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Hello, everyone! I'm usually a lazy person so I can't believe I'm actually here doing this. I just got my BTO flat done up and the whole process of looking for an ID, going through designs and quotations REPEATEDLY to find the right one was such a hassle. We all working adults, where got time?? Every weekend burned. I heard terrible stories from my friends and colleagues of going with the wrong ID, aside from the obvious money loss, there was also constant worrying and bad fixture of lights, tiling, and water piping issues that made things far worse than you could imagine. Waste time and waste money in the long run. To help young couples like myself or any first time ID experience, I'm going to share with you guys my amazing ID that I chanced upon. I was discussing design plans with another designer (overpriced and not good, can PM me if u wanna avoid potential trouble) at Novena starbucks when I saw Kelvin. Hubby and I noticed he was on his laptop using AutoCAD. Hubby told me this is usually used by architects. We were super impressed with what he was doing (he was shifting furniture from many angles). None of the 4 IDs we discussed with were as professional as this. After our meeting ended, we approached K and asked him if he was an ID. Indeed he was and that was how our reno journey begun. Kelvin was beyond impressive and hardworking. To put simply, his work ethics is amazing His follow ups were really super. His prices were decent and in terms of carpentry, workmanship was good and cheaper than most. We found out that he studied architecture in NUS so he had extremely good knowledge in this aspect. Our reno was extremely user-friendly with no cock ups, especially toilets and kitchens (most of my friends horror stories, were that although the design is nice but not functional in LR. problems start popping out after time, piping issues like washing machine or toilets, as a lot of IDs don't have proper knowledge on how houses are built. they only know design from being a copycat is not enough, create a lot of problems underneath the surface). One thing that really stood out was this: most IDs I work with gave us designs sketch ups or drawings that look good and impressive. This normally drawn by hand. Make a small room look super big and nice. My friends tell me this just a trick, finished product usually disappointing and lousy. when I see drawings from IDs, I get very skeptical. My hubby: The room got so big meh? ID: This design will open up your room. Seamless finishing and more windows, blah blah. For Kelvin, all his designs and floorplans were drawn to exact dimensions. This really help us with choosing the right furnitures and improve our home. No disappointments at all overall, hubby and I are super satisfied and happy with how smooth everything went. Kelvin really gave us a peace of mind, glad to avoid horror stories and start our life in our perfect home. This was longer than expected so I shall end here. If got questions on design or interested can PM me, happy to share!

Hello, everyone! I'm usually a lazy person so I can't believe I'm actually here doing this. I just got my BTO flat done up and the whole process of looking for an ID, going through designs and quotations REPEATEDLY to find the right one was such a hassle. We all working adults, where got time?? Every weekend burned. I heard terrible stories from my friends and colleagues of going with the wrong ID, aside from the obvious money loss, there was also constant worrying and bad fixture of lights, tiling, and water piping issues that made things far worse than you could imagine. Waste time and waste money in the long run. To help young couples like myself or any first time ID experience, I'm going to share with you guys my amazing ID that I chanced upon. I was discussing design plans with another designer (overpriced and not good, can PM me if u wanna avoid potential trouble) at Novena starbucks when I saw Kelvin. Hubby and I noticed he was on his laptop using AutoCAD. Hubby told me this is usually used by architects. We were super impressed with what he was doing (he was shifting furniture from many angles). None of the 4 IDs we discussed with were as professional as this. After our meeting ended, we approached K and asked him if he was an ID. Indeed he was and that was how our reno journey begun. Kelvin was beyond impressive and hardworking. To put simply, his work ethics is amazing His follow ups were really super. His prices were decent and in terms of carpentry, workmanship was good and cheaper than most. We found out that he studied architecture in NUS so he had extremely good knowledge in this aspect. Our reno was extremely user-friendly with no cock ups, especially toilets and kitchens (most of my friends horror stories, were that although the design is nice but not functional in LR. problems start popping out after time, piping issues like washing machine or toilets, as a lot of IDs don't have proper knowledge on how houses are built. they only know design from being a copycat is not enough, create a lot of problems underneath the surface). One thing that really stood out was this: most IDs I work with gave us designs sketch ups or drawings that look good and impressive. This normally drawn by hand. Make a small room look super big and nice. My friends tell me this just a trick, finished product usually disappointing and lousy. when I see drawings from IDs, I get very skeptical. My hubby: The room got so big meh? ID: This design will open up your room. Seamless finishing and more windows, blah blah. For Kelvin, all his designs and floorplans were drawn to exact dimensions. This really help us with choosing the right furnitures and improve our home. No disappointments at all overall, hubby and I are super satisfied and happy with how smooth everything went. Kelvin really gave us a peace of mind, glad to avoid horror stories and start our life in our perfect home. This was longer than expected so I shall end here. If got questions on design or interested can PM me, happy to share!

