gadgetman

We did not shop around for the mattress, because my wife had already decided on a Sealy long time ago. She was very impressed with a Sealy while staying at an overseas hotel and it was her dream to have one for our new house. Fortunately, there was a recent promotion advertised in the newspaper for a queen-sized mattress from the hotel series. We went to the showroom at Furniture mall and heard that the Corpthorne group of hotels use Sealy mattresses and the Sealy brand is still the best selling posturepedic brand in the USA for many years. That is enough assurance for us and we decided immediately on the spot. Paid $1999 for the matteress with a savings of about $200.

Hi Folks, Got a gadget lobang here for those who are thinking of installing a home entertainment system in your new home. My colleague is selling a lightly used BENQ video projector for a very good price. The model is MP610 and the specifications can be found here: http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-MP610.htm I understand this is a 2000 lumens projector, so you can even use indoors in the daytime. The projector had only been used for 77hrs out of a total lamp life of 3000hrs - so it is almost like new! The asking price is only $650, the new price is about $1899. This is certainly one item that will transform your home into an impressive place for entertainment! Will beat any 46" LCD TV anytime! Do drop me a note if you are keen...me not taking any commission - just doing a favor

Hey thanks for the sharing...I am also having drawers done under my platform bed, but I think the storage space will be minimal. It's quite frustrating, I guess I will have to dump more of our useless junk before the moving over...

Hey, anyone saw the papers today? There is going to be a office block to be errected at the plot of land next to the TPY Entertainment Centre. It was reported that the building will be about 10 to 12 storeys high and will be mianly office space with shops below. I was wondering if this structure will block the view of some of the units to the....TPY Swimming Pool! I think the 79C 39 and 41 units will be most at risk...Will go up the unit and check this evening again...Hope can still see the nice clear blue water of the pool next time Hey, realised there's a Gadgetgal in the forum too....I am sure we are not related!

Hi Strawberry Pear, the reno is still continuing at a very slow pace. I guess the carpentry works are on the way, but we can't really see the progress until the finished items are shipped in. Went to my unit yesterday and there is some progress on the toilet tiling works. (this has been delayed due to the hacking for the door frames) But even so, some of my designer tiles are still out of stock and it will still be a wait before the toilet tiling can really be completed. BTW, I will usually pop by my unit afterwork around 6.25pm. If you happen to be around just drop by and we can catch up again! I was thinking through the space issues and was really worried that there will not be enough storage areas in the new unit (cos we got so much junk at home!). Do you have any good storage ideas in your renovation that you can share with me?

I don't have the answer to the above, but getting a quote from your ID should be quite straight forward. But the trick is, they must be knowledgeable to factor in all the costs, rather than quote you a good price and then later telling you sorry cannot do, must add this and that, blah, blah, blah. Make sure your quote contains all the following: 1. PE fees of $500 (my sore point as always) 2. Demolishing of walls (to include those walls that probably has to go as well even though you target is only the two partitioning wall, these may include the adjoining walls with door frames) 3. Rebuilding the wall plus all the areas previosly destroyed items Therefore the cost will dependson the PE's recommendation and the final decision of the HDB structural Engineer. Just a thought, there are already some units that have hacked off the wall. I think #13-39 has done that. It could be very useful if you can find out from the owner the cost. You may like to PM Josephine...

Just made a big boo-boo...was trying to post the photos and ended up starting two new topics altogether! In the spirit of the Toa Payoh Blk79 Kakis forum, I am therefore re-posting the photos again below. Just want to say again that it is nice to know that we will all be having such fun-loving and friendly neighbours at Blk79! Thank you all for the very enjoyable and wonderful afternoon yesterday! As then forum will not allow me to post multiple photos, please find the links to the other photos attached below: http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/gadg...ia/Themakan.jpg http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/gadg...ia/Rollcall.jpg http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/gadg...a/Rollcall2.jpg http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/gadg...Interaction.jpg http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/gadg...rnJosephine.jpg Realised the links are not working...here's a second try...hope it works

Just make sure that the PE fees of $500 is already included....

Who else...?

Hi Ms White, Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...but at least you now have early warning. I am the real guinea pig here... I almost had the same idea to hack the same area, but my intention was to relocate the door of MBR there so that the study becomes part of the MBR. The entrance of the MBR can then be used for the wardrobe too, this would have freed up a lot of space, but in the end my wife insisted that all three rooms must remain separate - so that idea was shelved too. You will have to see what the PE and HDB say, but if it is like my situation, they may not allow you to just hack a hole in the middle of the wall for the door. i think they are afraid that if you disturb the reinforcements inside , some day the top of the door may come crashing down. this is probably why they will need you to remove the whole wall and then rebuild it from scratch again. but on the bright side, at least your idea will not affect the door frames of the MBR and BR2 - that is another big headache altogether. Good luck to your appointment tonite!

I called Citygas and was very tempted to go for the free gas heater (since the piping all done already). But was advised by ID that the gas heater's capacity is too small to cater to high volume usage. therefore, if we use hot water from more than one outlet at once, the water may not be hot enough. So, sticking to instant electric heaters - back to square one. By the way, Citygas said that the unit is not very big, the profile is just larger than a A4 size paper...

