gadgetgal

Someone send me a PM saying: "I have send my floor plan to Henry very late abt 1.45am yesterday, how long will he get back to me?" My answer is: For me, the max it took him 3-4 days (I personally met him and specify what I want), you can check with him on the day he is returning to you, and what he said he delivers!. whenever he said "I will send it to you tomorrow morning", the very late night (the day before) he will send it to you and you can see it in your inbox tomorrow morning. whenever you tell him that, say for an item, I want to have some options I want to consider say, for my kitchen frameless door, I told him, I am confused what I want to have, please put these few options: a. normal frameless tempered glass door (swing both side, and does not automatically close) b. normal frameless tempered glass door with a floor spring (like those in plaza where it auto-shut) c. aluminium frame tempered glass with the door track on the top (so no maintenance on the floor or dirt stuck in there) d. wooden frame door matching the color of your kitchen cabinet which he has done. Well, for me, most probably option d is out, due to poor maintenance on wood, and wish to go for option b or c. he told me that for floor spring, it may be dangerous to your kids if the door automatically closed, not recommended, but I can put the price/quote you for your consideration. And, he listed all the options!. other IDs/contractors, doesn't wanna go into detail of giving you all the options you told them, but he listed all of it to me!. few points learned: a. he never pressure you on his point of view, only suggest the implication/justification/idea b. he never push you for that option, say he may earn more out of a specific option. (well probably he has done a pretty good mark-up though) c. he never push you to sign and engage him. he never even call you just wanted to know how is the quotation he has sent you, etc. For him, he just left an sms saying he has sent the item. *as what I instructed (well, most IDs I met, they will call you within 3-4 days after they have sent quotation, mostly within 2 days, if not 1!!) d. He won't put it in such a way, come to my office for the paperwork and sign the contract, but rather, he put it another way like, after each portfolio/site visit of his work, he will ask feedback on how the site is, and the last visit he simply ask, "so how are we going to proceed" and probably when to meet again. Well, I hinted him, I am satisfied and was thinking to proceed further, say going into more detail into the type of materials, and the bargaining of prices/details of some items (without even talking about contract, sign, or money), and he is fine with it!. ps: All the above is just my experience with him, as we really hate IDs/contractors who would try to push and keep calling for follow-up. Did anyone notice, that it seems that he is working alone most of the time?.anyone ever visit his office as stated in his website?. Probably I should do some more background check on him before signing the contract and my chequebook. Peng*Ling has her friend's house done by him, and seems few years back (is it 2 years?). Just wanted to be sure he is not the hit-and-run type of guy. Sometimes just worried of something too good to be true...*paranoid.. Personally, I would be more comfortable if he has partner or backup in case he is not around, cause you will never know!.

Hehe, that really depends I suppose, some may not have keys, some 'die die' wanna move in early, some can take sweet time to do it (no rush in moving in, etc). I am sure some priorities can be made, as long as some give and some take. When I spoke to him, he is not the guy who simply said, "no problem, if you want 3 weeks to do whole house, I can deliver!" type of guy, his suggestion, it is better to go as per normal pace, so that not to give pressures to tilers/contractors, home owners and/or even him. The normal is around 6-8 weeks (2 weeks in it for co-ordination between home-owner and him/co-ordinator). If you want a bit fast, then decide faster on what you want. He mentioned, mainly the project consists only two-phases, wet works and furniture (both phases, each take around 3 weeks). But I found he is pretty fair guy. He is willing to mix-and-match what you wish and still able to accomodate you bring in your own contractor to do that part of the job, and he help in doing coordination (without any charge or markup!). When I counter this point with him, as he will not be earning any markup (since we are the one bringing that external contractor), he is okay, though bring up some few valid points, that he may need to adjust the relationship with this new contractor, and if something wrong, he may not sure how effective this new contractor may respond with defects, or effective in fixing issues, or perhaps even ignore him and ended giving him more problems for co-ordination,since home-owner will definitely bombard him!. *Though so, he still said that he can still give it a try. I see it as a win-win situation, cause he get to know new contractors from us, which offer cheaper solution and if relationship goes well, in the future he can have more profit and provide better options and business to end-user/market!. This flexibility is what I like the most plus the open and fair attitude of his!. Just hope he can live up to what he has said/told me though, and most importantly deliver it to me smoothly. ps: not sure if I mentioned this, I have visited two of his units in Bukit Merah and satisfied, may start to choose tiles this weekend or next!. pps: btw, I noticed something/culture, is there any reason of why people not putting their quotes on the forum? (instead of request through PMs?). Is it not allowed by mods? or something?. just thought that this is a sharing forums, and we should share more to benefit us more. if it is allowed, probably I can just put it up, otherwise I will dump it somewhere and point it from here.