5 years ago, I engaged a contractor (an ID company which was formerly at Commonwealth Dr but has sinced moved to Bkt Merah Central) to in-fill a step-down balcony area with cement and level it to the bedroom tiled flooring by removing the sliding door to the balcony and also enclose the roof opening to that area. Thereafter, the entire floor was laid over (without removing the floor tiles in the original bedroom) with wood laminate as recommended by him. We also engaged him to installed cupboards over this extended area which was formerly the balcony. A few months ago, we discovered the laminated floor around the cupboard (which was supposed to have in-filled cement beneath) was sagging and the the laminated floor over the original tiled bedroom area was 'popping upwards'. We called that contractor back and requested him for his opinion and a solution on the scary feel of the foor. He kept denying it has to do with his workmanship but kept pointing to possible water seepage or termites. He said he could not recall what was underneath the laminate and so he took from me a copy of the invoice of the works which I still kept in my files. He said he will go check his record and get back to me. After 3 weeks, I did not hear from him and so my husband and I decided to remove the laminate flooring to investigate what is going on under the laminate. We had to destroy several pieces of the laminates before we discovered that the original tiles in the original bedroom area were popping up. When we removed the laminates around the sunken cupboard area, we found rotting timber and wooden batten. There were no cement in-fill which was in the contract and which was also mentioned in the invoice we paid. We called in different groups of contractors for their opinion and we were advised to go back to seek redress from the errant contractor who did not do the cement in-fill that we paid for. One contractor told us that wood normally starts rotting after 3-4 years since dampness is trapped between the ground (this bedroom is on the ground floor) and the laminate (non breathable), and if the contractor does not want to do wet works, he will get away with it because the result will only shows up after many years like our case which was actually hidden under our cupboard. In order to rectify the situation, I was told the cupboards have to be removed, the rotting timber must be cleared out, cement in-fill done, water-proof cement screed done before a new layer of tile or laminate can be laid on. I sent the analysis and photographs of the whole situation to that contractor, hoping he will offer a solution....but it turned out worse than I expected - he kept denying he used wood at all. I attach here the whatsapp conversation I had with him as well as the photos I sent to him. He did not respond after I asked him "Where did u pour the cement then?" and I noticed he changed his whatsapp profile photo & status after that. Appreciate any forum members' advice on where and how I can seek redress to this situation instead of going the lengthy 'sue him' route. As the flooring is now in a big mess, is it advisable for me to engage another contractor to rectify the situation in the meantime? Are the photos I have taken and posted here sufficient proof to claim against him in the event I have to take legal action or do I have to take more photos after my carpenter removes the cupboard and before the new contractor does the cement in-fill? Thank you! P

Hi everyone, Need some advice! anyone has experience dealing with GST registered ID firms that can waive off GST? Am about to sign contract with an ID firm, and was asking the ID about the GST since they are a gst registered company. She then said that if we pay in cash, she will be able to minus off gst. she will generate a separate quote for us with their non-gst registered sister company. but i am concerned about the company's accountability since the contract is signed with the sister company on paper.. is this a common practice? would appreciate any help or feedback!

Hi, I'm getting the keys to my flat in the next few months and looking around for a reliable ID. Heard too much horrible stories of how renovation had gone wrong. Anyone has good experiences or ID to recommend? Thanks!

