In 2009, after we got engaged, we decided to get a BTO (Build-to-order)
house. According to the Housing Board, this particular house we chose
will only be ready 2nd half of 2013. So years passed, we went through with
the appointments and wedding in 2011 and till Oct 2012, we received a letter
from them that we can get our keys by NOV 2012! Earlier than we expected! Estactic, pure joy
whatever you can called it, that's how we feeling it. I was super
exhilarated, the day finally came! Our own house! Sounds surreal. Hahaha. At
first it was becoming a wife and now a house. Surreal indeed.
Alhamdulilah. Every human being will go through all of this one day and will definitely feel what I'm feeling. So we always have to be thankful, right?
This is the house! Boon Lay Meadow.
Since living in the same area as your parents (His sister in Taman Jurong), gave you a grant, we decided to pick a house in Boon Lay. It helps alot in reducing the flat price. And because at that point of time our combine salary did not exceed 3K, we are only eligible for a 3 room flat. During the waiting game, we thought of getting a 4 room instead since both of us managed to get a high paying job so we thought we can managed it but circumstances did not allowed it (that time, sales of balance flat is already close). Thank God we did not go through with the plan coz I left my job last year. At first, i was super scared they going to reject our loan due to only 1 person working but thankfully our both combine CPF and grant managed to secure us the loan. With that, only $300++ will be cut from Hubby's CPF. If we were to go through with the 4 room flat, i think our loan will probably will be rejected or I will have to find a job so fast just to make sure in my CPF there is money. Everything happened for a reason, no?
And this is the result!
All painted and ready for the new owners to embrace them! Wuuuu~
On the 21st Nov 2012, went out early to H.D.B Hub to get our keys. Talked to the staff and signed papers and loans whatsoever and tadah~ our keys!
After that, went straight to the house to do inspection. Although the house is very small compare to the old 3 room flats, we are nevertheless happy. Alhamdulilah. Initially wanted to bring 2 of my sisters with me but after seeing their room, one of them backed out. Haha. Well, one loss is one gain, right? So my youngest sister is having the small room to herself! After inspection, we decided to check out all the interior designers and renovation contractors. We hoping to get good workmanship and cheap. Too good to be true, though.
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| a part of the living room |
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| the living room window |
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| kitchen. yes, its this small. |
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| service yard where now i place my washing machine! |
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| view of my service yard. i can see my future neighbor's service yard and vice versa. :s |
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| 2nd bedroom. yes it is THAT small. |
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| master bedroom |
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| 2nd toilet |
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| master toilet |
After much deliberation, we decided to take Thian Ho Renovation. This old guy, he already convinces us way before we got our keys. He showed us another block, most houses that he do. We were impressed and also he gave us a cheap quotation. Other interior designers/contractors can give us only 15K whereas Thian Ho managed to quote us 11K. We were also thinking of our finance, did not want to waste so much money on renovating since we have to think of all other appliances/stuffs that we need to buy later. So we went ahead.
This is the best part! Choosing what paint, what table top and what design you want. I had a headache seeing the colors and pattern but I have already set what I want in my mind long time ago.
They promised us 3-4 weeks time to complete the renovations and we were kind of rushing since the lil sis will be schooling in this area instead of Toa Payoh. Who says it will be a easy process? Ok maybe for some yes its a breeze but for us, its kind of challenging.
Firstly the old guy keep promising us everything can but when it come to a decision and right or wrong, he refused to check with us. My kitchen cabinet they did wrongly and insisted that my kitchen stove must be in the middle and my double basin cannot be use. I got mad and shouted at the old guy and his staff. Said everything can, can, can and now cannot?? I insisted and they had to redo all over again which i literally do not care if they make any losses coz its definitely their fault. I admit I can be a very demanding customer but then its your house and you cannot just keep quiet right?
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| I love the color! |
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| Lil sis room |
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| That is the apek. |
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| My kitchen cabinet. Wrongly done. Tsk |
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| again wrongly done. But we keeping this side of the cabinet. |
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| supposed to be this way.. |
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| where i'm gonna put my fridge! |
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| they had to redo the top.. |
so after that kitchen incident, the old guy managed to call and asked us before any decision were made. The workmanship looks fine to me and at the end of the day, we are just happy that the renovation part is done. Well the old guy is actually quite nice, only that i just think he could not keep up with the young demanding us!
So moral of the story is, sometimes is best to pay a bit more to get good service. That if you have the moolahs. But if you are on the tight side, just make do with the cheapest and pray it will be a breeze! Of course you need to Google about each company you're hiring before deciding on one. Most importantly, i guess, is to be firm with what you want. Coz in the end you will want the best for your home and you won't want to see that particular thing you dislike for the rest of your stay in the flat right?
I'm just thankful that this company is not a scam or a cheat or anything. :))
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.
Labels: boon lay meadow, BTO, renovation, Thian Ho
