39 posts tagged “renovation”
We have moved in. Yes, at last!
It was a cloudy morning when the mover arrived at Hertford last Monday, 22 October. We were worried that it would rain but our prayers were answered. Just after we left Hertford, on the way to Reiki Sanctuary, it started to pour. We felt blessed. Somewhat, we felt Hertford was crying. It was sad to leave.
The weather changed when we arrived at Reiki Sanctuary. It was fine. Looking back, we knew the Universe took care of us. The rain washed away our past and we were greeted with sunshine in Jurong East. It signified hope. It adorned our new journey and illuminated for a magnificent life ahead. For awhile, it let us to forget about the renovation.
The renovation at Reiki Sanctuary was still not finished on the day we moved in. They were, supposedly, to complete over the last weekend. For the last few days, we were unable to unpack much as there would always be some workers around.
Today, we are hoping that all these outstanding works can be finally over. We have been having the workers, from different trades, attending to their works since early this morning.
List of outstanding works [from previous weeks]:
Additional items:
01. Fixing of Rinnai Cooker Hood02. Commissioning Rinnai Cooker Hood Requires another commissioning03. Create new false ceiling for Franke Island Hood04. Fixing Toto's Kitchen Sink05. Re-positioning Dining Lights06. Fixing bracket for Main Door's lock07. Fixing Led Night light under Master Toilet's vanity08. Fixing power plug in one of Living Room TV Console Completed on Friday 24th October09. Commissioning TV signal10. Change all windows roller balls, including balcony sliding doors11. Lay black tiles under the washing machine
The rest of outstanding works [Update]:
- Left with the Main Entrance Completed on Thursday 23rd October
03. To fix electrical items - Left with Kitchen area Completed today04. To commission electrical outlets - Left with Kitchen area Completed today05. To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades - Delivery on Saturday Still Outstanding06. To fix Guest Toilet granite top07. To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe Completed today08. To fix Guest Toilet lock09. To measure for kitchen solid top10. To install kitchen solid top11. To final coat timber stain for balcony Completed Thursday 23rd October12. To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior - Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet Completed today with outstanding touch-up at MBR Toilet13. To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint - Left with Kitchen area Completed today14. To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets Kitchen mixers completed today15. To install lock at main gate
16. To fix curtain rods and curtains - Scheduled for Tuesday 28th October17. To fix glass at Master Toilet18. To fix glass at Guest Toilet Completed today19. To fix mirror at Master Toilet20. To de-wax and polish floor tiles21. To clean windows22. To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas] Completed today23. To commission Daikin Air-con24. To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets Completed 24th October with 1 piece outstanding25. To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets Completed 2th October26. To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door27. To 'iron' laminate at Main Door Completed today28. To clear all debris29. To re-laminate Guest Room door
Ah, with all the list of outstanding works, there are actually additional works not mentioned. We managed to achieve few more things today. There are still, and we feel a lot of things left outstanding. Renovation works will still be carried out tomorrow. We are just wondering how we will be able to clean the house for the move in on Monday.
Additional items:
01. Fixing of Rinnai Cooker Hood02. Commissioning Rinnai Cooker Hood03. Create new false ceiling for Franke Island Hood
04. Fixing Toto's Kitchen Sink05. Re-positioning Dining Lights06. Fixing bracket for Main Door's lock07. Fixing Led Night light under Master Toilet's vanity
08. Fixing power plug in one of Living Room TV Console
09. Commissioning TV signal10. Change all windows roller balls, including balcony sliding doors
11. Lay black tiles under the washing machine
Rinnai Inner Fire Hob and Franke Island Hood
Toto Kitchen Sink
The rest of outstanding works [Update]:
- Left with the Main Entrance
02. To install Franke Island Hood03. To fix electrical items - Left with Kitchen area04. To commission electrical outlets - Left with Kitchen area05. To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades - Delivery on Saturday06. To fix Guest Toilet granite top
07. To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe08. To fix Guest Toilet lock09. To measure for kitchen solid top10. To install kitchen solid top
11. To final coat timber stain for balcony12. To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior - Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet13. To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint - Left with Kitchen area
14. To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets15. To install lock at main gate
16. To fix curtain rods and curtains
17. To fix glass at Master Toilet
18. To fix glass at Guest Toilet
19. To fix mirror at Master Toilet20. To de-wax and polish floor tiles21. To clean windows
22. To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas]23. To commission Daikin Air-con
24. To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets
25. To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets26. To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door
27. To 'iron' laminate at Main Door28. To clear all debris29. To re-laminate Guest Room door
Two more days to D-Day! Update of what happened earlier:
- Left with the Main Entrance02. To install Franke Island Hood03. To fix electrical items - Left with Kitchen area04. To commission electrical outlets - Left with Kitchen area05. To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades - Delivery on Saturday06. To fix Guest Toilet granite top
07. To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe
08. To fix Guest Toilet lock09. To measure for kitchen solid top10. To install kitchen solid top
11. To final coat timber stain for balcony12. To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior - Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet13. To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint - Left with Kitchen area
14. To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets
15. To install lock at main gate
16. To fix curtain rods and curtains
17. To fix glass at Master Toilet
18. To fix glass at Guest Toilet
19. To fix mirror at Master Toilet20. To de-wax and polish floor tiles
21. To clean windows
22. To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas]23. To commission Daikin Air-con
24. To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets
25. To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets26. To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door
27. To 'iron' laminate at Main Door
28. To clear all debris29. To re-laminate Guest Room door
Pictures Update:
The 'Sensitive' Hole Issue - Living Room TV Console:
And Mr Franke is finally installed!!:
Whoa whoa whoa. What a day today!
