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Ben3555

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Posts posted by Ben3555

  1. Posted · Edited by Ben3555

    Hi Jules, can understand your frustration over the delay as 7 months is a long wait for completion.. I believe renovation is a team effort with many parties involved.. As owner, we face the risk of irresponsible contractor, delay and shoddy workmenship.. Thats why we spend so much time and effort trying to look for recommendation and this forum is like a god send for those without other resources.. After locking down the ID, we must still contine to track the progress and work hand-in-hand with the ID to see thru the whole process.. even though it is reasonable to assume that the ID should be the one doing it..it is afterall our house and to our interest to ensure that the job are done properly and to highlight any defects early for rectrification.. we must also do our part by sticking to the design and not expect the schedule to be on time if there are changes along the way..

    That's why communication and common understanding is important and this is where it is likely to fail us if not careful.. a lot of factors are in play during the reno and all parties must do their part.. As home owner, we must try to be sure of our requirements and once commtted, have minimum changes, do regular checks and highlight areas for rectrification, prompt payment. For the ID, he must be responsive, responsible and response to request and changes.. He have to ensure that all coordination are done properly, do checks and ensure minimum hassel for the owner.. we do pay the bill right..

    For my reno, it is also not 100% smooth and perfect but we kept in touch and managed to resolve most of the defects.. there are time that the workers/subcon did not turn up as planned and i also wasted a few days of leave as a result.. but we cannot just assume it is the ID fault.. I personally witness the actual arrangement between ID and sub-con but they still did not tun up.. it is not only fustrating for us but for the ID as well.. and he not only need to maintain good relations with us but with his workers/sub-con as well in order to do his job.. :deal:

    Sometime the ID cannot move on for many reasons and one of the most critical is prompt payment for the simple reason that sub-con will not work if they are not paid.. Any sane ID/Company will want to complete the job nicely, maintain their reputation, get good referral and continue to make $$.. no one will delay for 7 months ..

    Jules, Prepare a defect list, call him up, set a dateline for completion. Once u have met your side of the deal, he will have to do so too and i am sure that he will. If not, we have been wasing time and talking about the wrong Kelvin... I hope all turn out well for your house and your FH as well..cheers..

    Hi Zong, really admire your colourful house.. very brave selection of colours and it turn out really nice.. expecially like your choice of basins.. why Kelvin did not bring me there ;):notti: ..Post more update for us..cheers..

    Appreciate if anybody can PM me Kelvin's contact info? Can find him by walking in IMM store?

    Hi PM u already... GPlan now at Furniture Mall.. not recommended to walk-in as he is mostly out of office.. try calling him first..cheers..

  2. Posted

    hi ben355

    beautiful pictures.

    Did you take it using a digital SLr?

    thanks

    wow..was out of action for a while and missed out on lots of action....

    Hi Vin.. Thanks for the compliments.. did not use SLR but my latest toy, a simple Canon Digital IXUS 850IS..Bought it for my kids as my other camera too bulky for them for their school projects.. quite happy with the result too..Will try to take some proper shots with SLR after proper deco..

  3. Posted

    The reno of my old re-sale 4 room flat was completed by end May 07.. I narrow down my search for ID to the select few recommended in this forum.. and to cut a long story short, signed up with Kelvin after 2 meeting and half a viewing of one of his project.. was comfortable with him and must say that he is as recommended.. He did a total overhaul of my unit which is in its original condition from 30+ yrs ago.

    I think no reno is perfect but mine is mostly hassel free. There are some defects and mis-comm along the way but He is responsible and whenever there is a problem, he is quick to repond and resolve.. Even though i have already make my final payment, he is still responsive and settle some minor defect along the way.. oh.. his lobang also help to save $$$$

    Overall, i am very satisified with my reno. He design according to our needs and workmenship is good. Now to share the final result..

    Living room..

    Picture1-1.jpg

    Dining room...

    Picture2.jpg

    Kitchen..

    Picture3.jpg

    Misc shots...

    Picture4.jpg

  5. Posted

    hey gal.. if it is small changes and u r ok with it.. than go ahead.. but for any major issue, delay till your fh is available.. he can still use hp when on reservist.. maybe at night... don't be cornered by any sales tactics or time limitation.. stand firm... not happy say not happy.. then they won't play play with u.. take care..

