Let's talk about Storage ..

Storage is the most important aspect in any renovation but unfortunately is also the most neglected area.

Usually, cupboards and shelves makeup the bulk of our storage solutions but don't forget, there are also many other invaluable storage options to consider as well: Stacking boxes, hooks and also furniture (i.e. storage bed and coffee-tables) that can double up as storage to maximize your storage needs.

Thus, a very critical aspect of your strategy is to determine how frequently you use a particular item; if it is used several times a day it should be stored in a easy to reach and recognizable location. For things that are used once or twice a year, they can be stored in tall shelves and harder to reach areas. However, you should also take note that heavy items should be stored in places where you can lift them up easily without straining your back. In addition, items should be stored in logical areas (i.e. Cutlery should be stored in kitchen and not in study room).

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Lifestyle - "All day home" and "Out all day" Renovation needs

All Day Home Renovation needs

If you are spending more than 70% of your time at home, space management and storage needs is inevitably the most important area you should pay attention too.

Space management: Arrange and plan the kind of activities you would do during the morning, day and night. Plan a place for entertainment, a place for work (if you bring your work home) and place for play. If you any particular hobby you might need display cabinets, storage needs for tools and materials.

The checklist can be as follows:

• Areas for entertaining, work and play
• Comfortable cooking and eating area
• Sufficient storage spaces
• Computer room (for those who work from home)
  
• etc

Out All Day Renovation needs

If you are spending more than 70% of your time outside, you might not need so much storage needs. Instead, the time you spend at home will most probably be for relaxation after a long day outside.

The checklist can be as follows:

• Minimum storage requirements
  
• Minimum cooking needs
• Display cabinets
  
• etc
  

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Lifestyle determines the Style of your home

In my previous posts, I have mentioned that Lifestyle plays a big role in determining the kind of Design theme you should choose. So you should start by accessing your lifestyle, and it often can be revealing and often surprising. In fact, I found a book - Minimum Space Maximum Living by Barty Phillips and one of the areas he covered was how lifestyle determines the way we live; and determinately affect the style of our homes.

To summarize, here is a simple checklist you can run through:

1) Do you live alone or with a partner?
2) Are you sharing the space?
3) Are there any special needs for you or the person you are living with? (i.e. caring for an elderly or sick)
4) Are you at home all day or outside?
5) Do you work from home?
6) Do you have any particular hobby?

For instance, if you are always out the entire day or always away on business trips; there are lesser chances for you to accumulate clutter and things. Hence, you might need only minimal storage spaces. However, if you spend a tremendous amount of time at home or even works from home, you might want to make sure that your home caters to your every needs, like plenty of storage spaces oreven incorporate your office needs into the general style of your home.

Thus, doing a real and honest assessment of how you actually live would help tremendously in planning the design of your home. Do not fall into the trap of designing your home based on how you think it should be (since its your dream home).

I would cover these areas in more detail in my subsequent postings.

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7 Common Renovation Mistakes

NOTE: Kindly credit my site if you are using this article. All images copyrighted to the respective owners.

Amidst the enthusiasm and eagerness to renovate the flat into their dream homes, I would like to sound a note of warning to all home owners the 7 common renovation mistakes:

1. Insufficient and Poor Planing

Like any projects, having a sound plan plays a crucial role of ensuring success of your renovation. Ask yourself what will constitute a successful renovation? Most of the time, the end goals are multi-faceted. They could be:

a) Within budget
b) Within stipulated time
c) Practical
d) Visually appealing

Plan your renovation project such that it will not clash with your work commitments. This is to make sure that you will be available to attend to any renovation needs should any issues arises. You should also plan for contingencies as well (i.e. when the budget falls short, when the time-line is unexpectedly delayed etc).