Yes, everyone involved in Reiki Sanctuary's renovation is filled to the brim with frustrations. There are not many days left and, still, there are a long list of outstanding works. For the past few days, we are trying to make everything possible. And for a possible thing to happen, we need to have a focus. We need to have a list of the things to do. For it to happen, we need Chiauw to lead. We need her to tell us all the outstanding works.
The list, after much persuasion, was given to us on Tuesday. Alas, it gives us a direction. At least, we are now informed that there are [still] works need to be carried out even when we move in on Monday. We accepted it. We know she is doing her best.
There are tons of outstanding works:
01. To vanish the parquet floor - Left with the Main Entrance
02. To install Franke Island Hood03. To fix electrical items - Left with Kitchen area04. To commission electrical outlets - Left with Kitchen area05. To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades - Delivery on Saturday06. To fix Guest Toilet granite top
07. To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe
08. To fix Guest Toilet lock09. To measure for kitchen solid top
10. To install kitchen solid top
11. To final coat timber stain for balcony12. To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior - Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet13. To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint - Left with Kitchen area
14. To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets
15. To install lock at main gate
16. To fix curtain rods and curtains
17. To fix glass at Master Toilet
18. To fix glass at Guest Toilet
19. To fix mirror at Master Toilet20. To de-wax and polish floor tiles
21. To clean windows
22. To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas]
23. To commission Daikin Air-con
24. To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets
25. To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets
26. To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door
27. To 'iron' laminate at Main Door
28. To clear all debris
29. To re-laminate Guest Room door
[These are outstanding works left for the next two days. The kitchen back splash and cabinet doors will be fixed next week after we move in]
Much against our wishes, we are closing one eye and accomodate as much so that we can achieve a collective target together. We try not to interfere with her supervision with all the workers and can't help it to see how frustrated they have become. There are still changes at the last minute.
For the past few days, we over ruled some of her decision. It becomes a frustration for both parties. We now have different wants:
- Chiauw wants perfection. It does not matter if works are delayed. There are few things that she has been rejecting [during deliveries] and get these contractors to re-do. We appreciate her eye for details but we are working against time. To re-do will mean longer completion.
- Ken wants a quick and amicable ending. He is bothered that business relationship with some trades is jeopardized because of last minute orders. He wants to give in to us since we are accepting discrepancies, and not able to achieve high aesthetics, for some of the fittings and orders.
- We want most of the works to be completed by Saturday so that we can clean on Sunday. We want to have a proper move in and not to a house that is still messy. Told her, again and again, that we can accept minor discrepancies so long that major works are not delayed.
Today, guess it started with Chiauw not achieving the result for the Island Hood and [another] big argument with Uncle Chong which we were not sure of the exact issue. It put her in a bad mood. She called us when we were about to leave Hertford and questioned us, in an angry tone, why we wanted Uncle Chong to drill side holes for the living room and the master bedroom TV consoles.
Our request was simple - it was more a convenient thing for us to let some wires out from the amplifiers, placed inside these consoles, to a sub-woofer that will be placed outside. When we reached there, she showed her unhappiness and insisted that we cannot drill the side hole. But hey, it is our thing and that we should be allowed to do what we want, right?
We believe by having a side hole will spoil the aesthetic of the TV consoles. It would probably reflect on her design. On her professionalism. On her good work. Yes, we will be taking a risk that there might be cracks or chips as a result from the drill. The argument got ugly, and it was really unfortunate and sad, but the hole turned out good with no wood cracks nor laminate chips.
We are still not getting the Franke Island Hood fixed. There are still problems:
Haha, we didn't get to enjoy it lah! It was installed today and then spent time fixing the amplifier and DVD player. And back to cleaning the house again!
Waiting for the electrician to box-up the dangling wires.
Our washer and dryer has also been delivered:
It was a long day yesterday.
