colin 91888341 Do compare quotations...so far I am happy with the work and quality. Hi mar9aret, My white Elba classic oven has been trashed...its about 8 years old, and the enamel paintwork is peeling and rusting. A repair was not worthwhile as the heating element has corroded ( costs close to $200 to replace )...a brand new oven makes more sense. You should consider the stainless steel oven...its easy maintenance, and goes with most decor, and you wont have the problem of rust showing through white enamel paintwork, and chipping too, besides the white paint will yellow with time...but perhaps , they have improved on the paintwork and rustproofing ?? Cheers,

Hi mrspiglet, Thanks! Just sharing what I have learnt and experienced PD doors have no bottom tracks, and I do think its better than the normal bi fold ones. You can check their website http://www.pddoor.com/ Tel: 6747 8727 I dealt with Estella Lee, the sales manager.

Hi baldeagle, Its best you check with your carpenter first the dimensions before you buy anything...and whether he is able to install BLUM accessories. BLUM runners come in increments of 50mm, eg 450mm, 500mm, 550mm etc. For standard depth of 60cm countertop, the 500mm is appropriate...you can refer to my pics of my runners, the 550mm would be too long , and the 450mm would be too short. As for Tandemboxes, you will need to discuss the dimensions of your cabinetswith your carpenter, so that he can advise you what sizes to get.

Hi Itsy, I got mine from Shanghai Tong Lee...but you can try the one below, they are cheaper ...contractors will charge you a premium if you want them to provide. My carpenter provided labour FOC to install. From my post #82 in my blog: UPDATE ON BLUM Lobang Finally happened to find another authorised BLUM dealer, along Upper Bukit Timah Road. Kiang Sing Hong Hardware Supplies 828, Upper Bukit Timah Rd Tel: 67600365 Its located just beside the condo, the LINEAR...in those 2 storey shophouses. Was looking for some rubber plugs for my chairs, and had to compare prices for BLUM ma bangwall.gif bangwall.gif bangwall.gif cheaper than what I bought from Shanghai Tong Lee! The hinge set costs about less than $4, and the 500mm full extension runners was around $36 ( exc GST )..almost $10 cheaper for the runners! Mr Ang said these are contractors' price...I didnt even had to ask! BTW, there will be a price increase soon, he showed me the list and the runners will have a price increase of 35%! So for those of you who are contemplating BLUM, go check this place out.

Nice nice reno Your MBR toilet looks good....how much for the vanity cabinet with mirror? Can share more pics of your kitchen,...the sink, hob, splashback, ....the one you posted very blurry lei

Sound like you have a dream team there Great workmanship and good teamwork, responsible and trusting and reasonable pricing ...pay a bit of premium for quality work is justifiable la Glad to know that you are very happy with your reno progress....eagerly awaiting your pics

UPDATE It has been almost a month since handover, and the last payment made to Henry. I have been trying to look for major faults, but so far so good...so decided to call Henry last week to rectify the remaining ones. Within the week, he arranged for the carpenter to come down to handle the rectifications, even minor ones below ....so there is good after sales service Works to be rectify: 1. Blum dampers to realign properly 2. Gas tubing to secure 3. Touch paint at corner near dishwasher 4. Shower bar loose 5. Towel bar loose BEFORE BLUM damper crooked AFTER Aligned BEFORE Gas tubing hanging AFTER Gas tubing secured ... so tall items wont get caught by the tubing I thought the plumber had to come in as well, but Henry said no need, can ask the carpenter to help out....wah, good teamwork and also save manpower My towel bar was drooping...turns out the plastic stud in the wall was coming loose, just replaced a new one. One of the shower bar was wobbly....he removed the bar, tightened the screws and all is well. Otherwise, everything else seems alright....... for now. to be cont -- my budget (cheapo ) solution for bay windows ---

I also bought from Eestilo de Vida I got 3 sets from them plus shower accessories...I thought their package very attractive. Their service is good too...exchanged one WC because wrong measurement for the sewage hole...no problem I didnt get mixers from them though...I got from Royal Fanco, cheaper for same items. As for your square basin, just make sure the plumber mount it properly so that the water will flow into the drain hole.

Congrats on your new home! Can share your quotation for your total overhaul? Good luck

Your wallpaper looks great especially the red and white ones....interesting design and texture .. makes me consider doing my bedroom walls .......almost $800 per wall How did they wallpaper the area of the switches and sockets? Marine aquariums are nice and colourful I did that too ... its always best to go check on the work personally just to be sure that everything is going accordingly.... any defects or discrepancies spotted early can also be easily rectified. Yes..Henry is efficient and speedy, he arranged for his carpenter to come down for some minor rectifications within a week after I called him .....the carpenter even did some plumbing adjustments for me