2. Setting an Unrealistic Budget

Most people underestimate the cost for a decent renovation. Unexpected things happen, expenses piled up and blow your budget. In addition, areas which make up the renovation budget are as follows:

a) Renovation of the flat
b) Electrical works and lightings
c) Furniture and electrical appliances
d) Furnishing such as curtains etc

Hence, a + b + c + d = Actual Cost of Renovation

My advice is to inform your Contractor/ID only 80% of what you can afford for part (a). For instance, if your budget is 50k, tell your Contractor/ID that you only have 40k to spare Work with them what are the needs and wants of your renovation with that amount. Remember, 10k is your buffer for any unexpected expenses. Trust me, this trick always works! :)

3. Leaving everything to the Contractor/ID

Many homeowners make the mistake of leaving everything to their Contractor/ID; why? This is because they have assumed that the Contractor/ID should know what they want and will ensure that everything is in order.

However, the hard truth is that contractors/IDs run and handle multiple projects - yours included. Thus, they might miss out something. Hence, you should always keep track of how they are doing; by doing sites visits weekly and keeping a constant communication with them to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

In addition, you should keep tab of their progress to ensure that the renovation is on schedule. I believe that BOTH parties play a role in making the project work. Keeping a close tabs also means that you can also keep on eye on your budget and document down all the changes made during the course of renovation so that there will be no dispute later on.

4. Ignoring the fact that Your Lifestyle DO play an Important Role in Renovation

Most homeowners like to adopt popular themes for their design; but they did that without thinking through how exactly their lifestyle will fit in the chosen theme.

Take for instance, when the minimalist style is chosen, a couple will have to forgo alot of things when they move in. In the beginning, this shouldn't pose much of a problem. However over time,they might realized that they have allocated insufficient storage spaces to maintain their minimalistic look. This usually happens when the couple does not have the habit of buying only what they really need.

Other area that is frequently neglected is the lighting effects. As lighting effects can easily transform the feeling and ambiance of a home, most couples play lot of special attention in creating cozy atmosphere in their living room and dining corner. However, if they have the habit of reading in living room, the cozy lighting is hardly conducive and impractical to upkeep. Hence, you should consider 3 kinds of lighting in your renovation: general lighting, task lighting and drama or accent lighting. A combination of these 3 different kinds of lighting have to be included in your renovation plan.

5. Selecting the Hottest and most Trendy themes

Most wanted the latest hottest, coolest designs for their homes, however they forgot that this usually means that it is a passing fab - and ultimately such design will become passé. I always believe in timeless classic design; and that a truly great design should allow you to configure your home into as many styles as you like.

This is because as time passes, our interior living needs changes. Aged parents might moved in, new kids might be on the way or it could be that we might simply have gotten tired of the current design. For example, you might find modern complementary style too stifling and would prefer the rustic resort laid-back design more relaxing after a hard day's work.

Therefore, a good design should allow us to adopt a new theme, a fresh style easily . This should be effortlessly achieved by updating the wall colors, changing your furniture and also replacing soft furnishing like curtains.

Hence, it is advisable not to include too many fixtures in your renovation. For example, a lot of "curvy" (sorry for the lack of more appropriate words) doorways, false ceiling and other quirky fixtures are a must to achieve that Retro avant-garde look.....however be ready to be stuck with that design for many years...

6. Ignoring Details and Neglect Areas that needs REAL Attention.

Often, homeowners are so caught up with the overall design that they forget about the details such as the power points and where the lights should be located. One way to overcome this is to "dry run" and pretend that you have just stepped into the house after work, where is the first place you would reach for the lights? Which room you would venture into first? etc

If you spend a lot of your time in a particular area, be sure to allow sufficient time planning how that area should be designed so that you can work in the most efficient manner. Remember to be realistic and think whether there is enough storage space for all your needs. Nothing is worse than having a nice looking place that is flawed by the fact that it has insufficient storage area. Remember to plan your future storage needs too.

7. Not going Green with Electrical Appliances

You should ensure that the most commonly used appliances ( i.e. Dishwasher, TV, Fridge, Air cons etc has the green energy efficient label. This is ecause by using energy saving appliances, you can cut down your annual electrical bills by quite a decent sum. Its more earth friendly too.

