OceanEleven

YALE YDR323-G As mentioned in earlier post, to counter the issue of unsightly "add on" and "cover", we had went for the Yale YDR323. This lock is specially design to meet the needs of the metal gate, opening from inside the house is done via a remote control only. The remove range is pretty good, within 5-10m is not a problem. However since we are used to going to the gate to open it, we often forget to unlock the gate via the remote. It take a little of getting use to on this part but not a big issue. The remote comes with a wall mount, drilling may be required. Since we had decided to replace our gate, we have the design in mind to cater for the digital lock. That is, have a flat surface for the lock to sit on. Hence instead of the numerous grilles design, we have one with thicker frame. As seen from the picture above, frame is thick and wide, with ample area for the lock to be mounted on. This consideration is important, especially if you are installing both main door and gate with digital. Reason being that both lock do not hit each other when both door and gate are closed and also the main door lock is accessible from outside. Take a look at you own door and gate, especially for those having 2 ply type, it may pose a little challenge for some. TBC

Digital Lock for Gate. Digital Lock for gate is a challenge for most house owners as the standard HDB gate as no backing for the gate to mount on. Hence installers need to "add" on a piece of plate to gate for the digital lock to "sit" on. Also not all digital lock are suitable for gate mounting due to the fact the unlocking from inside is often on the digital lock itself. So that means people from outside can simply put their hands in behind the gate and reach for the lock to unlock it. To overcome this, installers often add a "cover" on the lock to encase the digital lock (referring to side inside the house). The "cover" will is padlock by a smaller lock. This is a easier solution compare to changing the complete gate. Picture below may offer a better understanding.

Hi, hope I had answered your queries. Happy shopping.

Only online gets 6% rebate. Sounds reasonable but this is become an excuse to shop more then.

This aircon isolating switch acts like a main switch to stop power supply compressor. You can off it if whole family is travelling away for a few days. You should have one somewhere, it is a standard requirement.

Check out my signature.

Mine are install outside the unit at the aircon ledge. Weather proof and is the isolating switch similar to the pic below.

Couldnt resist the temptation. OXO Stainless Steel Toothbrush Holder.

Wow! Your lighting are expensive! I spent 3K on all lighting, excluding down light, T5 and some light bulbs. 3K is in RMB.

I think your electrician is ripping you off. Cove lights T5 normally is done by looping. ie. one connect to next and connect to next. Counted as one light point. Which also means one wiring to all T5, on/off same switch. If he charges you 5 T5 as 5 lighting points means either he is pulling 5 wires to 5 T5, which is redundant or he simply dont know his work. If neither of the above, simply means he is ripping you off. Likewise with LED which I am not too familiar with. LED strip goes by length and needs one driver. So means counted as one point. On a side note, T5 for cove lighting is nicer, though not as bright as LED but lights bounces the ceiling in a more luminous manner.

So why go thru an agent when you are able to communicate direct to seller via Aliwangwang? If you are worry about paying, nowadays TB accept Nets. If your agent does checking, then I understand the rational. However, I doubt agent will check all especially when items comes crated.

Your ID's concern are valid but the price difference is too great to ignore. Follow a few simple rules and most of the time items purchase will be of acceptable standard. Most go for small items such as deco and accessories and I recommend to buy from Tmall. Tmall are more reputable sellers and quality of substantial standard. If possible avoid big tix electrical items unless you are very sure and happy with what you see. Myself got almost all the house lighting plus a steam iron (brand Midea) which I know. Certain items like furniture is a huge draw, eg dining table, chairs, TV console etc. They are often more than 40% cheaper than local. Myself had seen quite a few tables and chairs and the quality is pretty good. Likewise, local sellers are also importing from China as well, makes no sense for us to pay other's wages and rental. The disadvantage part is when you have a lemon, you have to swallow it most of the time, especially for smaller items. So, make merry and continue shopping which I am still doing till date.

Not too sure about if the thickness plays a part. I got mine local and comes with 3 years warranty.

Check at Ikea, similar drawer mat, 150cm x 50 cm selling at $5.90. But Ikea's feels thicker. Then again it does not affect usage.

Lighting at the "balcony area".

Oh dont worry about this. CONFIRM not enough.

Neighbourhood kinda hardware shop, similar to DIY, Fix It, cost approx. $8 each.

For folks who are having problems with lengths of bamboo stick or space at the service balcony. These are aluminium & adjustable hanging poles, starting from 5 feet. ​They are a little heavier than bamboos but still very manageable.

Internal colored PVC, always pleasing to the eyes.

I wonder where did you get the figure from. Take carpentry, it ranges from $180 per ft and up for full height. Unless your carpenter can do for average $100 to $120 per ft full height, I dont see any 30% savings, let alone 50%. Using different contractor is feasible if you are there to coordinate and plan and you will be the secretary of all your contractors. For instance, electrical running thru carpentry, carpenter needs to know where to cut and electrician must inform. So dont expect both parties will there or call each other and ask directly, most definitely you are the one doing the parroting. Aircon trunking is another issue, some installers choose the easiest way out. ie no drilling or punching thru and finish with numerous exposed trunking. So you have to be there to supervise and make decisions. With ID, he/she can aide in planning. And of course, there will be no one willing to be responsible for the odd damage. eg defect on carpentry near plumbing etc Suddenly you will be surrounded by Robin Hood and you will have to dig in your wallet to pay for the rectification. Certain items can be done ala carte, such as flooring using laminate/vinyl but some are better left with one person in charge. With one ID/contractor, you will know who to go after.

More Pictures.

Song's ID Mr. Foo is an ID not a contractor, however he is a very hands on ID. His incline to industrial style is more of a personal preference, not a mandatory. As seen from his own place on his FB. However I would say he can do a good job with Scandi, Modern Contemp as well. You can check out my blog and Northheaven, we all share the same ID as Songz's for a feel of what he had created.

Wow! You did me one better. Must have spent a bomb at NTUC to get the points. Time to catch you and advise me about NAS.

Guess ABS are meant mainly for doors only. White laminates tends to amplify the dark joint line and this is the norm. Mine are with coloured PVC have no such issues.

As you mentioned, it is the joint of 2 laminates that will have this black line. I had check mine, mine are using internal coloured PC with ABS trimming on all doors. No black lines visible.