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dreamzgal

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Posts posted by dreamzgal

  1. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Thanks, Bengologist.

    Wow.. you must be waiting anxiously for your lights : :notti: Do share the photos when your lights arrive :notti:

    The living room consist of mainly LED light strips and downlights... and also a few tracklights... so that makes up to almost 80% of the lighting in the house... All bedrooms will be installed with ceiling fan + lights which we bought locally, lights for bathroom and store are also bought locally... hmm... maybe I should reduce the taobao lightings to 70% :rolleyes:

    Anyway I'll update again when I received the lights and if they are okay, I will share the links too :D

    Wish you a great week ahead :lol: and Happy reno too :lol:

    Hi ucypmas, my place is at Tampines :P

  2. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Morning, folks.. hope everyone has a great weekend :D

    In this post, I would share my shopping experience :P

    Lighting
    I bought 80% of my lightings on Taobao via Peeka.

    Taobao lightings are definetely cheaper but I can only comment on the quality when shipment arrives end May.

    The total savings is about 50% as I'm using sea freight.

    The lights for bathroom & store cost us less than SGD$25 each & foyer light cost us less than SGD$50 as we bought on sale items from Lightcraft.

    Please refer here for Foyer Light

    Appliances

    We did our round of shopping at fairs & at big brand stores.

    For fairs, if you can accept display items, usually the price is abt $100-$200 lower but delivery is usually after the fair.

    We didn't check on the payment terms as we only require delivery in June hence have to give this option a miss :unsure:

    We bought most of our appliance at Gain City as we were convinced by the sales :P

    Aircon is definetely from GC as we have heard about their services from friends and we also wanted to get extended warranty for the aircons.

    I fell in love with a Samsung fridge as it's a design without the ugly handles but end up buying an LG one.

    It works via a

    which does not have any microchip that exist in most inverter appliances.

    The repalcement cost of the microchip is pretty high.

    20130426_App_LGFridge.JPG

    And a Samsung washer becomes...

    20130426_App_HitachiWasher.JPG

    We were convinced by this Hitachi washer for it's eco sensor & tangle-free feature.

    The eco sensor will serve hubby well as it sets the mode automatically upon detecting the load.

    I shall comment later after I get to used it :)

    GC also allows the flexibility of paying a deposit first and full payment upon before delivery.

    Overall, rate their service 9/10. Good product knowledge and patience to listen to our requirements. :good:

    Stay tuned for more...

  3. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Before yesterday site visit...

    The short wall to separate Kitchen and a tiny yard area is up... main purpose of the wall is to "hide" the washer and the "dustbin" :ph34r:

    More progess from yesterday site visit :notti:

    Kitchen progress - Backsplash tiles are up & floor waterproofing in progress.

    Common bathroom - Tiling in progress.

    Brick wall between Living & Study is up :good: ...

    TP425_04_RebuildWall.jpg

    Master Bathroom wall tiles also up :good: ... the effect of the "feature wall" turns out better than I expected :wub:

    TP425_04_MBath.jpg

    Stay tuned for more updates soon... ...

  4. Posted

    Hi Rulz, I have not started the blog yet :P and will update you once I start the blog!

    Now busy with finalizing the designs and there are so many nitty-gritty stuff to take care of... electrical appliances, furniture... and the list goes on & on!

    The renotalk Bro's & Sis's blog provide a lot of valuable information and also ideas, so keep reading :lol:

    You can check out http://www.houzz.com/photos for some inspirations as well :paint:

    Hi rulz... as promised... here's the link for my tblog :)

    http://www.renotalk.com/forum/topic/60159-yo-maison/

  6. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    I have been lurking around the forum since we started our house search... and after a long, long search, we finally got our new home early this year :dancingqueen:

    And after another long wait for the HDB appointments... the renovation finally starts End April 2013.

    PS : Well... alot of patience is required to search & wait :wacko: ... Patience is a viture :P... I totally agree now...

    To kick start, here's the layout plan.

    20130430_FloorPlan.JPG

    To cut the long, long story short... we didn't spend a lot of time searching or talking to IDs/Contractors, just met up with a few and confirm with my current ID. The "ultimate" selection is all about whether there's chemistry, we confirm with the current ID because our thoughts/ideas gel together pretty well and we can accomodate to each other requests :rolleyes: .

    Well.. my wishful thinking was ID will do "everything", I just make decisions will do :bleah: ... as the reno progress, there were tones of decision to make/tones of things settle :blink:

    Tiles selection was a breeze as ID has shown us the 3D and we have in mind the type of tiles of we wanted.

    First visit to the house after reno starts and we were welcome by these debris as we turn into the carpark on first day of reno...

    TP425_03_Debris.jpg

    Begining of demolation...

    The partitions & laminated flooring all removed... kitchen hacking also started...

    TP425_03_DemolationD1.jpg

    And it continues...

    More hacking done...

    TP425_03_DemolationD2.jpgTP425_03_DemolationD2_StoreRmWall.jpg

    We are really excited to see things progressing... :yeah:

  7. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Hi dreamzgal,

    Thanks for sharing your experience. I am currently looking around for some IDs/contractors. Currently it is a blank slate although we have been to one open house organised by Thom Signature.

