Finally had the chance to meet Montie from M3 after waiting for around 2.5 weeks. Overall feel from the quotation is that his per foot run prices is cheaper, even though he gave quite comprehensive quotes, including cushion coverings for the carpentry quoted (ie: headboards in cushion covering), blum closings incorporated etc. Although i suspect his per foot run is cheapest is because his was the only one (out of the 11 we met), who directly charged us $1,500 for design fees, instead of taking a mark-up from material costs like other IDs.
He also captured our preliminary themes in a mood board that he showed us (although i think he had the advantage of us emailing him some concepts of what we wanted - well, he was the only one who asked us for it).
Close to finalizing our IDs after meeting some of them 2, 3 times. I guess for the IDs finalized, the cost is more or less similar, so stay tuned!
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Monday, July 25, 2016
Fengshui Audit
While waiting for keys collection, we also engaged a fengshui master to perform a house audit. After searching around, we decided on Master Edwaard Liu from The Classical Fengshui.
So the conclusion was that the house fengshui was ok, he gave us guidelines on what colours to use for each area of the house. The headache part was that the living room can only be of Fire and Metal elements. (that is, white, red, pink).
Wood is a no-no, which is why our original idea of a wood theme house is off.
That also means that we can save a bit from having timber decking on the balcony. Guess we will stick to wood tiles instead.
He also suggested for an amethyst cave to capture the 'qi' in the house, and other recommendations like which windows to keep open for the wealth 'qi' to come in.
In any case, once we selected the ID, will pass on the Feng shui recommendations to the ID to work out the design.
Once the 3D drawings are out, he will also provide his opinion on whether the designs are suitable as per his recommendations.
Now, looking forward to confirming our ID!
Friday, July 22, 2016
Shopping for IDs
With the floor plan, and key delivery end August, it's time to shop around for interior designers. Additionally, we also approached 2 contractors, since the requirements is quite clear cut. Hence the past few weeks have been very busy meeting several IDs.
1. United Team (Desmond):
One of the first few we met. Comes across as dependable, managed to get most of what we are looking for. In our 2nd appointment where he provided the quotation, he gave a 3D drawing of our bedroom 2 (the one with the study and platform bed) so that we can visualise better. He also suggested sealing up the 3rd toilet to make space for a storeroom. Something that did not occur to us before. However, we will probably not adopt that idea - given that we prefer if the helper have her own private area in the yard and kitchen, so it is important for her to have a private toilet.
2. Design for Space (Andrew):
A plus for him is that he renovated a unit in our same block before, so he is well aware of the unit's space and orientation. He also highlighted the hot afternoon sun, which demonstrated his familiarity with the project. However, felt that we cannot clique well with him, so we did not proceed with him. His presentation of the space layout also did not appear impressive, and we were not entirely sold.
3. Unity (Wynn):
One of the most 'ID' feel interior designer that we met. She spent the most time explaining her thoughts to us, and sketched a few designs on the spot when we discussed our requirements to her. Felt that she has a lot of ideas in the initial meet-up, but took a bit long to get back to us for the quotation. Also, the quotation was a bit inaccurate because of the measurements she took from the floorplan, and needed some correction here and there.
4. Fortuna (Mr Goh - Contractor):
One of the 2 contractors that we met. Within expectations, it was a straight forward meeting. Provided the quotation promptly on what we told him we wanted. Cheaper (slightly) than the IDs quote, but felt that the slight difference of about $1k to $2k wasn't that significant though, to justify the 'design fee' that we will incur for the advice on themes, colour coordination, design advice, furniture shopping, light shoppings etc.
He also mentioned that he would project manage everything, similar to what an ID would do.
5. Woodplus (Derrick):
Plus point is that his company has a good strength in carpentry works. Understands that he seldom does residential except for referral business as he concentrates on commercial projects. Also has a kind of ID feel (feels creative). Also very proactive in following up with us, informing us that he is overseas hence expect some delays etc. Also followed up with us after he sent the quotation over too.
6. Space Atelier (Jonathan):
Met him and discussed the requirements. Did not come back with quotation. We took the position of a RFP - if someone did not follow up, we also would not too as it shows that they are not interested in earning our money. So I guess Space Atelier is automatically out of the running already.
7. Teck Lee Seng Renovation (Junxiong):
2nd contractor that we met. No response back after initial meet-up. Same as Space Atelier, written off. Disappointing as he came with recommendations from our friends who recently engaged him to do their house.
