nice! i like the color!! =) not the usual steel color.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
washing machine and citigas dryer
Bought a 7.5 kg LG washing machine at Courts Suntec closing down sale... it is a display set so got a $100 discount...
pros:
1. this is a DC Inverter w/m, so it can automatically adjust its power consumption rate depending on the washing load... max electricity consumption rate is 1.33 kW...
2. of cos, it can also automatically adjust its water consumption... the max water consumption per full load (7.5 kg) is about 70 litres. the current top load w/m i'm using now uses a whopping 120 litres for a full load of only 4.5 kg!!!
3. max spin speed of 1200 rpm, that means clothes come out of the w/m with less moisture and hence could dry faster...
4. large capacity of 7.5 kg, so probably can do laundry once a week, instead of twice a week... that means more time to sleep!
cons:
1. overbudget but still bearable...
2. extended warranty for 3 more years cost a whopping $200! not sure yet whether to take up the EW... but i need not decide until the w/m is delivered to me, so can just sit on it for the moment and decide later...
****
The dryer is the citigas clothes dryer...
yupz, i blogged before that i preferred F&P AD50 dryer to citigas dryer, but i changed my mind after i bought the huge w/m.
with a bigger w/m, i need a bigger dryer, and comparing 6 kg dryers, this citigas dryer is about the same price as electric dryers, but with advantages of faster drying, lower utility bill and softer clothes upon drying.
bought it at promotion price of $599 + 7% gst at the citigas roadshow at vivocity last sunday... usual price is $630 + gst... actually, i just placed a non-obligation reservation... i can cancel it anytime without penalty... seems like a good deal to lock in the price, and if the price drops, i can cancel it and buy at the lower price...
pros:1. this is a DC Inverter w/m, so it can automatically adjust its power consumption rate depending on the washing load... max electricity consumption rate is 1.33 kW...
2. of cos, it can also automatically adjust its water consumption... the max water consumption per full load (7.5 kg) is about 70 litres. the current top load w/m i'm using now uses a whopping 120 litres for a full load of only 4.5 kg!!!
3. max spin speed of 1200 rpm, that means clothes come out of the w/m with less moisture and hence could dry faster...
4. large capacity of 7.5 kg, so probably can do laundry once a week, instead of twice a week... that means more time to sleep!
cons:
1. overbudget but still bearable...
2. extended warranty for 3 more years cost a whopping $200! not sure yet whether to take up the EW... but i need not decide until the w/m is delivered to me, so can just sit on it for the moment and decide later...
****
The dryer is the citigas clothes dryer...
yupz, i blogged before that i preferred F&P AD50 dryer to citigas dryer, but i changed my mind after i bought the huge w/m.with a bigger w/m, i need a bigger dryer, and comparing 6 kg dryers, this citigas dryer is about the same price as electric dryers, but with advantages of faster drying, lower utility bill and softer clothes upon drying.
bought it at promotion price of $599 + 7% gst at the citigas roadshow at vivocity last sunday... usual price is $630 + gst... actually, i just placed a non-obligation reservation... i can cancel it anytime without penalty... seems like a good deal to lock in the price, and if the price drops, i can cancel it and buy at the lower price...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
part of contruction site barriers dismantled
Early this week, the workers began to dismantle some sections of the construction site barriers. Another sign that the flats are almost ready!
But still, for safety and security sakes, we are not allowed to enter the site. Trespassers beware!
A little notice to remind eager new occupants that they are still not allowed to view their flats yet.
Only a stand-alone gate left standing at this end (besides Zhangde Pri Sch) of the construction side. Probably to prevent vehicles from indiscriminately parking along the pavement leading to Blk 25A.
Pavement from Jalan Membina to Blk 25A.
Frontage of Blk 25A along Jalan Membina
Unveiling of the official road signs of the new Jalan Membina estate!
Sunset view from Jalan Membina!
But still, for safety and security sakes, we are not allowed to enter the site. Trespassers beware!
A little notice to remind eager new occupants that they are still not allowed to view their flats yet.
Only a stand-alone gate left standing at this end (besides Zhangde Pri Sch) of the construction side. Probably to prevent vehicles from indiscriminately parking along the pavement leading to Blk 25A.
Pavement from Jalan Membina to Blk 25A.
Frontage of Blk 25A along Jalan Membina
Unveiling of the official road signs of the new Jalan Membina estate!
