leen

hi all, juz want to share this with you guz out there. i was walking at chinatown when i saw this small store which sells painting. the store is those pushcart temporary type except that its a small store located on the street juz infront of tbe buddha tooth relic temple. next to this store is a store that sells hm deco lightings which have items from Thailand (i ever saw similar items at Thailand Suan Lum Night Mkt). the lightings are vy much like resort type. and this small store has quite a few different type of buddha paintings which are quite nicely done and other abstract paintings of different sizes. but as i didn't ask for the price, i don't know how much are the paintings. i guess shouldn't be too expensive. maybe you guz who are interested to get some of these similar type of deco and go there and take a look.

hi all, juz want to share this with you guz out there. i was walking at chinatown when i saw this small store which sells painting. the store is those pushcart temporary type except that its a small store located on the street juz infront of tbe buddha tooth relic temple. next to this store is a store that sells hm deco lightings which have items from Thailand (i ever saw similar items at Thailand Suan Lum Night Mkt). the lightings are vy much like resort type. and this small store has quite a few different type of buddha paintings which are quite nicely done and other abstract paintings of different sizes. but as i didn't ask for the price, i don't know how much are the paintings. i guess shouldn't be too expensive. maybe you guz who are interested to get some of these similar type of deco and go there and take a look.

hi all, juz want to share this with you guz out there. i was walking at chinatown when i saw this small store which sells painting. the store is those pushcart temporary type except that its a small store located on the street juz infront of tbe buddha tooth relic temple. next to this store is a store that sells hm deco lightings which have items from Thailand (i ever saw similar items at Thailand Suan Lum Night Mkt). the lightings are vy much like resort type. and this small store has quite a few different type of buddha paintings which are quite nicely done and other abstract paintings of different sizes. but as i didn't ask for the price, i don't know how much are the paintings. i guess shouldn't be too expensive. maybe you guz who are interested to get some of these similar type of deco and go there and take a look.

hi, refer to these threads, and hope it helps... http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10747 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?sh...=5876&st=40 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10580 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8602 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=9833

ya, idiotic cyclists... not only those foreign workers (indians etc.), those from china also. bloody fools... just cycle on road and weaving out and in, turning etc. without checking if there are oncoming vehicles. they thought this is india or china... i also almost kana knock down by cyclist ever. came so fast from behind me without braking or ringing the bell. lucky hb saw in time and pull me aside and that person is a Sporean uncle who still turn around and stare at us and kana hb shouted at him. my hb is vy fierce as he even step 1 step forward and the uncle must be scared and quickly cycle off. and for me, i just stunned and stood there looking at both of them silly...

hi, for better hse maintenance tips which are gd and cheap, refer to MACE's blog: http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?sh...9970&st=480 he is 1 gd adviser. he's also a practical man when it comes to renovation. actually, one must look in that direction of whether reno items/designs are functional not only for young ppl, but to consider old folks, and young kids. eg. if there are old folks who are wheel chair bound, bed ridden, hv walking / sight / rheutisim problems, designs need to be user friendly to them. eg. hand rail at toilet, etc. and no sharp edges which may pose a danger to kids. eg. sharp corner dining table, string curtains coz kids will tend to play with it by pulling it. i don't know much but its base on advice and experience by parents, aunties & uncles, friends etc. always ask ppl abt things you don't understand or get ppl to talk to you. even if its small talk, they will tend to tell you alot of things that you can take note of. i find it vy helpful. and of coz, some are common sense. but i always tell myself, im poor, only got 2cents...

u r welcome. we share share infor here. hope the rest will post their quotes here to compare so that all of us will know what are the so call reasonable range of prices. i maybe too straight forward sometimes coz im in constrn line and i don't like to take nonsense from contractors and workers. must got standard so can have gd reputation and will kana head hunt... juz joking... i like no frills items and functional items coz got to consider factors like old folks and kids. so whatever designs my hb and me done for the hse, its more functional type. hope i didnt offend any one with my comments / views. personally, we don't like feature wall, false ceiling and downlights. reason being feature walls and open type of false ceilings collect alot of dusts and not able to clean it. juz imagine everyday living with lots dusts i juz do simple cornice. but some ppl will say cornice is out of fashion and for older folks, but for us, juz a simple cornice will beautify the place nicely and cover up any uneven ceiling areas. pls do not believe whatever ppl tell you that reno can finish within 1 week. unless you only do 1 toilet tiling works.