Hi all! i am new in the forum, but have been following for a few months now. Just recently signed up just to share my humble experience in my reno journey. My 4rm BTO flat have been completed. I was lucky to have chanced upon this ID through our friend's recommendation. We fall in love with their proposal concept for our home and they understood clearly on the things we required like being space-savy with the looks of alittle zen/ scandi themed. They are actually a small start up company with her and her few partners with years of experience in this field. They are very knowledgeable on the renovation details and are able to point out concerns before construction and to advise better alternatives for us to choose from. It has been 3 months since the renovation is completed. My ID is still very helpful whenever there are any minor issues. Just sharing this experience as it has been a positive experience with her. Do let me know if anyone here is interested! She is also providing free consultation and advises even if you are not engaging them.

I need help for second opinion on my quotation. Don't know to go ahead with this because is slightly of my budget but my gut feeling tells me this ID is able to execute what I want base on the past project they did. Quotation for 4-room (92sqm) 1. Erect 2" H Kitchen Cabinet Base with cement plaster on top surface and tiles at the sides (Use spare tiles provided by HDB) : $600 2. Erect 2" H shower kerb at 2 baths (Use spare tiles provided by HDB) : $320 3. Purchase prepacked materials :$850 4. Upload materials and debris removal :$730 5. Supply and lay 60 x 60 cm homogenous tiles ($3/sqf) to living and 3 bedrooms flooring come with skirting: $8400 6. Install bronze alumni clear glass sliding window at yard without top hung (3tracks-3panels) :$700 7. Install 10mm thick clear tempered 1 fixed and 1 swing shower screen at master bath with hinges mounted to wall (wall to wall) :$560 8. Install 10mm thick s/blasted glass swing door at master bath entrance (s/blasted facing outside) standard size: $660 9. Install P/coat alumin acrylic panel PD door at common bath entrance (Selected pattern, standard size): $360 10. Construct Designer kitchen cabinet (Laminate with ABS edging inclusive soft closed hinges and draws with full extension tracks), Top and bottom 2.8m, include 2 tier stainless steel rack and frosted glass panel and cutlery tray. Installation of hood and hob: $3080 11. Fabricate kitchen island without cement base in laminate finish: 1.8m (w) x 0.8m (d) x 0.9m (h): $2000 12. Fabricate quartz worktop for kitchen cabinet and island: $2080 13. Fabricate sliding panel wardrobe at master room in laminate finish. (Come with internal fitting storage system) 2.2m: $2480 14. Fabricate queen size bed frame in laminate finish (1.5m (w) x 0.3m (h)) with storage on one side: $1800 15. Painting Nippon vinilex 5000 matt finish to internal wall and martex white to ceiling. Choice of 5 max colours and multiple trips: $1700 16. Chemical wash (if applicable) and general cleaning: $350 17. Laying protection sheets for affected areas: $300 18. Supply and install 3 veneer (Semi-core) door with round knob: $870 (Top up $40 each door for solid wood) 19. Plumbing (Labour charge only) a. Sink/basin and tap x3 sets : $360 b. Bath accessories x 2 sets : $120 c. Spray gun and mini valve x 2 sets: $120 d. Extension of piping for sink :$60 e. Run exposed pipe after city gas: $360 f. Rainshower at master: $120 20. Electrical work: $1500 base cost (Any additional work will incur top up) 21. Design and space planning fees (Consultation, colour & material proposal, site supervision & coordination, perspective drawing for carpentry works, submission to HDB/BCA) :$1300 Total cost: $31660 (NETT) Confirmation fee: $2000 (Can be deducted out from final amount) + 7%GST Do help me and feel free to comment and advice how do I ask ID to lower the quote. Thank you so much

Dear all fellow new home owners, I have been a silent reader for the longest time and we are estimating key collection to be somewhere around the last quarter of this year Recently we have started looking around for IDs, asking them for quotes, shortlisted a few, and so far it came down to 2 IDs: 1.) 9 Degree Construction 2.) My Design Interior Has anyone engaged them before recently? We would love to know some comments/feedback before we make our decision. Thanks in advance!