Sunset view from Jalan Membina!Wednesday, July 18, 2007
no warranty for Säter sofa
last saturday went ikea tampines... confirmed that there is no warranty for the Sater sofa... sianzz...
think may get the fabric Klippan instead, which comes with 5-year warranty... cheaper also $345 cos it's fabric... may also add a footstool aka pouffe $85...
have been to window-shop sofas at IMM, Toh Guan, Paya Lebar, Liang Court etc... but none caught my fancy... still feel that IKEA sofa has better designs... in terms of durability, some sofas like Klippan have 5-year warranty on the sofa frame, so should be durable enough...
think may get the fabric Klippan instead, which comes with 5-year warranty... cheaper also $345 cos it's fabric... may also add a footstool aka pouffe $85...
have been to window-shop sofas at IMM, Toh Guan, Paya Lebar, Liang Court etc... but none caught my fancy... still feel that IKEA sofa has better designs... in terms of durability, some sofas like Klippan have 5-year warranty on the sofa frame, so should be durable enough...
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
more on ID hunt
some updates on my ID hunt...
***
Un1max Creat1ve: D_esmond P
he did a 3D computer graphics of the kitchen, living and dining rooms, so that was very impressive.
the quotation was itemized, and i was shocked at the prices of two items.
Item 1:
$950 for 10ft of solid surface top i.e. $95 pfr. the brand is Imperial and is only 60% acrylic. the market rate for such kind of solid surface is only about $70 pfr and he dared to quote me $95 pfr!
Item 2:
$3500 for supreme AC3 8mm for abt 800 sq ft i.e. abt $4.40 psf. i told him that supreme sales quoted me only $3.80 psf for this type of laminate. and even the higher end AC5 12mm tropical hardwood is only $4.20 psf. he appeared to look quite stunned and said these prices were impossible cos supreme is supposed to protect the ID firms and could not quote such low prices. he said he would call supreme to check.
i felt quite pressurized to sign, but i was v firm not to sign so early, and told him that i wouldn't sign that day. he said he would revise the quote and arrange to meet again the following sunday. again, i told him that i wouldn't sign at that meeting cos i will be getting quotes from other ID firms. we then agreed to meet up again after i have received quotes from them.
will call him again after collecting keys and see if he is interested to do an on-site measurement and re-quote me again.
***
H0mely 1mage: Amy
After two meetings discussing what i wanted for the reno, still have not get her quotation yet.
***
Fuse c0ncept:
No news at all. Out of the race.
***
Earnest 1nter10rs: B_e_n S_n_g
Already received a quote from him.
Flooring, ceiling works and some other items are lumped together under a package. i asked if can itemize everything, he said, this is package, cannot itemize.
but there's something fishy abt the package. cos the package includes homo tiles for living room, but i wanted laminate flooring there, and he simply struck out the homo tiles item and replace it with laminate flooring, without adjusting the price! how can this be?? the price difference between homo tiles and laminate flooring is abt $2 psf, so he is overcharging me by abt $400!
furthermore, based on market rates, those items in the package add up to abt only $7k, which is $1k less than the package price of $8k. think it's better to firmly ask him to itemize everything...
***
H0 B: P_atrick
super efficient in giving me the first quote! i called his office in the morning to ask for a quotation, and the lady on the phone told me to email to him my floorplan and reno request. i did that in the late morning, and voila! he replied to me in the late afternoon with the quotation!
the price quoted is quite ok, except for a few dubious items (oil-based sealer for L-box... not sure what is it, and i asked another ID and he said it is not needed and merely adds to the costs)...
so i emailed to him my questions, but after nearly a month, still no reply from him yet. well, i understand he is busy. will call him again to arrange to meet up and a re-quote.
***
1D em_b0ss: Y_Y
went for the SAFE tour with Hbay and 1D em_boss, and finally sat down with Y_Y to discuss my reno plan. still waiting for his quotation... he said he'll call me by today...
btw, 1D em_boss is part of K0 H0ng, and it gives one-year warranty...
***
***
Un1max Creat1ve: D_esmond P
he did a 3D computer graphics of the kitchen, living and dining rooms, so that was very impressive.
the quotation was itemized, and i was shocked at the prices of two items.
Item 1:
$950 for 10ft of solid surface top i.e. $95 pfr. the brand is Imperial and is only 60% acrylic. the market rate for such kind of solid surface is only about $70 pfr and he dared to quote me $95 pfr!