hi, blackapple, usually, this is not vy obvious once you move in coz ppl who visit your hse will not be constantly looking at the floor and trust me, they will hv thousands other bad things to comment, eg. aiyoh, why choose this area? why paint this color? why got this decor? you hire cheap contractor / id izt? blah blah blah... correct me if im wrong, if its less than 5mm, shouldnt be a big problm. and to accept the 32 tiles of different color even more worst. how to match with the rest of the hse's tile? if its in toilet, den its ok, but in living or kitchen area and without cabinet to conceal it, better think twice. HDB usually hire contractors who bid for their jobs and need to meet HDB specs. eg. HDB specify grey tiles for 5000 units of flat at xx area. and the contractor who successfully gotten the job will buy his materials enough for these units with a bit of allowance (say 10%? usual practice). if hdb specify and pay for extra tiles to keep juz in case of future use for rectification of defects of the flats, den they will either package it with the initial tender or as a separate tender. so after using finish these tiles, of coz those who need to change the tiles will get a different lots from the original ones. usually, we look for major defects where tiles pop up, cracked, broken or tiles that are cut inproperly (eg. a rectangle tile got 1/3 slice away), den you can make them change. of coz, they are oblige to change for you any defects but as for your case, to ask to change the whole unit's tiles, its abit out of their options i think. my hse's ceiling is not straight, even our contractor complain its hard to do wardrobe especially at the top and corner areas coz all not straight, so in our case, i dun think HDB will help to level the ceiling and corner juz for me. so my hb design the cabinet to suit it. juz open and close 1 eye will do. but if you are really concern with it, you can put carpet next time or write to HDB to propose to you base on your requirements. but do bear in mind, even for condo, there are defects, and their defects are major big time defects, eg. air-con leak water, MBR rm next to toilet and pipe routing where water gushing can be heard especially at nite, water leak from window, water leak into the rm through wall (can see water leak marks) etc. and some more these ppl pay millions of $$$ for these units leh... but all these are my views only, you still have to discuss with your partner to decide what you want. remember if both of you are happy, irregardless of what anyone says whatever, you will treat it like they are like that, and didn't brush their teeth and have no EQ. some ppl are all out to upset you coz they jeolous of you and what you got.