8. Inside Living (Michael):
Came across as a dependable ID, and provided ceiling plans, and quite a good space layout idea.
9. The Carpenters (Daryl and Yvonne):
I think we got one of their junior designers. We walked into the showroom without any appointment, and they got assigned to us. To be fair though, they provided their own design ideas in sketches to us as an alternative, which is more than what most of the other IDs did. However, we did not get the confidence that they can handle our renovation. Hence probably giving this a pass.
10. M3 Design (Montie):
Another ID with a very designer feel. However, he needs 3 weeks to get back to us with a quotation, so still pending for a 2nd meet-up to hear his ideas. Will update again.
11. The Interior Lab (Matty):
A very practical designer. Suggested 2 things to us which no one has raised before.
(a) for us to use wood tiles for the balcony as it has lesser maintenance requirements and slightly cheaper. The drawback is that the feel when stepping out to the balcony is that of tiles, instead of wood. However, this turned out to be a good idea instead - which i will explain in another post
(b) for us to do away with the curtain pelmet. This would allow for a higher ceiling height feel, and wouldn't affect the visual effect much.
1. United Team (Desmond):
One of the first few we met. Comes across as dependable, managed to get most of what we are looking for. In our 2nd appointment where he provided the quotation, he gave a 3D drawing of our bedroom 2 (the one with the study and platform bed) so that we can visualise better. He also suggested sealing up the 3rd toilet to make space for a storeroom. Something that did not occur to us before. However, we will probably not adopt that idea - given that we prefer if the helper have her own private area in the yard and kitchen, so it is important for her to have a private toilet.
2. Design for Space (Andrew):
A plus for him is that he renovated a unit in our same block before, so he is well aware of the unit's space and orientation. He also highlighted the hot afternoon sun, which demonstrated his familiarity with the project. However, felt that we cannot clique well with him, so we did not proceed with him. His presentation of the space layout also did not appear impressive, and we were not entirely sold.
3. Unity (Wynn):
One of the most 'ID' feel interior designer that we met. She spent the most time explaining her thoughts to us, and sketched a few designs on the spot when we discussed our requirements to her. Felt that she has a lot of ideas in the initial meet-up, but took a bit long to get back to us for the quotation. Also, the quotation was a bit inaccurate because of the measurements she took from the floorplan, and needed some correction here and there.
4. Fortuna (Mr Goh - Contractor):
One of the 2 contractors that we met. Within expectations, it was a straight forward meeting. Provided the quotation promptly on what we told him we wanted. Cheaper (slightly) than the IDs quote, but felt that the slight difference of about $1k to $2k wasn't that significant though, to justify the 'design fee' that we will incur for the advice on themes, colour coordination, design advice, furniture shopping, light shoppings etc.
He also mentioned that he would project manage everything, similar to what an ID would do.
5. Woodplus (Derrick):
Plus point is that his company has a good strength in carpentry works. Understands that he seldom does residential except for referral business as he concentrates on commercial projects. Also has a kind of ID feel (feels creative). Also very proactive in following up with us, informing us that he is overseas hence expect some delays etc. Also followed up with us after he sent the quotation over too.
6. Space Atelier (Jonathan):
Met him and discussed the requirements. Did not come back with quotation. We took the position of a RFP - if someone did not follow up, we also would not too as it shows that they are not interested in earning our money. So I guess Space Atelier is automatically out of the running already.
7. Teck Lee Seng Renovation (Junxiong):
2nd contractor that we met. No response back after initial meet-up. Same as Space Atelier, written off. Disappointing as he came with recommendations from our friends who recently engaged him to do their house.
8. Inside Living (Michael):
Came across as a dependable ID, and provided ceiling plans, and quite a good space layout idea.
9. The Carpenters (Daryl and Yvonne):
I think we got one of their junior designers. We walked into the showroom without any appointment, and they got assigned to us. To be fair though, they provided their own design ideas in sketches to us as an alternative, which is more than what most of the other IDs did. However, we did not get the confidence that they can handle our renovation. Hence probably giving this a pass.
10. M3 Design (Montie):
Another ID with a very designer feel. However, he needs 3 weeks to get back to us with a quotation, so still pending for a 2nd meet-up to hear his ideas. Will update again.
11. The Interior Lab (Matty):
A very practical designer. Suggested 2 things to us which no one has raised before.