Item 2:
$3500 for supreme AC3 8mm for abt 800 sq ft i.e. abt $4.40 psf. i told him that supreme sales quoted me only $3.80 psf for this type of laminate. and even the higher end AC5 12mm tropical hardwood is only $4.20 psf. he appeared to look quite stunned and said these prices were impossible cos supreme is supposed to protect the ID firms and could not quote such low prices. he said he would call supreme to check.
i felt quite pressurized to sign, but i was v firm not to sign so early, and told him that i wouldn't sign that day. he said he would revise the quote and arrange to meet again the following sunday. again, i told him that i wouldn't sign at that meeting cos i will be getting quotes from other ID firms. we then agreed to meet up again after i have received quotes from them.
will call him again after collecting keys and see if he is interested to do an on-site measurement and re-quote me again.
***
H0mely 1mage: Amy
After two meetings discussing what i wanted for the reno, still have not get her quotation yet.
***
Fuse c0ncept:
No news at all. Out of the race.
***
Earnest 1nter10rs: B_e_n S_n_g
Already received a quote from him.
Flooring, ceiling works and some other items are lumped together under a package. i asked if can itemize everything, he said, this is package, cannot itemize.
but there's something fishy abt the package. cos the package includes homo tiles for living room, but i wanted laminate flooring there, and he simply struck out the homo tiles item and replace it with laminate flooring, without adjusting the price! how can this be?? the price difference between homo tiles and laminate flooring is abt $2 psf, so he is overcharging me by abt $400!
furthermore, based on market rates, those items in the package add up to abt only $7k, which is $1k less than the package price of $8k. think it's better to firmly ask him to itemize everything...
***
H0 B: P_atrick
super efficient in giving me the first quote! i called his office in the morning to ask for a quotation, and the lady on the phone told me to email to him my floorplan and reno request. i did that in the late morning, and voila! he replied to me in the late afternoon with the quotation!
the price quoted is quite ok, except for a few dubious items (oil-based sealer for L-box... not sure what is it, and i asked another ID and he said it is not needed and merely adds to the costs)...
so i emailed to him my questions, but after nearly a month, still no reply from him yet. well, i understand he is busy. will call him again to arrange to meet up and a re-quote.
***
1D em_b0ss: Y_Y
went for the SAFE tour with Hbay and 1D em_boss, and finally sat down with Y_Y to discuss my reno plan. still waiting for his quotation... he said he'll call me by today...
btw, 1D em_boss is part of K0 H0ng, and it gives one-year warranty...
***
Monday, July 16, 2007
how the membina estate will look like
a computer graphic of the membina estate
the layout of the blocks.there are altogether 8 blocks, viz. 25A, 25B, 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 27A and 27B.
the 4 blocks of 26's are linked together with a common corridor whereas the rest are standalone blocks.
the 26's are also linked to the 7-storey tall multi-storey carpark, which has a garden at its rooftop, and shops are its ground level.
the 4 blocks of 26's are linked together with a common corridor whereas the rest are standalone blocks.
the 26's are also linked to the 7-storey tall multi-storey carpark, which has a garden at its rooftop, and shops are its ground level.
Friday, July 13, 2007
trying to ask my HLE status...
hmm, just called HDB to ask status of my HLE...
me: hi, i would like to check status of my HLE application.
HDB officer: what's ur IC number?
me: xxxxxxxx
HDB officer: wait a while...
HDB officer: did u send in all your documents?
me: yes
HDB officer: then wait for us to reply to you
me: oh, ok...
me: thank you.
hang up.
me: hi, i would like to check status of my HLE application.
HDB officer: what's ur IC number?
me: xxxxxxxx
HDB officer: wait a while...
HDB officer: did u send in all your documents?
me: yes
HDB officer: then wait for us to reply to you
me: oh, ok...
me: thank you.
hang up.
ikea ideas
i love to window-shop IKEA cos can get many practical decor ideas there.
my favorites are:
1. rationell kitchen cabinet interior fittings
2. antonius shelving
3. pax wardrobe system
for kitchen cabinet interiors fittings, I found similar ones at Song Cho (there's a showroom at Plaza Singapore) and of cos Blum.
for shelving and and wardrobe systems, there is also Howards Storage World (at Parkway Parade) and also a few designer brands.
i think i will be buying from IKEA since i think IKEA prices are quite okay and affordable; and furthermore, i'm a IKEA Friends member =)
rationell:
it is the IKEA equivalent of Blum... actually, rationell is Blum OEM... if u look at the inside of the drawer rails, u'll see that they are engraved with BLUM TANDEMBOX 30 KG!
i'll be using a combination of larders and wire baskets for my kitchen cabinets. although i think its cheaper than Blum, it will still cost about $1K in total... but i think it's worth it =)
30cm width base cabinet larder
40 cm width tall cabinet larder
50 cm width wire baskets
pull out wire baskets to be used underneath kitchen sink cabinet
antonius:
shelving system... v practical and affordable as storage, open wardrobe and workstation...
pax wardrobe system:
the main components are the drawers, wire baskets and container baskets.
