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Changbp

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Posts posted by Changbp

  1. Posted

    A short post on our aircon selection. We were set on getting a System 4 for our new place. My GF left it to me to make the decisions as she was not too sure about the technical aspects of it :bleah: Actually I was also a total noob at aircons but I did read up on it and compared the prices between the major players and brands in the market.

    So we all know that currently the most popular brand is definitely Mitsubishi Starmex; at first I was also considering to take up the System 4 version of this, until I went to the All Best Aircon branch in Tampines to check out the physical aspects of the different brands. Granted, the price of the Starmex System 4 (2-ticks version, not the 5 ticks) was competitive (was $3799 including installation). However, upon closer scrutiny of what was included in the package:

    Mitsubishi Starmex System 4 ($3799)

    Compressor: MXY4A28VA (output 28000 BTU)

    Fancoil Units: MSYGE10VA x 3 (9000 BTU x 3)

    MSYGE24VA x 1 (24000 BTU x 1)

    So, we definitely need a 20000+ BTU fancoil unit for the living room, as we are going to hack away our kitchen wall. This package seems ideal, but the catch is that the compressor can only churn out max 28000 BTU by default. That means if want to switch on aircon in the living room + 1 room, they will be drawing a total of 33000 BTU, of which the compressor will be unable to cope; in the long run the compressor may be damaged. We figured if we have guests or family over, we will most probably need to switch on living room and at least 1 room. The salesman uncle was also nice to point out to us that the compressor was only 28000 BTU. Of course, there was another compressor model with a larger capacity (38000 BTU), but the price for that package would be upwards of $4400 IIRC.

    So, we saw another brand on display:

    MainPic2331_zpsmb5orfhd.jpeg

    Toshiba Inverter System 4 ($3999 + $200 CapitaLand voucher)

    Compressor: RAS-4M26SACV (output 34000 BTU, Made in Japan :notti: )

    Fancoil Units: RASM10SKCV x 2 (9000 BTU x 2)

    RASM13SKCV x 1 (12000 BTU x 1)

    RASM22SKCV x 1 (22000 BTU x1)

    +1 : So this compressor at max load definitely can handle 2 FCUs being switched on at the same time, plus at the same price (factoring in the voucher).

    +2 : In addition, the FCUs are more sleek and aesthetically-pleasing (Starmex FCUs looked abit clunky to us).

    +3: The only compressor brand that is Made in Japan

    So we made our choice! :deal:

    Other notes:

    1. Did not upgrade to thicker insulation. Reason being the upgrade from Armaflex 3/8" to 1/2" only reduces the condensation by 10% (according to the uncle, and I do believe him), but increases the size of the trunking by 2 times (I :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: at the size of that thing)

    2. Opted for 2-trip installation (extra $80) at the suggestion of my contractor. 1st trip to lay the pipings and trunkings, 2nd to install the FCUs and compressor.

    3. Signed up for their servicing package

    Our contractor has already proposed the optimal route for the trunking. Hope the installation goes without a hitch! :sport-smiley-003: :sport-smiley-003: :sport-smiley-003:

    How many ticks are the fancoil and compressor?

  7. Posted · Edited by Changbp
    Fixed image links

    My Amazon loots has arrived. First time buying something from Amazon, suddenly felt like 10year old kid unwrapping Xmas presents. Excited!

    med_gallery_71361_926_79073.jpg

    All these were junk into 1 large carton box with no packing. The lotion bottle had a scratch at the pump head as it does not have individual box. Amazon customer service was excellent, immediately provided FOC piece on priority shipment to me.

    Really dig the Simplehuman and Moen stuff, the moen bathroom accessories looked pretty good quality despite its price of a couple of USD each.

    Edit: the amazon replacement for the lotion bottle had the same problem, it was not wrapped and sustained scratches to the pump head... requested for refund.

  8. Posted · Edited by Changbp

    For ceiling cove light, is T5 LED tube or LED 5050 strip better?

    Tons of discussion of T5 fluorescence vs LED strip but looks like not much information T5 LED tube.