(a) for us to use wood tiles for the balcony as it has lesser maintenance requirements and slightly cheaper. The drawback is that the feel when stepping out to the balcony is that of tiles, instead of wood. However, this turned out to be a good idea instead - which i will explain in another post
(b) for us to do away with the curtain pelmet. This would allow for a higher ceiling height feel, and wouldn't affect the visual effect much.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Brick and Mortar
As the unit was bought as-is where-is, had the chance to view the actual unit prior to purchase.
From here, i learnt that buying off the plan is called a 'sub-sale', whereas buying an actual unit is 'resale'. Well, tiny nuggets of knowledge here and there.
The lift opens...
Opens into the living/dining area
When i close the sliding balcony door
Empty room pictures here:
Master bedroom
Bedroom 2 - this is where we will probably build extra storage (platform maybe), study table with top-hung cabinets. The intention is to convert this to a guest cum storage area.
Bedroom 3 - nothing to be done, except to cover the bay window with either laminates or solid surface
Kitchen - all done up - nothing much to be done.
When i get tired from washing the dishes, i supposed i can take a break looking through the window
Comes with the standard washer/dryer combi from Brandt
It also comes with De Dietrich fridge, hobs/hood. microwave oven and wine chiller. Saw some easy to make paleo recipes, think it's a good chance to try next time
A pool that has a vending machine - not sure how much i will use that (the vending machine that is!). At least there is wifi available throughout the pool and gym area. So I can actually sunbathe and surf net
From here, i learnt that buying off the plan is called a 'sub-sale', whereas buying an actual unit is 'resale'. Well, tiny nuggets of knowledge here and there.
The lift opens...
Opens into the living/dining area
When i close the sliding balcony door
Empty room pictures here:
Master bedroom
Bedroom 2 - this is where we will probably build extra storage (platform maybe), study table with top-hung cabinets. The intention is to convert this to a guest cum storage area.
Bedroom 3 - nothing to be done, except to cover the bay window with either laminates or solid surface
Kitchen - all done up - nothing much to be done.
When i get tired from washing the dishes, i supposed i can take a break looking through the window
Comes with the standard washer/dryer combi from Brandt
It also comes with De Dietrich fridge, hobs/hood. microwave oven and wine chiller. Saw some easy to make paleo recipes, think it's a good chance to try next time
A pool that has a vending machine - not sure how much i will use that (the vending machine that is!). At least there is wifi available throughout the pool and gym area. So I can actually sunbathe and surf net
Sunday, July 10, 2016
The purchase!
So have been scouting around for another house for quite some time. However, due to the government's cooling measure (Additional Buyers' Stamp Duties, Total Debt Servicing Ratio requirement), had to put off this purchase even after the MOP (minimum occupation period) is reached.
Well, i guess we could have done it earlier if we sold off the HDB, but greedy us wanted to hold the first property for rental income, and hence we took more time to pay off the HDB fully, and raise sufficient cash for the downpayment for the second one.
The criteria to pull the trigger was pretty stringent i think.
- Sufficient living space (having a bomb shelter, enough space for storage and possible future expansion of the family)
- Quiet residential area
- Near to amenities
- Near to good reputable schools
- Near to public transportation
- In good condition
- Preferably freehold
In the end, found one, and the reason we got it was because the developer gave some good discount to clear off unsold units. It was only 60% sold prior to the discount given, and the units moved quite a bit. And also because we took sometime to decide, we couldn't get our choice unit, and have to move 3 stories up, adding to the cost of the purchase.
It was also near to 2 U/C MRTs, in a quiet area, and because we are the first hand owners, it was in quite a good condition even though it TOP in 2014. The advantage is also that we can see the actual unit we are purchasing, as opposed to purchasing off the plan.
As for the livable space, here you go:
It is 1270 sq foot. It could have been larger, but I guess this was the maximum affordability we could go.
First House!
As I gotten a new house, I thought I wanted to chronicle my renovation journey to getting a home I really wanted.
Before that, I think i should pay tribute to my very first matrimonial house, a HDB flat (Singapore government housing), which i purchased from the government around 2007.
It was a very simple renovation, the cost if I recall was around 25-30k. We engaged Gary from Gplan Interior design.
The intention was to move out after the minimum occupation period of 5 years, and not to have major renovation (ie: no hacking etc). Simple and fuss free maintenance was the key message to him, and I think it turned out quite satisfactory.
This was also advised by a geomancer, who gave us several pointers in terms of color themes, certain placements of furniture (in terms of wealth spots).
Also love my furnitures, in particular, the extendable dining table (from Calligaris, brought in by XZQT Singapore), and our sofa (from OM Home). The quality is impeccable, very comfortable, and it looks pretty stylish to me!
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