zhiz

Self advertising .....

perhaps underbudgeting and expecting too much renovation works to be done? things like console, feature wall may not be necessary. sometimes not id/contractor fault but expectation and budget has to align also.

should be fine but if your budget dun match then you need to manage your own expectation and cut down on certain items. key is to find a reliable id to help you first and work through the cost/plan

beware of newly joined members who post only to recommend their ID....... most likely they are fake and self advert.

beware of newly joined members who post only to recommend their ID....... most likely they are fake and self advert.

the number of new members who register and post a few post to recommend their ID/contractors are plenty as well. basically just to self advert. poor forumers who think they found good lobang end up may be worst off.

misslee just joined and post so many posts to offer contractors contact....wow....self advert.

Erm why if u already heard what your fren said. You wouldn't get a good feel cos upfront surely is cheap to attract sign up then the sucker punch of hidden cost after paid.

jimmy textile is not bad. price good.

is hommage still good as before? been recommending to my friends but thought i should get an update or recent feedback.

so far only hear bad things from expo ID. most are new ID and priced higher. dun have customer base and referrals so need new customers from expo. maybe can read this http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=53839 also my link in signature will help you in choosing ID and planning your reno.

maybe can read this http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=53839 also my link in signature will help you in choosing ID and planning your reno.

Then even better. Show renovating pic n post reno pic later. Also ongoing reno means not certain on reliability of contractor n hidden cost too

Any reno pic?

Can show us yr reno pic?

you registered yesterday and have 6 post just to self advertise???

you registered yesterday and have 6 post just to self advertise???

you registered yesterday and have 6 post just to self advertise???

For my ID she did help me to do some ad hoc repair work done even after 2 yrs

I choose convenience rather than best price cos going for cheaper may end up more ex. Get from ID Downlight Toilet items (partial) Key is installation will involve key renovated parts. If do it via other contractor n damage renovation then got problems. My id was nice to help coordinate even though I didn't get through her. Buy myself Fans and fancy light. Esay to install by 3rd party.