    Right now, wifey and me are in the “what kind of theme and look we want” phase and are trying to compile a list of IDs to call and meet up. I must say that this forum has been a great help in educating us about the horror stories and we are slowly striking out some names from our initial list.

    Do you have any recommendation? I believe word-of-mouth recommendation is better than relying on photoshopped advertisements.

    Hi Rulz... my reno should be starting sometime next week and I engage a freelance ID + contractor.

    I can only comment on the contractor's work much later when things really get moving eg, the tiling work.

    My personal opinion of selecting ID/contractor is that you must "click" with the ID/ contractor.

    Working with my ID was smooth sailing as our ideas gel together pretty well which saves time explaining my preferences.

    All the best for your ID/contractor hunting :lol:

  8. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Hi rulz... welcome to RT.

    It'll be good to start shortlisting your ID/contractor now as the whole process will take a while (eg finalize layout, discuss abt price, etc).

    I believe recommendations does help to reduce the risk of problematic ID/contractor.

    My experience with the home & furnishing exhibition is that prices for furniture may not necessary be the lowest and negotiation is a must.

    For the floorings, curtains or other items.. I do think that prices are lower but again have to negotiate and only pay deposit and not the full amount.

    I have been to Gain City & Harvey Norman expo sale and find that their prices are lower than stores... but since you are only getting keys in last qtr of the year, it's advisable to buy the appliance much later as there could more exhibitions or sales during the year-end period and newer models... keke

    :rolleyes: Just my 2 cents worth...

  9. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Sometimes COV just comes down to how much u like the place. I initially thought of not paying anything more than 40k but after about 4 months of viewing, finally paid well over 60k for a unit that both me n my missus really love. It was a unit in pretty bad shape in our opinion n had to throw in another chunk for Reno. That was over half year ago. Now we moved in, really love it. Guess if its for own stay n not viewed as a form of investment, then you'll just pay what u think its worth, n if u really like it, then nothing is too much.

    I agree with Opto.

    If you like it then nothing is too much :yamseng:

    I have in mind how much COV I'm willing to pay when I view a unit so if the asking is beyond the threshold then I'll give it a miss...

    Also have to be realistic to work within budgets :bangwall:

    Good luck!

  10. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Hihi..

    Just to share my own experience while ID/Contractor searching for my resale.

    I did up a checklist of the items I want/need to do for the house before asking for quotes, this gives me a "clear view" of what I need/want to do for the house. I also specific those items that are "good to have" under Optional items, to have a better understanding of how much more it would cost.

    It helps to control the budget as it's indicated clearly in the list what are the "must-do" items & what are the "good-to-have" items.

    Just to add on, when selecting ID/Contractor, I believe that the "chemistry" plays a big part (of coz the price should also be within our budget). The ID/Contractor must understand our needs and whether features of the house suits out lifestyle :good:

    This thread also provide some useful information : http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37697

    Hope this helps :D

  11. Posted

    Can you list which ID you go to? Not sure what items you required for your renovation. For comparison my friend just got a quote from 1 stop contractor with own workers and factory for 5 room improved corner unit HDB for $38K +

    Works include -

    1) whole house hacking - floor walls tiles

    2) homo tiles $3 PSF for living, dining, 3 bedrooms, kitchen, 2 toilets, balcony floor

    3) ceramic tiles for toilets walls and kitchen walls $3

    4) 2 shower screens swing doors

    5) glass door for kitchen entrance

    6) electrical works

    7) plumbing works

    8) 37 ft kitchen and solid surface top

    9) vanity mirror top and bottom cabinets for two toilets with solid surface tops.

    10) 9 ft sliding wardrobe

    11) painting whole house

    12) cleaning and floor protection

    13) FOC hood, hob, kitchen sink and tap, 2 basins, 2 basin taps, 2 WC, storage heater.

    14) HDB permit and 3 D drawings

    Hi tanslee, please PM me your contractor's contact :)

    Any pix to show for your place?

    Thanks in advance...

  13. Posted

    Where got time to do paper work myself.

    Further more, the seller agent only take in direct buyer. He filter out all the buyer agent call. He told my spouse.

    As we are walk in buyer. He gave TOP priority to us.

    That is one of the problem in old system when agent can represent both side (seller and buyer).

    Seller cannot sell at the high price. Too bad.

    But.. I'm buyer.

    My objective is buy a HDB unit, with the location, floor and price I want.

    U know sth. My spouse only want unit from that 4 BLOCKS.. Wah pian.. :bangwall:

    Wow, only from 4 blocks! :jawdrop:

    At least you have found ur new house already, Congrats :yamseng:

    Keke.. can only wish myself Good Luck in securing a unit that we like soon :)

  14. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Wow... thanks blueriverview & May_dream1 :)

    I'll quick quick find time to read through the information :)

    Bro... understand your anxiety :)

    But the wait is worth while as you can have more time to plan for your reno :)

    All the best for your reno and happy shopping :)

    I'll stalk your tBlog for updates :)

  15. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Hi morning everyone :)

    Sandal Bro... your 2nd appointment coming very soon :yamseng:

    therat@

    Happy for you that you have found your new home :)

    Did you do the paper work yourself? If convenient, please PM me on the process.