Yesterday, Chiauw requested that we went down to the new house to discuss about the general cleaning. She felt that we can do it and not to employ a professional cleaning company. To her, it would be a simple non-labourious job and that we could save couple hundreds of dollars.
She went through the house and guided us. Yesterday, it sounded an easy job and we told her that we would do it ourselves.
It is a long day today.
A group of general cleaners, arranged by Ken, is to come down today. They are to clean up the master bedroom, study area and guest room. This is the first part of two cleaning schedules as we want these rooms to be cleaned before the deliveries of the things we ordered earlier. But it is canceled cos Chiauw wants to save us some money. Gosh, and how wrong we are! A post renovation cleaning should be handled by professionals.
It takes us half a day to clean up the master bedroom and study area. There are just so much dusts hidden at small corners and difficult paint stains to remove. The windows are just not easy to clean. Not forgetting, all the wardrobes - inside and outside, need good wipes too.
We are totally shagged. Perhaps, we are just not used to such a tedious cleaning - especially a post renovation. We are going to go against her advise and getting Ken to call the cleaners. Surely, they will do a better job with the right tools and chemicals.
Hiccups Today:
01. The frosted glasses for all the led lights are not delivered. It seems that there is a problem but Chiauw is not telling us. Ken has to call another contractor. It looks this project will be delayed.
02. The Franke Island Hood guys come and go. Nothing is installed. We are not sure what is happening.
03. The bed planks are not delivered.
04. The glasses and mirrors for the toilets are not delivered too.
The House Today:
Works achieved in the Kitchen:
The Wet Area
The Dry Area:
The Bed Frame in Master Bedroom
[Picture taken after 'Maria' cleaned this room]
The Living Room:
It will be a long long day tomorrow.
.. and the next day
.. and the next next day
.. and the next next next day
Should we have moved in on 6th October, we would probably be upset today. 6th October was the second change, from 20th September (the first verbal promise for a handover was 5th September), where the Master Bedroom was supposed to be handed over to us.
The mess, basically all the carcasses for the 'wet area' kitchen cabinet, is all over the living room, dining area, guest room and the kitchen. Suddenly, we feel that the kitchen has become rather small with parts of the cabinet installed.
The Mess:
The 'Wet Area':
Where the fridge and washing machine going to be placed.
The main 'wet area':
The new gate fully installed:
We are making a trip down to Reiki Sanctuary often these few days - almost daily. Haha, basically we want to check on the progress. To kaypoh that works are done. To make sure that there is no more hiccup. To show our urgency to move in.
We feel it is also a good thing to do as we will be able to communicate with the workers. To let them rectify any defective works there and then. At the same time, we are trying to minimise any additional works for Chiauw. When we are able to communicate directly with the workers, Chiauw does not have to be the middle person to do that task.
We are expecting more works in the house this week. The 'Wet Area' Kitchen cabinet will be delivered today and, guess, it will be fixed immediately. Tomorrow, Alumix will send the door for the Guest Room wardrobes. We hope to see the glasses and mirrors fixed too.
Works completed, or near completion, so far:
Master Toilet
The granite top is up but there are still more works to be done:
- Fixing mirror
- Fixing glass
- Fixing Vanity drawers
- Fixing sanitary bowl and tap mixer
- Fixing LED lights under Vanity top
- Fixing lights above Vanity top
Guest Room
The wardrobe structure and the window low bench are completed and waiting for the Alumix sliding door and cushion seat respectively.
Dining Area
The wardrobe, which was fixed to conceal the aircond trunkings and ledges are completed. Now waiting for the electrician to fix the LED light along the ledges.
The main gate was being installed as we left. Here, is the one end of it:
Guest Toilet
The toilet paper holder and hand towel hanger have been fixed. We are not sure what is Chiauw going to do with the boxed-up. Our understanding is that it would be covered with glass. As such, we don't quite get it why the hangers were already fixed.
Study Table
The last instruction that we gave to Chiauw was not to get Uncle Chong fixed the top hung study cabinet. We decided to drop the idea so as to avoid delay.
Look at how kiasu we are with all the electrical plugs:
Last week ended with a note that Chiauw would bring us to the site this morning. The objective was to decide for the placement of the towel hanger and toilet paper holder. Chiauw just wanted us to decide where we would want to hang them in the two toilets.
We felt it would be a good idea to go down with Chiauw. That we would be able, at the same time, to discuss some other issues and any other problems, if any. In question, we also wanted to get a firm handover date. When we first engaged Chiauw, early this year, she told us that renovation would normally finish within two months. She was confident that we could move in early September.
Our renovation has stretched far too long. It is into the fourth month. An average renovation for a resale HDB would normally take about (maximum) three months. Since we could not move in early September, we have actually re-scheduled it for today. Obviously, we underestimated.
Chiauw told us, last week, that she will pick us at about 9 in the morning. We waited. By about 10, we decided to call her. It was bad timing. She was in the middle of a heated argument with Uncle Chong. It seemed that Uncle Chong was angry that she changed some details for our kitchen.