Look for NCCC for the list of the labeled appliances available in Singapore. Tips are also available on how you can save the earth and ultimately, save money too.

Let's work together to make the world a better place to live in..and build a sustainable future for our next generation. :)

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Starwars Alarm Clock

Aren't these Starwars clocks soooo cute?! This is dedicated to all the Starwars Fans! :)

Star Wars MP3 Alarm Clock Lamp: Awake or be destroyed.

Straight from the streets of Coruscant, where capitalism reigns supreme, come this pair of alarm clocks. Full of features, they are, and all crammed into a bobble-head-esque version of two of the most beloved Star Wars characters of all time: Darth Vader and Boba Fett. Who wouldn't want to go to bed with one of these two watching over them? Read on, and discover the majesty of the Star Wars MP3 Alarm Clock Lamp.
Each Star Wars MP3 Alarm Clock Lamp is first and foremost an alarm clock. But it's also a desk lamp. And it has an audio in port, so you can play your MP3 player through it. The Star Wars MP3 Alarm Clock Lamp is like a peanut butter and jelly and banana sandwich - all on the best bread ever. So many features all crammed into one awesome product. Boba Fett by the bed and Darth Vader at work, that's what we recommend. The more Star Wars MP3 Alarm Clock Lamps you have the more better you is.
Star Wars MP3 Alarm Clock Lamp

• An alarm clock, a desk lamp, and a speaker for your MP3 player - all crammed into one.
• Choose Darth Vader or Boba Fett (or both).
• Battery Backup: 3 AA (not included).
• Bulb Size: E26 Type G - 25W (not included).
• Power: US standard 120V plug - approx. 63" long cord.
• Dimensions: 11.5" tall x 6" diameter.

LEGO Star Wars Minifig Alarm Clock: Sleep, little Sith, sleep

We imagine that little Siths-to-be have a life that's both awesome and terrifying. You'd have the ability to do crazy things like zapping your little sister or compelling your teachers to forget about the homework you didn't hand in. But on the flip side, your parents would be way more powerful than you. Getting reprimanded would probably hurt way, way more than a spanking ever could.
But we imagine wee Siths have an adorable LEGO Minifig Alarm Clock on their bedside table. Maybe a Stormtrooper or even Lord Vader himself. It would be comforting to know Lord Vader was watching over you, especially when you squint at him in the morning, rubbing sleep from your little Sith eyes and see that you have two more hours until you have to wake up for school. Gee, thanks, Lord Vader! Zzzzzz...
Product Specifications

• For Ages 6 and Up
• LEGO Minifig alarm clocks shaped like Star Wars characters
• Big friendly digital clock built into the minifig's stomach
• Posable arms and legs, have your fig sit or stand
• 8" tall, the perfect nightstand companion
• Choose: Stormtrooper or Darth Vader
• Requires two AAA batteries included

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Innovative Dish Rack

I was random surfing when I came across this creative disk rack. Check it out; @ http://www.thinkgeek.com/

Home, home on the range

Well, there aren't any deer or antelope playing in your kitchen. At least, we hope there aren't. Especially antelope since their horns are solid, bony and built right into their skulls. At least with a deer, you have the off-chance of the horns breaking before they gore you. Not so with antelope. Remember that, friend. We're sorry if them's discouragin' words, but we gotta tell it like it is. Life is rough on the range.

So your kitchen - not a range, but it has one! - is probably overflowing with little tiny things that need drying. That little plastic cup-dealie attached to your standard issue drying rack just doesn't cut it. All the tiny wet things just clump together and become a big wet thing! FAIL. Parents of baby geeks know that they come with tons of accessories - bottles, nipples, pacifiers, tiny utensils. Just plant them in the flexible blades of grass and they'll stand erect like prairie dogs. Dripping wet prairie dogs. The two-piece design makes it a breeze to clean and both the grass and tray are dishwasher-safe. Home on the range just got a little easier!

