Hearth broken to see such a big hole for the air-con piping installation...
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Showing posts with label Renovation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renovation. Show all posts
Day 134 2012.08.16 Kitchen cabinet design
The first draft of kitchen cabinet design from my aunty who is a designer...
Red & White
Back to reality
Last day of June, it marks the end of my busy month. In this month, I was very busy with house, wedding (KL & Taiping) & Bali honeymoon. I was away from office for 10 days. (ooopps, just realized I worked 10 days only).
First, transform our phase 1 renovation towards a place we called a home. This task was one of the challenges we had. We thought of many furnishing idea, visiting to IKEA & furniture shop. Now phase 2 renovation has been completed. This photo showed phase 1 design. Stay tuned.
Second, plan for our KL wedding. From zero to 100, we had to do ourselves. Actual day morning session, hosting outstation relatives & friends, transportation arrangement & wedding dinner (dishes, guest list & etc). It was not an easy task.
Third, plan for our Bali honeymoon. We bought our ticket last year during Air Asia promotion. Now everyone can fly. We took 5 days 4 nights free & easy trip to Bali. LeyKian helped me to spot the places of interest & recommended us a good & reasonable tour guide.
Fourth, once we back to KL, we rush back to hometown for our wedding luncheon. This round, it repeated the second step above & we were more prepared this time.
Fifth, we are poorer now & back to reality again..... Stay tuned for the full updates later.
First, transform our phase 1 renovation towards a place we called a home. This task was one of the challenges we had. We thought of many furnishing idea, visiting to IKEA & furniture shop. Now phase 2 renovation has been completed. This photo showed phase 1 design. Stay tuned.
Second, plan for our KL wedding. From zero to 100, we had to do ourselves. Actual day morning session, hosting outstation relatives & friends, transportation arrangement & wedding dinner (dishes, guest list & etc). It was not an easy task.
Nippon Paint Promotion
If you are planning to paint your house exterior now, consider the Nippon now. It is valid until 30th April 2010. Get yourself theSun today & cut the coupon.
The Sun 2010031903
The Sun 2010031903
Philips EasyScene lets you remote-control lights without rewiring
This is cool!!! but still not available in Malaysia
Philips EasyScene
Call me a sluggard, but anything that removes one more reason to get off the couch wins brownie points with me. So hurrah to a lighting solution that can be turned on, off, even dimmed via remote, without the need for expensive rewiring of your home. The Philips EasyScene, developed in Asia for the region, launches officially in January next year, making Singapore and China the first countries to get it. This will be followed by other Asia-Pacific countries like Australia and Thailand.
According to Philips, EasyScene arose from research which found that almost 90 percent of those surveyed like to change the lighting around their house spaces to suite different activities & occasion, while 43 percent said that having easy control over their lighting was the most important attribute.
Close up, it's a nifty solution that operates on radio frequency which does not require line of sight. Each EasyScene light bulb is equipped with three components: Electronic ballasts to control the fluorescent tube; electronic dimming circuitry; and an RF receiver at the base. This "talks" to the remote (which requires two AA-sized batteries). Once fitted, the whole setup works like a plug-and-play solution. The remote's four buttons are scalable enough to let you choose your preset scenes, which can extend up to 100 whopping bulbs. These, in turn, can be switched on/off or dimmed either individually or in preset groups.
Price-wise, there's a S$109 (US$78.46) investment for the starter kit which comprises the remote and two EasyScene bulbs. Individual bulb replacements will cost S$30-$35 for 15W to 20W options in either warm or cool white. But considering EasyScene doesn't require any major rewiring works, this is one more option that should appeal to the thrifty Asian homeowner.
Philips EasyScene
Call me a sluggard, but anything that removes one more reason to get off the couch wins brownie points with me. So hurrah to a lighting solution that can be turned on, off, even dimmed via remote, without the need for expensive rewiring of your home. The Philips EasyScene, developed in Asia for the region, launches officially in January next year, making Singapore and China the first countries to get it. This will be followed by other Asia-Pacific countries like Australia and Thailand.
