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Our 5 rm BTO is now already undergoing renovation. Tiling works and wiring are in progress. Pardon me but let me do some back dating work here. Renovation is really more hectic than we though it would be! We'll let the pictures do the talking. Here is our floor plan. Very typical 5-rm floor plan. Had thought of hacking the wall between bedroom 3 and living room so as to make a, very popular now, semi-enclosed study room complete with glass doors and black frame. This would very much fit into the modern scandi feel. But then did away with it after consultation with our feng shui master. Decided to do away with the wall between our master and bedroom 2 instead! [bEFORE] [AFTER] Much space and light after. Didn't know how much space was the wall hiding! Since I am in the mood of hacking, why not just remove the hideous white plastic box with mesh-like PVC material covering the drainage in the master toilet. Somebody may like it, somebody don't. This was an inital idea that alarmed our ID a bit but then was accepted cause it fitted our design! Alright the picture doesnt do it justice. But trust us, it's a lot bigger with the damned box removed. The black stuff is preparation work for our overlay~~ That's the update for another time..

Today is considered the first week of renovation. ID said they will start hacking the floor.

My id charged me $800 for haulage, but i heard from some people and some ids that you can go to hdb and its cheaper? Because in the end they will still need to through HDB for haulage. Is it true. How do we go about it, call them or go there, do we need to bring anything like quotation. Im only doing kitchen cabinet, false ceiling, and vinyl flooring for my reno. Do we still need to pay for so much haulage. Somebody pls advise. Im really blur. Thanks in advance.

Thanks to renotalk forum people and many bloggers to have posted their renovation adventure online, i have learnt so much over the past year and i would like to share my experience with you as i go along. Currently my unit is under going retification works since 5th may as there are alot to be done.. My theme is modern scandinavian theme.

To start off, we have come a long way since getting ROMed in February 2013, my spouse applying for PR in April 2013, held our Customary Wedding in KL and then a dinner in Singapore for my family and friends during August - September 2013 and finally, PR approved in November 2013. We started looking out for resale 4-Rm HDB around Punggol/Sengkang area initially during October 2013 but unfortunately, our budget does not allow us to do so. In the end, we settled for a resale 4A HDB in Woodlands/Admiralty (near 888 Plaza) during November 2013 which is within our budget and considering the fact that there will be future developments that might increase the estate's value. Upon completion in February 2014, we went in search for our ID. To our dismay, none of them fits the bill within our budget and comfort. Our main concern is our renovation loan. Finally in April 2014, our renovation loan got approved! We confirmed our ID and gave the green light to start our renovation immediately. We believes in a Chinese sayings "Man Gong Chu Xi Huo" which means something like slow and steady works produce good workmanship. Thus, we told our ID that we are in no hurry to move in as we can still live off my mum. LOL! Below is my Floor Plan. Our Renovation works:- Living Room Hack Floor Tiles Lay Homogeneous tiles Construct TV feature wall Construct L-BoxDining Room Hack Floor tiles Lay Homogeneous Floor Tiles Construct Dining Mirror with feature wall and lights Construct False CeilingKitchen Hack Floor Tiles and concrete cabinets/ Dismantle Built in Cabinets Lay Homogeneous Floor Tiles Plastering over Wall Tiles Construct Built in Kitchen Cabinet and Island Install Glass panel backing in between Kitchen Cabinets / accessories Hack Kitchen/Dining Wall and construct full height Sliding Glass Door Construct Fridge base Common Toilet Seal Opening to Kitchen and hack toilet wall to recreate new opening to Service Yard Hack Floor/Wall Tiles/Old Toilet bowl & Basin Lay Floor and Wall Tiles Install Toilet Bowl/ Basin / AccessoriesService Yard Hack Floor Tiles Lay Floor Tiles Construct Washer cement baseMaster Bedroom Overlay HERF Flooring / Dismantle Wardrobe & Storage under Window Construct Built in Wardrobe 6 Ft Construct Study Table Construct Storage under window Construct L-BoxMaster Bedroom Toilet Hack Wall and Floor Tiles / Old Toilet bowl / old Vanity Lay Homogeneous Floor and Wall Tiles Construct Vanity with mirror and lights Install Toilet bowl, basin, accessoriesCommon Bedroom 1 Overlay HERF FlooringCommon Bedroom 2 Overlay HERF FlooringStoreroom Hack Floor Tiles Lay Homogeneous Floor TilesThis is the proposed Layout less out the shoe cabinet due to our budget.

I've been marking down notes and learning the ropes from you guys in renotalk who made it possible by sharing your experiences. 3 years have passed. Now here is where we begin our renovation process. This will be a slow but comprehensive renovation as we wouldn't like to rush into things. Hope you guys will appreciate this compilation of the steps we took to build our home.