Product Specifications

• Low-profile drying rack looks great in a modern kitchen
• Perfect for drying items of all shapes and sizes
• Easily holds items upright for drying while excess water collects in bottom tray
• Two-piece, easy-to-clean design is dishwasher-safe
• BPA-free; phthalate-free; PVC-free
• Does not protect against attack by deer or antelope
• Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 10 x 10 inches

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Questions to Ask prior hiring the Contractor/Interior Designer

Here are some of the interview questions which I have fielded prior awarding them the renovation project.

1) What types of theme do you specialize in?

Like any other artist, they are better at certain style for various reason. Someone who is good at retro may find it hard to relate in Bali resort style. So let them tell you what they like to do. Any Contractor/ID who claim they are good at any style is definitely lying.

2)How many clients are you handling right now?

Obviously if the Contractor/ID is so busy with other works right now, they may not have the time and bandwidth for your project. Ask yourself whether if you are willing to wait. If the Contractor/ID still insists on taking the project, remember to set down guidelines and ground rules on what is acceptable and what is not. This helps to manage exceptions for both parties. However, the Contractor/ID might lapse in deadlines and compromise their quality of work if they are too stretched in resources. Ask yourself are you willing to take such a risk?

3) What is your work style?

All of us function differently. Some are into details and would want schedules and deadlines to be penned down in paper and prefer to be very much involved in the entire renovation process. While others prefer to adopt a hand-off apporach. Find out the Contractor/ID working style and ask yourself if you are comfortable with it.

4) Can I visit your current and past client's place?

By looking at the current project the prospective Contractor/ID is working on, you can have a good idea of the kind of work he is delivering. If the Contractor/ID is able to hook you up with his past clients, this is a very strong indication of his good working relationship with his customers which lasted even after the project has been completed.

5) This question is directed to yourself: Do I have any chemistry with the Contractor/ID?

What is most important is the chemistry between you and the Contractor/ID. A good Contractor/ID listens to your needs and translate that into your design and a solid partnership will help tide through the difficult times when conflicts arrives.

6)  This question is directed to yourself:  Does the Contractor/ID criticises other customers in front of me?
If so, it's a warning sign. If he/she does not respect his clients' privacy, most likely he will do the same to you for other clients.

7) LASTLY, do some BACKGROUND CHECKS!

Before letting them sign along the dotted line...remember to do some search and background checks in the internet. Make sure that their company is sound and there are no complaints against the Company or towards the Contractor/ID whom you are about to hire.

I believe that we all have to be diligent when it comes to hiring anyone. Its always better be safe than sorry.

I hope this list has provided some guidance as you consider your prospective Contractor/ID. :)

Read the related article: What to look out for before engaging an Interior Designer or Contractor?

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Engaging A Renovation Contractor

