Was getting excited when I saw all the windows left opened. Someone must be still working in there!
And here's what greeted me. They only started yesterday.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
D-Day + 1375 : A pleasant surprise.
Was out on the road the whole day due to work. The hope to end the day earlier went down the drain as I had to bring the company van to Chan's to get the botak tyre replaced. And since I'm already in Yishun, I went by JS to checks on any possible new updates.
Was getting excited when I saw all the windows left opened. Someone must be still working in there!
And here's what greeted me. They only started yesterday.
Was getting excited when I saw all the windows left opened. Someone must be still working in there!
And here's what greeted me. They only started yesterday.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
D-Day + 1371 : mon·ey \ˈmə-nē\ : something that trickles in with a fanfare but flows out silently..
A day after the missus returns from Taiwan, we went down to Living Phenomenon at Balestier for our toilets' basins purchase.
On my previous few visits, the shop was actually rather quiet, with the staff outnumbering the customers. So was rather surprised to see quite the opposite today.
Anyway, we went about our business and finalise the basins that we really wanted, despite already submitting dimensions to Edmund. Luckily, no changes to our decisions else I seriously do not know how to break the news to Edmund that we had decided to change a bit of the dimension.
Basin was easy. The tap was the hard part, at least for the master toilet. Thanks to HDB's design, the depth our our vanity top stands at a proud 35cm. Choosing a basin couldn't be harder. Bad part was, the tap can't be situated behind the basin and had to move to the side. So we had to look for one with extra long spout.
After much comparisons and measurement and visualisation, we settled for one, with mixer, costing the same as the basin, and a cheaper, cold water only tap for the common.
Of course, sparing a thoughts for my bank account, I thick-skin-ly asked if there's any promo or discount. Nope there wasn't was the retort from the PRC sales girl, but she could give a 15% discount. Of course I'm sure the display price was already marked up for the 15% discount upon sales confirmation, so I shamelessly asked for a 50% discount instead. I didn't got my way.
Happily, I left the shop worrying for the day when my credit cards bills comes knocking.
Then, we hopped over to Bath World (along Balestier road too) eagerly wanting to show off the toilet bowl I have found for our master toilet.
Glad that the missus approved the design. One less thing to worry then.
On my previous few visits, the shop was actually rather quiet, with the staff outnumbering the customers. So was rather surprised to see quite the opposite today.
Anyway, we went about our business and finalise the basins that we really wanted, despite already submitting dimensions to Edmund. Luckily, no changes to our decisions else I seriously do not know how to break the news to Edmund that we had decided to change a bit of the dimension.
Basin was easy. The tap was the hard part, at least for the master toilet. Thanks to HDB's design, the depth our our vanity top stands at a proud 35cm. Choosing a basin couldn't be harder. Bad part was, the tap can't be situated behind the basin and had to move to the side. So we had to look for one with extra long spout.
After much comparisons and measurement and visualisation, we settled for one, with mixer, costing the same as the basin, and a cheaper, cold water only tap for the common.
Of course, sparing a thoughts for my bank account, I thick-skin-ly asked if there's any promo or discount. Nope there wasn't was the retort from the PRC sales girl, but she could give a 15% discount. Of course I'm sure the display price was already marked up for the 15% discount upon sales confirmation, so I shamelessly asked for a 50% discount instead. I didn't got my way.
Happily, I left the shop worrying for the day when my credit cards bills comes knocking.
Then, we hopped over to Bath World (along Balestier road too) eagerly wanting to show off the toilet bowl I have found for our master toilet.
Glad that the missus approved the design. One less thing to worry then.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
D-Day + 1363 : Finalizing carpentry design
A day of many decisions making...alone.
The missus had just went to taiwan with her family while I made a trip to meet Edmund and the delivery guys.
What surprises me was that Edmund had brought along his carpenter for site survey, and I have to decide how and where should the carpentry be done.
Well, some of the things I know I could decide, but there are a few which I need to consult with the missus since our taste differs.
But luckily, am able to finalise most of the stuff and KIV some.
Had some last minute changes too, especially to the study room and Master room.
Most problematic will be the headboard, in which there is not a firm design yet.
Edmund thought we love laminates with floral design so he was kind enough to bring down more for choosing, resulting in a change in the headboard laminates. So now we await Edmund to come out with the new design for the headboard and we are all set to go.
Also, collected the deliveries of Hod and Hood, Oven and Storage heater from Goh Ah Bee and the kitchen sink and tap from Hoe Kee.
