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.
I offer Reiki Distant Healing