Sharing some ideas you may consider for a modern victorian concept. For a break away from the traditional english feel, a more contemporary style blends with the victorian concept to create this modern and elegant victorian theme. White as the main color is used to create an open and airy feel, complimented with gloss finished homogeneous tiles for the living room. Some dark colors for furnishing are used to bring contrast to the surroundings. Cornices are used along the edges of the cove lights to compliment that victorian feel. Cabinets and walls have the victorian-like wood trimmings. Some pictures for reference below. More can be found in the same album at the gallery page.

Hi all, I'm looking for a reliable contractor for some simple and practical renovation for my 3rm hdb renovation. Not a big unit and open to ideas if feasible as the unit is slightly done up by the previous owner. Any kind bros with experience with good contractors can introduce me? Many thanks in advance..

hi! I'm a new owner of a new hdb, and i've seen some blogs regarding hacking of service yards. Just wondering if HDB approve this still? (or if any1 have been rejected by HDB) What will be the cost of hacking? Make good? TIA! [^_^]

Hi All, I've been through all the renovation forum included Renotalk and Hardwarezone, but I'm still having a little bit confusion with the quotes as I can see they playing around with the prices (lower one things and raise the other). With that said following is my quotation from my ID or contractor. Please share with me your experience and insight. ID HACKING, HAULAGE & PRELIMINARY WORKSHack Existing Floor Finishes at 2x ToiletsHack Existing Wall Finishes at 2x ToiletsHack All Existing Gypsum Board & Door Frame **** AreaHack Existing & Dispose 2x Ledges **** AreaHack Existing & Dispose Wardrobe at Master BedroomHack Existing & Dispose Glass Sliding Door Master BedroomHack Existing Built-in Basin at KitchenHack & Trim Existing Wall Between Common Toilet & KitchenDismantle 2x Ceiling FanConstruct New Wall using Hollow Block to Seal Up Previous Common Toilet Entrance w/ Cement SmoothSupply & Laying Corrugated Paper (Single Layer) as Floor ProtectionHaulage of New & Raw MaterialsClearing of DebrisTotal Hacking, Haulage & Preliminary Works Cost :$3,500.00WET WORKSMASTER TOILETSupply & Lay Homogeneous Floor Tiles$580.00> Selection of Tiles: Up to $3.00 psf / Up to 300x300mm> Includes: WaterproofingSupply & Lay Ceramic/Homogeneous Wall Tiles $ 1,750.00> Selection of Tiles: Up to $3.00 psf / Up to 300x600mm> Excludes: Border/Special TilesConstruct Tiled Cement Door & Shower Kerb$240.00 COMMON TOILETSupply & Lay Homogeneous Floor Tiles$550.00> Selection of Tiles: Up to $3.00 psf / Up to 300x300mm> Includes: WaterproofingSupply & Lay Ceramic/Homogeneous Wall Tiles $1,600.00> Selection of Tiles: Up to $3.00 psf / Up to 300x600mm> Excludes: Border/Special TilesConstruct Tiled Cement Door & Shower Kerb$240.00LAMINATE FLOORINGSupply & Install 8mm SUPREME Laminate Flooring at Master Bedroom (Includes: Skirting) $800.00CEILING WORKSConstruct False Ceiling w/ False **** & Master Bedroom $1,200.00PAINTING WORKSPainting Works for Whole Unit $1,600.00> FULL RANGE of Paints from DULUX/NIPPONApply Sealer Before Painting $500.00PLUMBING WORKSSupply & Connect Single Stainless Steel Piping for 2x Toilets (for HDB Exposed Piping Only)Supply Labour to Install 2 sets of W.C. BowlSupply Labour to Install 2 sets of Wash BasinSupply Labour to Install 2 sets Toilet AccessoriesLabour to Install 2 sets of shower Head SetLabour to Install 2 sets Bathroom Bidet SprayLabour to Install Storage Tank HeaterSupply & Connect 2x Hot Water Points from Storage HeaterTotal Plumbing Cost :$1,500.00OTHER WORKSSupply & Install 10mm Clear Tempered Glass Shower Screen at Toilet (L1500mm x H1800mm) (1 Fix & 1 Swing)$400.00> Exclude: Over Head Supporting Bar for Shower ScreenSupply & Install 10mm Tempered Clear Glass as Fix Panel at Common Toilet $150.00Supply & Install Bi-Fold Door at 2x Toilets (Aluminum Frame w/ Acrylic Panel)$500.00Washing of Whole House$450.00Total before GST:15,060.00GST 7%:1,054.20Total after GST:16,114.20 CONTRACTOR A Demolition Works 1 HDB Renovation Permit Application & Processing F.O.C. 2 Demolish a doorway permit F.O.C.3 Hack a doorway at common toilet 300 4 Hack existing wall tile at 2 toilet 6005 Hack existing floor tile at 2 toilet 500 6 Hack existing skirting at main bedroom 1507 Dismantle existing partition at future room 350 8 Remove existing toilet bowl,basin & door F.O.C.9 Dismantle existing vanity at kitchen 150 10 Dismantle existing wardrobe & aluminiun sliding door at main toilet 300 Sub-total 2350 B Masonry Works 1 Labour to construct hollow block to seal existing doorway at common toilet 4802 Labour to make good existing skirting at main bedroom 200 3 Supply & lay wall tile to make good existing vanity area 3004 Supply & lay wall tile to make good existing common toilet 650 5 Supply & overlay laminate flooring c/w skirting at main bedroom 9506 Supply & lay ceramic wall tiles till ceiling height at 2 toilet 2400 7 Supply & lay non slip homogeneous floor tiles at 2 toilet 10008 Supply & lay waterproofing membrane at 2 toilet 400 9 Construct 2 nos, shower kerb 160 Sub-total 6540 C Ceiling Works 1 Supply & install false ceilling **** 7002 Supply & install false ceilling at main bedroom 850 Sub-total 1550D Plumbing Works 1 To run copper piping for 2 toilet (Cold water) 880 2 Labour to install bathroom item 7503 To run outlet pvc piping for 2 toilet F.O.C Sub-total 1630E Door / Glass / Windows 1 Supply & install 1 nos sliding tempered shower screen at common toilet 7502 Supply & install 1 nos swing tempered shower screen at main toilet 550 3 Supply & install 2 nos,aluminium bi-fold doors at 2 toilet 500 0 1800 F Painting Works 1 Paint whole house exposed wall & ceiling with ICI/Nippon emulsion paint 10002 Varnish/Paint all doors, door frames & exposed pipes 300 Sub-total 1300G Miscellaneous Works 1 Whole house chemical wash 2802 Provide haulages & debris clearing services 550 3 Lay protection sheet at affect area F.O.C Sub-total 830 H Electrical Works 1 Electrical aprox 500 Sub-total 500 Total 16500