  7. Posted

    Have been using the panasonic for almost 1 month +.. :lol: No problem with water pressure.. maybe also because i am staying on low floor.. temp setting constant and the different setting for water flow also very good for a refreshing shower... Service from Panasonic also good.. discovered a leak in the filter when we moved in.. i think damaged during installation.. one call and the service guy appeal the next day to replace the parts..

  8. Posted

    The study area with pink curtain. Will have to get a new TV soon..close-up of the lights from Ikea chosen by the kids..

    9-3.jpg10-3.jpg11-2.jpg

    My reno jouney is almost to the end.. It was both enjoyable and fustrating at time but glad to say that the experience have been more positive than negative. Chosing a reliable ID is the first step and i am glad that i did not make a wrong choice. Shorlisted Kelvin from Gplan based on the recommendation from renotalk and he certainly is as recommended..

    All the quoted works were done and more added at no extra cost.. My final bill is exactly as quoted.. no hidden cost.. the workers are generally responsible but timing can be improved.. ID Kelvin has again proven himself both in designing to meet my requirement, responsibility and commitment.. He is responsive to request and no pushing of responsibility when there are problems. Quick to response and settle problems.. and also his lobangs that help to save $$$$... :drunk:

    Also thanks to all the advise and recommendation from all friends in renotalk.. :D

    Have to start re-building the bank account and start looking for nice items to complete the overall deco and post the final result to share... meahwhile, will continue to spam others blog :D ..

  9. Posted

    some more photos to share....

    Simple pebblewash at bedroom entrance...

    1-4.jpg

    My small bedroom... with close-up of the main bedroom light..

    2-4.jpg3-4.jpg4-3.jpg5-3.jpg

    Now on to the children's room.. both done up in the same design i.e, wardrobe, study table and lights.. using one as showcase... still messy and need tidying up..

    looking in from the passage way..The wardrobe with spotlight on.. close-up of the teacoloured glass..

    6-3.jpg7-3.jpg8-3.jpg

  10. Posted

    Veri Nice leh. :bleah::notti::rofl:

    Btw I noticed ur hse are mostly in white colour. :)

    My place very small so need to use light colours.. carpentry all using glossy white laminates and the walls are whitebased..only selected area using earthtone colour.. lighter colours give a more spacious feel to the whole place..

  11. Posted

    Just heard that i will not be able to use my kitchen for 2 days.. The black kitchen floor tiles were stained quite badly during the reno. Kelvin arranged for 3 different groups of contractor to try and clean up the stain but to no effects. Finally, SBH, the tile supplier came to the rescue. A test was done last weekend on one of the tile and the special sealent managed to clean most of the stain. Now, they will be sending their workers down tomorrow to do a major clean up and to apply the special sealent.. will not be able to enter the kitchen for the next 2 days... holiday for my wife.. no cooking, washing...

    Also got hit in the pocket one more time.. discovered that my upstair neighbour shower area is leaking and staining my ceiling.. under HDB policy, have to pay for half the repair bill.. :) ... at least $200.. painful..

  12. Posted

    super NICE! :)

    question: yr dryer how u ventilate it? coz i having problems with my dryer. currently, my deflector is face down so the hot air comes down but everytime my service area condense water coz too hot. so we thinking of buying the venting duct then everytime use dryer throw the venting duct out of the window (but worry not long enough).

    Linda.. there are two opening for the exhaust (on both side of the dryer).. As it is just beside the window, we connected the venting duct to the opening facing the window and point it outward everytime we use the dryer.. i think the venting duct can stretch for at least 2.5 to 3m..

  13. Posted · Edited by Ben3555

    ya, i also very curious...but sumobear, it's the same when we have top cabinet....

    Hi Ben, I'm absolutely in LOVE with your white cabinet feature. Can you show me how it look like inside? very beautiful house (minus the pipe in the toilet):notti::notti::help::)

    what is the total damage so far?

    Yellow, u refering to the kitchen, display/storage or feature wall/shoe cabinets? Actually, the interior are very simple..just shelfs.. I need lots of storage space as we do not have a storeroom.. reno cost excluding furnishing about $40k+...

    I also have headache over the pipes..no choice but to wait for the MUP.. HDB is changing all the pipes in the toilet and shower..

  14. Posted · Edited by Ben3555

    Just curious...I always like the under light for kitchen's bottom cabinets but how do you change the light bulbs when they blow? Must you lie on the floor and change them? And with such lighting, your cabinet has to be wall mounted so can the cabinet hold the weight of your things, in term of durability?