Dear all fellow new home owners, I have been a silent reader for the longest time and we are estimating key collection to be somewhere around the last quarter of this year Recently we have started looking around for IDs, asking them for quotes, shortlisted a few, and so far it came down to 2 IDs: 1.) 9 Degree Construction 2.) My Design Interior Will update this space after we have chosen an ID

I just got my key for my new 4rm BTO at Depot road. Appreciated if anyone can share good ID or contractor to me. Pls PM me

Hi All, Anyone engaged ID Urban Habitat Design for their reno? How is the workmanship and service? We received a quote from them and is reasonable compared to engaging Contractors. However their payment term is not flexible. Asking 10% Upon confirmation, 40% before commencement of site and Masonry works , 40% before confirmation and fabrication of carpentry and 10% Handover. Although this is standard payment terms, we tried negotiating but not successful. 50% payment required even before starting any work. Appreciate any feedback.

Hi, we've finalised our layout and received the following quotation from our ID. Is it reasonable for a 3-room BTO (68sqm), and how else can it be improved? We're not looking for absolute cheapest because we believe in design and quality. But if there are items which jump out as unreasonably expensive or something missed out, please help us to flag. Do note our layout is not the traditional 3-room layout as our Master Bedroom will takeover the space in the existing Living Room, and we will hack the walls between the existing bedrooms to form 1 big Living/Work room. So the measurements may be a bit strange. Thank you in advance.

Would like to share my experience with you guys. Recently, i have done up a renovation for my parents house. Our 3-rm flat is located at Ang Mo Kio, which our estate is already 40-years old .We have never done renovation or upgrading work since we move in until now. The condition of the house, was like the picture below, uneven walls and ceiling. We would like to revamp it to a bright, modern living, and have all the cabinet build in for living area, kitchen and our bedrooms. We have refer by our friends on this company that specialize in residential/shop/space planning/carpentry/flooring & remodeling to help us out. We are very satisfied with their work or transformation, would like to share we our members here. I have took a shot of our house photo after we have renovated. Costing is very reasonable. I am impressed with their work attitude and responsive response. I would like to give them 5-star rating. Those who want to do a upgrading or just bought a BTO can give a shot for this company!!

Ok, to be honest, im a very niao, particular guy who really quite demanding sometimes in terms of quality, material, designs and of cause BUDGET in my VERY FIRST NEW BTO home. I've been to at least 10 ID firms for the past 3 months, not forgetting im having tight schedule for works too. i wouldn't mention much on those who ain't really responsive , (i believe they are not that professional yet?) and able to understand more of my requirements rather then a very deadly kind of feel, although cost wise is pretty much lower then others which i dont really feel safe with, but i've short listed 2 IDs which i feel more comfortable with, able to communicate at the very first start, and understand my needs and it meets my budget too! Well, this ID after all the works, handover to us nicely, perfectly, and on time. Well, i must say Ashton Wong from De Style Interior really brush off all of my fears for contractors, run away IDs after collecting money, poor coordination and unreachable all times and so on.... He really bring me and my family back confidence and trust in ID companys after seeing all those reviews on their bad experience. Able to get a good one , is not easy i can say.. i would say that you will not regret after engaging him as your ID,that will save all of your troubles and worries. He's responsive, patiences, always giving advice, and ideas to decorate our rooms. i hardly post comments or reviews at any websites, quite new here, but i've been following up on those reviews too, and i think this is really worth it for those who are still looking for a good, stable, experience ID, dont hestitate to enquire quotes or designs from him, i can PM you his number if you're interested, good luck people!

