My Experience With Fifth Avenue

[Samuelyeoh 0]

 

Hi all, was thinking hard about whether to share this in the first place as things are still ongoing, but I'm at the end of my patience, and maybe this will help some of you make wiser decisions or manage your reno process better. Of course, any advice from fellow forumers is also welcomed.

 

First part of this is posted in LeeSE's thread, cut & paste here so I don't hijack it further:

Quote

 

Have been lurking around the forums for the past few months and engaged Fifth Avenue 2 months ago to do our reno. Just thought I'd share a bit of our experience for our 4 room HDB, which seems to be totally different from the other review here.

 

Before we signed on the dotted line and paid the deposit, ID was very responsive. My wife has many different ideas, ID everything also say can. But after the deposit was paid, the responsiveness dropped tremendously. At first I put it down to first home owner jitters, but eventually when the job started, the same issue remained - ID does not respond to text messages or only do so after a long time, calls go unanswered unless he wants to tell us something instead, and often late for our meetings, almost like avoiding us.

 

ID was also very forgetful, some of the items or designs for things like doors, toilet items, etc, my wife would have instructed early on, but the ID seems to have clean forgot and ask or chose the wrong items later on, leading to some delays. In fact, the ID forgot our start date and ended up pushing back things by a week. When asked if HDB inspection was necessary, at first say no need, then start work that time only say need, further delaying the project again. Still had the cheek to tell me it's only a few days.

 

The management of the timeline also is not very good, for days our house would be sitting empty with no works done despite the schedule the ID had drawn up. He would tell us that the contractors are coming down on a certain day, but when I go down to inspect, the contractors are not there and he would tell me they are coming another day. Things that previously he say can, now suddenly say cannot, but only tell us at the very last minute when things are about to be put up, such as the design for the cabinets or the position of the showers. All these could have been avoided if the ID had looked at it much earlier before the actual works started, especially when my wife kept questioning whether it really could be done, yet he still say can. Needless to say, this will delay things further as we have to look at alternatives, or be forced to accept something we don't want (which we suspect is the idea). Worse still, sometimes it'll be done wrongly without consulting us, then tell us too late, cannot be fixed.

 

The entire experience has been very harrowing for us. We are both super stressed and this even affected our sleep and our relationship. Not good for newly married couple. So I would advise anyone thinking of engaging Fifth Avenue to be careful and go in with your eyes wide open. The final outcome is still pending, as works are still underway, so I'll report back later on whether the ID managed to close the job properly in the end.

Yesterday was supposed to be the date promised by ID to handover to us in move-in condition. ID did not tell us there were any delays, or whether he can make the deadline, but based on the progress of the works, it seemed unlikely. This is despite me confirming on Monday whether it was doable or not, and ID say can. My wife couldn't take it anymore and called management yesterday, they assigned another senior ID to overlook the project and help to move things forward. Senior ID called me and reassured me, saying that he would meet me at my new place this morning and iron out the issues with the timeline.

Ok, so I felt a bit more confident again, until this morning.

Senior ID was late for our appointed meeting time by more than an hour. At first told me bad traffic, then later told me he went to another site to give contractor instructions first. Hello?? Late to meet me still can detour? What kind of priorities are those? It's as though he's the client and I'm the one looking for business here. Never mind, swallow my anger, when they arrive, go through the incomplete works again, which has already been repeated multiple times since Tuesday.

To move in, I need lights working and toilet done minimum. Carpentry for kitchen cabinet at the very least should also be done. Never mind you that I have no doors in the house. I have other outstanding issues as well, but let's just focus on the bare necessities. Both ID and senior ID were there, and told me that lights and toilet would be completed today, carpentry tomorrow. Ok, fine, so I left them to sort out what needs to be done and came back in the evening to see the progress.

Guess what. Toilets still not done yet, the only progress is that now we have toilet bowls sitting in one of the empty rooms. Lights are only working in one room, the rest of the house do not have working switches and not all the lights are fixed up yet. A load of empty promises again.

The electricians have been in the house since Monday. I know nothing about lights, but surely it doesn't take 3 whole days to get the lights and switches up? Wiring was already done a long time ago. The best part about this, ID never explain anything, so I don't even know what the delay or hold up is. Call, no one pick up, SMS, no response. Senior ID keeps replying me that he will get back to me 'later', but nothing.

Really don't know how to deal with all these. My biggest regret now is not including a clause in the contract to deduct $$ for delays.

