Impress21 Design And Build - My Home Makeover

[ncy 0]

To be frank, I never step into Window Cool shop before. However I visited 2 of this shops before, Kool Connected in Ubi and Window Image in Causeway Point. So I sort of know what I am looking for. So when I called Window Cool guy to come down my home for measurement, he brought the catalogue with him on the various materials they have. Some is like $5 psf and some is about $7.20 psf depending on the fabric and maker.

As for the mechanism, I just installed it about 2wks back as I just renovated my home as well. So far so good, the pull mechanism is very smooth thus far. No jam whatsoever. Maybe its still too early to tell whether it can stand through the test of time.

[oogachaga 2]

OPPS BIG reaction from the mention of IKEA hahaa..sorry abt that i have not read your blog just saw the pictures you've uploaded.

Are there any website on your recommended blind specialists or i need to go down & visit each one of them. I have not gotten a quote from Impress 21 (have shortlisted 3 contractors) but wanted to compiled my preferred ideas of the various items before i meet & request for a quote.

Finally any problem with your roller blinds since the last time you installed? the reason for asking bcos my parents' home have roller blinds but after a few years the string (sorry don't know what it's called) use to open& close the blinds broke off thus now my mum have replaced with curtains

Thanks oog for the insights- you're very dedicated to responding!

Hi Jstar,

Big reaction is bcos you didnt read my blog ...if you had, its pretty obvious thats the cabinets are custom made

I do buy IKEA stuffs, only certain items, one has to be mindful of the quality and materials used for the item. In fact, I just spent $99 for a 1.3m study table...quite value for money and nice too.

Check out this website http://apex5.com/shop/

Thats where I got my roller blinds from...and my Egyptian cotton bed linens ( imo, quite reasonable price ).

If you are looking for roller blinds, they all seem to be using the same catalogs, some will carry more than others. You should be concerned about the mechanism for your rollers if you want them to last...there are locally made ones , china ones, malaysian ones, etc. So far, no problem with mine...besides got 2 years warranty on the mechanism

You can go visit a few shops to get an idea of whats being offered, which was what I did, and especially so, if you are intending to do curtains because of fabric varieties.

In any case as ncy has mentioned, most will do a no-obligation quotation at your home without you having to step into their store...so just call and compare prices, and get them to come down if suitable.

I have got Karbell but quite ex their quotation.

No problem...just here to help and share what I have learnt

Cheers,

[oogachaga 2]

Wooden Decking

Prices vary widely from 3 figure to 4 figure sum, also depending on the wood used...so as always check around and compare prices first.

Here are the 2 contacts to share that I have shortlisted as I found them reasonable and professional:

1. Goodhill Enterprise Pte Ltd

Check out their website, all the info details are there...

http://www.goodhill.com/app/decking.php

Brief: Specialise in merbau wood only, flat or grooved surface , and in 2 widths...90mm and 140mm.

Was quoted about $750 for my 33 sq ft planter box, more expensive than the Xinzhan Materials.

2. Xinzhan Materials Pte Ltd

Contact: Mr Iang 94244660

http://www.asiabuilders.com/asiabuilders/X...y_80037286.aspx

Brief: Has a variety of woods to select from... Balau, Merbau, Ironwood, and comes in 2 widths as well, flat surface only.

Their pricing is rather competitive, and professional as well, so I engaged them.

My 33 sq ft planter box..its approx 11 ft by 3 ft

Types of Wood for comparison...Background wood is 140mm Balau, the 3 woods on top from L to R....90mm Ironwood, 140mm and 90mm Merbau

Close up of the woods....the grain looks better on Balau and Ironwood than Merbau..Ironwood looks the best and is harder, more durable, and MORE expensive

How the decking is done: 2 support beams bolted to the sides of the planter box, and the removable deckings are laid over the support beams

My completed decking using 140mm Balau wood with walnut stain..very well done - evenly spaced decking

cont'd

Edited July 16, 2009 by oogachaga

[oogachaga 2]

Wooden Decking cont'd

Another view...noticed the even gaps..the 140mm wood are evenly spaced to fit exactly into the planter box without trimming, and no nails seen on top.

Close up at the odd corner...this is one of the removable pieces, out of the other 3 big pieces, no nails seen.

The decking comprises of 4 removable pieces...it facilitates removal in case you need to reach underneath eg retrieving items or unclog choked drain ??

I have seen some decking with nailing done from the top, and some are nailed dead with a cut out sawn at one end of the decking...not very nice in my opinion.

Heres a pic of a friend who used 90mm Ironwood..looks similar to Balau, but the feel of the wood is different!

Mr Iang from Xinzhan has also told me that all woods will show splitting over time, even the best ones, depending on usage, care and exposure to elements like sun and rain.