Next up will be the basins for the 2 toilets, which we had not purchase.
Got to rush.
The missus had just went to taiwan with her family while I made a trip to meet Edmund and the delivery guys.
What surprises me was that Edmund had brought along his carpenter for site survey, and I have to decide how and where should the carpentry be done.
Well, some of the things I know I could decide, but there are a few which I need to consult with the missus since our taste differs.
But luckily, am able to finalise most of the stuff and KIV some.
Had some last minute changes too, especially to the study room and Master room.
Most problematic will be the headboard, in which there is not a firm design yet.
Edmund thought we love laminates with floral design so he was kind enough to bring down more for choosing, resulting in a change in the headboard laminates. So now we await Edmund to come out with the new design for the headboard and we are all set to go.
Also, collected the deliveries of Hod and Hood, Oven and Storage heater from Goh Ah Bee and the kitchen sink and tap from Hoe Kee.
Next up will be the basins for the 2 toilets, which we had not purchase.
Got to rush.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
D-Day + 1321 : A colourful surprise
Went around to claim our surprises and got a colourful one.
Finally after submitted our paint colours, we can actually see the results on a real wall and not the palette.
We were rather apprehensive while choosing, mainly due to the lacking in the arts department. But paint was considerably easier than laminates, in my opinion.
Of course, while choosing paint colors, we had to ask ourselves what type of feeling we want to have when we are in the particular room. And knowing which colour to represent which mood was a chore too! In the end, we went with our gut feel.
Living & Dining Room.
We have no idea what should be here. Cosy? Spacious?
Well, we saw the colour and thought it will look nice. With the lightings, should be cosy enough. We went with dark and light grey and white.
Study Room.
I had always wanted a green study room. Plus people always said that green is pleasing to the eyes so I thought it would be good if I could just stare at the walls after hours of computer games. Had to convince the missus though but I had my way eventually. Green it shall be.
Guest Room.
Be it a stay over room for our parents or future nursery, we wouldn't want a loud colour. So blue should be a safe enough neutral colour. I love blue anyway.
Master Room.
Wanted a romantic and cosy feel. Wanted it dark since its a bedroom. So what's more romantic and elegant as purple. Dark ones especially. Had a hard time convincing ourselves on that but we took the leap anyway.
So we had 2 sides of the wall painted with the chosen colours and the other 2 side and the ceiling white in colour.
So the final results (after first coat of paint):
Was pleasantly surprise when we looked at the rooms. The bright colours actually reflected off the supposedly white coloured walls. Take the first room in the photo for instance, that part of the part should be white, but was appeared green instead.
Finally after submitted our paint colours, we can actually see the results on a real wall and not the palette.
We were rather apprehensive while choosing, mainly due to the lacking in the arts department. But paint was considerably easier than laminates, in my opinion.
Of course, while choosing paint colors, we had to ask ourselves what type of feeling we want to have when we are in the particular room. And knowing which colour to represent which mood was a chore too! In the end, we went with our gut feel.
Living & Dining Room.
We have no idea what should be here. Cosy? Spacious?
Well, we saw the colour and thought it will look nice. With the lightings, should be cosy enough. We went with dark and light grey and white.
Study Room.
I had always wanted a green study room. Plus people always said that green is pleasing to the eyes so I thought it would be good if I could just stare at the walls after hours of computer games. Had to convince the missus though but I had my way eventually. Green it shall be.
Guest Room.
Be it a stay over room for our parents or future nursery, we wouldn't want a loud colour. So blue should be a safe enough neutral colour. I love blue anyway.
Master Room.
Wanted a romantic and cosy feel. Wanted it dark since its a bedroom. So what's more romantic and elegant as purple. Dark ones especially. Had a hard time convincing ourselves on that but we took the leap anyway.
So we had 2 sides of the wall painted with the chosen colours and the other 2 side and the ceiling white in colour.
So the final results (after first coat of paint):
 |
| Turns out well, IMO |
 |
| Green and White for the study |
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| Blue and White for the bedroom |
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| Purple and White for us |
Sunday, July 10, 2011
D-Day + 1273 : Had been busy...
Indeed. Had went around hunting for lights, suitable appliances for the kitchen, designs for the various carpentry. Boy were we glad we had requested for Edmund to doll up our house slowly.
And since our last visit a month ago, decided to drop by for any surprise.
We love it to open the door and see something had been done up.
Of course, had a made a few trips in between, some with surprises, some without.
For today, had caught Ah San and his buddy doing up the floor tiles for the living area.