Nope, that's not the case, as I brought up the same question to him as well. he (Desm**d) said that this is common in all the workmanship, as: 1. nothing is perfect 2. for the 3 side of one tiles to match the other side and sacrificing only 1 side (therefore cut leg feeling on one side rather than 4 side). This theory is simply not going to work for me.. 3. It is not easy to level 4 side, therefore 1 side to be sacrifice (above point) 4. you can not polish so much, as it will spoilt further the tiles, not only removing the "layer" (or wax which protect the granite during manufacturing/during the transport). For some reason, I hate to listen and understand why he is pushing for point 2 and point 3. a. If someone is able to do it, why can't he?. b. If he has been given such a feedback, why can't he try to change/source other tilers?. Ahh.. still can't let go of it, cause he is cheaper than others only problem is tiles. (if he can fixed it, he will be my main choice). ps: we brought the same issue for both 24th floor and also 4th floor (low floor, not sure which anymore),both 25A.

Already PM you, see your messagebox!. Anyone want me to PM you my quote just let me know!.

And guess what, my personal view is this should not be there at all. Impress21 workmanship is quite good. Been to his two units in bukit merah the past 1 week. It is smooth. dunno because it is homogenous or what. But if We*k** got cut leg feeling, are you going to live with it?. remember are you going to let a 2-mths work affecting your 10yrs or more living in that house?. not sure about the danger to kids though, but will definitely be embarassed with my guests if I said, hey, my house is newly done! (and yet so many problems?). I'd rather pay a bit more for that. I have another contractor which has very good workmanship as well (but he charge a bit more on wet works and cheaper in furniture). overall, Impress21 still good.. We*k** is cheap only for the package! (around 13-15k?), and if you add additional items/customized items out of the package, it will easily maxed out from the normal range from 16-19k max (basic to minor customize request - still depends what you ask - for sure). I did ask We*k** if he has another tiler, and he said no and offering to take me Tanglin Halt for another viewing. (if he isn't gonna change the tiler, I think that's it!, duwanna waste my time for another site visit). Yeap, agree with the kitchen cabinet for We*k** (and the thought/idea of keeping the base a bit inside/deeper, so that when you stand in front of the cabinet you won't kick the base all the time-Blk25A-24th floor design). For those has shortlisted impress21, there is a good news for you!!. I have spoken heart2heart with him, and he is willing to lower the price of the cabinet!! . (yet to go into bargaining detail, and he mentioned it is out of his profit margin. Let's see how it works out). If that is all good, he is definitely mine!.

yupe.. yupe.. day by day I am getting impressed by impress21 effectiveness and efficiency. I can somehow suggest someone for him to work with,.. and he act as a co-ordinator.. I am really impressed by his openness and fairness... and he is open with his markup also. I can tell you that W*ik*n's tiling work really disapointing.. the same for cabinet, though his workmanship on the low side. Most likely my confidence grew to 80-85% now... start thinking to choose my tiling liao...

Just got sms from my ID/Cons, they are charging me S$4.80 pfr. And I got to know from kronotex guys, for this kind of dynamic click kronotex it goes from S$3 pfr to S$4.50 pfr max, depends on the colour and pattern of the laminated floor. Will get the one which is S$4.50, I guess the additional S$0.30 is markup from ID/Cons. hmm....

