Renovation - Week 03A Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Wednesday, July 30, 2008

For the last two days, Chiauw wanted us to be involved with her onsite discussions and supervision with the plumber, joiner and electrician.  At the same time, she wanted us to inspect the works that had been carried out so far.

Right now, the renovation is still in the 'wet zone' - a term Chiauw used to cover works that involve hacking, tiling and plumbing.  Our new general contractors have already started to do their works levelling walls and erecting concealed bricks to the plumbing pipes.
Before:

Pipes at MBR to Shower

Pipes at MBR Toilet for Shower

After:

Concealed Bricks to Pipes in MBR

The aircon trunks have also been installed together with the compressor.  The condensor will not be installed till after the paintings are done.

Aircon Trunking

It is considered a neat job.  First, there is no trunking exposed in the Living Room as hole is being punched into the Guest Room, and lined with the Guest Room's condensor, for its trunk to run to the compressor.  Out of the Guest Room, the trunks are laid under the beam, which will be boxed up, into Masterbed room and to the compressor.

Aircon Trunking at MBR

The condensor inside the MBR is hung against the beam [left].  We will later box up the entire recess wall to conceal the trunks [far end of picture].

The electrician has started installation works too.  Hopefully, by end of this week, the tiles in the kitchen and toilets are completely laid.

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The Good Buys Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Monday, July 28, 2008

We learned that, sometimes, friends cannot give us a better shopping deal.  How much they care, and try their very best so that we can have a little saving, it is impossible unless they are the 'boss'. 

We were rather fortunate as not to act on impulse to purchase some furniture last week.  We might disappoint our friend but, surely, he will understand the savings that we made - almost to a thousand dollars.

Over the weekend, we decided to go to the store second branch - thinking that we might see different things here.  Though we didn't get to see the sofa that we liked from the other branch for display here, we ended confirming our purchases, for this sofa plus few other things in this store.

To Danny - We are sorry.  Hope you understand.

The 2930mm fabric L-Shaped Sofa:

L-Shaped Fabric Sofa

For a change, we are choosing fabric over leather.  It is on high density latex foam and the fabric is 100% polyester with dupont teflon fabric protector.  What we like about this fabric sofa is the tightly sewn velcro and it will make washing easier.  At the same time, with its high density latex foam, it will not crease easily when seated.

The two 'short' sofas can be extended forward with just a light glide.  Just like the headrest that can be straightened or bend, it is equipped using a mechanism which the store boasted made in Germany with a 10 year warranty.

We are also getting a 1200 x 600 mm ottomon:

1200 x 600 mm Ottomon

Getting the store to fabricate with the same fabric as the sofa.

The 900 x 900 mm coffee table:

900 x 900 Glass Coffee Table

The 400 x 400 mm Side Table:

400 x 400 mm Glass Side Table

The 2300 x 1600 mm carpet for living area:

2300 x 1600 mm Carpet

We are still considering this long standing black lamp:

Not very sure should we get this or to have a long hanging ceiling lamp.

Black Tall Standing Lamp

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For A Dear Friend ... Our Prayers Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Sunday, July 27, 2008

We understand the fear that you are going through.  How hard you have to keep telling yourself that everything is going to be alright.  The sadness that you have to keep in your pocket and pretending to be stronger for others. 

The confusion of earthly security, the savior from life's disappointments, its assurance, the justice upon your life and the misery of this earthly life and the human love that ends in disappointment.

We know that your every breath is filled with dreading thoughts.  And what a sad tomorrow it would probably be.

We asked you to lead a normal life, that life does not stop.  We told you that we are holding hands with one prayer.  That love will conquer all.  That every road leads to higher divinity.  That you are cared.  That you are loved. 

We know because, within your golden heart, there's a place so strong, so very deep and so faithful and true - and only your true love can, and will, change what's ahead.

It is hard.  Yes, we are not going to lie to you that it will be easy.  Yet, we are very sure that it will end with folds of blessings.  You will unite with light and strength.  That in your arms, in your very strength within your soul, you will not be left in despair.

We are here because we care, because we want to care. 
You were here because we wanted to lighten your burden, because we wanted to share your burden.
Let our tears wash away your fear.
Let our sorrow guide your way.
Just let us share.

We want you to hang on to faith.  To all things well.  To surrender and accept.  In all that's here, there is always hope.  You win because you believe.

You are not alone, my dear friend.