Hi there, i am provided a breakdown for my electrical cost for my 3 BR Condo. Can anyone help me see if this is reasonable? Or am i being ripped off. Total Electrical Work Cost is 2,940 SGD.

hi, i'm new in this forum but actually i have been following for many month, just recently signed up to share my experience. i recently finished my home reno and i spent a long time looking for ID like you guys. i cam e across this ID by chance on instagram! there are too many IDs now so I was just randomly looking. then i immediately liked what they do (a bit modern raw+industrial but not too over). Actually its just 'she' and her husband, small company. they are very creative and really efficient in their work. i finished my reno (5-room bto) in less than 3 months (although its not alot of work la) i realise nowadys IDs in Singapore like to design alot of flashy and non-authentic things (especially those void deck ones) but i find my ID very original and very sincere in her ideas. for example my study corner sliding doors. most people will just go for aluminum, but its very thick and ugly and she refused to do it in alum, she found contacts to help me get it done in steel, i saw her drawings ver complicated for this part cus got alot of details but i really really loved how it turned out! super slim and sleek doesnt look like the usual HDB style! (picture below when it was just done) She does have a strong opinion in what she thinks is the best sometimes a bit stubborn but still willing to discuss and of course get my approval for everything before excecution. i have had very bad experienes before with ID so i just wanna share this very very positive experiecen with everyone. You can see my HDB on her instagram feed as well! the latest 2 pictures. (BELOW!) If anyone wish to know more I am happy to share her contact or pictures or whatever..

Hi All, I have been looking for quote to do simple reno on my 5rm BTO. This is a quote i recently obtained. Being a noob, I would appreciate your comments on the quote below.. Many thanks in advance..

Hi all, Just wanted to share with all of you about something in the news today. http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/home-design/fleeced-by-interior-designer Government is moving towards having accreditation, those who have not yet signed up with an ID or just signed up with one might want to check the article out.

Hi all, I would like to know if it's possible to have renovation bank loan with 2 different contractor. Example Contractor 1 - Quote $10,000 Contractor 2 - Quote $15,000 Reno bank loan of $25,000 Thank you in advance!

I started to look for ID since the beginning of Oct 2016, it was a tough especially I'm renovating partial of my house. To cut the story short, just want to share my encounters with some IDs and hope those who are looking for partial renovation can just avoid these IDs as they are totally not interested in small budget (not more than S$30k) 1) Everxxxxn (New co) - Simple and nice showroom which you get to see many material utilized in such a small space. Initial interaction is good. ID came to evaluate the work and dimension. Quotation received after 4 days. No portfolio as ID said he is still compiling. Only 4 to 5 messages exchange and we were pleased. We asked to view their current WIP in the same location which he mentioned. Initially he said ok. After we asked him to arrange, he stopped messaging and no respond thereafter. 2) Pxx Kxxxg - Very friendly and helpful uncle. He came to measure and give lots of advice which are really very practical especially some repair works done by my previous ID. His quote is reasonable. But as my spouse wanted more sleek design and needed more ID input, he wasn't that keen to go with PK. But I've seen their work with my friend and I must say the carpentry work is good. 3) U-xxxe - Saw their showroom and really impressed with their design and workmanship. Talked to Mr Wm for 1 hour. He sound keen to quote and all info was exchanged. After a week, nothing from him. And not expecting. 4) Mxxxx (Sxx Creation) - Spouse wanted to look at the materials, went there and was assigned an ID, most of the materials are quite common, perhaps 3-4 items was new to us. Halfway through the introduction of all the 6000 sq ft area. I'm already felt it's such a waste of time, as the focus should be on what we want then advertising for their suppliers. After a sit down talk using our layout. We realised ID didn't actually paying attention with what we want and kept asking the same questions and forgetting here and there. We constantly repeated ourselves. What put us off is that they required us to make a deposit of S$2k to process their quotation. And kept promoting some S$3k vouchers but refused to list the suppliers which this voucher can be used. We felt uncomfortable and insisted to leave. 3 hours spent just to realised that their carpentry work is really bad and apart from that, those sign with them just have to be careful that they use compressed wood as well. 5) Abxxxxxk - We had a good experience with the ID. Visited the showroom and immediately saw what we actually wanted. The ID came and likes our layout as it gives him lots of ideas and he mentioned that it will allow him to have full play to his professional knowledge. Unfortunately, his quote is sky rocket and what disappointed us was his 2D drawings. Nothing of what we wanted. After all the set back, we turn to Renotalk and found a very popular ID. I called him and he responded within a day despite his busy schedule. 6) Cxxxxx Bxx - He came and definitely we can tell his expertise is there despite his carpentry work is in JB. He gave some advise and to me sounds good because he emphasized on proportion and space planning which helps. I really look forward to his quote and even if its above my budget, I'm willing to stretch it as I believe all the positive review about him are genuine. He promised to give me a quote 4 days later, on the 5th day, I messaged him and hours later he responded that he was busy clearing back log and will give me the following day. But after a week, nothing from him. It's a let down cause at least, he should be professional enough to say he can't quote and not just MIA. We went back to source for ID in the web and found 7) All Axxxx Dxxxxx - Meet up at a residence showflat, nicely and impressively done. Wish my house is like that even it's smaller. Nice chat with the ID (boss). After understanding our requirements, he says he will quote. So we message him 3 days later, but he was in the hospital and without pushing away his responsibility, he frankly told us they are also having tight schedule and couldn't meet our deadline. But being a professional, he refered us to another ID company which he has checked that they have the time slot for us. I must say, such professionalism is hard to find in the Renovation industry nowadays especially he looks so much younger then No: 6. So we are now waiting for our quote again... So much time lost just because some IDs are not gutsy enough to tell us upfront that they can't quote unless its a $$$ amount of renovation.

