yoongf

Just thinking out loud... the GFA issue shd not be a key concern for nw. Walk up flats is a strata titled flat development. Need to chk if there is an active MCST in place. Any flat development that involves gfa issues need mcst endorsement. This can get very messy. If below neighbour is some blur aunty, then u are in luck, u can be the entire MCST. But the biggest show stopper is the structural plans. Most buildings from this era do not hv proper foundations or very strong structures. A PE might say hv to micropile and strengthen the below columns. Dun think below neighbours are going to be so accomodating. Next is FSB. Enlarging an attic may increase the “running distance” to the nearest escape staircase. Whether a QP want to sign off on this drawing is a seperate discussion. If all these legal proper way presents so many show stopping issues, might as well go full DIY renovation. GFA issues no longer relevant. We may see some impressive attics in SG. Usually those owners own entire building and redid the lower floor structures.

If tender quotes are very tight, it can only mean trouble. The tender process is rigged. The tender specs are too lacking in details for any contractor to quote accurately. To mitigate the situation, get contractors seperately to quote, not those recommended by the guy calling the tender. Insist on NSC for piling, plumbing, electrical, aircon, sanitaryware and tiles. This will surely freak out those non serious quotes. With detailed breakdowns, u can then accurately compare quotes. Insist on a performance bond of 10%. Financially Weak contractors cant afford them.

I am more amazed at the installation of a magnetic netting on the outside of the window. Not only does it alter the external facade of the building, it also presents a window safety issue. Very high chance the incoming mcst will insist on its removal.

Additives even by manufecturer warranty lasts 10yrs. And thats by application in near lab conditions. The way to meet sg ppl expectations is in the design, not the treatments. Ie.. no flat roofs, water do not touch painted surfaces. U will notice that new high value construction uses concrete external walls instead of bricks. Double layer brick is for heat insulation, not abt waterproofing.

Allow to protrude max 1m into the setback

Then easy ma. Immediately terminate the main con n architrct. Get evidence of their negligence. Appoint new maincon to finish up. This is easy to follow up!

What is the opinion of the architrct? Whose side is the architrct on? no other contractor will sign. Is there a performance bond that gives u leverage? are there LD clauses in the contract? if really no hope, go for termination of contract. Funny ppl will not change overnite. It will take a few months to get new contractor on board but still better than have a unstable relationship with existing contractor. It takes 2 hands to clap. It could be unreasonable expectations on your side without you knowing it. Therefore seek architect opinion first. There are professional contract mgt firms out there to resolve such issues.

Is there public land to resite a new pole? Such diversion is only cost effective if easy alternatives are available. Powergrid doesnt do national service. The entire cost of such a diversion will be charged to you, including neighbours diversion if its still serving them.

Contractor must apply for temporary utility supply. However, this will take weeks to setup the temp toilets n temp meter board. If u cut off supplies before these temp facilities are up.. contractor has to build these facilities with zero power and zero water. Hw productive can that be. Better to liase with contractor abt what is most convenient solution. Neighbours will not appreciate a 24hr diesel generator next door.

Usually not in QP interest to delay getting approvals. Usually got boo boo trying to quietly regularise.. like did not get earlier sub approvals. Best get all correspondance in written form with clear timelines in case u hv to take the issue up with the professional bodies.

https://www.ura.gov.sg/maps/?service=LHA

1650sqft land for a semi-D? that is unusually small. Is the number correct?

After 10yrs of living in it, even a new house becomes dated, which means the 1mil construction cost is depreciated to zero, leaving just the residual land value. Is such a depreciation rate acceptable? Sg ppl typically dun pay a premium for a used structure.

And very importantly.. Determine yr AP location upfront so the LAN cable can be run there from day 1. Most older houses end up with AP in bedrooms due to existing LAN points location

Eunos ave 3 http://www.hafary.com.sg/contact

Built in 80s, existing 2.5 floors shd hv high chance get to 3.5 without rebuilding. Provided the zoning allows for it. its really a question of the materials to be used. Existing home or newly acquired property?

The developer decides. having gas pipe is not a statutory requirement. Not all areas have gas mains nearby and it cost a bomb to lay a connection. Units with no seperately ventilated kitchens.. Such as studios require elaborate gas leak detection devices.

Before 10 from TOP date got warranty, after 10 no. If leak is from a flat roof, better to redo the entire roof waterproofing. Horizontal slab leak.. Is simply chasing the issue to different location every year.

Hw old is the building?

What they dont tell u is the cost of the batteries that requires replacement every few years. The same issue is happening for electric cars. There is a quantum leap in battery technology coming out soon but its still new and the price unknown. Lets not kid ourselves. As long as power supply is readiliy available, the switch over cost is prohibitive, unless grants are involved. Solar only makes sense for ulu areas where there are no ready power supply available like a floating fish farm, or when the neighbourhood sub station has maxed out like in HDB towns. Well.. Thats just my opinion.

$300 psf x covered area is more like what u see in those heartland condo showflats. Definitely not Twin Peaks standard. There is a big difference between what a contractor quote and the final budget of a home owner. $300 does not include consultant fees, authority submission fees and fittings and fixtures and GST.

I will not TOP the building with the solar panels installed. It is already very hard to pass TOP. All these "nice to hv" toys shd be installed after TOP.

Minimally 200k, high expectations maybe ard 400k.

Licensed plumber will do. Aiyah.. Its a small job.. Just quietly do.

Really depends on the existing layout. Need to see the proposed layout. Sewer lines that carry the poo flows by gravity. For the new lvl1 toilet if it abutt the existing toilet still easy. If have a horizontal run that will cross ground beams is a major task. Same for level2 toilets. Need to see if crossing any beams, and if the lowered false ceiling is acceptable to the client