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Different Strokes, Different Folks Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Sunday, July 27, 2008

It saddened us, in somewhat way, that SanMei decided to drop out of our project.  And, how this will affect Chiauw to find an immediate replacement to continue the general works where SanMei left. 

We were shocked when the news came to us. 

SanMei had completed with most of the basic works - hacking, erecting new walls and waterproofing.  The next task is to tile the kitchen and toilets.  For her to accomplish this, she has to work very closely with our plumber and joiner. 

Plumbing is a delicate and intricate accomplishment as Chiauw is trying to flush all the pipes possible and SanMei does not have the freewill to carry out the tiling works her normal way.

Though we were not told of the exact reason, we felt it had to do with different opinions.  Chiauw is a very detailed person, very meticulous and most of her projects are mainly for hotels and private developments.  She wants to achieve Reiki Sanctuary with that high standard. In her opinion, it is possible even though HDB has more rules and limitations, above the Building & Construction Authority ground rules.  In this respect, we appreciate what she is doing for us.

On the other hand, SanMei wants to take responsibility too.  Being a general contractor, she wants to ensure that all her works must abide with HDB regulations.  Though Chiauw told us that SanMei's reason was that she had under quoted her cost for our project, we felt it was more than just that.  Chiauw was not too happy when SanMei sent out new batch of workers - not the usual ones that Chiauw would get in her previous projects.

Chiauw and SanMei have gone many years working together.  We are hoping that this is just a 'normal' disagreement, a small hiccup, and that it will not affect their long term business relationship.  It will be sad if it goes otherwise.

We can only thank the two of them for putting our interests first.  It's different stroke and we are just stuck in between.  If I could, I would prefer it if the two of them are to sit down and resolve the problems amicably. 

It is not about wanting SanMei to own up her contract with us but for her to continue working and to understand Chiauw better.  SanMei never has the opportunity to renovate HDB flats under Chiauw's supervision.  Personally, we have learned a lot from Chiauw from this renovation process.  And, we have seen Chiauw dispensing her knowledge freely to many others.  Certainly, SanMei will also learn here.

Chiauw assured us that we will not be affected with new cost when she deploys a new tiler.  To her, it is an internal 'dispute' and she will handle it personally with SanMei.

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The Kitchen Cabinet Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Friday, July 25, 2008

This is another headache.  On and off, we have been discussing about the style for our kitchen cabinet and it always ends inconclusively.  Thank goodness that we have earlier agreed on the general deployment of colour scheme [black and white] and the modelling shaped counter space work areas. 

We also have decided on the kitchen sink and tap, kitchen hood and the island hob and the overall general placement of other kitchen stuffs.

The Kitchen layout:

Kitchen Layout

Chiauw brought us back to Formwell at Sungei Kadut, hopefully, to finalise on the type of drawer finishes and handles.  She also wanted us to re-look into using 'Hanex' for our kitchen top rather than using the granite top.  The good thing about 'Hanex' is the workmanship that Formwell can manufacture.  It will curve the material in one straight line for kitchen top and back splash.  This will make cleaning easier and there will be no obvious joint lines should we opt for granite.

The smooth curve:

Formwell Smooth Curved Kitchen Top n Back Splash

Hanex black kitchen top:

Black Hanex Kitchen Top

We would probably use the black 'Hanex' for the main kitchen top and its back splash.  To give it a contrast, all the drawers and cupboard doors will be glass on white wood.  This will give the shine and a sense of space in the kitchen.

For us to cut some costs, we will not be using the full blum kitchen system.  Uncle Chong, our joiner, will construct the wood works and incorporate Blum mechanical parts.  The advantage of using Blum mechanical parts is that it prevents slamming and also ensuring that drawers and cupboard doors are shut tightly.  Blum runners are also resilient and it is useful for big and wide drawers.

Blum Drawers:

Blum Drawers

Blum Technology:

Blum Aventosen

Blum Tandemboxen

Blum Cliptopen

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Renovation - Week 02B Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Thursday, July 24, 2008

More renovation pictures:

01.  Beam at Main Entrance and Dining Area

Am rather pleased with SanMei's work here.

Beam at Entrance n Dining

02.  Beam at Dining and Inside MBR

Beam at Dining and Inside MBR

03.  Re-positioning of door from Kitchen to Dining Room

Repositioning of Entrance to Dining

04.  Floor Screeding at MBR

Floor Cement Screed at MBR

05.  Concealed of Original Door to Guest Room

We are planning to mount the aircon against the beam.  At the far, it is the study area.