50 cm width container baskets... great for storing large items like winter clothings, bedsheets etc
hanging cloth shelves
incline shoe racks
my favorites are:
1. rationell kitchen cabinet interior fittings
2. antonius shelving
3. pax wardrobe system
for kitchen cabinet interiors fittings, I found similar ones at Song Cho (there's a showroom at Plaza Singapore) and of cos Blum.
for shelving and and wardrobe systems, there is also Howards Storage World (at Parkway Parade) and also a few designer brands.
i think i will be buying from IKEA since i think IKEA prices are quite okay and affordable; and furthermore, i'm a IKEA Friends member =)
rationell:
it is the IKEA equivalent of Blum... actually, rationell is Blum OEM... if u look at the inside of the drawer rails, u'll see that they are engraved with BLUM TANDEMBOX 30 KG!
i'll be using a combination of larders and wire baskets for my kitchen cabinets. although i think its cheaper than Blum, it will still cost about $1K in total... but i think it's worth it =)
30cm width base cabinet larder
40 cm width tall cabinet larder
50 cm width wire baskets
pull out wire baskets to be used underneath kitchen sink cabinetantonius:
shelving system... v practical and affordable as storage, open wardrobe and workstation...
pax wardrobe system:
the main components are the drawers, wire baskets and container baskets.
50 cm width container baskets... great for storing large items like winter clothings, bedsheets etc
hanging cloth shelves
incline shoe racksconstruction site update
Pics taken on 8 Jul 2007.Taken from the 30th storey of a HDB in Kim Tian Road.
The Singapore Flyer is in the background...
only one or two cranes left standing.only two or three blocks are apparently completed i.e. window frames fitted, exterior painted, and scaffolding removed.
the rest are still work-in-progress.
säter sofa from Ikea
**this sofa is now the no. 1 choice in my shortlist.
half leather
high density PU foam
$598 + $40 delivery charge (but will be getting quite a lot of stuffs from IKEA also)
dark brown
abt 2 m long
pros:
good price
comfy to sit on
modern sleek design, clean cut lines
its dark brown color matches with light brown laminate flooring
sufficient clearance off the floor, so cleaning floor will be easier
cons:
not sure if this sofa comes with the 5-year warranty that most IKEA sofa have
even if got warranty, it covers only sofa frame, not sitching
not sure if the stitching is durable
not sure if PU foam is durable
quite low back, so not v comfy to lie back, but can be remedied with additional cushions
**my 2nd choice is a L-shape dark brown half leather from Novena costing $800
pros:
1-year comprehensive warranty on stitching and frame
high back, so more comfy to lie back
its dark brown color matches with light brown laminate flooring
cons:
not much of a design... dun really like the look
little clearance off the floor, so difficult to clean underneath and dust will accumulate
more expensive, but understandable cos it includes a footstool as part of the L-shape
**think most probably will be the IKEA one =)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
reno plan
here's a list of the things I plan to do for reno...
**for reno contractor to do:
floor:
living-dining room and bedrooms: supreme AC3 8mm
foyer and HHS: homogeneous tiles (not sure what brand yet)
ceiling:
45 cm width L-box for living-dining room (double up as pelmet to hide curtain rails)
kitchen:
cement base for kitchen cabinets, fridge and wm
100 cm long tall cabinet with slot-in door for middle shelf, which will be used to put microwave, airpot and rice cooker.
230 cm long base cabinet fitted with Ikea's Rationell series of drawers and wire baskets.
230 cm long top cabinet
230 cm of samsung's staron solid surface worktop
tempered glass splashback
sliding door between kitchen and living-dining room: bottom half wood or aluminum, top half tempered glass
living-dining room:
250 cm long wall-mounted L-shape TV console
MBR:
210 cm long build-in wardrobe
electrical and plumbing:
10 downlights in living-dining room
10 ceiling lights altogether for kitchen, bedrooms, foyer, toilets and HHS
1 ceiling fan
other essential electrical plumbing works
window grill:
aluminum bronze-anodized, to cover middle section of window only i.e. don't cover the top-hung part
paint:
Nippon easy-wash paint (4 colors)
ICI Pentalite Mouldgard for ceilings of kitchen and bathrooms
front gate:
80cm tall plastic sheet to cover bottom part of gate
**
~~Things to buy
appliances:
tv: samsung 42" plasma
sound system: ??