	Extracted from Housing @ eCitizen:
	Before you engage a renovation contractor, there are some points that you need to do or take note.
	Quotation First you should locate a few contractors for assessment and comparison. Make sure that the specifications given to these contractors are the same. As different materials used can result in different quotes. Assuming the specifications are the same, the quotes may still vary because of different standards in workmanship and service provided. It also depends on the time frame given to the contractor to finish the renovation work as the contractor may charge higher for more urgent jobs. Never just go for the lowest quote. Assess carefully and cautiously the quotations, look out for any hidden cost, check if all the items discussed are quoted and included. Renovation Contract All requirements should be communicated clearly to your contractor. Never rely on verbal agreement, always sign a renovation agreement/contract. When you sign the renovation contract with your contractor, take extra note on the fine prints on the agreement. Please click here for the sample of the renovation contract - RADAC Standard Contract. (The Renovation and Decoration Advisory Centre (RADAC) is set up as a watchdog non-profit making voluntary body to provide greater controls in the renovation industry as well as to educate consumers on renovation issues.) Renovation Permit Certain types of renovation work regardless whether is for HDB flats or private residential property, a renovation permit may be required. If so, you can commence your renovation work only after obtaining the permit. - HDB Flat For HDB flat-owners, approval is needed from HDB. For details, please click here. You may also refer to the renovation guidelines for HDB flat. Floor plans of specific flat units can be purchased from HDB Centre (Sale of Plan Counter) and all HDB Branch Offices, at $5 per copy. Or you may also use the plan in your sales brochure as well. However, there are a number of renovation items which do not require any renovation permit. Please click here for the list. Some rules that need to be followed for renovating your HDB flat. Application Form for Renovation Permit in HDB Flats - Private Residential Property For private residential property, approval from URA and/or BCA may be required for renovation works. However, there are certain types of renovation works that are exempted. For a list of the exempted works from URA and BCA and the procedure to apply for planning permission or for a permit, please click here. Note: For private residential property, the house owner will have to appoint a Qualified Person (QP) to undertake the works. The QP could be a registered architect or a professional engineer in the Civil or Structural Engineering discipline. The QP will have to ensure that: 1. the proposed additions and alterations works and existing parts of the building comply with all the planning requirements. 2. submission of the prescribed Lodgement Form DC 7 and plans to Development Control Division (DCD), URA that the additions and alterations works have complied with all the planning requirements prior to Building Plan submission. 3. clearances from other technical departments are obtained by the qualified person (QP). A QP is also required in Lodgement Submissions to URA for renovation to landed housing.
	Once you have engaged a Renovation Contractor, for:
	HDB Flat In order to carry out certain renovation work in an HDB flat, your contractor has to be registered with HDB. You may refer to the following list to check if your contractors are registered. List of HDB Registered Renovation Contractors For more detail information on HDB registered contractors, please click here. If you wish to check whether your contractor is a RADAC registered renovation contractors, you may wish to refer to the following list List of RADAC Accredited Renovators If the contractor is accredited with RADAC, it is advisable to use the RADAC Standard Contract which states the guidelines on the contractual obligations between the contractor and the consumer. Private Residential Property For a list of contractors undertaking renovation works in private residential property, please click here.
	During The Renovation
	During the renovation, you should constantly supervise the renovation works and make known to your contractor any dissatisfaction. Bear in mind that a good rapport with your contractor is beneficial to both parties. Keep track of the progressive payment you have made and always ask for receipts. Communicate clearly with your contractor on your discontentment. Discuss with him on the possible solutions and give him ample time to rectify the work.

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Hidden Costs in Renovation Quotes

Obtaining and comparing the quotes from various Contractors/IDs is just the 1st step in deciding which party to award your renovation project.

Next is the arduous step of uncovering the hidden costs that are not apparent in the quotations.

Hence, these are the few areas that you should check with the respective Contractors/IDs:

Measurements

Make sure that every dimension and measurement is stated clearly. Check what are the extra charges like if there is any change in the dimension and measurement.

Materials

Make sure that the material used is stated and find out what is the country of Origin. A graphite top from China is obviously cheap than the one from Japan. Some types of laminate are cheaper than the metal ones. Does the proposed cabinets comes with anti-slam and ABS trims? Are cabinet plastic rollers being used or metal ones?

Choices

Find out whether if you are allowed to choose unlimited choices of color for your painting works. Also make sure you know the brand and the type of Paint is being proposed in the quotation (i.e. waterproof, odorless etc). If a limited color palette is given, find out what is the additional cost if you decide on some other color. For cabinets, how much do you need to top up if you decide upon other kinds of handles?

Scope of Work

Most Contractor and IDs do not specify the cost of electrical works. They usually recommend or insist upon using their "electrical guy" and mentioned that costs are quoted by the electrician. Find out from the the cost of rewiring, shifting and adding electrical points.

