2Roomer

Hi Andotang I was probably thinking of my own preference for a portable cooktop when I saw your cooktop. I am considering installing a water dispenser similar to yours, so I am curious: a) Is it connected to your water pipes? b) Does it have to be switched on 24/7? c) Does it have a component like a filter that requires regular replacement?

Hi mmoh Will your kitchen cabinets be L-shaped? Is it possible to swop the positions of your fridge & washing machine? If you put your washing machine at the corner of window & bathroom door, your windows won't be blocked as much. Personally, I will use a portable induction or electric ceremic cooker. Just unplug and store it in a drawer when not using. If you do decide to cut out a space in your countertop for cooker, you can always use an over-the-stove cutting board for more workspace.

mmoh That infamous 2-door bathroom! Good explanation on your bathroom dilemma. Perhaps you can show us how your shower area looks like. It's funny that HDB's sanitary fittings package don't include a bidet spray.

mmoh Thanks for taking the time to post, you must be so busy now after you got your keys. Appreciate the heads-up about the pesky contractors too. Perhaps you can consider open shelves above your countertop to supplement the limited space, like in the HDB showflat but wider and longer. If you are looking for a small washing machine you can consider Brandt BTWD1308 8kg/4kg washer/dryer (or its variants) which measures just 450 wide. I haven't used this washer/dryer before but was intrigued by its compact size and relatively large capacity when I saw it at Big Box.

A portable cooker is a good way to maximise counter space in that long & narrow kitchen, you have the option to store it in your kitchen cabinet if you don't cook often.

mmoh - I am delighted with the length of your post. Don't you need to turn on the electricty & water immediately to make sure everything is working even though you intend to move it much later?

Wow, you are making good progress on your renovation. Just curious: (a) Are you using the same granite for your vanity top and kitchen counter? (b) Is your stove top the portable kind?

Hi Wild Ginger - A warm welcome to the forum. I also choose a stand-alone unit next to the staircase. I was initially hesitant about having a flat so near to a supposedly high traffic area until I realised that most of us are too lazy to use the stairs. My only concerns now are the swing doors shutting too loudly and funny activities in the staircase landing.

That's good news. A small but important step to getting your own house. After signing, there will be a long long long wait.

Thanks for the advice about allowing for some gap behind the fridge. What type of wood does your kitchen cabinet come in? Plywood, MDF, birch? Notice that you will house your fridge in a cabinet. Is it meant to insulate your fridge from your stove?

Thanks for the prices. They give me an idea of how much I have to pay for the Hue lights. Will definitely use them is my living room and bedroom. Pendant lights above a dining table is a common design feature in HDB BTOs now.

The pendant shade is a good way to reduce light flickering. Where will you install the pendant light in relation to the ceiling fan? Why did you get the Hue Lights from? Can you reveal the prices too?

Here's something worth checking out, a BTO flat with a bathtub (at 1:50)

I made detailed enquries at only 2 ID firms as there was only a handful of exhibitors. Here's the link to the packages for one exhibitor http://www.design4space.com.sg/promotion-packages/.

The cutting board & drain mat are an effective and budget-friendly way to maximise the very limited kitchen counter space we are given.

The kitchen with the rotating countertop looks very interesting.

I went to the Renotalk "Only Home" mini-fair at HDB Hub on Monday & was surprised to see ID firms offering 2-Room BTO packages. Asked around if sealing one bathroom door involves removing the toilet floor & wall finishes as HDB has a 3-year restriction from date of block completion. One ID said it doesn't and another ID said they need HDB's approval. I'm confused.

I think I get your plan now: You are installing wooden beams around the perimeters of your living room to hide the lighting wires and installing your fan on the actual ceiling at the living room centre. I know the standard living room is very small but one lighting point provided by HDB doesn't seem enough. After you mentioned using the Phillips Hue Lights, I did some research and realised it's a long-lasting and versatile product. One bulb, so many colours. No need to get different bulbs to replicate different light tones. The only downside is the price.

Hi Andotang I'm thinking of installing a false ceiling but am worried about maintenance (e.g. cleaning out insects and dust inside) and sturdiness (to hold ceiling fan). Is your false ceiling permanently sealed? Thanks for sharing your experiences so far. I'm kooking forward to your future post on the Philips Hue light bulbs.

Did you or your ID have to get HDB's permission for the toilet wet works?

andotang - Thanks for your post about HERF, I didn't know such a product exists. I was thinking about using either vinyl or laminate flooring but my research now indicates that HERF is better. mmoh - Your warning about Ikea, is it because their beds are European-sized?

paulinepoh - A new MRT will be opened in Dec 2015 at Beauty World Plaza, but don't confuse it with the bigger & nicer looking Beauty World Centre beside it. The "showroom" is really small and the building seems a bit sleazy but it should be okay as Maybank & a children tuition centre is housed in the building too.

Generally, I like the Hidden Wall Bed concept except for the angled head board and exposed hinges. Tried visiting their "showroom" at Beauty World Plaza (not Centre) but it was closed.

I need the grills to hang my clothes for drying. There's not enough space in the kitchen to dry my clothes. I am not going to hang my clothes on the rack outside the kitchen, clothes will get dirty from upstairs neighbours' litter and bird droppings.

Glad you found a way to get rid of those ugly drains.