media streamer: ?? (sim lim square)
fridge: panasonic magic top 300L
wm: samsung 800rpm 6.5 kg
dryer: Fisher & Paykel AD56 5 kg manual
ceiling fan for living-dining room: Crestar 56" aluminum blade with remote control
aircon: system 3 or 4 non-inverter (either Daikin MA56 or ME)
kitchen appliances:
cooker hob: 80 cm long 2-burner (Rinnai? Aerogaz?)
cooker hood: 90 cm long (not sure chimney or slim type yet)
sink: 60 cm long, 25 cm deep single-bowl (poh joo? universal union?)
furniture:
dining table: tempered glass top (Ikea? vhive?)
sofa: Ikea's Sater 2 m long half leather sofa
wardrobe: Ikea's Antonius series?
shoe cabinet: Ikea
shelves for HHS: Ikea
curtain rails: Ikea
curtains: Ikea or Spotlight
~~
that's all i can think of now... will update again...
**for reno contractor to do:
floor:
living-dining room and bedrooms: supreme AC3 8mm
foyer and HHS: homogeneous tiles (not sure what brand yet)
ceiling:
45 cm width L-box for living-dining room (double up as pelmet to hide curtain rails)
kitchen:
cement base for kitchen cabinets, fridge and wm
100 cm long tall cabinet with slot-in door for middle shelf, which will be used to put microwave, airpot and rice cooker.
230 cm long base cabinet fitted with Ikea's Rationell series of drawers and wire baskets.
230 cm long top cabinet
230 cm of samsung's staron solid surface worktop
tempered glass splashback
sliding door between kitchen and living-dining room: bottom half wood or aluminum, top half tempered glass
living-dining room:
250 cm long wall-mounted L-shape TV console
MBR:
210 cm long build-in wardrobe
electrical and plumbing:
10 downlights in living-dining room
10 ceiling lights altogether for kitchen, bedrooms, foyer, toilets and HHS
1 ceiling fan
other essential electrical plumbing works
window grill:
aluminum bronze-anodized, to cover middle section of window only i.e. don't cover the top-hung part
paint:
Nippon easy-wash paint (4 colors)
ICI Pentalite Mouldgard for ceilings of kitchen and bathrooms
front gate:
80cm tall plastic sheet to cover bottom part of gate
**
~~Things to buy
appliances:
tv: samsung 42" plasma
sound system: ??
media streamer: ?? (sim lim square)
fridge: panasonic magic top 300L
wm: samsung 800rpm 6.5 kg
dryer: Fisher & Paykel AD56 5 kg manual
ceiling fan for living-dining room: Crestar 56" aluminum blade with remote control
aircon: system 3 or 4 non-inverter (either Daikin MA56 or ME)
kitchen appliances:
cooker hob: 80 cm long 2-burner (Rinnai? Aerogaz?)
cooker hood: 90 cm long (not sure chimney or slim type yet)
sink: 60 cm long, 25 cm deep single-bowl (poh joo? universal union?)
furniture:
dining table: tempered glass top (Ikea? vhive?)
sofa: Ikea's Sater 2 m long half leather sofa
wardrobe: Ikea's Antonius series?
shoe cabinet: Ikea
shelves for HHS: Ikea
curtain rails: Ikea
curtains: Ikea or Spotlight
~~
that's all i can think of now... will update again...
the neighbourhood
Pic taken on 17 Dec 06.An overview of the neighbourhood.
I took this photo from the 30th floor of a HDB flat at Kim Tian Road, near the place where the famous $720K HDB 5-room is.
The cluster of red-white blocks in the background is where another famous HDB 5-room flat is ($625K).
The 4-storey block in between is Zhangde Primary School.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
construction site
Pic taken on 17 Dec 2006.
Pic taken on 13 Jan 2007more photos soon to be uploaded...
clothes dryer
i'm also pondering whether to get the Citigas gas dryer or Fisher & Paykel manual dryer AD56... i made some calculations...
citigas dryer (6 kg):
cost of dryer = $630
cost of installation of gas pipe = $80
total cost of dryer + installation = $710
power consumption = 1.9 to 4.6 kW => assume average of 3.5 kW
drying time = 1 hr
gas utility cost = $0.1676 per unit
assume 1 unit is equivalent to 1 kWh
each load of laundry will cost about $0.60.
