PROPERTY IS DEFINITELY THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING WE ALL BUY. SO HOW CAN WE GET OUR RENOVATION DONE RIGHT?
Compared to the aesthetics of our home, functionality may seem like a boring topic. Yet it is important because it determines the lifespan of your renovation ideas before they become outdated or impractical.
LET’S GET HACKIN'
Hacking down walls has become a norm in today’s society. With rooms of new builds getting smaller, we might think of combining 2 rooms to make a single bigger room. However, did you know that hacking down walls will void your Defects Liability Period (DLP) for a new build? It is a 1-year warranty that covers flaws and defects that are reported within this period. HDB/the developer will send contractors down to rectify any reported mistakes at no cost. Even if you don’t plan to hack any walls, it’s still SOP to report any and all defects first, before starting renovation works. Otherwise, you risk both parties (developer and ID) refusing responsibility for the defects spotted.
BUILT-IN VS STORE BOUGHT
Pros of built-in:
Can double up as an accent feature
Made-to-fit dimensions with minimal dead space
Customized storage space within (e.g. no. of shelves)
Usually more durable
Cons of built-in:
Nearly impossible to reconfigure in the future
Significantly more expensive (2-4x more)
Difficult to repair/replace
Some vital questions need to be answered before deciding between build-in and store-bought.
How long will you be staying here? E.g. selling after MOP? Built-ins are generally not worthwhile for stays of 10 years and shorter.
Will there be additions to your family nucleus? A baby, a toddler, a school kid, and a teenager all have different needs. Store-bought furniture offers the flexibility to change the design of your child’s room at an affordable price. What about a domestic helper, elderly parents, or a new pet dog? Every additional person who might be staying in your home in the foreseeable future must be taken into consideration.
What happens when you no longer like the current ID that you have chosen for your home? Nothing is forever and eventually what is once trending will become outdated. How much will it cost for you to replace outdated designs that are built-in?
CEILING FANS – A LIFESAVER
Ceiling fans circulate the air and cool down a wider area compared to standing fans. And running the ceiling fan and air conditioner together is an optimal way to increase comfort and energy savings. But ceiling fans are usually installed at the point of renovation and not after the fact.
ADD-ONS
Although a water filter/dispenser, dishwasher, wine chiller, dehumidifier, solar film for windows/sliding doors, and mosquito
mesh nets are not must-haves, they are certainly good to have, and can be included subsequently when budget allows.
Dehumidifier:
Helps to reduce the humidity in the air, which is great to use in Singapore where our environment is very humid. Using a dehumidifier helps to keep the space mould free. This saves you money from having to buy mothballs or to send mouldy bags/clothes for repair. Your clothes/bags/shoes are also likely to last much longer.
Water filter/dispenser:
Have instant drinking water from just a tap. No need to boil and cool water for drinking. If you have the budget, you can opt for one that has different temperatures of water, that way you can get boiling water without the need to boil.
Solar film:
Solar window films can solve all the temperature problems especially in the hot climate we face in Singapore. This is a great option and alternative to blinds/curtains to reduce temperature while still allowing lights to come through. Furthermore, solar films are UV rays resistant, which also helps to protect your skin.
Don’t let renovating the home of your dreams turn into a nightmare. Seeking professional advice is the best option to have a peace of mind!
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