Concealed Entrance to Guest Room, Study Area and Beam

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Renovation - Week 02A - The Waterproof Test Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Thursday, July 24, 2008

The waterproof test, for the most wet areas in Reiki Sanctuary, is being carried out since yesterday morning.  For the next 48 hours, Chiauw will be on standby and she must be available immediately [together with SanMei] to resolve the matters should there be any leakages problems to our neighbour's ceilings downstairs.

The purpose of the waterproof test is to ensure for long term durability, resilience, quality, strength and effective flooring solutions.  Chiauw has given specific friendly instructions to our neighbour downstairs.  This test, definitely, benefits them too.

We must add that this waterproof test is highly professional. Not many HDB contractors will do such a procedure. Probably, it is too expensive and too time consuming. Both Chiauw and SanMei are on full 48 hours standby and must come down to the site immediately should there is a leak and will affect the ceiling of our neighbour downstairs.

This procedure is highly effective, not only that it provides peace of mind to us and our neighbour downstairs. Where Chiauw and SanMei have done such test elsewhere, we have personally experienced the problem of water leakage during the waterproof test. It was at our previous home where our neighbour was renovating her house.

Chiauw and SanMei came almost immediately after a call about the leakage and problem was immediately rectified.

To the professionals, such waterproof test is all about physics and water. About materials contraction and weightage. When properly done, contractions and leakages are avoided for at least 15 years.

There will be, strictly, no other renovation works to be carried during this period.  SanMei will only continue the renovation on Friday afternoon.  She will have to start erecting the kitchen plinth and installing tiles to the kitchen and toilet floors and also, the toilets' walls.

Water, water everywhere:

01.  Waterproofing in Kitchen Area

Reno - Waterproof at Kitchen

02.  Waterproofing in Guest Toilet

Reno - Waterproof at Guest Toilet

03.  Waterproofing in MBR Toilet

Reno - Waterproof at MBR Toilet

The tiles will be delivered on Friday morning.  The black tile is for Kitchen floor; white will be at the chute area wall and also the wall for Guest Toilet.  Missing picture is another black tile [matte] for toilets.

Kitchen Tiles

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The Toilet Closure Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Alas! with one final visit to Toto showroom, we concluded the design ideas for the two toilets.  Chiauw is happy; William the plumber is happy and so are we.  We managed to solve all the technical problems and bring out what we really want from these two toilets:
01.  The right black and white flooring and wall tiles

02.  The right chiselled feature tile for MBR
03.  The granite black vanity top
04.  The boxing up and concealing of all the pipes
05.  The subtle ramp down at entrance
06.  The recycle wardrobe inside MBR toilet
07.  The sanitaryware and  basins, taps and shower sets

Since we insisted that we want an eco-washer, we have limited choice for the right sanitary ware.  The technical specs of some of the nicer sanitary that we like could not fit our criteria - either the trap hole [with its offset] cannot fit or the eco-washer cannot cater.  Also, we have to give up the idea for a wall hung sanitary.

The sanitary ware that we decided to use:

Toto Avante with Tornado Dual Flush

Toto Eco Washer

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.. to the Drawing Board 10 Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Monday, July 21, 2008

We are now into the third week of renovation and, still, there's not much works being done.  Though most of the walls have been hacked - and in accordance to the layout that we want it to be, there is little renovation change from week one.

Chiauw is still, as this morning, not satisfied with the consolidated elevation works - both the flooring and some wall erections.  The consolidated problem is definitely delaying the waterproofing test again.  Waterproof/water test is important as it prevents future expansion and contraction problems.  And until this is resolved, all other major works have to wait.

In a way, it is good and that we are guaranteed of a comfortable home in future.  However, it might affect our date to move in.  It also means that we have time to fine tune details and shopping for the right materials.

Chiauw dropped by our place yesterday night after visiting her brother at the hospital.  She wanted to discuss about the two toilets.  I must say that we have been on this toilet topics for days - to decide for the right tiles, the right sanitary, concealing and boxing plumbing pipes and the general layout plan.

Hopefully, what was discussed yesterday night will be the final drawings for the toilet.  However, we still need to go down to Toto to check for the right sanitary ware later.

Specs drawings of Master Toilet:

Master Toilet

Specs Drawing of Guest Toilet:

Guest Toilet

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My Spirit Flies To You Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Sunday, July 20, 2008

Today, my prayers and Reiki are for Madam Tan. 

Deciding to have a surgery can, indeed, be difficult.  With love and prayers from all your loving children, may you have a speedy recovery.  In our prayers, we hope you can find your strength.