Fisher & Payel AD56 (5 kg)
cost of dryer = $480
power consumption abt 2 kW
drying time = 2 hrs
electric utility cost = $0.2052 per kWh
each load of laundry will cost abt $0.80
therefore, if 3 laundry loads per week, each month is 12 loads, savings in utility bill is 12 x $0.20 = $2.40 per month i.e. abt $28.80 per year.
difference in prices of dryers = $230
payback period abt 8 years
besides monetary considerations, must also consider the non-monetary aspects:
Pros of citigas over F&P
1. citigas dryer dries clothes faster
2. citigas dryer's capacity (6 kg) is larger than F&P dryer (5 kg)
3. citigas dryer has automatic sensing
4. electric tariffs tend to rise faster than gas tariffs so savings in running cost can increase if suing citigas dryer
Cons of citigas over F&P
4. citigas dryer has only 1 year warranty compared with 2 years for F&P (5 years for drum unit)
5. if moving house next time, easier and cheaper to move and set up F&P in new house than citigas (need to spend another $80 to lay gas pipe in new house)
think most probably will get the F&P because its cheaper and longer warranty. also, most probably i will be using the dryer only for drying large items like bedsheets, blankets and jeans; with lower usage, F&P makes more monetary sense.
citigas dryer (6 kg):
cost of dryer = $630
cost of installation of gas pipe = $80
total cost of dryer + installation = $710
power consumption = 1.9 to 4.6 kW => assume average of 3.5 kW
drying time = 1 hr
gas utility cost = $0.1676 per unit
assume 1 unit is equivalent to 1 kWh
each load of laundry will cost about $0.60.
Fisher & Payel AD56 (5 kg)
cost of dryer = $480
power consumption abt 2 kW
drying time = 2 hrs
electric utility cost = $0.2052 per kWh
each load of laundry will cost abt $0.80
therefore, if 3 laundry loads per week, each month is 12 loads, savings in utility bill is 12 x $0.20 = $2.40 per month i.e. abt $28.80 per year.
difference in prices of dryers = $230
payback period abt 8 years
besides monetary considerations, must also consider the non-monetary aspects:
Pros of citigas over F&P
1. citigas dryer dries clothes faster
2. citigas dryer's capacity (6 kg) is larger than F&P dryer (5 kg)
3. citigas dryer has automatic sensing
4. electric tariffs tend to rise faster than gas tariffs so savings in running cost can increase if suing citigas dryer
Cons of citigas over F&P
4. citigas dryer has only 1 year warranty compared with 2 years for F&P (5 years for drum unit)
5. if moving house next time, easier and cheaper to move and set up F&P in new house than citigas (need to spend another $80 to lay gas pipe in new house)
think most probably will get the F&P because its cheaper and longer warranty. also, most probably i will be using the dryer only for drying large items like bedsheets, blankets and jeans; with lower usage, F&P makes more monetary sense.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
solid surface worktop
Unimax Creative quoted me $95 pfr for solid surface worktop from this brand called Imperial and it is only 60% acrylate.. Faintz!
Earnest Interiors quoted a more reasonable $70 pfr from this brand called Neutra and is 70% acrylate.
I read somewhere in SingaporeBrides or RenoTalk that Samsung also has solid surface worktop called Staron and is 100% acrylate, and costs about $85 pfr. If it is really this price, I'll use Staron.
100% acrylate solid surface worktop is more scratch-resistant, stain-resistant and heat-resistant than those 60% or 70% acrylate worktop.
Have asked Ben of EI to quote Staron. Counting on him to give a good price. =)
Earnest Interiors quoted a more reasonable $70 pfr from this brand called Neutra and is 70% acrylate.
I read somewhere in SingaporeBrides or RenoTalk that Samsung also has solid surface worktop called Staron and is 100% acrylate, and costs about $85 pfr. If it is really this price, I'll use Staron.
100% acrylate solid surface worktop is more scratch-resistant, stain-resistant and heat-resistant than those 60% or 70% acrylate worktop.
Have asked Ben of EI to quote Staron. Counting on him to give a good price. =)
aircon questions
Aircons for the three bedrooms are almost confirmed must-have. The questions are:
1. Inverter or non-inverter?
2. aircon for living room?
Because my family is not aircon-addict, a non-inverter makes better money sense. Also, trying to do my part to save our ozone, so hoping to get a R410A aircon.
If no aircon for living room, i.e. only for 3 bedrooms:
The only R410A non-inverter I found is Mitsubishi Electric MUX-3B20VB / MS-B10VB X 3, costing about $2027.
In comparison, Daikin R22 non-inverter MA56WV1 / FT25 x 3 costs about $1979, so the difference is not that big.
