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Oh! And your girl is so talented. She can draw way better than me. BWahahahah!

LOVE YOUR GLASS wall. Am inspired to do this for my place too. Thanks for the inspiration!

$0 COV for 5rm at Sgoon North in Aug 2014. Top floor, unblocked view, but, totally bare, original condition. Reno 100%.

Thinking of installing the Schneider switches- ULTI series. http://www.schneider-electric.com.sg/sites/singapore/en/products-services/product-launch/ulti/ulti-ezinstall-3-mini-home-control.page Anyone has any experience with these? Appreciate all inputs.

Just want to share some of my experience when looking for Air-conditioning units & Windows + Grilles for my 5 room flat. Windows & Grilles (Whole house in original W&G from HDB since >25yrs ago): When I first got Quotation from my ID & several IDS/ Contractors for my windows & grilles, most were in the vicinity of >/=10K. My request was casement preferably since I dun like brightness/ wind/ view to be blocked by window panels (in the event that I opt for sliding), white powder coated for windows frame & grilles, and clear glass. But, since most IDS/ Contractors were quoting me in the range of 10K for my requirements, I decided to source on my own. $10K is about 12% of my entire reno cost. I decided that it's way too high. I asked around, search in forums, and finally googled. In the end, I was given 3 quotations by direct windows contractors. a.) t** located in Tampines: Send in my request via their online conatct form. Called me back after 3 days and told me that estimated Quote is bout 4K max. OMG! I was like so freaking happy, but, also skeptical since I don't believe that the makeup can be as much as 60%. I asked if they need to go on-site to do measurements, and he say no, but, it'll be gd if I can measure and then update him so that he can give me a more accurate Quote. So, after I do my site measurements, I contacted the Sales again, and this time, price went up to 5K plus, althou it was relatively cheaper than many others, but, I decide not to contact them again as they've never been on site, so, I'm not sure if there's going to be any other surprises. b.) ANV Aluminium Contractors: Send in my request for a Quote via email, and Alex very promptly replied on the very same night with an estimated Quote of 7.3K. But, he mentioned that may be lower as he feels that dimensions shouldn't be that huge. So, we arrange for a site visit the next evening by his Brother Vincent. He was able to tell me the exact price immediately after the measurements, and although the total price went up to 7.5K, I was impressed by their prompt service and willingness to accommodate. Most importantly, they're the only Windows & Grilles Contractor that tells me that there's no difference to the price of Casement or Sliding since they manufacture themselves. c.) Chin ***** @ Geylang: Send my request via email, and was contacted about 2-3days later. Very nice boss who came down personally to take measurements. But, alas, total quote was close to $9K. After the above 3, it's quote clear that we go ahead with ANV Aluminium Contractors for their speedy and excellent service. Being the auntie that I am, of coz I couldn't resist bargaining on the price. So, I request that Alex do up the whole house windows & grilles for us at his initial quote price of 7383, and he kindly agreed! YEAH! Will update on the quality and installation works soon. Air-conditioning units We din get quotes from lots of vendors this time round as not many shops carry System 5, and as far as I know, only Daikin & Toshiba have System 5. Since Daikin is made in Thailand and Toshiba is in Japan, we have a clear winner. Now, the problem is getting from who. We went to Gain City for Quote since we were at MS doing some festive shopping. We were quoted in total 5.9K for 24K + 13K +3x 9K. If we were to upgrade to 1/2" thick class 1 armaflex & copper piping + thick PVC piping, all in will cost us bout 6.5K. With their current promotion of $500 voucher offset and 1+4yrs warranty upgrades. We thought it's quite a gd deal already, but, decided to wait out and see if we can get better deals. Afterall, a penny saved is a penny earned. After looking ard & asking friends for recommendation, I'm glad I found Stanley & Jeff from Livecool Solutions. Not only is their pricing very competitive as they're very clear on their competitor's pricing (eg. Gain City), their service is superb. Very prompt and punctual in meeting up for the site survey. Helpful & knowledgeable. In fact, they met up with me twice, once is for the initial site survey, then once more with my ID & PM for a final discussion on the actual trunking and unit placement. Also note that they never charge me extras for the 'LONG' distance and price quoted is inclusive of multiple trip installation if necessary. I have good vibes about this young duo (Started their own company 1.5yrs ago, i think) who have been in this industry for many years. Hope whoever contacts them for their service will be as satisfied as I am! I am always more than happy to post wonderful reviews about my purchases. So, I think I will only focus on good experiences here, and not on those yucky ones (hope wun encounter any this time round) so as to keep this t-blog with positive energy flow.