Hi everyone!! Finally finally finally! I am delighted to be able to contribute to this ever vibrant platform to capture the journey of your home-making process! the previous owner of our house finally moved out after extending 2 months of stay in our house and soooo let the journey begin!! the floorplan of our house and the 3d drawing of both toilet and kitchen! We use Outlook interior for our ID after many considerations and comparisons we decided they gave us the best quote (we don't have a big budget here but it's alright don't despise small beginning) today we started hacking sooo... I will be back with more pictures!!

Hello everyone, Like many young couples, my SO and I are really excited to get the keys for our future home. Since then I have been lurking around renotalk, absorbing experience and ideas shared by so many passionate homeowners. As I will be starting my renovation soon, I feel that I should share my experience here, to contribute a little back to this awesome community. My home is a 4-room BTO flat, located at the northeastern area of Singapore. As this is a premium project, it comes with HDB flooring and I opted for HDB door. Below is the floor plan and pictures of the living room. Typical 4 room BTO floor plan. Realised many of my new neighbours hack away the wall between kitchen and dining area. Decided against an open concept kitchen as both of us are too lazy/busy to keep our kitchen neat and tidy all the time. Recess wall in the living room. HDB should just fill up the recess area to make life easier for us. TV console will be placed here. Still thinking of ideas for dining area feature wall. Dislike the wooden skirting around the living area and will be asking my ID to hack and replace them with matching tiles. We have collected our keys in early March but the last month was spent rectifying the defects with HDB and sourcing for contractor/ID. Both tasks are long and daunting, and I am glad both of them have been sorted out. During the meetings with different contractors/IDs, I have these criteria in mind: 1. Must incorporate our fengshui beliefs into the design 2. Pet friendly as we have a dog 3. Scandinavian theme (love the clean and simple look) with splashes of blue 4. Keep within our budget 5. The contractor/id must be able to commit and take care of our project personally, as we both work late Finally found our chosen one and signed the contract over the weekend, journey should start next week. Next, shopping time for air condition, hod, hood, sink and fridge....