If aircon for living room i.e. using System 4:
The only non-inverter that suits 3 bedrooms and 1 living room is the Daikin MA56EV1 / FT25 x 3 /FT50, costing about $2600.
Actually, $600 more for an aircon in the living room is quite ok, but then this Daikin MA56EV1 is a R22. Haven't found a R410A that suits 3 bedrooms plus 1 living room.
Will sit on these questions until decision day...
BTW, I check the aircon prices from the CoolServe website. http://www.coolserve.com.sg/
1. Inverter or non-inverter?
2. aircon for living room?
Because my family is not aircon-addict, a non-inverter makes better money sense. Also, trying to do my part to save our ozone, so hoping to get a R410A aircon.
If no aircon for living room, i.e. only for 3 bedrooms:
The only R410A non-inverter I found is Mitsubishi Electric MUX-3B20VB / MS-B10VB X 3, costing about $2027.
In comparison, Daikin R22 non-inverter MA56WV1 / FT25 x 3 costs about $1979, so the difference is not that big.
If aircon for living room i.e. using System 4:
The only non-inverter that suits 3 bedrooms and 1 living room is the Daikin MA56EV1 / FT25 x 3 /FT50, costing about $2600.
Actually, $600 more for an aircon in the living room is quite ok, but then this Daikin MA56EV1 is a R22. Haven't found a R410A that suits 3 bedrooms plus 1 living room.
Will sit on these questions until decision day...
BTW, I check the aircon prices from the CoolServe website. http://www.coolserve.com.sg/
bought lightings and regretted
Bought $680 worth of lightings from this shop along Balestier Rd on Sunday. Now regret already, haha... Never thought that I would fall for hard sales, but I did. Quite disappointed with myself.
downlights: 10 pcs of 2 x 13W PLC with dotted transparent cover, ATCO ballasts and Osram 13W bulbs @ $20
ceiling lights:4 pcs of 3 x 36W PLL with bamboo-pattern acrylic cover and electronic ballasts $90
3 pcs of 21W circular fluorescent with bamboo-pattern acrylic cover and electronic ballasts @25
Plus GST, total is $680.
Actually, the lightings I bought and the prices are quite okay, just that after reading more about lightings, I find that those I have bought are not what I want.
PLC lamp flickers because it uses magnetic ballast; and PLL lamps and electronic ballasts are not available in NTUC, and e-ballasts are difficult to change.
Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) does not have these disadvantages, and costs almost the same, if not cheaper. CFL has integrated e-ballasts and hence does not flicker; and CFL is available in NTUC. But CFL is larger in size than PLC, and so need a larger lamp holder.
These are what I now want:
downlights: 10 pcs of 26W E27 CFL with no cover
ceiling lights: 4 pcs of 2 x 26W E27 CFL
3 pcs of 26W E27 CFL
The shop says I can change to other designs, as long as the total value is the same. Hope it's true!
downlights: 10 pcs of 2 x 13W PLC with dotted transparent cover, ATCO ballasts and Osram 13W bulbs @ $20
ceiling lights:4 pcs of 3 x 36W PLL with bamboo-pattern acrylic cover and electronic ballasts $90
3 pcs of 21W circular fluorescent with bamboo-pattern acrylic cover and electronic ballasts @25
Plus GST, total is $680.
Actually, the lightings I bought and the prices are quite okay, just that after reading more about lightings, I find that those I have bought are not what I want.
PLC lamp flickers because it uses magnetic ballast; and PLL lamps and electronic ballasts are not available in NTUC, and e-ballasts are difficult to change.
Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) does not have these disadvantages, and costs almost the same, if not cheaper. CFL has integrated e-ballasts and hence does not flicker; and CFL is available in NTUC. But CFL is larger in size than PLC, and so need a larger lamp holder.
These are what I now want:
downlights: 10 pcs of 26W E27 CFL with no cover
ceiling lights: 4 pcs of 2 x 26W E27 CFL
3 pcs of 26W E27 CFL
The shop says I can change to other designs, as long as the total value is the same. Hope it's true!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
selecting ID
So far have approached four ID firms:
1. Un1max Creat1ve: Desm0nd P_h_u_a
2. Earnest 1nter10rs: B_e_n S_n_g
3. H0mely 1mage: Amy
4. Fuse Concept: forgotten liaox, haha...
Am thinking of shortlisting H0 B_ee: Patr1ck, cos many good reviews of them on RenoTalk.
Now am just entering the first round of quotation. Read on RenoTalk that a few rounds of quotation needed before finally settling on the ID. Probably could settle on the ID after getting the key from HDB and doing the on-site measurement.