I think those from China and AC3 or AC5 graded is supreme, not kronotex. Just checked with my ID/cons, and the one I was quoted is Dynamic Clic, 8mm and having 10yrs warranty. As always, they didn't say how much pfr... or rather dun wish to say until I drill them thoroughly.. I suppose all Kronotex products should be (or must) come/manufactured from Germany,.. otherwise will definitely...

for those defects, you can simply call up your technical officer in-charge or customer service officer (?), which is in your MyHDB Page, either call them up, and write a mail to them should be enough. Not necessary wasting time to go down there. Made more phone calls and bug them if they have not done so. Btw, that Building Service Center is located at 27B permanently or it is going to be temporary?. Never seen or visit them yet... Btw, just checked with Kronotex guy, and they mentioned they also have materials for $3 psf. This is going to be bad, if I manage to dig out more information on type and materials they are giving me are cheap while they quote me expensive. someone gonna have ...

well, I would assume it is of the most lowest range of kronotex (contractor/IDs for sure will not give you the best one, as it is expensive), haven't check that with kronotex guy himself of what model is the lowest price (kinda misplaced where is namecard is). those $4.5 pfr was somewhat told by me by some IDs/Cons sometime ago (2-3 weeks back). Tried calling to the above number, they are not from Kronotex itself, I think if I heard the person on the other line correctly, they said ASA floor something? but they do deal with laminated flooring... http://www.kronotex.com.sg/cms/ziel/31733/EN/index.htm Kronotex contacts Headoffice: 30 Kaki Bukit Road 3 Empire Technocentre #04-12/13/14/15 Singapore 417819 Tel: +65 62822390 Fax: +65 67494668 Email: sales_floor@kronotex.com.sg Designer Showroom: 9 Penang Road #02-18, Park Mall Singapore 238459 Tel: +65 63395896 Fax: +65 67494668 Concept Centres: 8 Sin Ming Road Sin Ming Centre #01-04 Singapore 575628 Tel: +65 64513616 Fax: +65 64513216 540 Sims Avenue Sims Avenue Centre #01-03 Singapore 387403 Tel: +65 67459948 Fax: +65 67459971

hehe.. good question. I haven't bring this issue up to my IDs/Cons for detailed information (before signing on the contract), will do so in due course. I think for kronotex, the simply said basic one. can simply check that with your ID/Cons, the price more or less would be similar $4pfr for supreme and $4.5pfr for kronotex. They should not charge you for workmanship, cause I believe they are engaging supreme/kronotex ppl to do the installation and the above price I believe is inclusive workmanship. laminated flooring workmanship is the cheapest compared to parquet or homog. unless your IDs/Cons trying to chop your head by including cement screeding (which is supposedly to be free from HDB).

err.. btw, with small kids why should not have parquet floor?. cause it may scratch the floor? personally I prefer parquet (the place I currently stay is parquet),comfy and 'woody' feeling (a bit warm which is good when u woke up in air-con room early morning or just sit on the floor with cushion). But judging on the scratches it has done from the chairs my hubby sat on, made me think twice on the maintenance and re-polishing/varnishing, and will be even more scratches when we are having kids!. laminated floor is a bit cooler or have more plastic feeling compared to parquet, but scratch proof (from the demo, haven't experienced it myself though), and does not have so much of wood feeling on the skin (except on the eyes). Not solid, and have empty noises if you walk on a high heel - well, no one wear high heels in bedrooms, but when something dropped on the floor, the noise is kinda empty and not solid. I may go for kronotex, considering on the type of chemical it promised. (well, I know it is advertised by the salesmen, but you never know). better pay a bit more for that safety and hazard it may produce. (I think both prices are more or less comparable around $4 pfr for supreme, and $4.5 pfr for cheapest kronotex). Any one is doing kronotex/laminated floor for living room?. (mine 5-rm flat, was thinking to do laminated for half of living room -by the window). but not sure on the light effect it will give. the whole house may get darker. Otherwise, will go for homo tiles for all living and dining, and later on (after few months probably) build a raised plaform for cosy area by the window. ps: homogeneous is somewhat more expensive than laminated flooring, due to its workmanship. Anyone have similar ideas?

it's not ngiao, you are entitled for a good satisfying and fit to live in house after paying so much. any scratch or whatsoever defects should be reported directly,.. as long as it is before the reno (HDB Branch office told me so after my feedback saying the 7-days limit seems ridiculously short).

