Experience - Great experience over the years
Over the last 15 years, my family had engaged Alvin’s services for a total of 4 times. This year, my parents and I unanimously agreed to engage him again to do full renovation for both of our resale flats. My parents have heard and seen enough scary renovation stories, including exorbitant fees, long delays, shoddy work and irresponsible IDs, so Alvin was their choice by default. For me, being the only person to handle most of the renovation work for the two flats, I wanted someone who can really help me ease the whole process. Based on the past two experiences, I know he will be able to help me tremendously.
Design phase – attention to details and creative solutions
On the design phase, like past experiences, it was an open discussion. I shared with him my ideas and challenges and he will offer solutions. For example, I was struggling with the tiny kitchen, which will have very little counter space. How do I fit in a fridge and washing machine and have ample room to move around in the kitchen? He took my ideas back, brainstormed it and came back with a solution which I was very pleased with.
Similarly, for my parent’s flat, I struggled with the kitchen design. The rubbish chute was built under the basin, which would be difficult for the elderly to reach it. Again, he managed to come back with a solution! My parents were very happy. I also wanted the place to be wheelchair friendly, so Alvin planned the whole thing for me. He leveled up all the floors and even reworked on some of the piping. He also suggested to use sliding windows instead as it’s easier for elderly to maneuver. I really appreciate details like this!
Just before the renovation, Alvin took the effort to do a courtesy call to our neighbours. I felt this was such an excellent move. When we moved in, everyone was super nice and friendly to us!
Renovation – professional, accommodating and helpful
During the renovation, he took photos regularly to update me of the progress. I went to the flats almost weekly to check that all was in order. He was totally opened and not bothered by it. During every visit, I noticed the workers would sweep the floor and throw away all the debris/ rubbish before they leave. In fact, my neighbour told me that they were very impressed that the workers cleaned the place inside and outside of the flat. One of them was so impressed that she asked me for Alvin’s contact. She told me she had evaluated their work and they passed!
Halfway through the renovation, due to unforeseen circumstances, we need to move in asap. Alvin had to reschedule the works so that we can move into my parents flat first, while waiting for my flat to be ready. This is a huge disruption for him as I know his workers are booked back to back. His empathy really helped solved a huge headache for us. We really appreciate it.
At one point, I was so tired of decision making and told him to make the decisions for me. Instead, what he did was to give me limited options. The options were always “what he think is nice and good”, “what he thinks I will like” and another option that’s between the two. That really made it so much easier. Also, when I went to buy curtains and sofa, I wasn’t sure what colours would be good. He provided options and asked me to keep to selected colours. This really helped!
As for my parents place, my parents and I left really left it to him to select the colours. He had so much experience that he knew what the elderly will like. True enough, they love it. In fact, I love it too. It was woody, yet looked modern and cosy. We have got very impressed delivery guys, neighbours and relatives!
Post Renovation – continuous help
When the renovation was done, I came to the place to find workers doing final clean up. They mopped the floors and wiped the dusts off the windows. They also helped scrubbed off sticker stains on the windows. When I went back again at the end of the day, I saw another guy who came to inspect the work and was telling the workers to clean certain areas. Then I also bumped into the workers who came to do final paint touch up. They inspected the place and told me they need to do quite abit of work, so they will return on Sunday so they get full day to work on it. I was very impressed with their dedication.
After we moved in, there were minimal need to do touch ups. Everything was in working order. But Alvin was responsive to us when we had queries. Recently, i accidentally released a catch when cleaning the toilet bowl. I was clueless on what to do. He was responsive and actually came down to help me figure it out. His suppliers are also very helpful. I didn’t know how some of the stuff worked and Whatsapp them, they were always willing to help me sort things out.
Overall
Based on my past four experiences, I can only tell you that my renovation journey has been relatively stress-free. My renovations are to my needs, within my budget and nothing excessive. In every instance when I moved in the my new place, I am always very happy with the outcome.
In fact, when I put up my flat for sale after 10 years, it was sold within two weeks. Viewers were so impressed with the design and the condition of the flat that it was still sold as move-in condition even though the renovation was ten years old. I was still able to command a good price. When I moved out, I was still very much in love with the place.
Below are some of the before and after pics of my new place.