hi blackapple, my above reply to princess already state my quote dun include electrical works. usually for reno, electrical are not inlcuded, its a separate item. in constrn line, electrical lightings, points and conduits are call as electrical fittings, electrical fittings c/w conduit or electrical fittings (1 item), conduit (1 item) or electrical fittings w/o fittings. term as this is bcoz easiler to price for by electrical contractor. but must clarify with contractor, and best is to get them to write down in black and white what items that are quoted / included to prevent misunderstanding. electrical fittings - may include electrical points, cabling and conduit electrical fittings c/w conduit - meaning include electrical points, cabling come with conduit electrical fittings (1 item) - may include electrical points and cabling only. and they may quote conduit (1 item) separately. electrical fittings w/o fittings - electrical points only the price differs not only for the above but also whether is it concealed or exposed type. generally, if for premium flat, where HDB had provided most of the points ready for use, try to use them as much as possible, this will help to save abit of electrical costs. generally, the price i put here are as a guide for all only. conceal is where all electrical connections run inside the wall type, exposed are those old type of socket point where its those bulky type but also much cheaper. shifting of points eg lengthing the points as cabinet covered the existing ones (is provided free by my contractor). if extensive shifting from 1 location to another location, its consider a pt already so contractor definitely will charge. concealed type: 1) supply and install lighting point - $35 to $40 per pt 2) install light fitting - $9 to $10 per pt (lighting supplied by owner) 3) 1x13 single socket pt - $65 to $68 per pt 4) 2x23 double socket point - $75 to $78 per pt exposed type: 1) supply and install lighting point - $28 to $30 per pt 2) install light fitting - $9 to $10 per pt (lighting supplied by owner) 3) 1x13 single socket pt - $40 to $45 per pt 4) 2x23 double socket point - $50 to $55 per pt other special pt where price is standard charge in the mkt: 1) scv pt (this is the most expensive one) - $150 per pt 2) telephone pt - $40 to $50 per pt 3) air-con pt - $80 per pt the electrical pricing above is quite standard in the constrn mkt, they couldnt quote you $100 per pt unless you hv extensive running of cables. of coz, if bulk tender price, it could be cheaper but the price around there only. for electrical pts, you hv to consider area by area and on things like the following (for example as a guide) and best is to list out a list base on your needs and the designed hse or after renovated hse situation, of coz some of the pts can be shared, eg. if hair dryer is not used, it can be used for shaving or fans and you can save from doing extra more unneeded pts. kitchen 1) the place you put your stove, fridge, microwave oven, oven, rice cooker, etc., are there any pt required for these items or are the pts already provided there? 2) any other electrical items require to plug in? eg. toaster, hot water pot, etc. 3) extra pts for other items? living rm 1) pts for standing floor lights? 2) pts for tv? 3) pts for sound system? 4) pts for dvd player, video etc.? 5) pts for fan? 6) scv pt? 7) telephone pts? 8) extra pts for other items? study rm 1) pts for study lamp? 2) pts for fan? 3) extra pts for other items? 4) telephone pt for internet? service balcony 1) pts for washing machine (if you put your washing machine here?)? 2) extra pts for other items? balcony 1) extra pts for other items? bedrms 1) pts for standing lamps? 2) pts for dressing table lamp? 3) pts for hair dryer, shaving items etc. 4) pts for fan? 6) scv pt? 7) telephone pts? 8) extra pts for other items? bomb shelter 1) extra pts for other items? 2) remember that most of these shelters are provided with 1 electrical pt, 1 scv pt and 1 telephone pt. air-con ledge 1) air-con pt toilets (i don't like having pts at toilet due to humidity factors and safety issue, so for all my toilet, i didnt put electrical pts) 1) pts for shaving? 2) extra pts for other items? the above is only a guide for easy listing. you may hv your own needs so by listing down carefully, you will be able to guage how many pts you need and roughly hw much you will need to spend on electrical works. and if you can negotiate for better rates with your contractor, its even better. but do bear in mind most of these reno contractor engage free lance electrician to do electrical works, likewise same as window installers and plumbers, coz many of them can't afford to have them work full time in their company coz these people need licence to carry out these works. and some of the rates are fixed. and it will benefit you greatly if your reno contractor himself got one or more of these license himself or he hv some workers in his company who hv such licenses, you will be able to negotiate with him for better rates coz he able to decide whether to give hw much discount to you. in another word, they also hard to mark up their rates vy high to ketok you. oh, pls remember my quote is more on woodworks and its a 5rm D&B premium executive which require vy little hacking and tiling works and most items are provided for (eg. vanity top, taps, toilet basins, some electrical pts, beautiful floor tiles and flower pattern wall tiles for kitchen and toilets) . for hacking and tiling works, it could cost more. and it will cost more for water proofing works at balcony and toilets. so to save $$, try your best to love the type of toilet provided by HDB unless really no choice. i remember my uncle reno 10 years ago on his re-sale unit, his 1 toilet alone cost $8k already!! now maybe cheaper but maybe still hv to spend around $3k?? i duno, hv to ask those who had done their toilets on hw much they hv done. fortunately, my toilet is in vy gd condition. my old unit was a re-sale unit, i juz clean it up without re-doing reno to it coz i dun mind, but some ppl mind and will redo 100% of such toilet coz cannot stand the thought that previously used by other ppl. im a vy stingy person, i use whatever can be used. but of coz, some old resale unit is beyond help, so still must do. me no $$ leh... hope the above helps.

no, electrical works are extra. lights are extra also (we already went to choose wat we want before reno started). electrical works are dependent on how many pts you need, same like scv pts. and these will be affected by: 1) the place you will be using eg. stove, rice cooker, tv, fridge, etc. most of the neccessary electrical items that must be on all the time 2) if your cabinet juz nice cover the pt that HDB given, den you hv to shift and it cost $ also lor... but hb and i dun want downlights so save abit coz our experience is downlight burst easily unless you get ex type. although downlight can create atmosphere and lighting effect, not so functional for homes. oh ya, dun forget im not doing major tiling or hacking works, so i dun nid to spend more $ for that.