Hi @ILJ, Thanks! ^_^ We are 13* but not 135. We bought the unit on the 1st day that it was put on the market I think. Fast hand, fast leg. Heheheh There's a EM for sale at 138 now, in case you are still looking for something ard the area. But then it's ground floor tho.

Some photos of current condition: The recess area that we have purchased The original Living room The elongated kitchen MBR

Woohoo! Hacking approved. Works are gonna start tomorrow. Things are getting serious 0.o On a happier note, we have gotten a really good deal for Toshiba System 5! Hopefully, everything will turn out well.

Please install in ur WIW. Especially if you have mirrors and vanity & such... Plus if you're the type that tends to change a couple of times before deciding on the final outfit. Hahahha. You definitely need aircon there. You don't wanna perspire after every change. Think of the weather is gonna be like the past 2 days (So FREAKING Hot & humid). I can't say for your dinning & guest room. But, I'll say WIW is a must. Hehhehe.

Hi RLB. Good to see you here. Yep, the access balcony is the recess area that we will be purchasing. Pending for approval now. We hack away the original door frame, so, we'll build the main door at the recess area entrance. Renovation cost is exorbitant nowadays! Total madness. But, I really can't spare the time to do all the coordination & stuff, so, really is LL bo bian, just pay. ~_~ We're the opposite. We stayed at Bt Merah previously, and shifting to Sgoon Nth. U stay at Sgoon Nth previously & shifting to Bt Merah now.

Hi RLB, Hahaha. This is what forums are good for. To learn & share. But, really, I'd think better to go for System 5 and install everything at 1 go. Look at the freaking weather now. ~_~ I regretted like 10000x when I didn't install in my living room for our 1st place. Once bitten, twice shy. Anyway, if you're getting System 5 Toshiba, can try Gain City. I find the deal pretty gd, total 5.8K+ (excluding brackets + upgrading of cables/ wires), FOC $500 Gain vouchers (can be offset for next purchase), or can change to CHOICE vouchers. then foc 1+4 yrs warranty (Limited to total cost of $1,999). If just getting equipment, then will be 4.2K+, but, no more freebies. We still haven't buy it, coz was hoping that they can give further discount on the 5.8K+

Hooray! Finally got the keys last week, and finalise the layout of the unit. Before: After:

Hi RLB, Many thanks for your fast reply. I was told that Daikin System 5 is not appropriate for HDB as the Outdoor unit itself weights about 83kg, hence it's above the limit of the bracket of ledge. Especially since we are old flats, so, it's gonna be held by brackets. Please enlighten me if really can, as we don't seem to have much choice. I'm getting a resale 5 rm at Sgoon Nth. Was told that the only option I have is Toshiba System 5. Then again, it seems like a good choice since the units are made in Japan. Please share your thought.

Hi RLB, Can I know how many air cons are you installing for your house? System 4 or more?

@Hidayah83, I met up with Derrick of Space Define, and after getting the Quotation. I'd say that their pricing is really quite reasonable despite them being an ID firm. We have yet to firm up anything with them as I have some changes to my design and we're playing around with a few options. But, I will say that they are 1 of the final 2 that I have short-listed. There's a high chance that we may go with them. I think just go ahead and meet up so as to expose to more ideas

HI Songz, Basically, redoing the entire house as this is 29yrs old, but, interior is almost empty except for Floor tiles + wall tiles in Kitchen & toilets. Basic sink in kitchen + 2 WC + 2 standing basins in toilets. Will be hacking all off to redo everything. 1. Floor will be 800x800 homo. Rooms will be Parquet. 2. Hack off 1 of the bedrooms to connect with LR & Dining. 3. Hack off storeroom to become part of LR & Dining. 4. Hack off MBR wall, and extend out then erect a new wall. The extended part will be WIW. Ard 24ft. 5. Shoe cabinets at the access balcony since going to buy over. Ard 12ft. 3 ft full height, the bal half height. 6. Construct a full height water feature near the storeroom area. 7. Gonna have a feature wall for the Telly area. I think the above are the major works. Quite shocked on the 84K. Coz my 1st house reno for 4 rm was only bout 30K, and works are quite extensive too. Only diff was no hacking needed to be done. That was 7yrs ago.