Also, Chengal is over rated and overpriced, and Ironwood would be a much better choice for the same amount. Besides, Chengal has inherent "pin holes" in its wood , which may or may not be a concern, and it will still split

Merbau has a tendency to "bleed" more than the rest...so it may stain the surrounding area just to note. My balau bled too...as I can see brown stains on the wall under the decking.

Overall, I am rather pleased with the professional service and job done by Mr Iang ...and the price ( I cannot reveal at his request but its cheaper than Goodhill )

If you are looking to do wooden deckings, do call them for quotations and compare...

Cheers

[andante 0]

Wooden Decking cont'd

Another view...noticed the even gaps..the 140mm wood are evenly spaced to fit exactly into the planter box without trimming, and no nails seen on top.

...

HI, just wanna say thanks for the very useful information you are providing on your t-blog.. till date i've spoken to Mr Iang (planter deck) and Colin (mirror guy) for quotes and they are so much cheaper than my very greedy IDs! I found a comparable Balau quote to Mr Iang's but at least he is very honest about his balau not being too cheap. Plus now i have a rough idea of my IDs' crazy mark ups and can bargain to save some for my next dinner

Any issues with ur Balau wood? I'm still deciding if Ironwood is worth the extra 150... thanks!

[kongming 0]

Hi oogachaga

nice place you got with those views, like to know which condo is this? Looks to be along Bukit Timah area?

[ninja3101 0]

Hi oogachaga

I just met up with my ID's electrician on this Tue. Next Mon they will start laying the wiring. My ID package for electrical only include normal switches & socket (able to see the two screws on the front). I told the electrician I want to change to rocket switches the ones u use in your house. I was confuse whether to choose Clipsal or Legrand then he told me the the prices for Clipsal and Legrand is about the same. After I saw your list then I knew that Legrand switches are much more expensive ! That means I have to pay more to top up for the Legrand switches.

I choose Legrand switches and they will me help me do the purchase. The electrician told me they are using Clipsal normal single & double sockets with two screws seen from the front. I am thinking whether to change to Clipsal C-V switches and sockets (hidden screws) ? As you are using Clipsal could you please advice ?

thanks.

In the end I decided to go for Clipsal as it goes with my decor...somehow the Mallia doesnt look that sleek or streamlined, but I chose legrand dimmer as its nicer and has switch and dimmer control together...was also was contemplating the Clipsal E3000 series with LED, but price a bit exorbitant..below are some of the prices for reference (not inc of GST yet)

Note:

1. LG mallia silver colour more expensive

2. LG Mallia comes LED ready , so to add LED lights, you need to customise and, add $2.30 for green led, or $2.80 for red colour

3. Clipsal E3000 is more expensive for the white ones

Edited January 13, 2010 by ninja3101

[oogachaga 2]

HI, just wanna say thanks for the very useful information you are providing on your t-blog.. till date i've spoken to Mr Iang (planter deck) and Colin (mirror guy) for quotes and they are so much cheaper than my very greedy IDs! I found a comparable Balau quote to Mr Iang's but at least he is very honest about his balau not being too cheap. Plus now i have a rough idea of my IDs' crazy mark ups and can bargain to save some for my next dinner

Any issues with ur Balau wood? I'm still deciding if Ironwood is worth the extra 150... thanks!

Hi guys,

Sorry for the late reply....havent been visiting this site

Just an update for my Balau decking....its is still in good condition, although I can see some hairline cracks appearing on the wood, but nothing major.

Heres the close up ( note its not cleaned yet )...You can see the splits in the wood....the rest are from wear and tear eg moving chairs, potted plants, etc...but otherwise still sturdy and looks ok after mopping. I think all wood will dent and scratch eventually, being a softer material than stone.

Hmm...if I had a choice again, I would go for Ironwood...you should ask Iang for his professional opinion. I feel its the best hard wood for its price and think it should hold up well in the long run, and in keeping its looks as well.

Hi oogachaga

I just met up with my ID's electrician on this Tue. Next Mon they will start laying the wiring. My ID package for electrical only include normal switches & socket (able to see the two screws on the front). I told the electrician I want to change to rocket switches the ones u use in your house. I was confuse whether to choose Clipsal or Legrand then he told me the the prices for Clipsal and Legrand is about the same. After I saw your list then I knew that Legrand switches are much more expensive ! That means I have to pay more to top up for the Legrand switches.

I choose Legrand switches and they will me help me do the purchase. The electrician told me they are using Clipsal normal single & double sockets with two screws seen from the front. I am thinking whether to change to Clipsal C-V switches and sockets (hidden screws) ? As you are using Clipsal could you please advice ?

thanks.