According to Philips, EasyScene arose from research which found that almost 90 percent of those surveyed like to change the lighting around their house spaces to suite different activities & occasion, while 43 percent said that having easy control over their lighting was the most important attribute.
Close up, it's a nifty solution that operates on radio frequency which does not require line of sight. Each EasyScene light bulb is equipped with three components: Electronic ballasts to control the fluorescent tube; electronic dimming circuitry; and an RF receiver at the base. This "talks" to the remote (which requires two AA-sized batteries). Once fitted, the whole setup works like a plug-and-play solution. The remote's four buttons are scalable enough to let you choose your preset scenes, which can extend up to 100 whopping bulbs. These, in turn, can be switched on/off or dimmed either individually or in preset groups.
Price-wise, there's a S$109 (US$78.46) investment for the starter kit which comprises the remote and two EasyScene bulbs. Individual bulb replacements will cost S$30-$35 for 15W to 20W options in either warm or cool white. But considering EasyScene doesn't require any major rewiring works, this is one more option that should appeal to the thrifty Asian homeowner.
Home alarm system
Are you worried of the security at your neighbour? Is it enough with grille only? You may want to consider alarm system, alarm system cum Central Monitor System (CMS) or CCTV.
To me, alarm system is installed to scare the thieves away or make their life harder so that you can have peace of mind when you are not at home. However, when alarm triggers, you will be panic as whether it is false alarm especially during sleeping time.
Typical alarm systems in the market are ADT, CHUBB, Paradox, Bluguard, Brno & etc.
Below is alarm system basic knowledge.
Magnetic & vibration sensor: Magnetic is usually used at door & the door must be intact. Vibration sensor is usually used at windows grille. A typical alarm system allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm.
Passive Infra Red (PIR): PIR is actually a motion detector which detects object movement. There is indoor & roof PIR Besides, there is an animal immunity PIR for pet lovers. It is able to bypass 40kg weight. If your children who is less than 40kg detected by PIR, will it trigger the alarm? I don’t know as I don’t have children now and I’m more than 40kg.
Panic button: This is a button for you to trigger the alarm when you see burglar. It can be in rooms or kitchen. Anyway, alarm LCD keypad is also a panic button.
Smoke detector: Most people install this in kitchen only. Some claim that the smoke from your cooking will trigger the alarm.
Voice module: When alarm trigger, the alarm system will call to your handphone (or multiple handphones). With voice module, it is capable to inform you which zone has actually triggered the alarm. Next, instruction will be given to arm/disarm the alarm. Without this module, the alarm will still call you, but it will “beep” only. Numbers of beeps indicate the zones that trigger the alarm.
GSM module: Suitable for those who do not install landline. The alarm will use handphone sim card to call out.
Zone: House will be divided into 8/16/32 zones. A few doors or windows will be sharing one zone. Eg: sliding door & side windows will be grouped into single zone. Front door, (door you use most often) will be set to another zone & have exit delay of 1 minute. Within this 1 minute, you can open or close the front door. After that exit delay, the alarm will be active.
Zone bypass: If there is any activity at backyard like children running, you can keep the alarm active and bypass your back door.
Power supply: Most alarm systems need power supply with battery as backup. Get your wire man to prepare this power supply.
If you want peace of mind, just contact any alarm system contractors.
To me, alarm system is installed to scare the thieves away or make their life harder so that you can have peace of mind when you are not at home. However, when alarm triggers, you will be panic as whether it is false alarm especially during sleeping time.
Typical alarm systems in the market are ADT, CHUBB, Paradox, Bluguard, Brno & etc.
Below is alarm system basic knowledge.
Magnetic & vibration sensor: Magnetic is usually used at door & the door must be intact. Vibration sensor is usually used at windows grille. A typical alarm system allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm.
Passive Infra Red (PIR): PIR is actually a motion detector which detects object movement. There is indoor & roof PIR Besides, there is an animal immunity PIR for pet lovers. It is able to bypass 40kg weight. If your children who is less than 40kg detected by PIR, will it trigger the alarm? I don’t know as I don’t have children now and I’m more than 40kg.