hi, my unit is currently under reno. once i got the time, i will start to upload pix for all to view. juz simple reno coz dun fancy ID, hb n me juz get contractor to do. we draw and instruct them on wat we want and they will suggest for any alterations base on site constraints. so we lower our reno costs in this way. i find feature wall no use but each hv his own view, some like, some dun like. mine is $26k including whole unit air-coned $26k which include: living rm: - shoe & multipurpose full height cabinets - low bench cum cabinet (3/4 of living rm) Balcony: - shelf to slot into kink area for putting decorative items - overlay tiles + blue mosaic border (coz can't find similar tiles like HDB ones) study rm: - full height cabinet - half top height cabinet - study table (built coz we hv odd angle and those off the rack table cannot fit in) kitchen: - temper glass separating kitchen & living rm - top & bottom cabinet with base - dish rack - pull out racks - solid table top - flexible tap (the new type, this one cost me $300 , lucky hb agree to buy for me ) - undermount sink (sink installation by contractor, sink buy at ikea coz i need a smaller dimension sink due to space constraints in kitchen area) - no fridge and washing machine base coz not practical, we dun wash floor like splashing water all over the floor and also these machines hv a base themself, so can save $ Service Balcony: - kerb to suround service balcony drain hole for washing machine use coz puting washing machine there MBR: - wardrobe - shelf to slot into kink area for putting decorative items Bedrm 1: - wardrobe - shelf to slot into kink area for putting decorative items Bedrm 2: - shelf to slot into kink area for putting decorative items Bomb shelter / store: - wooden racks common toilet: - rain shower set type 1 - heater - mirror - toilet corner shef - towel rack - grip bar (for old & clumsy ppl like me.... wait scare fall down in toilet or squat down cannot come up ) - wc toilet (seating type) provided by HDB - sink & tap by HDB - dun nid shower curtain coz i want this toilet to be big juz in case i want to wash clothes, put plastic tub inside for pong pong or play water with kids ... opps , help kids bath, or old folks in wheel chair can hv easy assess MBR toilet: - rain shower set type 2 - mirror - toilet corner shef - towel rack - grip bar (for old & clumsy ppl like me.... wait scare fall down in toilet or squat down cannot come up ) - wc toilet (seating type) provided by HDB - vanity top & tap by HDB - temper glass shower curtain coz this toilet i want it to be dryer Casement Windows: - service balcony - balcony Grilles: - service balcony - balcony - study rm air-con: - whole flat - 1 set of system 4 + 1 set of system 1 (12k btu type) painting: - whole unit, each rm different color as for your questions... 1) these workers are from sembawang shipyard. not staying at sembawang. and some are from the nearby constrn sites. but for housing wise, their employers are supposed to house them in proper house with full facilities, eg. cooking, washing, bedroom, living room, fridge, tv, etc. if not its against MOM rule and employers might kana complain and boss may kana fine and jail. 2) i dun know exactly where SBW green location is. but senoko power station quite far lah. as for dust, the other time on news, there are reports of black dusts, these dusts where reportedly from the shipyard, not the power station. these dusts are due to sand blasting of ships (those big ones) but so far, my area din kana any, btw, my blk is 468 area, the blue windows round D&B blks. maybe, those who kana black dusts are those blks nearer to the shipyard or facing shipyard that side. i oso hope those who experience black dusts can share their experience or observations with us.

oic... ya, i ever buy a cheap clock for worksite use from those lelong shop. the guy told me those clocks from china, esp those cheap type and it include those alarm clock also, cannot use alkaline batt, must use those cheap batt if not the clock will not work... i ask him why leh, he say he also duno

hi air, u r welcome. can ask why u nid such a big clock? juz curious...

go bras basah, #01. there are a few shops selling clocks, watches, pens etc. i ever saw 1 that is so big with white face and black numbers. like vy suitable to put in school hall type where all can see.. but i duno abt the price, may not be that ex for that kind of place.

u r rite... but to shop online from China vendors

Tanglin that area cannot la, unless you filthy rich. i saw 1 painting going for like $35,000!!!! refer to these threads where there are discussion on where to get art paintings... hope you guz can continue to add on the thread if you find gd lobang !! http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?sh...c=5876&st=0 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10747 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7303 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10580 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=9496 http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8602 most of these shops are able to customization, that means you ask them to paint whatever you want and the size, but it would cost abit for customization. eg. an off-rack paint (abt the size of those wedding photos that you hang on wall) may cost abt $300+, customisation of it (either same type of pic or same pic but bigger in size or different pic) may cost abt $500+ (that's a guide only). hope it helps.

actually have to get use to it lah. you think those ppl who lives near military air base (paya lebar air base) worst rite? these fighter planes are **** loud leh... and they sometimes dun come juz 1, a few may fly past at abt the same time...

u mean they got shout their theme sone is it? "Ka Long Gu Ni.. Xiu Poh Zua, Gu Sar Kor, Dian Xi Ki, Leh Leo!!!" that will be too noisy liao. the noise i previously encounter is from vehicles, eg. bus (juz nice there's a bus stop in front of my mum's blk), those +@*&$#!!! motorbikers who cum zooming in the mid of the night, and sometime on weekends morning - funeral walk (i wonder wat its call) with alot of dong dong chiang... juz hv to get use to it and slowly you will get use to it

agree with karen, i guess juz a matter of getting used to it. the higher the level one lives, the louder the sound is, as sound travels upward, hot air sinks, cool air rises, and so it will be cooler or more ventilation for higher unit also. my mum 1st hse was ultra quiet at nite, when move to new hse which the small rd is outside, we eventually get used to it after sometime. but nw new hse is quite quiet coz its not a vy developed area. and we like the environment vy much coz quite condusive for kids to grow up in a not so sophiscated environment.