In the end I decided to go for Clipsal as it goes with my decor...somehow the Mallia doesnt look that sleek or streamlined, but I chose legrand dimmer as its nicer and has switch and dimmer control together...was also was contemplating the Clipsal E3000 series with LED, but price a bit exorbitant..below are some of the prices for reference (not inc of GST yet)

Note:

1. LG mallia silver colour more expensive

2. LG Mallia comes LED ready , so to add LED lights, you need to customise and, add $2.30 for green led, or $2.80 for red colour

3. Clipsal E3000 is more expensive for the white ones

Hi,

The best is for you to visit Choo Chiang to get a first hand look and feel of the product, and compare with the other brands, and the prices as well....and you will know whether your contractor is taking you for a ride

The 2 screws in front are old desgn, which I have since replaced....you should go for more modern ones, besides the cost is not that expensive.

My Clipsal glossy switches are working well, I am happy with them. The Legrand Mallia are also okay, but the matt finish tends to attract stains more easily, and requires more frequent cleaning if you dont like to see black fingerprints.

Black smudges on Mallia, requires a lot more to wipe clean than Clipsal glossy finish.

Cheers

Edited June 17, 2010 by oogachaga

[oogachaga 2]

Jun 2010 Update:

Its coming close to 2 years already since my reno.....so its time for some update

.So far, the white theme especially the kitchen has been holding up well...though there are some regrets...some good buys and some lousy

Here are the pics:

Ok...still looks quite good. The walls, laminates and solid surface top are still in their pristine white colour! Do note that I dont do "zhi char" style of heavy cooking wtih billowing fumes, and roaring fire. These days I use the induction more than the gas hob as its really so much faster heating up and cooking, its cleaner - easy to clean up, and less hot...you dont sweat as much compared to the gas flames. I would highly recommend using induction for cooking....and induction hobs looks good with its clean lines, whcih is why its quite standard fittings in up market condos these days.

You must be wondering why I have not peeled off the protective plastic from the dishwasher....reason lazy, and less steel to clean..besides it adds colour to the kitchen

Ok...the dishwasher is a great appliance to have...saves you time and water, maybe not much electricity...but your dishes comes out clean and glasses sparkling! No more clutter on your dishrack or drying them...just dump your dirty stuffs inside and turn it on. Easy peasy.

The stainless steel backing are also easy to maintain...just a quick wipe with 3M stainless steel cleaner and its done. The backing at the kitchen sink is a bit blotchy even after cleaning...perhaps due to the constant splashing, and my laziness...I only clean when I feel like it like probably once in 2 months when the water marks get more noticeable

The oven stainless steel is also a bit blotchy too if you look carefully..but otherwise still looks alright. Perhaps the heat also contributes to this, and maybe the material is different ?

another view....notice the microwave is still white except for the panel that has yellowed with age...btw, its about 8 yrs old. The 10 yr old Samsung fridge has also yellowed around the control panel but the paintwork is still white. So do note that this white plastic material around the display panels of appliances will yellow.

The Welmi stainless steel dishrack is really maintenance free....no rust at all! So should consider this though quite expensive...but worth the money.

You can see the yellowing more clearly. Even my 6 yr old induction kettle is still white....a different kind of plastic ?

The cabinets and counter top are still white maybe too short a time to conclude?

The cooking area...still clean and looks well maintained ( like cleaned in once a month or 2 )

The bosch oven is a good and inexpensive basic oven...with none of the fancy catalytic cleaning frills. Just clean it after use to maintain it.

-to be cont -

Edited June 16, 2010 by oogachaga

[powder blue 0]

Hi I was also cosidering the F &P drawer dish washer.Just want to ask if you have to rinse the dishes b4 putting them into the dish washer? What kind of detergent do you use with it?

Thanks

[oogachaga 2]

Hi I was also cosidering the F &P drawer dish washer.Just want to ask if you have to rinse the dishes b4 putting them into the dish washer? What kind of detergent do you use with it?

Thanks

Hi powder blue,

This is a great dishwasher, and very versatile...depending on your load, you can use either one or both compartments. I believe you will save more water and electricity when using only one compartment versus the big, standard dishwasher even with half load function. Besides, you can just use the other compartment for washing if you have not removed the cleaned dishes from the other compartment.

Fyi, I have cleaned IKEA wine glasses in it under normal cycle ...no broken glasses so far

No need to rinse. Its a waste of time, effort and water....just clear off whatever scraps of food left, and dump them into the washer ( per the standard instructions of proper placement and all ), they will come out nice and clean.

I am using FINISH powder and rinse aid liquid. There are other brands available as well.

Cheers

[oogachaga 2]

Jun 2010 Update: contd

A look at the Samsung fridge with yellowed handles and control panel. !0 yrs on....still working and problem free ....so dont underestimate this brand - inexpensive and good.

A closer look at the microwave, and the white LG Hi Macs solid surface, which still looks so pristine and new.