And since our last visit a month ago, decided to drop by for any surprise.
We love it to open the door and see something had been done up.
Of course, had a made a few trips in between, some with surprises, some without.
For today, had caught Ah San and his buddy doing up the floor tiles for the living area.
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| Already opened upon arrival |
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| Doorway and dining area |
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| Ah San soaked in sweat |
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| Ah San's buddy |
Friday, June 3, 2011
D-Day + 1236 : Multitasking
Many to happen today. Little did I know.
Went there in the morning and was surprised that the kitchen cabinet base was up.
Ah San the tiler was already hard at work with the common toilet tiles. He had his radio on, but quickly turned it off when he realised I was there. Told him its alright to keep it on but he seemed paiseh to use my electricity. In the end, I had to turn it on for him.
Then, along came another 2 guys to run the cable trunking for the power switches and downlights. Watched them for a while and got really disgusted with one of them as he was spitting non stop! He must have had faeces for breakfast that morning. Not that I mind a lot, since the floor will be cemented and tiled but it's really damn disgusting.
My main purpose was to wait for the grand arrival of the aircon man.
Had went for the offer by Everjoint after comparing with Hong Tar and Gain City. Reviews in renotalk was good and their price the lowest. And also, the only with no extra charges for the extra installation trip to make it a total of 3 trips.
Edmund had advise that since we are overlaying the tiles in the toilet, the aircon man had got to hack holes in the walls for the aircon trunking before the tiles are up. This is to prevent excessive vibration and causing the overlay wall tiles to not stick to where it should be.
Luckily, though Mr Richard, boss of Everjoint, did not fully understand the rationale, he agreed to our request of an extra trip just for hacking holes.
So it was agreed to be on 3 June where the tiler and aircon man will meet and get the job done.
To my surprise, when the aircon (Toto) man came, he merely discussed with me how the trunking will be run from the rooms to the exterior and starts to leave.
Obviously there had been some misunderstanding somewhere as he said he wasn't informed to hack any holes by his boss. Luckily a phone call to Richard (with a pissed tone) was all it takes to get things straightened out. I have no interest in the conversation between Toto and Richard, but the holes I requested were right where they should be.
Went there in the morning and was surprised that the kitchen cabinet base was up.
Ah San the tiler was already hard at work with the common toilet tiles. He had his radio on, but quickly turned it off when he realised I was there. Told him its alright to keep it on but he seemed paiseh to use my electricity. In the end, I had to turn it on for him.
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| The wonderful sight that greeted me. Empty house no more. |
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| Ah San the tiler |
 |
| Master toilet awaiting tiling |
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| Common toilet almost done up |
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| Tiles of the master bath area |
 |
| Common toilet's tiles |
Out of a sudden, a guy just came in with his tools bag and proceed to the kitchen. I was wondering who the hell is he until I saw his City Gas polo tee. Didn't know that Edmund had also arranged for the gas pipe to be laid today.
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| Captain Obvious: "That's the gas pipe!" |
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| Mr Phlegm in white |
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| All done up |
Next came Edmund. I leave him to supervise his workers and I busied myself with photo taking.
Had went for the offer by Everjoint after comparing with Hong Tar and Gain City. Reviews in renotalk was good and their price the lowest. And also, the only with no extra charges for the extra installation trip to make it a total of 3 trips.
Edmund had advise that since we are overlaying the tiles in the toilet, the aircon man had got to hack holes in the walls for the aircon trunking before the tiles are up. This is to prevent excessive vibration and causing the overlay wall tiles to not stick to where it should be.
Luckily, though Mr Richard, boss of Everjoint, did not fully understand the rationale, he agreed to our request of an extra trip just for hacking holes.
So it was agreed to be on 3 June where the tiler and aircon man will meet and get the job done.
To my surprise, when the aircon (Toto) man came, he merely discussed with me how the trunking will be run from the rooms to the exterior and starts to leave.
Obviously there had been some misunderstanding somewhere as he said he wasn't informed to hack any holes by his boss. Luckily a phone call to Richard (with a pissed tone) was all it takes to get things straightened out. I have no interest in the conversation between Toto and Richard, but the holes I requested were right where they should be.
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| Toto using eye power |
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| My balls shrank watching him. Told him to watch it. |
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| The hole - coming from the room |
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| The hole - going out to the ledge |
Friday, May 27, 2011
D-Day + 1229 : Official start of Reno!
Consulted FSM Mr David Tong and today between 9-11am will mark the start of the whole renovation process.