hi rustgal17, u r welcome. well, for art paintings, i think different ppl different views/tastes. maybe you want to look at the gallery website i hv posted here. nowadays, many hm deco paintings featured in mag, which is one of the reason that is raising the popularity also, are paintings from vietnam or thailand, but mostly vietnam coz cheap and gd. most of these patterns are like poppy flower, close up of flowers (eg. daisy, rose, lily etc.), budhha face (leff, right, centre ) , abstract, landscape impressionist etc. more up mkt (more ex type) will be those modern comtemporary paintings, eg. laughing ppl clad in (eg only) Mao clothes, etc. this i hv learn from one of the forumer here. and also alot of abstract where the paintings look like the mysterious swirling universe... and also eg. poppy flower comes in 3 or 4 separate panels where you can hang them together in a row but are still separated. black rose + red rose 2 panel type, 1 pic divided into many different odd size panels.... there are many wor.. !!

oic.. i nvr open the pack to try touching it coz my hm din install this type of curtain. not practical, wait kid everyday go pull 1 string, i will go bonkers !!

hi, juz saw giant/carefour got sell. not quite ex but i forgot how much... juz know that its cheap and got different color

wah, you all like chinese chinese stuffs ya? well, during my stay at china (for work), i go many places. if you visit there, you will find vy intricate art pieces, even carpentry work art piece type, all done by hand. eg. wood carving of phoenix, bat, birds, etc. which is used as door or window are all fully done by hand. and those that are regarded as low quality or standard, is already in vy gd standard here. i hv seen some of those teak furniture stores that sell teak furniture with carvings here, i can't say they are of standard. some of these furnitures that are selling for high price here, is consider low standard in china. those are done by practicising art students. but wat to do, if we import in these pieces or fly them in from china, it will be **** ex. but in china, these things are cheap. even for paintings, coz too many artists and also they really do vy gd paintings. that is why consumers in asia here are taken advantage of, meaning if you want gd quality art/furniture from china, retailers will import in but at a high price when in fact the actual cost in china is **** cheap. eg. if you pay for 1 chair from retailer here, the price can get you 3 at china. (this is an eg.)

erm, apple.. sorry if i didnt write clearly. i mean concrete slab in replace of granite/solid surface (eg. granite, LG, corian, exclude those acrylic type) + cabinet. its cheaper this way. rather den do solid surface + cabinet which can be more costly. concrete slab with tiles + cabinet = cheaper. my mummy hse use this. she say if my daddy make her angry, she can chop the chicken/meat directly on to the slab without fear of damaging it... solid surface top + cabinet = more ex. my living rm not big, juz that i remove the balcony sliding door. dun think i want a balcony that i hv to do up window + grilles and can't do anything there, waste of space. so i included in my living rm. if want to set up a 'chinese garden', can do on corridor and expand to neighbour territory....

ya, Air is quite rite. many furniture store got nice & value for money tv consoles. juz need to take your time to go and look see look see. wah, you sure is rich... coz your carpentry sounds so ex... we didnt do any wall feature coz kinda waste money and space, coz we tot if next time want to shift tv place (if feature wall is to be put behind tv), den how? coz i got a vy big hall, can put 2 sets of 5+2 seater sofas and still got place for day bed at balcony or can do a little platform there for kids and us to roll abt... but you are quite rite. if buy cheap furniture from outside, you can see the wood is quite flimsy, esp if you look at the wardrobe, most of the board at the back are flimsy (when you use your hand to try to push it back from the inside of the wardrobe, you will know what i mean). and also the layer of wood for you to stack your clothes etc. cannot tahan the weight and will kinda get bended. i hv bought such a wardrobe (small one) to use to store my bedsheets etc. at my old and it kinda bend after long usage and heavy weight. me also rosewood lover but cannot buy too many, wait hse look vy much like Beijing Emperor's hse... ya, kitchen cabinets need to customise, no choice. but you can do with wooden cabinet + concrete slab with tiles (for sink and cooking area) which will be cheaper. abit like old pattern coz my folks hv this but really its sturdy, gd quality, and value for money. but all the advice by all the forumers above are vy gd. and also depend on wat is your budget and does it cater to your need or vice versa. list your basic requirements and den list down alternatives. Den find the prices and compare which is more feasible.