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More Lighting Headaches .. Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Sunday, July 20, 2008

For most of the house, we have decided to use halogen bulbs as they are shorter in width and will not bring down much of the ceiling height.  We are still looking for the dining and balcony wall lights.

Last Friday, Chiauw brought us to Vlux Lighting at Geylang.  Faced once again with the many choices, we could not pick the ones that we really liked.  However, we decided to have a hanging ceiling light at one corner of the house:

Hanging Corner Ceiling Light

The Choice - Either A or B:

The Dining Light - Either Top [From Vlux] or Bottom [From LightCraft]

Vlux Dining Light

Eight Pendant Balls Light

And the Balcony Light:

Vlux Balcony Light

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The Walnut Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Sunday, July 20, 2008

It started with the discussion for the wood divider in our MBR - the layout, the erection and the type of wood that we would eventually use, when we agreed to use a walnut finish for all the joinery woodworks in the house.  With exception to kitchen cabinets and the bedroom wardrobes. 

The other joinery with the walnut finish will be for the two suspended TV consoles [MBR and Living], bed frame and side tables, study tables and cupboards and window benches

We felt relieved that we could finalise another aspect of the renovation.  It has been mentally tired sorting out materials for the last few days.  We are now awaiting for Uncle Chong to give us the sample of the walnut finish and it would probably be like this:

Walnutwood

The wood divider in MBR:

MBR Wood Divider

And how it should be erected:

TechDrawing for Wood Divider

Sampling:

Wood Divider

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Great Singapore Sale 4 Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Wednesday, July 16, 2008

We have been looking around for an LCD TV for our MBR.  When we accompanied a friend to get her LCD TV set, we learned - for the first time, about LCD 'hard panel'.  Basically, with such panel, should you try to lightly 'knock' on it with your knuckles, there will be no pixel interpolation [burst of blur image].  That salesman allowed us to knock on few of his other displayed brands and true enough, only Hitachi  L Series stood well with the test.

We are not in favour of Hitachi - perhaps, cos there's not much Hitachi adverts nor it is widely available.   The last few weeks, everytime we were in any stores and when the sales promoters aren't around, we will do the knocking test.  We just wanted to make sure that there is really such a hard panel thing.

We were in another store yesterday and, as usual, we were going around trying to do the knock test.  A sales guy approached us and somehow, he knew that we were concerned with the panel.  Without asking, he told us about the hard panel.  Ah, it settled our doubts - here, another sales guy echoed the same information.  We also learned that only Hitachi L Series and some LG models are built with such a panel.

Hitachi L Series uses the IPS (in-plane switching).  It is a horizontal electric field type LCD created by Hitachi.  The simple movement of liquid crystal elements revolving in parallel with the glass substrates has realized the wide viewing angled LCD, where changes of colour tone due to the viewing angle or gradation are so slight that the natural picture can be seen from any angle vertically or horizontally.

Hitachi IPS Panel

We decided to go ahead with the purchase and got the model L42X01A.  We got a good bargain - the price we paid was lower than what our friend bought few weeks back.  We might get further discount should the price of LCD TV drop when they deliver it to us end August.

Hitachi L42X01A

We also got Hitachi HTD-K210 DVD Home Theatre System free.

Hitachi HTD-K210

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The Extra Mile Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Monday, July 14, 2008

I really must take my hat off to Chiauw.  She wasted no time and was at HDB Branch Office at 9 am this morning.  Instead of dealing with the Technical Officer, she requested to meet with the Head of Department instead. In a way, it was a good idea to sort things out with the Head and to have a much clearer process for our renovation - to all the Can and Can't. As it is, there seems to have lots of rules and regulations to HDB home renovation. 

I guess, her meeting was about getting an approval immediately, to all the works required for Reiki Sanctuary, so that our renovation will not face with more hiccups. 

Our primary concerns:

01.  Levelling up MBR and MBR Toilet floor, or with minimum drop,

02.  Installing minimum height false ceiling all throughout the house and not affected by HDB floor-ceiling limit,

03.  Boxing up all the huge sanitary plumbing pipes inside the two toilets.

I was surprised that she managed to get the Head to come down to the site for personal inspection.  At 11.45 am, together with the Head, she went through the design engineer problem and got him to approve our ideas.  We learned that the previous contractors and owner didn't hack the floor tiles but instead just did an overlay.  Doing so, it raised the floor height higher.