Panic button: This is a button for you to trigger the alarm when you see burglar. It can be in rooms or kitchen. Anyway, alarm LCD keypad is also a panic button.
Smoke detector: Most people install this in kitchen only. Some claim that the smoke from your cooking will trigger the alarm.
Voice module: When alarm trigger, the alarm system will call to your handphone (or multiple handphones). With voice module, it is capable to inform you which zone has actually triggered the alarm. Next, instruction will be given to arm/disarm the alarm. Without this module, the alarm will still call you, but it will “beep” only. Numbers of beeps indicate the zones that trigger the alarm.
GSM module: Suitable for those who do not install landline. The alarm will use handphone sim card to call out.
Zone: House will be divided into 8/16/32 zones. A few doors or windows will be sharing one zone. Eg: sliding door & side windows will be grouped into single zone. Front door, (door you use most often) will be set to another zone & have exit delay of 1 minute. Within this 1 minute, you can open or close the front door. After that exit delay, the alarm will be active.
Zone bypass: If there is any activity at backyard like children running, you can keep the alarm active and bypass your back door.
Power supply: Most alarm systems need power supply with battery as backup. Get your wire man to prepare this power supply.
If you want peace of mind, just contact any alarm system contractors.
Nusaputra house buyers want defects rectified
When I did my house hunting in 2007, I came across this project as well. When I read this news, I was totally shocked.
This area is deep inside Puchong. To me, it is really far from Puchong IOI, never mention distance to KL city.
I'm wondering why the area sink? Could it be landfill land? FYI, this is a leasehold house.
I like the environment as it is clean, quiet, gated & guarded & direct access to MEX (KL-Putrajaya) highway.
I hope developer can rectify this issue asap. Now, dream house become nightmare.
Besides, I hope my house will not have these problems.
Click here to read full news
A HOUSE buyer’s worst nightmare would be to find his dream home plagued with defects. And for the Bandar Nusaputra Prescint 1 residents in Puchong, it has been a disappointment from the time the house owners moved in 2006.
With sinking porches and backlanes, leaking roofs, clogged drains and cracks, it was anything but a dream home.
Recently, the residents gathered for a meeting to air their grouses.
Not safe: A front porch that is sinking.
Pro tem committee chairman James Seow said the developer had only managed to fix some of the problems such as the cracks but had asked the homeowners to handle the rest as their warranty period had expired.
The residents are also concerned over security matters despite it being a gated and guarded community.
Mohd Fadzil Hashim recounted his ordeal when four foreigners broke into his house at about 3.15am and threatened Fadzil and his brother-in-law with knives and tied them up before running away with cash and valuables.
“They probably jumped over the low perimeter fence. I thought this was a safe neighbourhood what with it being gated and guarded,” said the 33-year-old.
Cracking up: The residents are concerned about the condition of their homes.
Although a spotlight had been installed at the said location, the residents felt it was only appropriate for the developer and management company to fix barbed wire and surveillance camera at the perimeter fencing and beef up the security.
The residents were also upset with some of the houses being used for commercial purposes.
They claimed that one of the houses had been converted into a bed and breakfast hotel and some residents are unhappy with a kindergarten in the area.
About 60% of the residents had signed a petition to object against the operation of the kindergarten.
The residents also questioned the monthly maintenance fees as they still have problems like uncollected rubbish, clogged drains, faulty lights and a dirty playground.
Several complaints: Seow (left) pointing at pictures of the defects taken in some of the homes.
“We have almost 600 houses. The owners of the double-storey houses pay RM80 each while the owners of semi-detached houses fork out RM120 a month, but the service is still poor.
“However, when we told the developer and management company about the meeting, they sent some workers to clean the area,” Seow said.
He said the residents just wanted things to be managed in an orderly and legal manner and transparency practised in every aspect of the maintenance of the property.