I am not too sure about the types of heater, but the one I am referring to is commonly known as the "gallen" or "gallon" heater. Its basically a large metal drum that usually people will want to install in the toilet (cos it is so unsightly). But unfortuantely, HDB had already thought out everything for us and has embeded all the water pipes in the walls so that they will eventually end at the kitchen wall to be connected to the device. I don't think there is any way to re-route the pipes anyway else...sigh... So if pink sea is referring to this type of electrical heater, it will not be in the common toilet, but in the Kitchen! Please note!

I have just verified with the HDB officer yesterday and he had sent me the structural diagram. To clarify further, you do not have the hack the whole wall as in the whole L shape, but it must be from edge to edge and the whole thing from top to bottom (not just a hole in the middle). Stability and safety is quoted as reasons. The HDB TO (who happend to be a very nice and friendly man, very nice to deal with him), explained that the BR walls are actually all structural walls with iron rods in them. There is this lintol thingy (still dunnon exactly what it is) above the door frames that must be removed with the hacking, it follows that if this is removed, the doorframe below will also have to go. The problem is also with the adjoining doorframe of the MBR, if you remove the doorframe of BR2 the doorframe of the MBR will be affected as well. I must say that one of the things I really like about the new flat is the nice and sturdy metal doorframe. I simply cannot accept that all these must be destroyed for nothing once we hack the wall - I mean what a waste! I have not applied to hack the wall all the way to BR3, but I am quite sure that the doorframe for BR3 will also have to go if you touch this wall too!!

First, about your toilet tiles. Please insist to go with your ID to the tiles showroom at Balestier to see the full selection before you decide. I have done my overlay too and it looks quite promising. There will be fanciful tiles there that may cost a lot more (about $23 a piece!), but these will only be used sparingly to complement the cheaper ordinary tiles. It may be worth to invest that extra bit of money to really make an impact in your toilet About the heater, we have opted for individual electrical heaters at both toilets. Why? Because HDB had brainlessly designed all the water pipes leading to the kitchen wall for the gas heater! Can you imaging an ugly and huge gas heater sticking out of your congested kitchen wall? All your tastefully done kitchen cabinets will be a huge wasted effort! Think carefully again!!

Hi Ms White, Haulage $900 for 4-room ????? I am very sure mine is $800. This is not part of the renovation contract and must be paid seperately to a thrid party. So I am quite sure your ID is not buttering you up on this... Unfortunately, you will not be able to enjoy the free HDB cement screed since yours will be all floor tiles. You will actually have to sign a declaration at the HDB branch office to say that you will not be laying tiles on the cement screed area for 3 years. And from what I know the HDB officers are always coming up to the units to inspect! Since you and I have the same ID, I am sure he can tell you a lot more now about the implications of hacking the wall tonight. I hope you can benefit from my experience and will have more luck than me....! Cheers!

Hey, I am with Substance too!

I have already signed up with them and the work is almost half done. My ID is also Leonard. I knew of all the issues with the license and paid-up capital and such. But seriously, unless you go for a really large and established ID firm, the issue of risk will always be there. But then again, it will also be reasonable to assume that a larger, more established firm will also have higher overheads, more red-tape and this will result in less personalised service and definitely higher costs. The deciding point for us eventually is the human factor. We find Leonard knowledgeable and he shows confidence in our project. As a new home owner, these are very important factors. We have been to another ID, but the difference is that while Leonard sees everything as possible and can come up with ideas and solutions, the other ID keep telling us problems and things that they cannot do...It also helps that Leonard is easily approachable and friendly. Of course the usual marketing talk and sales pitch are expected, but at the end of the day what we see is a person who has a clear idea and solution to our renovation needs (by the way, our requirements are a bit special). Our final decision is really based on gut feel. I recalled asking Leonard jokingly before signing on the dotted line if we can really trust him, without hesitation he replied confidently that of course we can - that was what won us over eventually. It is really hard to tell at this point in time how my renovation will turn out, but so far, Leonard seems to have a very competent team for tiling, electrical, aircon and capentry. I have met most of the supervisors already and they are equally approachable friendly and knowledgeable. We trouble-shoot problems on site and decisions on amendments and alterations are made fast and hassle-free. It is so far so good anyway for me. Admittedly there are problems that arose in the course of the project, but these are really not of any fault with the ID. In any case, I have already paid up 90% of the renovation cost till date and I have already reached the stage when I am at maximum risk. I will just keep my fingers crossed that all will go well and Leonard will deliver what he had promised by the end of this month. Will update you guys then!

Unfortuantely, I suspect HDB did not give that much thought to Fengshui (and practicality) when they designed our units !! . IMHO, I think they are more concerned with aesthetics. That's probably why we have large corridors and large empty spaces in the lift areas while the real space inside our house is so squeezy. I cannot help but think that if the wide corridors are made a bit narrower, my kitchen could have been much wider. If not for the nice rounded exterior of our first bedroom, we also could have got a more rectangular and a room with more usable space. But I suppose if the HDB hub is just in front of us, we got to look a bit better right? Afterall, are we not like a ready show-piece for HDB? But back to your question, my stove is located directly facing the kitchen windows. I seriously cannot think of any other place else except those that are really way-off: like next to your fridge or, if sideways can also count, next to your washing machine...Sorry bro, I really don't have any better ideas to share...

