Hi Renotalk users,

I have been reading up and getting tips, so i thought i would also start something. Just bought a corner EM at Bukit Gombak and am waiting for final apointment to get the house keys. Had been having a hassle with HDB/seller to purchase recess area together with the resale transaction but that is now hopefully finally settled!

Here's the original floor plan:

Awww..nice layout! No odd angles and BIGGG!

looking forward to your reno journey!

Thanks, am really happy with the house and location.. but just researching about the reno is already making me feel very tired.

http://www.renotalk.com/forum/gallery/image/7032-taobao1/

Cute stuff I found on taobao! Really cheap too!

Edited October 16, 201412 yr by DorisChin

WMF promo at best Denki imm, bought a 12 Pc fork and spoon at $35 (org price $129)

Edited October 20, 201412 yr by DorisChin

I got my keys from the seller's agent (except post box key) during the checking on Sat! Even though 2nd appt is a few days away! Managed to do the "opening ceremony" yesterday.

Today went down to HIPS contractor, seems like the HIPS keeps getting earlier and earlier (was org next year Apr-Jun, then changed to Nov14-Jan15) and now it's (gulp) starting 23Oct14!!

Anyways, managed to change it to Nov14 as i need to put up my wall at recess area and also hack another door for toilet.. seems like its a very good deal, just buy all the accessories and then the contractor will help to install (lights, mirrors, water heaters + shower) on top of the HIPS stuff which will be changed (tiles, wash basin, window, toilet bowl, electrical and inlet/outlet pipes).

Really fast received one set of the horizontal blinds from Korea, lives up to expectations..

Might buy more but am considering the gap between the blinds for bedroom with larger windows.

Checked prices on taobao but if going for the good ones, price looks the same

Edited October 20, 201412 yr by DorisChin

Finally settled everything and the house is now ours! Below are some before pics:

The Kitchen:

The common rooms:

Master bedroom:

The downstairs toilet is really tiny! Going to be a challenge to fit everything in (toilet bowl which i believe is non-movable, sink and also a electric heater).

Might be going for the below PVC items from taobao? If anyone has used before, can you please let me know whether the items are durable and water resistent? I am worried that with constant water being splashed, things might breakdown very quickly!

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.0.0.kDUiYd&id=39141951805&ns=1&abbucket=8#detail

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=2013.1.3.7.jemc6s&scm=1007.10152.2215.i41503814837&id=38890745782&pvid=567abad1-708f-4d44-a244-285cab181206

That my worry too so I try to keep it dry

Been cracking my head about what to put where.. Finally think I have gotten most of stuff planned out to show to ID/contractors for quotation!

Next step is to find a few targets!

More "before" pics that i took this evening!

Living room (which will be converted to parent's bedroom on 1st floor):

Dining room pic:

And here's the place that i like the least (and which is giving me the worst headache) The crazily small toilet

And the one place that i like the most (view from building)