Honestly, we felt that the tension was uncalled for. We had already mentioned to Chiauw not to change any more drawings. A change would, definitely, delay any progress. We would accept technical variations as long as there are no large disparity. We just wanted things to move on.
The arguments, which yet to come to any conclusion, were about our kitchen:
Perfection Number One
Chiauw insists to rectify this area. Though there is an ample space for a door between the cabinet and the island hood in the drawing, Uncle Chong mentions that it would not be possible. We have agreed just to close the cabinet, or even boxed it up.
Chiauw feels it will be a wasted area. But to us, it is just too small for anything and willing to forgo it. She feels the aesthetic would not be right not to do anything there. She suggests a rod where we can hang ladle, pots and pans but we strongly disagree.
Perfection Number Two
The right wall, from Dining to Kitchen area, is not even where there is a difference of 30 centimetres between the top and bottom. Uncle Chong had mentioned this structural defect to us last week and the discrepancy can be obvious for a sliding wood framed glass door.
As this defect is only known now, we decided to go ahead with it. To change to a full glass will require another system and it will take more time. Chiauw, however, feels that Uncle Chong can do something about it.
Guess, for now, we just have to pray - as we are still not sure how they are going to be corrected. As far as we are concerned, we have already told them what we wanted.
May Peace Be With Them!
Last week, we embarked on a different life. We decided to make some noise. We decided to speak out and to listen more. We decided to lead. We decided to mediate. We decided to learn. We decided that if we don't find happiness, we won't find it. We took chances and to pursue our goal. We wanted to set free any bottled emotions.
Guess, when we try to be open and let go of stuck emotions, life provides us with experiential feedback and power to move on the results of our perceptions. Admittedly, we were angry and not just feeling angry. We were fed-up rather than the feelings of frustration. We realised that we gravitated to an enmeshed feeling and cover up for something else. We decided to resolve these issues and come to a freedom to act effectively and let the emotions speak and move.
Chiauw has, insofar, never apologised to us profusely. Sorry seems to be her hardest word. Somehow, that day, the word just came repeatedly. However, we blamed ourselves too. We should have told her our wants and how important they are to us. We should have told her our deadline and it cannot be compromised.
The renovation seemed to progress, though not as fast as we wanted it to be. When we went down to the site, all the works that were promised were on track. They were not fully completed but they showed signs of near completion. At least, as far as for Uncle Chong's part. His promises that the Guest Room's wardrobe would finish by the 3rd of October was 80% completed.
Wardrobe at Guest Room:
- Clothes hanger in one compartment
- Alumix Sliding Door for the wardrobe
- Low Window Bench
- Lower the height of Legrand switches and plugs
Outstanding works in Dining Area:
- Doors for cabinet
- Latch on the left side
- Lower the Dining Light
There was also progress in the Kitchen. The 'dry area' kitchen cabinet was fixed and waiting for Daniel (of Formwell) to deliver the laminated glass framed drawers next week.
Outstanding works in Kitchen
- Main 'wet area' kitchen cabinet
- Install Island Hood
- Boxing-up DB Electrical box
- Touch up false ceiling
- Paint
- Vanity and low cupboard at Guest Toilet
We were a little disappointed with the progress for the Master Toilet. We had expected it to be almost completed.
Outstanding works in MBR Toilet:
- Mirror at Vanity and Recycled Wardrobe
- Granite top
- Sink and mixer
- Parquet
and faith to believe what I see.
The courage to act with conviction
to become what God meant me to be.
Surely there must be something for the delay. Surely there must be something for the hiccups. For all that is to be, we can only put our focus, our desires and wants, as promised yesterday. We want all jobs that were discussed yesterday to finish as scheduled:
29 September, 2008
- Chiauw must contact Blum to enquire for Blum Aventosen system. The size of our top hung kitchen cabinet, according to Uncle Chong and Daniel [from Formwell] is too big. As such, the Blum Aventosen may not be able to take the weight.
Until Chiauw can get the confirmation, the top hung kitchen cabinet project is temporarily suspended.
- Uncle Chong must start with the rest of the kitchen cabinets. He must submit measurements of drawers to Daniel of Formwell by 30 September, 2008.
30 September, 2008
Daniel should have received the measurements from Uncle Chong.
03 October, 2008
Uncle Chong is to finish all the wood works in the Guest Room.
08 October 2008
- The Master Toilet must finish. The parquet guy must have installed the woods for Uncle Chong to erect the vanity top and drawers.
- Daniel is to deliver all the glass kitchen drawers to the site.
10 October, 2008
Uncle Chong must complete all works including wardrobe at Dining Area.
And endeavour to live the life I have imagined,
Success will come to me unexpectedly in common hours
