Renovation 202... How to have stress free renovation!
My last post was a decision I had to make, I made it and was happy that Viv understood, :).... thanks Sis... You're always in my prayers. This afternoon made my way to the house to see what progress has been done by the designer and contractor... The last time, the new roof tiles ordered were laid and we're short of 400 plus tiles. Today, I see another 400 tiles arrived... Just it's short of 15 pieces. Geram nya!!!! So.. I'd like to dispense a bit of advice to all of you should you want to embark on re-designing or renovating your place, I'm doing away with all that checking credentials and portfolios, and making sure your designer and contractor are of reputable background in construction, architecture and design.
Tip #1. Always prepare your own time-line schedule/ deadline.
Prepare a time-line sheet or schedule so the work can be done in phases and it doesn't overlapped. I've learned this the hard way. Although, my designer has his time-line schedule, but somehow, it doesn't gel with mine. And at the same time, make a note on each visit so you can jot down the progress of the renovation.
Tip #2. Check on variable costs...
It's this thing that will set your budget off the balance. Unless it's a new house, you won't have a lot to worry about. My house is at least 30 years old, so as they hack the walls down, new things will creep up... As they dismantle the old roof tiles, I have to replace certain timber trusses... see the pattern... some of this needs fixing, some of that needs replacement... This is where... they 'cut' your throat... by adding variable costs... to the existing quotation.
Tip #3. Stay Firm and know what you want!
It's nice to know that your designer/ contractor will always recommend things to you in accordance to your budget. But sometimes, you have to ask yourself if this is really necessary and is it what you really want... why? You're going to be living in the house when it's completed... so think twice before you say yes... (again... variable cost!) and if you have decided upon the initial design brief... stick to it.. Don't let them psycho your brains into thinking that RM 2,500 Kohler shower head looks great on your bathroom!
Tip #4. Source out your own materials...
If it's really possible, source out your own materials, You'd get heaps cheaper... If your designer is really your buddy, he / she would do all the running and make your life easier... Still make the point to visit all the construction material showrooms and get yourself acquainted with all retailers.. They can give good advice on pricing.. (Oh yeah.. incidently, construction materials like clay, steel, cement, bricks, tiles, plaster, etc. . . all have been increasing in price... ) Get updates and make friends with the people who sells bathroom fittings, kitchen appliances. If you know someone from the electrical appliance manufacturing factory, see if you could get your LCD TV, DVD player and all the gadgets to make your pad nice and comfy at factory prices...
Tip #5. Make frequent visits to check on the progress.
By making visit regularly, your contractor knows you mean business and he wouldn't dare to slack... at the same time, you could treat their workers some meal or drinks as this is one of the best ways to 'ambil hati' and make them work more efficiently.. (Their way of appreciation!) In all seriousness, most workers are nice people, they work hard for their money and they carry out a lot of hard labor. So give them some appreciation and kind thought.. It works wonders!!!! They will even help you to be thrifty and do a better job!
Tip #1. Always prepare your own time-line schedule/ deadline.
Prepare a time-line sheet or schedule so the work can be done in phases and it doesn't overlapped. I've learned this the hard way. Although, my designer has his time-line schedule, but somehow, it doesn't gel with mine. And at the same time, make a note on each visit so you can jot down the progress of the renovation.
Tip #2. Check on variable costs...
It's this thing that will set your budget off the balance. Unless it's a new house, you won't have a lot to worry about. My house is at least 30 years old, so as they hack the walls down, new things will creep up... As they dismantle the old roof tiles, I have to replace certain timber trusses... see the pattern... some of this needs fixing, some of that needs replacement... This is where... they 'cut' your throat... by adding variable costs... to the existing quotation.
Tip #3. Stay Firm and know what you want!
It's nice to know that your designer/ contractor will always recommend things to you in accordance to your budget. But sometimes, you have to ask yourself if this is really necessary and is it what you really want... why? You're going to be living in the house when it's completed... so think twice before you say yes... (again... variable cost!) and if you have decided upon the initial design brief... stick to it.. Don't let them psycho your brains into thinking that RM 2,500 Kohler shower head looks great on your bathroom!
Tip #4. Source out your own materials...
If it's really possible, source out your own materials, You'd get heaps cheaper... If your designer is really your buddy, he / she would do all the running and make your life easier... Still make the point to visit all the construction material showrooms and get yourself acquainted with all retailers.. They can give good advice on pricing.. (Oh yeah.. incidently, construction materials like clay, steel, cement, bricks, tiles, plaster, etc. . . all have been increasing in price... ) Get updates and make friends with the people who sells bathroom fittings, kitchen appliances. If you know someone from the electrical appliance manufacturing factory, see if you could get your LCD TV, DVD player and all the gadgets to make your pad nice and comfy at factory prices...
Tip #5. Make frequent visits to check on the progress.
By making visit regularly, your contractor knows you mean business and he wouldn't dare to slack... at the same time, you could treat their workers some meal or drinks as this is one of the best ways to 'ambil hati' and make them work more efficiently.. (Their way of appreciation!) In all seriousness, most workers are nice people, they work hard for their money and they carry out a lot of hard labor. So give them some appreciation and kind thought.. It works wonders!!!! They will even help you to be thrifty and do a better job!
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