Edit: Shortly after posting this, I received updates from the senior ID and the ID. Since the thread was in moderation, I was unable to update accordingly. As of now, I've received some clarifications and explanations. Will update the thread properly when I have more time tonight.

Update 23/5/2016 - Entire reno has finally wrapped and the bill is paid. In the end, most of the things that were supposed to be done were done, and workmanship was generally good. The quote was affordable, and they did give discounts for the delays and mistakes made. 

I guess while things could have moved a lot faster and some of the headaches could have been avoided, they're not a fly by night operation and they do try to make good on the things that went wrong. Just need to exercise some patience, which unfortunately, we couldn't afford to as our previous place's lease was up. 

Edited May 26, 2016 by Samuelyeoh

[Samuelyeoh 0]

Ok, things have taken a much better turn today. Both IDs are a lot more responsive, and things are moving along at a faster pace. While cabinets and plumbing are still not complete, lighting is mostly done, and at least we know why there are delays and when they will be dealt with. Some of the delays were due to wrong delivery of items by the contractors and poor piping from City gas blocking the cabinets.

To be frank, a lot of these issues could have been avoided or mitigated if there were clearer communication and better management of the timeline. However, focusing on what needs to be done, I daresay that at least there is a greater sense of urgency now to push things along and get the work completed. The IDs are earnest in wanting to make things right and get things settles ASAP.

Hopefully, tomorrow lighting and plumbing will finally be done and we can move in.

Edited December 18, 2015 by Samuelyeoh

[Samuelyeoh 0]

Unfortunately, things are still not ready for move-in. When they promised me doors, I expected it to be straightforward. Instead, I literally just got doors. No door knobs or paint till next week because the ID couldn't handle simple coordination for things to arrive together. Sigh.

[lifeissimple 3]

Hi, may i know who is ur ID?

[Guest Vicki Goh]

This really sound so bad...who is the ID?

[Lemonphilic 0]

pls share the names of the IDs

[LeeSE 0]

On 12/17/2015 at 11:13 PM, Samuelyeoh said:

 

Hi all, was thinking hard about whether to share this in the first place as things are still ongoing, but I'm at the end of my patience, and maybe this will help some of you make wiser decisions or manage your reno process better. Of course, any advice from fellow forumers is also welcomed.

 

First part of this is posted in LeeSE's thread, cut & paste here so I don't hijack it further:

Yesterday was supposed to be the date promised by ID to handover to us in move-in condition. ID did not tell us there were any delays, or whether he can make the deadline, but based on the progress of the works, it seemed unlikely. This is despite me confirming on Monday whether it was doable or not, and ID say can. My wife couldn't take it anymore and called management yesterday, they assigned another senior ID to overlook the project and help to move things forward. Senior ID called me and reassured me, saying that he would meet me at my new place this morning and iron out the issues with the timeline.

Ok, so I felt a bit more confident again, until this morning.

Senior ID was late for our appointed meeting time by more than an hour. At first told me bad traffic, then later told me he went to another site to give contractor instructions first. Hello?? Late to meet me still can detour? What kind of priorities are those? It's as though he's the client and I'm the one looking for business here. Never mind, swallow my anger, when they arrive, go through the incomplete works again, which has already been repeated multiple times since Tuesday.

To move in, I need lights working and toilet done minimum. Carpentry for kitchen cabinet at the very least should also be done. Never mind you that I have no doors in the house. I have other outstanding issues as well, but let's just focus on the bare necessities. Both ID and senior ID were there, and told me that lights and toilet would be completed today, carpentry tomorrow. Ok, fine, so I left them to sort out what needs to be done and came back in the evening to see the progress.

Guess what. Toilets still not done yet, the only progress is that now we have toilet bowls sitting in one of the empty rooms. Lights are only working in one room, the rest of the house do not have working switches and not all the lights are fixed up yet. A load of empty promises again.

The electricians have been in the house since Monday. I know nothing about lights, but surely it doesn't take 3 whole days to get the lights and switches up? Wiring was already done a long time ago. The best part about this, ID never explain anything, so I don't even know what the delay or hold up is. Call, no one pick up, SMS, no response. Senior ID keeps replying me that he will get back to me 'later', but nothing.

Really don't know how to deal with all these. My biggest regret now is not including a clause in the contract to deduct $$ for delays.

Edit: Shortly after posting this, I received updates from the senior ID and the ID. Since the thread was in moderation, I was unable to update accordingly. As of now, I've received some clarifications and explanations. Will update the thread properly when I have more time tonight.