In addition, many people are unaware that most IDs get commission from Furniture and Lighting shops. Therefore, be mindful if your ID insist on doing Furniture or Lights shopping with you, the odds are the prices they supposedly "haggled" for you are still more expensive (since they are also earning commission). Its best to do furniture and lights shopping without them. :)

Please refer to this post on Common Renovation FAQs for related information too. :)


P/S: I chanced upon this link (contributed by a renotalk member) which gives a more detailed compilation of possible areas for hidden costs:

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1.Charge for each additional electrical power point

*** Take note each additional electrical power point in the market nowadays is between $60-$70. Pls be ensure 2 way switch installation only costs $40 for lighting and pls ensure that the contractor has indicated everything clearly.

*** Take note also each installation of new lighting point is between $30-$40, some contractor may quoted more than $50 per point. Also pls do not ask the contractor to disconnect the power point when it has been done, as this also incurred costs and losses.


2. Cost of aircon wiring, re-wiring

*** The cost of aircon wiring and rewiring is always inclusive together with the air con equipment depends on the model you buy. For instance, a standard LG model costs around $1600 with installation. Pls do not be happy with the free gift the contractor provided together with the air con as the free gift is also one of the hidden costs in it. Nothing is free, pls bear in mind.

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3. Quotation at time of signing does not included detailed specs of all materials used eg. acceptable price range for floor tiles given budget

**** You must always ask your contractor to state everything as clear as possible. The dimension as well as the type of floor tiles given. This is important.

4. Cost of clearing of debris and haulage

**** As per conversation with HDB council, the standard cost for clearing of debris and haulage is always at the cost of $215 inclusive of GST. Do not be surprised when contractor quote you more than $500 and do not get convinced by them when they told you the reason why it is so expensive. Some contractor will tends to tell you that they have rented a lorry to collect debris, this is not true. The lorry is provided by HDB who will do the clearing up. The contractor only needs to pay them $215 and everything will be done properly. Reason: HDB pay outsiders to do the clearing and this is liaise with the contractor and the HDB third party, when only a single receipt will be given. Best is to check with your HDB branch office. HDB only collect debris fees on behalf of the town council cost won't be more than $250. you can get the print out copy by HDB from your contractor .The haulage and buying of sand from the appointed contractor ( you can find their contact pasted at the lift lobby for new flats )should be paid by the contractor or the ID firm engaged .Some contractor or so call " ID " firm will say the haulage fees is home owner should pay ( bout $ 800 or more )Don get CON . All these should be quote inside the contract under the tiling works .Resale flats Town concil don't charge haulage fees as there is no more haulage contractor appointed by HDB station there.HDB bay contractors will tends to quote more in their hauluge fees, pls take note.

5. Renovation permit costs

*** Renovation permit costs is always provided free when the contractor apply to HDB. There is no costs at all. You may check with HDB itself. Last time HDB used to charge around $200 for permit fees but not now. Policy has changed.

6. Cost of chemical wash

*** Pls take note chemical wash also can be called acid wash is between the cost of $95-$150. This done once or twice depends between contractor and owner. This only done after painting and flooring has completed and before the completion of kitchen cabinet.

7. Remember to check all water holes for any cement or sand. Some contractors may just throw the cement onto the pipe, which in the long run will cause leakage.

8. Cost of gas piping.

The contractor will liaise with City gas contractor for work to be done and this only incurred the cost of $70 per trip. As for the connection of gas piping to the cooker hood will be done separately on another day. The billing of gas piping will be send to your house by the PUB people and not the contractor .

9. Cost of painting.

The cost of painting is between $1100 - $1500. It normally consists of 5 colors Nippon or equivalent. Colours can be selected and adjustable.

10. Installation of bathroom accessories & electrical point.

*** This can be negotiable. You can discuss with the contractor to install these items FOC at your house. When the contractors said they will bring you to the shop to buy bathroom items, do not agree and follow them. This is another way of hidden costs appearing, as contractors may earn commission from there. Take note. The same goes with the lighting points and bulb. However if price difference is not much, its really more convenient to let the ID settle all the delivery plus installation. That’s what I did. You may buy direct and get your contractor to install also can.