Hi All, Finally it's my turn to have my T-Blog. Wanna show my gratitude to people here coz I got lotsa info from here. I got the key of my resale flat on February 2014 and renovation started this morning TODAY. I'm not used to writing so much "." So ID search: We try to find the cheapest quotation hehehe. So after talking and got quotation from about 10 ID companies, we managed to short out the cheapest one. Ok this is the list of ID I have talked to and got their quotation. Usually I try to compare item by item: 1) Dtrenzo Interior (Upper Thomson Road) 2) ***** 3) Story of Us 4) Dezign Culture 5) Matrix Interior 6) Atelier 7) New Interior 8) Rezt and Relax 9) ... I forgot de.... Soooo at the end... our chosen ID falls toooo the first ID we talked to..... from Dtrenzo Interior... My Reno included: 1) Hack all floor except bedrooms and store rooms 2) Hack wall tiles for kitchen and toilets 3) Box up toilets pipe at (2 bathrooms) 4) Laminate flooring (12mm) for 3 bedrooms 5) Lift up platform with laminate for balcony 6) Hack wall between store room & master bedroom 7) Hack new entrance for master bathroom 8) Seal the current entrance of master bathroom with hollow brick 9) Seal the entrance for store room with hollow brick 10) Hack existing cornice for the whole house 11) Dismantle all door except EXPENSIVE MAIN DOOR 12) Homogenous floor tiles for Living, Dining, Kitchen, Yard and Toilets 13) Wall tiles oni for 2 Toilets Carpentry: 1) 11 ft storage cabinets (depth: 700mm) 2) 8ft full height feature wall 3) 6ft console suspended 4) 4 ft shoe cabinets 5) 13 ft top and 13 ft bottoms cabinet with BLUM SYSTEM (dishrack included) 6) 2*2ft tall unit for kitchen (BLUM SYSTEM) 7) 8ft sliding wardrobe for master bedroom (internal color PVC) 8) 3.5ft dresser (2ft low height with mirror and 1.5ft full height) (internal color PVC) 9) 2.5ft vanity cabinets for master bathroom included mirror 10) Glass backing for kitchen between top and bottom Ceiling: 1) L BOX & False Ceiling for Living/Dining 2) L box for 2 rooms 3) False Ceiling for Master Bedroom DOOR 1) Veneer door for 3 bedrooms 2) Sliding tempered frosted door for master bathroom 3) PD Door for Common Toilet 4) Change metal gate OTHERS: 1) Construct bathtub area 2) Drainage pipe for bath tub 3) Shower screen for bath tub (sliding) 4) All plumbing works as standard 5) All bases (standard) 6) PAINTING whole house 7) Plastering living, dining and kitchen wall 8) Box up pipe at balcony area NOT INCLUDED ELECTRICAL WORKS!!! My quotation turned out to be 46K after discounteddd... The most expensive I got was 70K =.=|| And here is my floorplan.... http://renotalk.com/forum/uploads/gallery_57536_3_81574.jpg Well, from price perspective, I feel his price is cheaper compared to all others.... From workmanship, we ever visited the client house and my hb is quite happy with it.... But from design perspective, I'm not too sure, think depend on personal.... AND maybe becoz our first priority is PRICE... We omit those with GST hehehe..... I'm also blur blur on design coz I oni see pictures... Initially I tot I also want scandinavian but I dunno how later hahaha coz just buy thing that I like... So maybe it becomes ANYHOW THEMES "."

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Hello! Have been lurking around for the past 2-3 years and finally, my flat is here. Okay, the Mister and I like cats (& dogs) AND we are also on a super tight budget that's why I've named our house the "Meow Residence" cause we're neow ("cheapskate" in hokkien) - Mister is so going to kill me if he knows what I named our house. Ha! Anyway, here is also where the sun rises as this is the location where we can be found and our home gets very good, strong morning sunlight everyday from 7am to 12noon. Let's cut straight to the point, this is how small our flat is (THE FLOOR PLAN):-

Lately, I have seeking for ID or Renovation companies. I realised that most companies are RADAC accredited, about half of them are not HDB approved and some are not even registered with ACRA. For myself, I will prefer to trust the company which has to be registered with ACRA with more than 5 years being registered and certain amount of paid up capital. There are probably some companies with paid up capital of $2 which means in the event of lawsuit, you can only claim up to $2 or whichever amount is the paid up capital. I just want to seek your opinion whether anyone has advice for those companies with or without RADAC Accredited / HDB Approved / ACRA Registered companies. I may get some information wrongly too. To check with RADAC, refer to this link, http://radac.org.sg/directory/ To check with HDB, refer to this link, http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10324p.nsf/w/HomeRenoContractors?OpenDocument To check with ARCA, refer to this link, http://www.acra.gov.sg/ and click on Registered Business Entities

Hi all, I am doing up a renovation of the bathroom (both master and common toilets) in my newly acquired 5 rm HDB. I am on the 6th floor. Got quoted this amount for glass doors & glass shower screen ... 1. Supply & install 01 10mm frameless tempered opaque glass swing door c/w circle handle and lock set at common toilet - SGD$850 (excluding an additional SGD$200 per piece to carry from ground unit) 2. Supply & install 02mm Frameless tempered glass with fix panel at common toilet - SGD$280 (excluding an additional SGD$200 to carry from ground unit) - is this considered expensive?