Update 23/5/2016 - Entire reno has finally wrapped and the bill is paid. In the end, most of the things that were supposed to be done were done, and workmanship was generally good. The quote was affordable, and they did give discounts for the delays and mistakes made. 

I guess while things could have moved a lot faster and some of the headaches could have been avoided, they're not a fly by night operation and they do try to make good on the things that went wrong. Just need to exercise some patience, which unfortunately, we couldn't afford to as our previous place's lease was up. 

 

Am glad to hear that on your side Samuel, Truly agreed that it's inevitable to have hip cups during the renovation period, well as long as they are willing and able to salvage what is wrong to right. I believe that is what all we Homeowners would really want. 

[franvicvic 0]

Hi Samuelyeoh,

I was thinking very hard if I should post here and I fully empathise with what you are have went through. I have also engaged Fifth Avenue for my renovation and we seem to be sharing the same experience. 

I am currently praying very hard for things to turn out well. 

We have already told them way before the renovation started that we need to move in by a certain date.Hence we left them to do their own planning , trusting them as professional that they are able to manage their timeline and we do not like to breath down their neck.

unfortunately we are very wrong. 

we were very happy when the flooring was completed but to our horror there is quite a number of hollow tiles. We would not know if we did not check. To be fair the floorings was rectified after 2 to 3 visits by the tilers

things turn for the worst when we are nearing our move in date. We were concerned that not much as been done and hence we followed up with them. 

They gave us a schedule but to our horrow they arranged for everything to be completed on the day before our stated move it date. We check with them a few times if they were sure cos there is still quite a fair bit to be done.

True enough, on that fateful day, the painter did not bring enough paint, the tiles could not finish his job, the carpentry had errors and the aluminium door supplier did not bring enough sealant to complete the job and it was full of scratches. Hence there goes our plan to move in on our chosen date. Their carpentry on came in the evening. Upon realising the numerous errors in the carpentry and the poor workmanship, we invited them to go home is it was already over 10pm andand they say their management will meet us the next day. 

this gave us a little hope that hey there might be someone to help us. It was a mad rush to rearrange all the deliveries the next morning. But to honest till today there is still a lot of chasing to day Everyday. They are not upfront about what they are going to do with all the rectifications. We had to chase and chase and chase.

The revised schedule given is tomorrow but they are pushing it to next Monday. But we all have our work schedule and we did ask them if they are confident in finishing the work on the schedule given and it is indeed disappointing and we are giving them till 1 more day to complete their work as we have our work schedule too. 

this is to at least give us a Sunday to organise the house but there is no reply from their management.

I Guess all we can do is to pray hard for things to turn out well. We hope to settle this amicably but like you, patience and confidence have run out. It just feel awful so awful

 

 

 

Edited January 5, 2017 by franvicvic

[lowmy2005 0]

Hi Franvicvic,

I am fully empathize with what both of you are have went through. Seems like this ID always have this kind of problem. I am having a same experience like you facing previously. How is your renovation progress? Soon I will share my experience to you all.

[RyanYTH 87]

I'd like to share my experience too with Fifth Avenue.

Actually I haven't even do any renovation, just sent out my request to quote to Renotalk.
 

An ID from Fifth Avenue emailed me. (Name shall be withheld. Not sure if the forum allows to give name or not)
This email was received on 1314hrs. In his email, he listed down his mobile number.

So, I whatsapp him directly said i received his email and i would like to engage for a meetup.

This Whatsapp was sent SAME DAY on 1331hrs

(That means it was 17 mins between his email and my whatsapp to him)

And he replied me roughly 2.5 hours later at 1544hrs.
Guess what he replied in my Whatsapp?

"Hello. Sorry you are?"

Hmm...he sent email to me merely 17mins ago, and he doesn't know who I was.

Needless to say, i never replied him back.
Haven't even meet up, can forget who he emailed to 17 mins ago.
Honestly doesn't give me any confidence as to how he will manage the project if I hand over to him.

In his defence tho, he probably very very busy with alot of emails lol.
Since he is very busy, i shall take my business elsewhere then

Attached are the proof of correspondences I mentioned.
(His name and contacts are blanked out as i'm not sure if the forum allow me to call out his name.)

Edited April 13, 2017 by ryanyth

[Vina Toh 0]

Hi Samuel, can let me know your ID name? Appreciated.