When contacted, the developer declined to comment while the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) public relations officer Zelda Mohd Zamri confirmed that the bed-and-breakfast hotel was illegal.
She added that the council had already sent a letter to the developer for an engineering consultation report.
“However, we have yet to receive any response. We will follow up as soon as possible,” she said.
This area is deep inside Puchong. To me, it is really far from Puchong IOI, never mention distance to KL city.
I'm wondering why the area sink? Could it be landfill land? FYI, this is a leasehold house.
I like the environment as it is clean, quiet, gated & guarded & direct access to MEX (KL-Putrajaya) highway.
I hope developer can rectify this issue asap. Now, dream house become nightmare.
Besides, I hope my house will not have these problems.
Click here to read full news
A HOUSE buyer’s worst nightmare would be to find his dream home plagued with defects. And for the Bandar Nusaputra Prescint 1 residents in Puchong, it has been a disappointment from the time the house owners moved in 2006.
With sinking porches and backlanes, leaking roofs, clogged drains and cracks, it was anything but a dream home.
Recently, the residents gathered for a meeting to air their grouses.
Not safe: A front porch that is sinking.Pro tem committee chairman James Seow said the developer had only managed to fix some of the problems such as the cracks but had asked the homeowners to handle the rest as their warranty period had expired.
The residents are also concerned over security matters despite it being a gated and guarded community.
Mohd Fadzil Hashim recounted his ordeal when four foreigners broke into his house at about 3.15am and threatened Fadzil and his brother-in-law with knives and tied them up before running away with cash and valuables.
“They probably jumped over the low perimeter fence. I thought this was a safe neighbourhood what with it being gated and guarded,” said the 33-year-old.
Cracking up: The residents are concerned about the condition of their homes.Although a spotlight had been installed at the said location, the residents felt it was only appropriate for the developer and management company to fix barbed wire and surveillance camera at the perimeter fencing and beef up the security.
The residents were also upset with some of the houses being used for commercial purposes.
They claimed that one of the houses had been converted into a bed and breakfast hotel and some residents are unhappy with a kindergarten in the area.
About 60% of the residents had signed a petition to object against the operation of the kindergarten.
The residents also questioned the monthly maintenance fees as they still have problems like uncollected rubbish, clogged drains, faulty lights and a dirty playground.
Several complaints: Seow (left) pointing at pictures of the defects taken in some of the homes.“We have almost 600 houses. The owners of the double-storey houses pay RM80 each while the owners of semi-detached houses fork out RM120 a month, but the service is still poor.
“However, when we told the developer and management company about the meeting, they sent some workers to clean the area,” Seow said.
He said the residents just wanted things to be managed in an orderly and legal manner and transparency practised in every aspect of the maintenance of the property.
When contacted, the developer declined to comment while the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) public relations officer Zelda Mohd Zamri confirmed that the bed-and-breakfast hotel was illegal.
She added that the council had already sent a letter to the developer for an engineering consultation report.
“However, we have yet to receive any response. We will follow up as soon as possible,” she said.
Plaster ceiling calculation
Ever wonder how to calculate plaster ceiling during house renovation?
Let me share the calculation here.
Example here:
Area: width*length (sqft)
Living room: 16*14 = 224 sqft
Dining room: 15*12 = 180 sqft
Kitchen: 15*11 = 165 sqft
(i) Flat plaster ceiling, market rate is from RM2.50 - RM2.80
Living room = RM560.00 (224*2.50) [sqft]*RM
Dining room = RM450.00 (180*2.50)
Kitchen = RM412.50 (165*2.50)
(ii) L-box. L-box market rate is around RM8.00
Living = RM480.00 (16+14+16+14)*8 [width+length+width+length]*RM
Dining = RM432.00 (15+12+15+12)*8
(iii) L-box with light through. L-box with light through market rate is around RM11.00
Living = RM660.00 (16+14+16+14)*11 [width+length+width+length]*RM
Dining = RM594.00 (15+12+15+12)*11
Flat plaster ceiling only, (i) = RM1422.50
Flat plaster ceiling + L-box, (i)+(ii) = RM2334.50
Flat plaster ceiling + L-box with light through, (i)+(iii) = RM2676.50
If you do not request, some contractor do not drill hole for you. So you must negotiate with him if you want to save cost. Anyway, for reference on drilling cost, circle hole: RM3, square hole: RM2
Before you do plaster ceiling, you may consider re-wiring your light points for downlight, spot light, L-box light through. Besides, fan point is also important. Note that re-wiring is another additional cost to be considered.