The other corner of the LG Hi Macs top near the window.

Looks fantastic, right? Ok, normally you can see dirt, dead insects, smudges from plastic shopping bags, etc if you dont wipe daily, so dirt is really more visible with white colour BUT its really easy to maintain, just a quick wipe with a damp cloth will suffice, and for other stubborn stains, you can use some cream cleaner eg CIF, or those "magic" white sponges, they come off easily.

Sink area showing the Welmi rack - no maintenance needed. I highly recommend this brand.

The stainless steel backing however needs the occassional cleaning when the water marks become very obvious. Notice the lower part of the backing is blotchy...anyway, no point to polish it to perfection as it will get splashed again in no time.

The Pozzi kitchen mixer tap is another story.. the lever is rather smooth and good to use, however I find the chrome finish rather inferior as it tarnishes easily with corrosion spots. You can clearly see the dull surface, even after spending some effort and time, polishing the tap!

I prefer my faucets to be maintenance and corrorsion free, perhaps with an occassional polish to restore its shine. I really cannot imagine anyone who has the time to wipe taps after every use or daily. Fortunately its about $118, so not so heart pain to change in future, to a better one eg Hansgrohe.

I will post more pics of the other faucets later....so you might want to consider spending a bit more for a reputable brand and better quality faucet.

The white painted walls - remember its plastered over my tiles, then painted with Nippon paint with Teflon. No maintenance needed and still looking good

Edited June 16, 2010 by oogachaga

[magyarposta 0]

Jun 2010 Update: contd

A look at the Samsung fridge with yellowed handles and control panel. !0 yrs on....still working and problem free ....so do underestimate this brand - inexpensive and good.

A closer look at the microwave, and the white LG Hi Macs solid surface, which still looks so pristine and new.

The other corner of the LG Hi Macs top near the window.

Looks fantastic, right? Ok, normally you can see dirt, dead insects, smudges from plastic shopping bags, etc if you dont wipe daily, so dirt is really more visible with white colour BUT its really easy to maintain, just a quick wipe with a damp cloth will suffice, and for other stubborn stains, you can use some cream cleaner eg CIF, or those "magic" white sponges, they come off easily.

Sink area showing the Welmi rack - no maintenance needed. I highly recommend this brand.

The stainless steel backing however needs the occassional cleaning when the water marks become very obvious. Notice the lower part of the backing is blotchy...anyway, no point to polish it to perfection as it will get splashed again in no time.

The Pozzi kitchen mixer tap is another story.. the lever is rather smooth and good to use, however I find the chrome finish rather inferior as it tarnishes easily with corrosion spots. You can clearly see the dull surface, even after spending some effort and time, polishing the tap!

I prefer my faucets to be maintenance and corrorsion free, perhaps with an occassional polish to restore its shine. I really cannot imagine anyone who has the time to wipe taps after every use or daily. Fortunately its about $130, so not so hard pain to change in future, to a better one eg Hansgrohe.

I will post more pics of the other faucets later....so you might want to consider spending a bit more for a reputable brand and better quality faucet.

The white painted walls - remember its plastered over my tiles, then painted with Nippon paint with Teflon. No maintenance needed and still looking good

Hi, may I know where did you purchase the Welmi rack please? Thanks in advance!

[oogachaga 2]

Jun 2010 Update: contd

Notice the little spots on the top surface of the tap, thats what left after some vigorous polishing....the corrosion appeared as little bumps on the surface. Better to go for reputable brands...its a pain to keep polishing constantly.

Rubine sink still looking good although with some tiny scratches...see the yellow toothbrush, very useful to scrub the angles , corners and hard to reach places. Use cream cleaner or autosol to polish off stubborn marks.

The magic corner...the chrome finish still looks good, better than the kitchen tap

Should consider this if you have a corner....no more kneeling down, and taking out items just to get to the deep end. This is cheaper than the stainless steel ones, besides its hidden from view.

The off white homogeneous tile flooring....rather difficult to maintain not because of its white colour but due to its matt surface, it seems to stain rather easily. Thats my regret.. I believe its easier to clean a smooth surface than a matte one, but I was also thinking of safety first, as polished surfaces can be slippery and dangerous especially in wet areas, but I think its looks good too besides easy maintenance. Any comments?

These days showflats have polished tiles even in kitchen area...perhaps because its an open concept kitchen, but hey, its looks good.

Closer look at the marks and patches. Normal mopping will not remove these ingrained stains....you will need to scrub with cream cleaner, or acid wash.

Take note for those considering these matt tiles....

-to be contd-

[oogachaga 2]

Hi, may I know where did you purchase the Welmi rack please? Thanks in advance!

Hi, I got mine from IMM...company name Song-Cho, many other outlets too.

Heres their website

http://www.songcho.com.sg/

Cheers