Hi all, I've recently just booked my new 4-rm SBF flat and I'll be getting my keys soon. My flat does not comes with flooring for living room and 3 bedrooms. Only HDB default floor and wall tiles in kitchen and 2 toilets. I will be going for resilient vinyl flooring all living room and 3 BRs. Kitchen and toilet floor and wall I'm going for homogeneous tiles. I will be appealing for HDB cement screeding in order for me to lay the vinyl flooring. I will also plan to hack down partial of the kitchen wall and 1st bedroom wall. Can any laojiaos here provide me a checklist of the renovation process I should check or receive from renovation contractors? (not going for ID) Some people say flooring goes first, electricity goes first, wetwork/masonry works goes first, plumbing or aircon piping etc. But I am not too sure for my case. The renovation should involves the following, if I'm not wrong: 1) hacking of walls, 2) vinyl flooring installation / homo tiles overlaying, 3) aircon piping, 4) aluminium/glass work for hacked walls, 5) kitchen table top, 6) blinds, 7) electricity/lightings, 8) carpentry (kitchen cupboards, wardrobes etc) 9) painting (walls), 10) plumbing I'm not too sure which one should comes before/after each. Please feel free to add in to the checklist. For all your advices! Thanks.

Hello Good Day to Everyone! Gotten keys quite awhile back, finally can start on my humble home nest (after deciding & finalized of auspicious dates for reno ;p) Finding IDs wasn't a easy task (alot of hassle), went around seeing 5 IDs , tiring processing cos you need keep repeating same stuffs and your needs over and over again....... - First 2 IDs, spent quite some time with them and explaining what were the the needs and items, after all the long hours they still like in the lost which also made me in a very lost state too..... (met once only..) - 3rd and 4th IDs were not too bad, still able to grasp what were the requirements and could propose something interesting for consideration. BUT their quotes were way too high even though their ideas were quite outstanding..... (had 2 meetings...) - Last and 5th ID, initially didn't have much expectation... Gradually this finally and 5th ID really able to understand the needs and indeed addressed to the areas that was practical for my family! We had at least 3 meets up, to further discussed on the planning of my house layouts.... We had that kinda of special chemistry that those past 4 IDs couldn't get to and the last 5th ID could come out with even more impressive ideas and designs that really suit my family lifestyle ! After months of discussion with my family, we eventually selected the last and 5th ID - Wilson from DS 2000 Interior & Design Our family felt comfortable in having him to do up our new home as he really do understand and can achieve the kind of expectations from what we wanted for our new home! Let me try posting my floor plan

Hi, any fellow users out there who used IN INTERIOR as their ID before?

Hi, i need help in sourcing for reliable and good ID or contractors recommendations and decide if i should use a ID or just a contractor for my renovation. I am open to just having a good contractor to do a good reno if the price and workmanship is good. I am very new to this any form of help is much appreciated. From electric works to design to any ideas. i am more inclined towards engaging a Contractor for cheaper cost etc. Thanks