Only thing to be done today will be the dismantling of the stock toilet bowls, basins and shower mixers in both toilets.
So it also marked the day where there will be no more shitting during future visits.
The uncle came around 10+am and all that are to be dismantle are all lying in the storeroom in a jiffy.
Edmund dropped by and had some discussions and told him to let the reno be slow as we are not in a hurry to move in and also to allow my cash to flow smoothly.
Also, passed him the payment to officially start the tiling. If I had not suddenly remember the cheque, I guess he would have forgotten to collect from me as well.
Only thing to be done today will be the dismantling of the stock toilet bowls, basins and shower mixers in both toilets.
So it also marked the day where there will be no more shitting during future visits.
The uncle came around 10+am and all that are to be dismantle are all lying in the storeroom in a jiffy.
Edmund dropped by and had some discussions and told him to let the reno be slow as we are not in a hurry to move in and also to allow my cash to flow smoothly.
Also, passed him the payment to officially start the tiling. If I had not suddenly remember the cheque, I guess he would have forgotten to collect from me as well.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
D-Day + 1178: The Defects.
Not sure to count myself lucky or not, but my list of defects for the newly acquired 'quality' housing from HDB is rather short, as compare to some other residents in the estate.
Most astounding would be the cracks on the toilets' wall tiles. I mean, what kind of quality are we actually paying for a 200k+ house? After reporting to the BSC and having them rectifying the defects, more cracks appear. Same goes for the dents and scratches on the main door. More would appear after the first round of rectifications.
I'm just so glad that I did not opt for the HDB's floor tiles and doors. Save me some trouble there.
Most astounding would be the cracks on the toilets' wall tiles. I mean, what kind of quality are we actually paying for a 200k+ house? After reporting to the BSC and having them rectifying the defects, more cracks appear. Same goes for the dents and scratches on the main door. More would appear after the first round of rectifications.
I'm just so glad that I did not opt for the HDB's floor tiles and doors. Save me some trouble there.
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| Almost all windows have this problem |
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| Broken 'caps' |
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| Cracked 'caps' |
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| Cracked wall tiles |
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| The crack ran the whole column from top to bottom |
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| One of the dents on the main door |
Saturday, April 2, 2011
D-Day + 1174 : The Ritual
Had not consult any FSM on this auspicious date. We simply chose a good date base on the calendar and went along with it. And based on it, we have got to open the door between the auspicious hours between 7am to 9am.
Luckily, I had rented a car on the previous day for the tiles hunt thus getting to Jade Spring wasn't much trouble. And as it was the Ching Ming period, we had to quicken the prayers so that I can send my Mom, whom is helping out with the prayers, to the interchange by 8.30am so that she can go about with her own schedule and we can rush back to meet Edmund whom will be doing site measurements for the upcoming reno.
Arriving at around 7.30am, we wasted no time in setting up the prayer proper.
No throwing of pineapple, salts, green beans, etc.
We did some modest praying and burning of incense papers.
Luckily, I had rented a car on the previous day for the tiles hunt thus getting to Jade Spring wasn't much trouble. And as it was the Ching Ming period, we had to quicken the prayers so that I can send my Mom, whom is helping out with the prayers, to the interchange by 8.30am so that she can go about with her own schedule and we can rush back to meet Edmund whom will be doing site measurements for the upcoming reno.
Arriving at around 7.30am, we wasted no time in setting up the prayer proper.
No throwing of pineapple, salts, green beans, etc.
We did some modest praying and burning of incense papers.
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| Po Pi Po Pi... |
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| Forgot to poke holes for air inlet thus had a hard time keeping the fire going |
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| HUAT ah! |
After the prayers, things went like a whirl wind. First is to send my Mom to the interchange, then we have to return the car at Khatib, grab some breakfast and rushed back to Jade Spring by 9am to meet Edmund.
We made it, but Edmund did not. So we had some time to finish up our packet breakfast and took photos rooms.
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| View from the Living Room |
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| View of Yishun Ave 11 |
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| Future Study Room |
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| Guest Room |
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| Master Bedroom. Thanks to MBT for the size. |
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| View from the MBR |
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| View of Floral Spring BTO from MBR |
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| Master Bathroom |
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| Common Bathroom |
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| Kitchen and service yard. THANKS again to MBT. Edmund's comment on first sight: "Wah! So big ah!" |
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| Household Shelter (with the complimentary tiles) |
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| Dining area |
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| The doorway |
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