    I believe I'm not too demanding to expect progress (eg house viewing or updates on buyer interest for our unit).

    These are the basic requirements, aren't they?

    I guess we should not hindrance the agent business, he may have other clients who have more & bigger potential.

    We'll move on somehow, either with the same agent or not!

    I won't sit around and wait for things to hapen, I'll do my fair share of work.

    I just hope to meet sincere & reasonable people :unsure:

  17. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Yes.. yes... :yamseng:

    I'm selling and buying, so imagine the commission amount that my agent will get :dribble:

    Frankly, I really don't know how to describe the Agent attitude de!

    I think Agents should try their best to get the best deal for their clients & solve problems creatively. We can work with him but not work "FOR" him 8| !

  18. Posted

    Yes, Bro. I have done my fair share of homework.

    Hi realconsultant,

    We know the agent "personally" so he knows that we are only working with him.

    But looking at the attitude/situation now, I second Sandal Bro that I rather "mai" and look for other alternative.

    Things are moving very slowly and it's tiring to keep on "chasing".

    I don't think I should be the one looking at Property websites and provide info for viewing arrangement, right!

    Agents are being paid for a reason!

    They are needed for their professional help & advise!

    No offence, please... just sharing my thoughts as I have my own fustration.

  19. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Ya lo thats what i do. i ti ti ask ask ask ask and even ask somemore. i pay commision ma so i deserve the answers also ma. cannot let him earn so easily right? :sport-smiley-004: my $ not easy to earn wor :jawdrop:

    You are right! We pay commission!

    I'm not expecting him to give me 24x7 updates but be proactive and not "disappear" till we "look" for him.

    Selling/Buying is not a stress-free journey for us that's why Agents are needed to solve problems and not give us more problems. :furious:

    Maybe our birthdates with the Agent "does not match"... haha.. that's why can't close the deals ;)

  20. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    My philosophy: There is NEVER a good time to buy anything. From electronic gadgets, to cars, to property.

    If u think the price is fair and right, go for it....

    Ah bo at a later time, u will say "Aiya had I know it........"

    Good luck and all the best :sport-smiley-018:

    I agree with Batman.

    As long as you find that the place is right and the price is fair, just go for it.

    I'm also currenty looking for a resale flat and to be frank, I'm also not sure whether it's the right time to make a move, but I still decided to go ahead with it and go with the flow of the events. :yamseng:

  21. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    i pm you his number already. haahaaa :sport-smiley-004:

    Thanks, Bro. Received your PM already.

    Yup... I'm more proactive in asking information now.

    I'm opening my options to other agents and hope that we can find our ideal unit soon.

    Hi Batman, I can only afford HDB ah :rolleyes:

  22. Posted

    My 1st agent was dam laidback must ask this ask that and feel like she abit avoiding me. Dono issit cause i was asking too much questions. HEllo my 1st time buy house ma and somemore i paying commision hor.

    Then my current agent not bad. We went kopi sessions, fishing together and he even help me with my furniture choosing and fighting for discounts together. Seriously i also shocked. :jawdrop:

    Bro, your agent very cool!

    Can PM me his contact?

    My current agent didn't pattern similar to your 1st agent de... He didn't avoid me but just have to keep on pushing him for updates :(

    So bit sianz with him ah :(

  24. Posted

    ya lo. agree liao ti ti increase COV until the end dan call us back say can agree on initial agreement. Was dam pissed off lor. That time i was represented by another agent from DWG.

    Until i met my current agent. he brought me to the flat that i am in process. He managed to help me press the cov to 30k which me and wifey was comfortable. Although my sellers are abit on the quiet side and don talk much but at least they don come out all sort of pattern.

    So many pattern see also sianz

    Happy for you that you have met a nice agent and find a nice unit. :yamseng:

    I'm also starting to wonder whether is it the "chemistry" between us & Agent not working well :(

    Negotiation of price & terms should be done between both Buyer & Seller Agents as they represent us and should know our requirements clearly. If Agent has a sense of "arrogance", then they won't pull down their face to negotiate. I can only keep my fingers cross that my agent is doing what he's suppose to & follow-up dilligently on the unit that we are keen in.

    It's tiring to keep on asking the Agent whether this or that has been done, he should be doing the follow-ups and updates. :furious:

  25. Posted · Edited by dreamzgal

    Thanks, Bro and Congrats on getting a unit that you like.

    We all want the best deal for ourselves but must be reasonable de.

    How can they keep on increasing the COV!

    This is our 2nd unit facing "not-so-easy-to-handle" seller.

    My situation now is seller has accepted our offer but considering on the terms. To make matters worst the valuation is expiring & in the midst of doing re-valuation. If the valuation goes up, I guess the seller might ask for more COV. Sad to say, "Gentleman Agreement" does not exist anymore :furious:

    I can only hope that everything goes well as there are factors that we can't control but can only try our best to solve/overcome it :dunno:

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