    Bought most of my lights today. The general idea for my purchases is as long as the light is easy to remove or will not damage any installation during removal I will go for cheap TB source. For those that are may damage panels such as downlights in Lbox I will go for local reputable brands ie. philips from lighting.com.sg since they provide on site warranty.

    Looking towards to getting 4 pieces of this. I think its great that this can set 3 different colour temperature and can dim but I don't like the idea of always needing to toggle it back to the same colour after turning it off and on. At 130 bucks each, its not cheap too...

    . 71155.jpg

    As I couldn't decide between LED T5 and LED strip i bought both types. If anyone is interested here is the links.

    Bought 30meters of LED strip (10m Yellow, 10m warm white, 10m white) from one of the reputable but cheaper LED source TEP.

    http://world.tmall.com/item/44015228195.htm?id=44015228195&sku_properties=1627207:3232479;122276201:10122

    Bought an 21 pieces of assorted sizes T5 LED tube from NVC. These can be connected back to back to eliminate dark spots(hopefully)...

    http://world.tmall.com/item/40803678775.htm?spm=a312a.7700718.1998025129.2.F6RlKg&id=40803678775&abbucket=_AB-M32_B18&acm=03054.1003.1.505359&aldid=T9dSyccR&abtest=_AB-LR32-PR32&scm=1003.1.03054.13_40803678775_505359&pos=2&skuId=3115850055437

    Got these loft lights, but 1 silver, 1 gold. Thinking whether to hang in bathroom or Storeroom or Service yard?

    T2G9lWXBxaXXXXXXXX_!!321706887.jpg

    Also purchased this for my little cozy cafe corner with a "half a table" against the wall kind... well at 63sq m my house is soooo tiny it'll have to double up as my dinner place. If the wife doesnt like this it will probably become a service yard, storeroom or bathroom light.

    TB2Se.4cXXXXXb0XXXXXXXXXXXX_!!2271212439

    So the pendant light will hang above a small bistro/breakfast nook. something like this.

    https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTkdemAkp0s0k-keh2NsyzptBEu2C-z48ica1SHxrSyjdYB2eSA

    Still need to buy some tracklights and spotlights.

  15. Posted · Edited by Changbp
    Fixed image links

    Looks like ikea but some something different.

    The ikea finishing is immaculate. My idea is try to imitate ikea look except with better build quality of solid plywood.

    So I will customize built in carpentry carcass made to dimensions of ikea door panels. With this design, I can change the look easily just by swapping out the doors. As you can see because fixed door widths, cover panels have to be used to hide gaps.

    The large gap on the right is for inserting the fridge. There is a window behind actually and from the corridor can see thru this window into the kitchen and into the living room too so i'm gonna block it.

    These are for the sink side of the kitchen. Haven't thought of how to place the cooker side yet. That is more difficult due to feng shui.

     

    med_gallery_71361_926_64124.jpg

     

     

    Intend to place a line of LED strip for cove light effect at the top of the cabinet.

    med_gallery_71361_926_468343.png

     

     

    Indian Black Galaxy Granite Top. (Sorry picture doesn't look like it haha). Gold Knobs and handles idea came from Bykaranne's Little London T-blog.

    med_gallery_71361_926_444337.png

  16. Posted · Edited by Changbp

    Burned multiple holes in the wallet with these electronics purchases.

    I had a good experience as served by Elin from Teka and 2 ahbengs (Roger and the fridge guy, sorry cant remember his name) from Mega discount Store. Very good service.

    Electronics (Budget 10k, spent $8389, Remainder $1611)

    1. Teka IR421 Induction Hob

    ir_421_copia.jpg

    2. Teka CNL13000 Pull out hood

    75c4c_CNL1_3000.jpg

    3. Teka Combi MCL 32 BIS Compact Oven + Microwave

    7867d_MCL32_BIS.jpg

    4. Teka Sink BE Linea 50.40.... well this is not electronics but since teka also sell sinks I just "shun bian" buy. For some reason the picture here blows up super big so i'll just put the link here.

    http://www.teka.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/r15_50_40.jpg

    5. Hitachi 3 door fridge

    R-WB480P2MS

    r-wb480p2ms-1.jpg?sfvrsn=0

    6. 2x TVs : LG UHD TV 49 UF850T for living room and 43UF640T for the bedroom.