***
1. Un1max Creat1ve: Desm0nd P_h_u_a
Pros:
(1) A friend recommended Desmond. The friend was full of praise for Desmond's handling of his reno; Desmond completed the reno on time, on budget with good worksmanship, and good before-sales and after-sales service.
(2) UC is triple accredited: CaseTrust, RADAC and HBay.
(3) 8-year warranty for workmanship.
(4) I have personally met and talked with Desmond twice and found him approachable, patient and pro.
(5) Several good reviews of UC and Desmond in RenoTalk forum.
Cons:
(1) Not the cheapest. But then, u have to pay a premium for premium quality and service and, most importantly, the warranty too.
(2) Not much design and novelty. But then, it's not a concern for me, cos my budget is quite meagres and cannot afford fanciful carpentry work that costs a bomb.
***
2. Earnest 1nter10rs: B_e_n S_n_g
Will be meeting Ben this week at the EI showroom at Sims Avenue.
Pros:
(1) Several good reviews of EI and Ben in RenoTalk.
(2) Do not need to pay GST!!!
Cons:
(1) Not the cheapest too. And I read on RenoTalk that EI does not entertain bargaining.
(2) Din personally know anyone who has engaged EI and Ben for reno b4.
***
3. Homely Image: Amy
Referred to me by Hbay.Have met Amy twice at a fastfood restaurant. Found her to be friendly and knowledgeable. Haven't got a chance to visit their showroom
Pros:
(1) Neutral review of HI and Amy on RenoTalk.
(2) No GST also!
Cons:
(1) Neutral review of HI and Amy on RenoTalk.
(2) Did not personally know anyone who engage HI and Amy b4.
***
4. Fuse Concept
Met the ID at the reno fair at Suntec City recently. Think he is more of a design guy cos he emphasized more on design theme and usage of mirror and glass during our discussion. I told him a few times that my budget is quite low, and could not afford fanciful reno, and he reassured me that he could work something out within my budget. He said he would call me sometime this week to arrange to meet up. So far, no news from him yet.
***
1. Un1max Creat1ve: Desm0nd P_h_u_a
2. Earnest 1nter10rs: B_e_n S_n_g
3. H0mely 1mage: Amy
4. Fuse Concept: forgotten liaox, haha...
Am thinking of shortlisting H0 B_ee: Patr1ck, cos many good reviews of them on RenoTalk.
Now am just entering the first round of quotation. Read on RenoTalk that a few rounds of quotation needed before finally settling on the ID. Probably could settle on the ID after getting the key from HDB and doing the on-site measurement.
***
1. Un1max Creat1ve: Desm0nd P_h_u_a
Pros:
(1) A friend recommended Desmond. The friend was full of praise for Desmond's handling of his reno; Desmond completed the reno on time, on budget with good worksmanship, and good before-sales and after-sales service.
(2) UC is triple accredited: CaseTrust, RADAC and HBay.
(3) 8-year warranty for workmanship.
(4) I have personally met and talked with Desmond twice and found him approachable, patient and pro.
(5) Several good reviews of UC and Desmond in RenoTalk forum.
Cons:
(1) Not the cheapest. But then, u have to pay a premium for premium quality and service and, most importantly, the warranty too.
(2) Not much design and novelty. But then, it's not a concern for me, cos my budget is quite meagres and cannot afford fanciful carpentry work that costs a bomb.
***
2. Earnest 1nter10rs: B_e_n S_n_g
Will be meeting Ben this week at the EI showroom at Sims Avenue.
Pros:
(1) Several good reviews of EI and Ben in RenoTalk.
(2) Do not need to pay GST!!!
Cons:
(1) Not the cheapest too. And I read on RenoTalk that EI does not entertain bargaining.
(2) Din personally know anyone who has engaged EI and Ben for reno b4.
***
3. Homely Image: Amy
Referred to me by Hbay.Have met Amy twice at a fastfood restaurant. Found her to be friendly and knowledgeable. Haven't got a chance to visit their showroom
Pros:
(1) Neutral review of HI and Amy on RenoTalk.
(2) No GST also!
Cons:
(1) Neutral review of HI and Amy on RenoTalk.
(2) Did not personally know anyone who engage HI and Amy b4.
***
4. Fuse Concept
Met the ID at the reno fair at Suntec City recently. Think he is more of a design guy cos he emphasized more on design theme and usage of mirror and glass during our discussion. I told him a few times that my budget is quite low, and could not afford fanciful reno, and he reassured me that he could work something out within my budget. He said he would call me sometime this week to arrange to meet up. So far, no news from him yet.
***
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