For bathroom accessories and lighting, you may go to Jalan Besar or Geylang area to get it. Balestier can be considered but not all. Some places in Balestier tends to quote higher. I personally bought from lightings.com.sg.

11. When hacking walls, make sure contractors include touching up with tiles i.e. on the area that is being left exposed by the wall that is being hacked off.... otherwise some will charge u separately for those tiles.

12. Low price for kitchen cabinets can mean no frills like stainless steel dish racks etc. So you've to ask them to give you EVERY detail.

13. If you are installing ceiling fan, contractor will charge you around $25- $35 but can be negotiated.

14. If you are installing instant heater, contractor will charge you around $60 each. But can be negotiated.

15. Cabinet is treated wood or not.

16. Tell your ID you are getting your own switches and door knobs/lever handles, minus off the cost of those from the quote. If not, they must let you choose, they don't suka suka install some cheap ugly ones for you. For switches, you can buy nice clipsal ones at wholesale prices at Choo Chiang (Veerasamy Road). For me, as I did complete rewiring, the nice switches were given to me foc.

17. Open concept walk in wardrobe, this can be a nightmare for maintenance. I didn't do this, but some of my friends did, it was right outside their toilet, moisture attack, dust attack. I had my close door walk in wardrobe outside my toilet also. Some of my things turn mouldy. One tub of hungry hippo once a week is not economical.

18. If on budget, dont really need kitchen sliding door actually. I cooked often, i didnt have any kitchen sliding door. My living room is not affect at all

19. Above all, its important to select a reliable ID/contractor that has proven track record based on recommendation. That’s what I did when I visited my friend’s newly renovated home and she shared with me her pleasant reno experience. So I went for the same ID and my renovation was a breeze as ID was very responsive and check on site very often, sometimes mms pictures for us to see as updates as well. Avoid those popular ones on the forum as they often get overloaded with work and quality becomes poor. There are also horrible experiences of cheap contractor going mia with money as well. Its impt to be cost conscious but at least get a ID or contractor with HDB license. I did shop around and met many ID and after a while I realize that the pricing is roughly the same. i also avoid those at expo as they tend to be inexperience and after all I do not want to be paying for their rental at expo exhibition.

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50-Cushion Couch: Super-Soft Convertible Sofa + Sleeper

I came across this very interesting sofa design while random surfing around for inspiration. Taken from creativeworldnewsandinformation.blogspot.com , do check it out! :)

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Digital Lock Part 3

In my previous post, I mentioned that Samsung as one of the leading digital lock solutions. The another well-known digital lock solution provider is Yale.



The list of the different digital lock is listed under this link.

Digital Door Lock-YDM 3109

I would like to mention that the model that I am using is 3109 series. After over 1 year of usage, the entire family (including my mum who is very extremely resistant to anything that is remotely high-tech) loves it.

We have not experienced any glitches or any problems with this model. :)

One of the main reasons why we have chosen this model is because it has the most sturdy built.

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What are the things to do once you have received your keys from HDB?

What are the things to do once you have received your keys?

1) Perform "Dong Tu" rituals (mostly for the Chinese Homeowners)

2) Check for Defects [you may make use of the Defect Checklist from this post and do check out the latest defects checking tips compiled in 2014 here]

Tips: Mark down the defects using masking tapes and number them down. Attach photographs of the defects along with the defect list for easier tracking. :) Remember to keep a copy for yourself too!

After listing down the defects, you should fill up the defect feedback form and submit it to HDB within 7 days after the key collection.

Ok, you might wonder what are the available channels for Reporting Defects?

Alternatively, you can report the defects in online through this eService: e-Maintenance Feedback

Tips: The Feedback Form for New Flats is also available in the welcome package given to new flat owners.

So what happens next after you have reported the defects?

The HDB Branch Office staff will arrange to inspect the flat with you (remember to bring the defect list with you) and they will then liaise with contractor(s) to carry out rectification work.

Note: Remember to check out the Home Renovation Checklist and many more!

Happy Reno! :)

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