Renovation tips 1.Charge for each additional electrical power point *** Take note each additional electrical power point in the market nowadays is between $60-$70. Pls be ensure 2 way switch installation only costs $40 for lighting and pls ensure that the contractor has indicated everything clearly. *** Take note also each installation of new lighting point is between $30-$40, some contractor may quoted more than $50 per point. Also pls do not ask the contractor to disconnect the power point when it has been done, as this also incurred costs and losses. 2. Cost of aircon wiring, re-wiring *** The cost of aircon wiring and rewiring is always inclusive together with the air con equipment depends on the model you buy. For instance, a standard LG model costs around $1600 with installation. Pls do not be happy with the free gift the contractor provided together with the air con as the free gift is also one of the hidden costs in it. Nothing is free, pls bear in mind. 3. Quotation at time of signing does not included detailed specs of all materials used eg. acceptable price range for floor tiles given budget **** You must always ask your contractor to state everything as clear as possible. The dimension as well as the type of floor tiles given. This is important. 4. Cost of clearing of debris and haulage **** As per conversation with HDB council, the standard cost for clearing of debris and haulage is always at the cost of $215 inclusive of GST. Do not be surprised when contractor quote you more than $500 and do not get convinced by them when they told you the reason why it is so expensive. Some contractor will tends to tell you that they have rented a lorry to collect debris, this is not true. The lorry is provided by HDB who will do the clearing up. The contractor only needs to pay them $215 and everything will be done properly. Reason: HDB pay outsiders to do the clearing and this is liaise with the contractor and the HDB third party, when only a single receipt will be given. Best is to check with your HDB branch office. HDB only collect debris fees on behalf of the town council cost won't be more than $250. you can get the print out copy by HDB from your contractor . The haulage and buying of sand from the appointed contractor ( you can find their contact pasted at the lift lobby for new flats )should be paid by the contractor or the ID firm engaged . Some contractor or so call " ID " firm will say the haulage fees is home owner should pay ( bout $ 800 or more )Don get CON . All these should be quote inside the contract under the tiling works . Resale flats Town concil don't charge haulage fees as there is no more haulage contractor appointed by HDB station there . Contractors will tends to quote more in their hauluge fees, pls take note. 5. Renovation permit costs *** Renovation permit costs is always provided free when the contractor apply to HDB. There is no costs at all. You may check with HDB itself. Last time HDB used to charge around $200 for permit fees but not now. Policy has changed. 6. Cost of chemical wash *** Pls take note chemical wash also can be called acid wash is between the cost of $95-$150. This done once or twice depends between contractor and owner. This only done after painting and flooring has completed and before the completion of kitchen cabinet. 7. Remember to check all water holes for any cement or sand. Some contractors may just throw the cement onto the pipe, which in the long run will cause leakage. 8. Cost of gas piping. The contractor will liaise with City gas contractor for work to be done and this only incurred the cost of $70 per trip. As for the connection of gas piping to the cooker hood will be done separately on another day. The billing of gas piping will be send to your house by the PUB people and not the contractor . 9. Cost of painting. The cost of painting is between $1100 - $1500. It normally consists of 5 colors Nippon or equivalent. Colours can be selected and adjustable. 10. Installation of bathroom accessories & electrical point. *** This can be negotiable. You can discuss with the contractor to install these items FOC at your house. When the contractors said they will bring you to the shop to buy bathroom items, do not agree and follow them. This is another way of hidden costs appearing, as contractors may earn commission from there. Take note. The same goes with the lighting points and bulb. However if price difference is not much, its really more convenient to let the ID settle all the delivery plus installation. That’s what I did. You may buy direct and get your contractor to install also can. For bathroom accessories and lighting, you may go to Jalan Besar or Geylang area to get it. Balestier can be considered but not all. Some places in Balestier tends to quote higher. I personally bought from lightings.com.sg. 11. When hacking walls, make sure contractors include touching up with tiles i.e. on the area that is being left exposed by the wall that is being hacked off.... otherwise some will charge u separately for those tiles. 12. Low price for kitchen cabinets can mean no frills like stainless steel dish racks etc. So you've to ask them to give you EVERY detail. 13. If you are installing ceiling fan, contractor will charge you around $25- $35 but can be negotiated. 14. If you are installing instant heater, contractor will charge you around $60 each. But can be negotiated. 15. Cabinet is treated wood or not. 16. Tell your ID you are getting your own switches and door knobs/lever handles, minus off the cost of those from the quote. If not, they must let you choose, they don't suka suka install some cheap ugly ones for you. For switches, you can buy nice clipsal ones at wholesale prices at Choo Chiang (Veerasamy Road). For me, as I did complete rewiring, the nice switches were given to me foc. 17. Open concept walk in wardrobe, this can be a nightmare for maintenance. I didn't do this, but some of my friends did, it was right outside their toilet, moisture attack, dust attack. I had my close door walk in wardrobe outside my toilet also. Some of my things turn mouldy. One tub of hungry hippo once a week is not economical. 18. If on budget, dont really need kitchen sliding door actually. I cooked often, i didnt have any kitchen sliding door. My living room is not affect at all 19. Above all, its important to select a reliable ID/contractor that has proven track record based on recommendation. That’s what I did when I visited my friend’s newly renovated home and she shared with me her pleasant reno experience. So I went for the same ID and my renovation was a breeze as ID was very responsive and check on site very often, sometimes mms pictures for us to see as updates as well. Avoid those popular ones on the forum as they often get overloaded with work and quality becomes poor. There are also horrible experiences of cheap contractor going mia with money as well. Its impt to be cost conscious but at least get a ID or contractor with HDB license. I did shop around and met many ID and after a while I realize that the pricing is roughly the same. I also avoid those at expo as they tend to be inexperience and after all I do not want to be paying for their rental at expo exhibition ☺ sharing by another forum member Just to share my complete house pic and reno process http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v473/zhiz22/Reno/

self advert? register to post recommendation only and repeat in different thread?

self advert? register to post recommendation only and repeat in different thread?

self advertising? register a nick to spam same message everywhere?

yours sound like contractor instead. but for me my id did give some discount and threw in some freebies. for lightings i bought those that required ID to help install (downlight) but rest of light and fans i bought myself. for toiletwares also i bought things which need ID help to install so the transportation and installation responsibility is with ID. those other item which doesnt need ID coordinate i install myself.