Let me take some of your qns...since I have actually gone through some of the process already: 1. Haulage for 5 room is $800, could be lesser for 4-room 2. Cement Screed is FOC, BUT you must declare that you are not laying tiles on the cement screed areas. HDB will only provide the service if you are doing parquest/laminate flooring. 3. Motar base cement screed will be done by your contractor and should be included in your quote. I assume this is the same as the kitchen cabinet base, refrigerator base and the washing machine base. 4. I think no contractor will be willing to eat the additional $500. They will most probably consult with you again later even if it is not mentioned in the contract. Like I mentioned earlier, not many of them may know of this requirement, but I have already gone through and can already confirm that it is a necessity. You may want to bring this matter up with your contractor in the first instance, rather than to wait for eventuality to happen.... Toa Payoh Courts selling at around $550 I think. Additional $50 for the brackets and installation. Total should be about $600...Cheers!

Was shopping around for a dryer too. Space consideration was a priority too since our kitchen is already so small. Also wanted to recycle my top-load washer. Found out that there is only one suitable dryer: Fisher and Paykal. the advantage of this model is that it can be mounted upside down above the washer. This will effectively lower the loading access of the dryer while leaving enough clearance for the top-loader below. I am already quite decided on this model. Does anybody have some feedback on this set?

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think wet clothes dripping anf birds dropping should not be an issue (for 5 room units at least). There is a shelter built directly above the kitchen/wash-are windows to shield your laundry from the above mentioned. Not sure if the 4 room units have the same design?

Hi Tension Z, I have checked woith HDB before, yes, the $500 PE is compulsory. The engineer had to submit their assessment report and then be physically present to supervise the hacking. I heard that $500 is the min, they will charge even more for Condos. Anyway, I will be checking with the HDB Tech Officer today about their letter to my ID. If you have seen the structure of the 5 room you will understand how complicated it will be if the whole wall (not part of it) has to be hacked. The MBR and second bedroom door frames are adjoining, if one goes down, so will the other. Also, don't count on the frames being re-usable again, you'll probably need to fork out more to reinstall new ones. The contrator will probably quote more to rebuild the entire wall all over again. I was actually on site yesterday and went to a few units to kaypoh, there was one unit also having the same idea and the contractor is saying confidently that they are just awaiting for HDB approval...good luck to him as well. Anyway, let me call the tech officer and I will update the post again. Cheers!

My missus actually wants us to remain anonymous, but seriously I don't see how that happen in a forum like this! Let's just say that I am staying above the 30th floor! BTW, can I ask about your wardrobe solution to the tiny MBR? Really need some good ideas now....Thanks!

You are sure right about HDB forcing us to save money. I just got a dissapointing piece of news from my ID today...After weeks of waiting to apply with HDB to hack off the bedroom wall, we are now faced with a fresh new obstacle. First, HDB says that they do not object in principle to the hacking but must engage a PE...then after spending $500 on the PE, they now say that yes, can hack, but must hack the WHOLE wall. This will certainly include the door frames and must hack the wall all the way to the edges! You can work out how much this is going to add to my renovation cost - not counting that my aircon pipings are already done and these will have to be destroyed again! It is very dissapointing, but in the end, we have decided to shelf the whole idea of hacking the wall and just by a ready-made wardrobe. People be warned! I am already the guinea pig, not many IDs or contractor may know about this. if you are intending to hack the wall, please check carefully with your ID and HDB first!

Hi, I just joined the forum. Never knew that we have such an united group at Blk79! I must be one of the first few to collect the keys at Blk79C, we got it on 30 Aug 2007! Mine is a 5-room unit. For those who have not seen the actual place yet. Please brace yourselves for a huge dissapointment - the bedrooms and kitchen will be UNBELIEVABLY SMALL!! The MBR is in fact so small that we have no choice but to hack off part of the wall and eat into bedroom 2 to make space for a built-in wardrobe!! For those who have the same intentions, please note that HDB is now very strict on wall hacking. Before the permit can be granted, they will require a Professional Engineer to certify and supervise the hacking process. Please be prepared to set aside $500 for this additional expense. I can also confirm that Haulage will be $800 for a 5 room flat. The cement screeding will be done free by HDB, but the owner must go down to the TP branch office to apply personally for this. You will have to allow 2 weeks for this as well (although mine was done very fast). For those who are intending to have an open kitchen concept and is looking to hack off the small kitchen wall please also be advised! That particular wall has embedded water pipes and electrical fittings. It will not be a straight forward process to just hack it off and this may result in additional costs. In fact we have to give up our plan for an open-kitchen because of this. Anyway, it's nice to know that people are getting together to share things about about our new home. I may not be able to join at the Saturday meeting, but I sure look forward to seeing the gang some other time! Cheers!