We managed to get the approval for false ceiling all throughout the house except the toilets.  Also, an approval to level the floor of our MBR and MBR toilet was given.  Well done and thumbs up, Chiauw!

I don't think we can get such a service should we have engaged an Interior Designer.  With Chiauw, we explored every possibilities and not compromising our dreams for Reiki Sanctuary.  We just want a clean and seamless look all throughout the house.

Chiauw met us after her meeting (with the Head) and we were back to the Drawing Board - for the rest of the afternoon and ended at about 6.30 pm.  This time, it was getting too technical - she was educating us about inlay and outlay, flaming floor tiles for the shower areas and few other things that we were not so interested.  When Chiauw left, we had bad headache and refused to think about the renovation for awhile.

Chiauw is workaholic.  At 10 p.m., she dropped by again to ask us few more questions.

For the next few days, these are works that will be carried out:

01.  Levelling and screeding of the floors
02.  Waterproofing test for kitchen and MBR and Guest toilets
03.  Laying of sanitary plumbing pipes

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The Blessed Sunday Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Sunday, July 13, 2008

Universe has a strange way touching me today.  The stroke of love comes one after another.  Guess, when we open up, and surrender, the universe will return us with assurance.  That we are never being abandoned.  I feel loved.

The Blessing One

It looks like Chiauw never sleeps.  She knows that we are very concerned about the renovation after the discussion with the plumber and the general contractor yesterday.  We face with lots of limitations to achieve what we want for our two toilets - Guest and MBR.

Limitation 1 -  We may not be able to have a wall hung sanitary due to space constraint and 'pipe air' drainage problem.

Limitation 2 -  Levelling of floor between MBR and MBR toilet  .

Limitation 3 -  Constraint of space in Guest Toilet for a wide glass panel shower and positioning of sanitary basin

Chiauw spent the whole afternoon 'pacifying' our worries and re-design the toilet concepts.  At the end of the day, she managed to resolve them.

She sacrificed her sunday - firstly, she should be at the hospital and spend time with her brother.  Secondly, she should go to her mechanic and settled her car.  She had a minor accident yesterday where a lorry hit and damaged her right side window.

The Blessing Two

Gratitude of a friend that touched me:

Chinese Painting

I do know that this friend is recovering from a 'fall' in his life and picking up little pieces.  However, these gifts are just a little too much.  I know they are just not a house warming gift, but your little 'thank you' for things that I don't deserve such a beautiful gifts.

You are appreciated!  With these gifts, I do hope that you will have a better life ahead - your kindness resonates your pure heart.  You are just you - the kind, sincere and honest friend that I've known the last 10 years or more.

 The Blessing Three

A surprise call.  A surprise visit from a friend.  A surprise gift from the universe.  It ends the day with a deep sense of joy and peace.  Your presence was the light from the Universe just as I was thinking about you.  Just when I was reflecting back on today.

Thank you for the chocolate cakes and THANK YOU for asking for the hug.  Haha, I wanted to give you the hug the last time you were here but wasn't sure of it. Thank you for just listening to me.

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Renovation - Week 01C Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Saturday, July 12, 2008

Together with Chiauw at the new house today, we spent the afternoon with the plumber, William and the general contractor, SanMei to discuss details on how to run the plumbing pipes and synchronize them with the floor tiles.  They were very thorough, discussing and pointing at all the design engineer possibilities so it works according to Chiauw's architectural design.

Chiauw is a very detailed professional, a true architect.  She spotted unacceptable details - works that were done the past days, and quickly pointed out to SanMei to rectify.  Half of the time, I felt uncomfortable and perhaps, I was just not too interested to participate as it was just too 'technical'.

Few renovation details need to change .. again!  After William and SanMei left, Chiauw briefed us on the house structure and the limitations that we are facing with HBD.  However, she assured us not too worry. She will personally address these issues with HDB.

For next week, SanMei will start to screed the floor and waterproof it before laying tiles later in the week.  Meanwhile, William is to start running the water pipes all around the house.

The renovation that was done so far:

01.  Dining Ceiling Arch  has been levelled.

Dining Beam n MBR Entrance

02.  Entrance to Kitchen, from Dining, levelled.

Entrance to Kitchen from Dining

03.  Guest Room - The new entrance

Guest Room from Dining

 

04.  Master Bed Room - Bed area

MBR Bed Area 1

05.  MBR Toilet - Wall hacked

MBR Toilet

06.  Kitchen

Kitchen

07.  Guest Toilet

The new door will be nearer to the window (Left)

Guest Toilet

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