Guys, You guys may be the next millionaire in the next 5 years once you sell your house (if the market is good though) Resale Transaction http://www.hdb.gov.sg/bb33/ispm051p.nsf/Search It is fetching $565,000.00 to 695,000.00 (block 26 to 30 and block 16 to 20) for the past 3-months.

Simpleboi, May I know how much did you get it?. what is the pricing like?. I was told, if I hv the mattress delivered by end of Dec/Jan, and there is a price difference, they will pay me back the difference. And also, may I know how much did you get your bedframe too?. hvn't start my furniture hunting yet, guess I will do so by end of the year.

Hi Xlan, Just wanted to check a few things Mind if I ask how much you paid for the Mattress (Simmons Beautyrest Tribute), and where did you get it?. Went to expo last week, and it cost around $2639 for the Arlington model (if not mistaken another term for Beautyrest) for a queen size and $3039 for a king size. I also noticed that you have gone for Water Heater,the free Rinnai model from City Gas. any idea/advice on the Gas consumption on a monthly basis? is it expensive? Hv u got the unit itself? Any idea if City Gas have some kind of a lock-in period or contract/plan?. Thanks.. hope it is not so much of a question!

Nemofc, the cement screeding is necessary if u wish to laminate the floor, say bedroom, it is to bring the level of the floor up to a certain height. (cause laminated flooring is supposedly thinner than homo/tiles) for laminated floor after cement screeding it should leave around 12-15mm from the top of your kerb/bottom of your door (depending on type of laminated floor, I suppose). cement screeding is simply a smoother cement, either for laminated floor or a normal cement floor, I guess you can opt for it for your bomb-shelter to cut cost if you want, as you can instruct HDB to do cement screeding for any height. Therefore, engaging HDB (which is free) is necessary. I was quoted by someone at expo last week to do the cement screeding is around $200 per room/area. (for my 5room flat, it comes around 4x200, $800, they somewhat combined living and study room together, and quote me cheaper). According to that person, HDB cement screeding's standard is not so good. (dunno true or not). I guess they just wanna earn that $800 blindly . But it'd be good to engage them for a minimal fee to supervise hdb's work or do some touch up. Btw, anyone engaged - or came across their review?. Their price is pretty good on non-furniture/wood work items.

Scorpy,.. ooh.. ooh. If not mistaken, I think I ever visited your flat before it is fully done up!. The reno boss said, he is doing that for his 'yek fu' (Father-in-law) ?? Is it the one?. unit 106? Went over today during lunch time,.. looking from the front door and it just refreshed my memory. How much is the damage for your reno again?

didn't know that scorpy got 'open house' for viewing for us last sunday!. Aiks missed it,.. !! cause we went to expo hunting for good deals. is there anyway that we can view it again scorpy? or any blogs or pics would be good too!.

New comer of Blk 25A !! At last landed to this forum. Thanks Nemofc for telling me. 8th floor - 104 showflat for 5room is Gim Hwee. BLK 25A - redbottle - loobhlinda - pert - scorpy - gadgetgal BLK 25B - Linggie & KhooK - Green - MsBean - h4happy - marksng12 - Dtkiddy & yun11 BLK 26A - BLK 26B - dunkmycar - noellechua - lynnnie - dorcas - Vacis + moonbell - owens_avenue & genevie BLK 26C - elaine1205 - ZLia - Cindy-Monkeybone - chewy BLK 26D - OnePostWonder - jj2 - Princess Momo - rommie - binzz - kriegs - wonsen - Velynn - Simpleboi - jazznpop BLK 27A - xlan - nemofc - bchew - Yang Guo - Seafaith - chaq - Jasch - glaminn - dashe - saeran - almatador BLK 27B - VinceDelfino