After you do plaster ceiling, you must paint it with wall sealer to enhance the adhesiveness of your new ceiling. Then apply 2 coats of paints. Note: Normally, they do not provide free painting.
More fancy design = more money
Do your own math now :O
When I did my plaster ceiling, power short-circuit happened. It was totally a nightmare that contractor took half day to troubleshoot the problem. Anyway, I heard from friends that this is very common to happen during when doing plaster ceiling.
Plaster ceiling guy drilled hole on my wiring :(
Close-view of broken wire
Plaster ceiling in progress
Light point for L-box light through
Finish product
Let me share the calculation here.
Example here:
Area: width*length (sqft)
Living room: 16*14 = 224 sqft
Dining room: 15*12 = 180 sqft
Kitchen: 15*11 = 165 sqft
(i) Flat plaster ceiling, market rate is from RM2.50 - RM2.80
Living room = RM560.00 (224*2.50) [sqft]*RM
Dining room = RM450.00 (180*2.50)
Kitchen = RM412.50 (165*2.50)
(ii) L-box. L-box market rate is around RM8.00
Living = RM480.00 (16+14+16+14)*8 [width+length+width+length]*RM
Dining = RM432.00 (15+12+15+12)*8
(iii) L-box with light through. L-box with light through market rate is around RM11.00
Living = RM660.00 (16+14+16+14)*11 [width+length+width+length]*RM
Dining = RM594.00 (15+12+15+12)*11
Flat plaster ceiling only, (i) = RM1422.50
Flat plaster ceiling + L-box, (i)+(ii) = RM2334.50
Flat plaster ceiling + L-box with light through, (i)+(iii) = RM2676.50
If you do not request, some contractor do not drill hole for you. So you must negotiate with him if you want to save cost. Anyway, for reference on drilling cost, circle hole: RM3, square hole: RM2
Before you do plaster ceiling, you may consider re-wiring your light points for downlight, spot light, L-box light through. Besides, fan point is also important. Note that re-wiring is another additional cost to be considered.
After you do plaster ceiling, you must paint it with wall sealer to enhance the adhesiveness of your new ceiling. Then apply 2 coats of paints. Note: Normally, they do not provide free painting.
More fancy design = more money
Do your own math now :O
When I did my plaster ceiling, power short-circuit happened. It was totally a nightmare that contractor took half day to troubleshoot the problem. Anyway, I heard from friends that this is very common to happen during when doing plaster ceiling.
Plaster ceiling guy drilled hole on my wiring :(
Close-view of broken wire
Plaster ceiling in progress
Light point for L-box light through
Finish product
Phase 1 house renovation completed
Phase 1 house renovation (a.k.a. student house setup) finally completed with the following items:
a. 23ft 2*2 concrete kitchen top
b. Work area covered-up with washing machine outlet
c. Power socket looping & lights add-on for plaster ceiling
d. Powder coated grille
e. Alarm
f. Plaster ceiling (L-box with hidden lights for living & dining, flat for kitchen)
g. Lights & fans
h. Curtain
i. Painting Interior & Exterior
j. Padlocks
k. Sharp fridge
l. Rubine hood (RCH-BOXLINE-90SS) & hob (RGH-OLIVE2B-90BL) installation
m. Kitchen tools, gas connector & gas
We have spent all our savings for these years. We really broke now. Click original house & phase 1 to view the before & after renovation.
We must work harder to save money for wedding & phase 2 (kitchen cabinet, wardrobe, bedroom set, furniture, water filter, water heater)
Anniversary