Have met up with Nicholas from Renoguyz. Quite happy with him, and also felt that there's good rapport. Only thing is he estimated a cost of $50-$60K, and I was quite happy with the estimated cost except that when the official Quotation came over in the night, it went up to $84K. Couldn't sleep the whole night man ~_~ Will meet up with Rix from Fuse Concept this week, and see how it goes from there. To me, rapport & support is very important. Have fixed 2nd appt with Space Define, Design Sense & Renoguyz next weekend. Should be able to finalise the reno soon. On a sidenote, went to Suntec yesterday, saw Eubiq Roadshow, so, have purchase their home package liao. Woohoo!

Met up with 2 IDs onsite, and strangely enough I have to keep chasing 1 of them for the Quotation and briefs. Quite disappointed as got quite good vibes with her. Since we still have 2-3 months to play with before getting the keys, we have decided to meet up with a few more ID or Contractors to get more opinions and Quotes. Have met up with the following so far: 1. Derrick from Space Define - Good vibes about him. Friendly and some ideas that he gave onsite kinda blew me away. So, now is left with the Quotation and see how much it's gonna cost us. He mentioned that close 1 eye also need ard $80K. OMG MAX ~_~ 2. Angie from EFR Design - Good vibes when communicating thru sms and onsite. But, appointments got postpone twice due to unforeseen circumstances at her end. Promised Quotation din turn up in my mailbox despite sending multiple reminders. Promised to call me back 10mins later was also not fulfilled. Quite disappointing as was quite happy with their profile and I was willing to let the young people try their hand on my place so as to create good portfolios for themselves. But, just too bad.. Not gonna contact her anymore. Quite tired of chasing for things. 3. Ophelia Jen from Design Sense - My first ID for my 1st home. Have already send me layout and 3D drawings. Pretty happy with her designs as always. Made some changes to the space planning. Hoping to see some magic from her end. Just teeny bit worried bout the Quotation as from my 1st Reno, I know that they are not exactly economical. 4. Juan from Rustic Design @ Bt Merah - Got contact thru friend as felt that she did a good job with their reno & space planning. But, during meetup, totally no chemistry. Gotta see how it goes after getting a quotation from her. Was told that it takes about 2 weeks for her. Gonna meet up with the Following: 1. Nicholas from Renoguyz - Seen quite a few positive reviews on him. Hope to see his magic tomorrow. 2. Rix from Fuse Concepts - Also got the contacts through this forum. Maybe meeting up with him this week. Gotta see how it goes. 3. Peter Neo from Joo Guan Huat - Haven't met up with him personally, but, have already forward him the floor plan and the necessities to quote. This Contractor did up my sis & friend's place twice. So, shall see if he can convince us to go to him too.

Here comes another hurdle: We have intention to purchase the Recess Area. But, as we are not rightful owners of the unit yet, we can't do the purchase of the recess area together with the unit. Really hate all the bureaucracy involved. Hopefully when we purchase it after the completion of the flat, the entire process can be expedited. Will keep bugging the Technical Office & Estate Manager. ~_~

@ttx143, sounds like you can save quite abit by not requiring all the middlemen. But, really quite alot of additional jobs to be handled by yourself. Gd luck to you reno. Do post some updates here & there.

@Vct, Oopsss.. Ya hor, it's Ave 2. Hhehehehe. Blur liao. @Dwinsplace, OH! Really? I'm still waiting for the Technical Office to get back to me. Ti Gong bopi bopi no problem to hack. Going to meet one of the Reno firm for design concept and quotation tomorrow, hope will be satisfactory.

@Songz, haiz... Sianz liao. Worse thing is even if get PE to certify, end of the day still up to HDB whether they approve or not. @Vct, It's 13X.

Just did the valuation yesterday and got the reno people to look ard and take measurements. Seems like we will have problems hacking the walls (even if it's non-solid black lines) as the walls seems to be prefab. Anybody has any experience with prefab walls?

Hello All ~~~ @Lovescandi, It's at Sgoon Nth Ave 4. Near the Mosque. @ttx143, CONGRATS to u too! This unit is totally bare. NO build-ins. no kitchen cabinets. Nothing at all. Also an old unit. Approximately 25 yrs old. Which ID or Contractor u looking at? I'm getting quotes and designs from Eastern Furniture Renovation and Space Define currently.

Any feedbacks on this Interior Firm? Thinking of visiting them to discuss on reno ideas. Thanks..