    0105457-1.jpg

    7. LG washer dryer. 10 KG wash, 7kg dryer. model F1410DPRE

    medium01.jpg

    Now, only left $1.6k for electronics, probably leftover enough only for 2 fans and a sound bar... Are there any other important electronics to purchase?

    ...Sh!t... forgot to budget for aircon. So this will eat into the unknowns.

  18. Posted · Edited by Changbp
    Fixed imaged links

    Master Bathroom...

    Well the commanding officer starts to complain that she has no say in the design of the house. So the Main bedroom and Main bathroom is now her territory to design...

    Found this somewhere from Pinterest. The Wife's choice. It is hard to find a wall tile match for this. Maybe will end up quite different from the picture but blue and white will still be main theme for this bathroom. From the FSM, we should only use colors blue/white/grey/black for bathrooms.

    sml_gallery_71361_9_68088.jpg

  19. Posted · Edited by Changbp
    Fixed link to images

    Common Bathroom.

    This one is extracted from theTile Shop Fall/Winter collection. I intend to do something like this for common bathroom.

    gallery_71361_9_335314.png

    The cornice tiles are way expensive.... Couldnt afford to import it so i've to make do with something else to frame the shower head so hopefully it will not end up looking like some cheapo imitation :P

    My design ended up like this... :D

    gallery_71361_926_125724.png

  21. Posted

    The first thing I bought was...

    A bed...(king size too)... From this you would know I like to sleep.

    Spent 2 weekends doing butt test on all beds in IMM, Toh Guan furniture mall, big box and Courts Tampines.

    Eventually short listed down to 2 beds which I felt gave similar plush feel without being overly expensive. The Englander Hotel Harmony and MaxCoil Masterpiece. The big 4 brands in mattresses that gave a similar feel mostly cost above $5k, especially Simmons cost something like $8k to get the feel that i wanted.

    Maxcoil Masterpiece; The shop in IMM that sells purely maxcoil mattresses...(uni spring? or uni steel? or something) was interesting. The friendly boss sat me down and provided lots of advice on how to choose and lay sheets on heavy beds. He also mentioned that they are the only maxcoil distributor who can sell masterpiece because of their volume... Okay that means I had no choice but to get it from them if I wanted that model. I don't doubt that statement but I found the same thing in courts the next weekend. He is probably ill-informed. Anyway, eventually I didn't get Maxcoil as they didn't have the fabric that I like and headboard choice was limited. Total cost with storage frame is slightly more ex too.

    Englander Hotel Harmony;

    The lady in the Englander branch in furniture mall gave a great service and I really wanted to buy it from her but unfortunately she couldn't match my asking price. Quote iirc is around $4k. I asked for $3.5k :P and was flatly rejected. So I said I would go try other beds first before deciding. She didn't seem too keen to keep me and mentioned that the next time I come price will probably be higher, so I left. Ended up I bought from it from Alex in the Plaza Singapore branch. Initially he too couldn't match my asking price, which was a more realistic $3.6k this time. Though his boss was around and I can physically see that he tried to discuss to bring the price down but the final offer was still some $3.8k, so I walked.

    Coincidence? About half to 1 hour later, thought I wouldn't be getting any bed that day and was peeping into Mayer's outlet (Staff went to the loo or something), when Alex spotted me and brought me back to his shop again. For some reason the boss relented somewhat and the price went down further. Still not exactly $3.6k but good enough. Can't find photo to show on this bed though. I got the King size with fabric and storage headboard.

  23. Posted · Edited by Changbp

    I suppose I should just cut the story short as my BB girl is grasping at legs and exclaming "Papa, papa, I, I... I want to work!" (To her, hacking away at the keyboard in front of PC is working)

    As title suggests I'm trying to make my cosy 3rm be different from standard cookie cutter design.

    With any project, setting the budget is most important. My current cash flow allows for 50k expense.

    Its broken down 4 categories.
    1. Electronics 10k
    2. Furnishing 10k
    3. iD/Reno 25k
    4. Unknowns 10k

    Will continue update later.

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