Karen wanted an open concept kitchen as well, but it wasn't really workable -- the kitchen area is really small!
During the waiting period between the 1st and 2nd appointments, we went to look for an ID firm (and we also discovered Renotalk during this time). We went to a couple of big names, plus quite a number of recommended reno firms both in this forum and from friends. They weren't quite satisfactory, for one or more of the following reasons: 1. quote had a lot of missing items, which we were afraid will reappear as a hidden cost later; 2. quote had a 'package', which the ID wasn't willing to breakdown into a detailed list; 3. price suspiciously too low (again, the fear of hidden costs); 4. some designs, which were quite weird, like this idea for the living room -- an island:
The green line is where you were supposed to walk to get to the bedrooms
Once, while talking to a friend, he mentioned another friend (Sean) who recently had a housewarming (I wasn't invited ). He said that the house was done very nicely, so I took a peek at Sean's facebook -- luckily his housewarming pics were there. Convinced, I asked Sean for the ID's (Alex) number.
I remember our first call very clearly. Alex's first line was: "There are two types of customers -- one, where you design and I just execute and coordinate the contractors for you; two - where you allow me to design, based on your general theme." Whoa, Matrix moment -- Blue or red pill? Having only a vague idea of design, of course we took the red pill second option.
The quote (one week after meeting the ID) was very detailed, and after filtering out the 'Optional Items' which we could live without, we arrived at a semi-final list of work items + price. Next step: First-day briefing on the first day of reno.
Some pics of the original house:
Common Bath
Masters' (w/ Karen)
Living Room
Small Kitchen
More to come!