    Hi Sumo, the lights under the cabinet are just simple fluorescent tubes..yes..have to lie on the floor to change it if blown.. As for the suspended cabinets, not a problem.. able to take the weight..my daughters favourite position is to sit on top of the cabinet when taking to mummy in the kitchen.. so far so good.. the height is just nice and more than enough space to store all the kitchen utensils..

  15. Posted

    Hi all...Thanks for the nice comments.. credit goes to my id and his team of workers.. there are minor issues along the way but the comforting part is their responsiveness and willingness to resolve problems.. so it has been a relatively smooth journey...

    Now to continue...

    The passage way to the bedrooms...

    dd.jpg

    My small toilet and shower...

    aa.jpgbb.jpgcc.jpg

    moving on to te kitchen.. quite a small area so using the same glossy white laminate with orange coloured glass backsplash...pretty happy with the final outcome. As wife is not into baking, so no oven...save some $$..

    Basin area with the wahser and dryer

    ee.jpgff.jpg

    The opposite side...

    gg.jpghh.jpgii.jpg

    A close up of the Rinnai hood and hob.. really effective.. cook fast due to the burner design and the hood is powerful enought to clear the cooking smell.. good buy...

    jj.jpg

    The main kitchen lights from Ikea.. Not ex and effective..very bright

    mm.jpg

    Another look of the kitchen..now with the bottom cabinet lights on..

    kk.jpgll.jpg

    Tomorrow will continue with the rest of the house..

  16. Posted

    Thanks for all the comments! linda, that would be a good idea too but now budget tight already nearly broke liaoz......lolz...trying to quit too ciggarette prices have gone up again!:) : (

    Very nice.. me also into white layout and design.. your reno and deco is excellent.. same sentiment on the cig.. must try to look for cheaper but legal source.. hahahaha

  18. Posted

    no wonder i spend my money so fast - my main door face full height living windows. :~ haha, actually i knew abt it but couldn't design around it so i just psycho myself i don't believe. since i oso nv do dong tu, hire geomancer etc. my unit feng shui sa la oso coz face junction which its super no good. but most blocks ard my area all face some junction one.

    girls always has lots of shoes! haha.. its one thing we never complain we have too much of - on top of money. :D i did one side of my hhs with shelves for my shoes so if i close one eye i tell myself a bit walk-in wardrobe of shoes la. i'm a self-deluding person!

    Linda.. so long the source keeps pouring in... :D your place is really nicely done up..

    Spikedoll.. sorry spam your blog.. your place is in excellent condition. minor touch up and will be ready to move-in..save on reno cost.. congrats

  20. Posted

    wow..my last post was on 30 May.. :D time really flys and it is almost 1 month+ since i moved in.. to date, almost all touch up completed.. still short of lots of deco items but have no time to shop.. will need to get a carpet for living area, dress-up the dining table, show piece for the display cabinet etc.. meanwhile, some photo update...

    Living Room... with different lighting effects.. have been lazing around here enjoying movies and family time.. that's why got no time to post :D ...

    a.jpgb.jpgc.jpgd.jpg

    Close up of the Feature Wall & TV Console, Shoe Cabinet... featuring my old LCD TV.. would love to trade it in for a newer model but sure to get :~:~ from wife...

    e.jpgf.jpgg.jpg

    Now for the Dining Room...

    j.jpgh.jpgk.jpg

    close up of the storage cum display cabinet..

    l.jpgm.jpg

    Cove Lighting at Dining area, Close up of the crystal dining light, especially like the different colour reflections..

    n.jpgp.jpgq.jpg

    That's it for tonight.. lazy bones are calling and have to hit the sack...will post photo of the kitchen, bedrooms etc tomorrow..

  21. Posted

    Hi Sumo... me long time no post but have to come in after seeing your handiwork :D my place already completed for almost one month and it is still bare.. if only i have your energy level and creativity... really very nice pieces and ideas...

  24. Posted

    argHZz... waiting for yr pictures ....

    我等到花儿也谢了 。。。。

    haha....T

    Will come soon..let me settle down and re-build my strength first.... ID also waiting for me to unpack so he can take photo..hahaha...

  25. Posted

    have also decided to get Queen bed instead of King.. though I wld lurve the extra space, Bi feels that when he turns, he wld like to be able to touch me and not have to reach out to touch me... :dunno: hahaha.. anyway means we can save on sheets :dancingqueen:

    Hi Candy..go for King if the space allows it.. It will be more comfortable and this is not something that u want to change.. anyway your Bi can sleep closer wat even if King... :furious:

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