Most Singaporeans who reside in Home and Development Board (HDB) flats know how crucial it is to save space. One way to save space is to create a great layout for your closets that will maximize space available for usage. Modern day Singaporeans tend to collect more gadgets and more luxuries. From bags, shoes, clothes, accessories, gadgets and well, accessories for their gadgets – all these should be stored in a closet otherwise your flat will end up really messy. Your closet renovation should be according to your needs. The size of your closet should fit your collection of clothes, shoes, sweaters, belts, handbags, hats and more. The current renovation design is a multi level closet that includes a series of rods and various organizers. These type of closets include lots of shelves and compartments for accessories and other everyday garments. If you have space to spare, a walk in closet would be ideal. Of course, walk in closet renovations would take more time and more buck as it may require breaking down walls or building entirely new ones. Walk in closets also contain a series of storage spaces, mirrors, seating and even a flattering lighting. Here’s what your renovation company should consider prior to renovating your closet space: They should increase closet storage my making use of all available space from floor to ceiling; they should include space expanding features and various shelves; they should combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. If your renovation company suggests a small closet design, you can just hang a single rod from wall to wall while installing shelves at the top or at the bottom of the closet. Layering and adding multi level shelves will double your closet space. In addition, by integrating space expanding features such as drawers, you will find that you have a few more room for extras.
Avoiding Renovation Contractor Nightmares
Do you remember the 2012 news about a certain Singaporean who when using her oven has to walk from the kitchen, go to the front door, climb a ladder, look for a specific switch in a circuit box and turn the circuit box on. Imagine the nightmare she constantly has to go through. The reason behind this trouble was because the renovation contractor had a feud with her mother. You see, renovation contractors are tasked to improve a structure and make it more livable for tenants. That is why before you embark on any renovation, you should always ask around and make comparisons to find the best renovation contractor. A good renovation contractor will usually spend some time within your premises to familiarize themselves with what needs to be done and the timeframe that it can be done. It would be much preferred for the renovation contractor to speak the same language that you do so that you will understand each other better. Another thing you should be aware of is these comparison sites that say that the renovation contractors in their site have been pre-screened, verified or certified with valid licenses. This can lead to a false sense of security. A certified contractor and registered contractor is not the same. Avoid con artists by asking for portfolio and references. There are a lot of them who will cheat you out of your money especially if you are not careful. A registered contractor is registered with the Building and Construction Authority or BCA. To be registered, they need to accomplish several competency requirements in some jurisdictions. It is important to check as well the validity of their credentials, licenses, bonding and insurance. As mentioned, check the references. Get the names of their previous clients and ask for contact information.
Tips to Help You Find a Good Renovator
Entrusting your home renovation duties to the right hands need careful planning and requires a thorough selection process. Finding the right renovation contractors is risky business as it involves huge sums of cash. Here are some tips to help you find the scrupulous renovation contractors in Singapore:
Find renovation forums, renovation specialty sites or renovation companies quotation sites. Most of these websites offer an in depth description of the services provided by major renovation companies in Singapore. Meanwhile, quotation sites help get you various quotations from a sizeable number of renovators – saving you both time and effort in the process.
Once you have found a select number of renovation contractors, discuss the span of job that you want to be done, including specific details. You have to make sure the contractor understands what you want. While in the process of discussion, be open to suggestions from the renovators. Good renovators often have great suggestions to offer. They are the professionals and they know that too. So if they think there’s a better way, they most probably will suggest that alternative to you.
After speaking with various renovation contractors, verify their suggestions. Do a background check and learn about the reputation and experience of the renovation contractor that you want to engage. You can also ask them for reference, if you are feeling bold. Check the renovation company for licenses and permits. Having certification is mandatory for all renovation companies in Singapore.
Now comes the money matters. Ask your renovation contractors can stick to their initial quotation most of the time and if they can deliver within their set deadline. Make sure you get a written quotation from your chosen renovation contractor.
Have everything set in black and white, including the specifications, timeline, materials and estimated amount.
Finding the Right Bed
New furniture can transform a room. If you plan on purchasing a new bed set as part of a master bedroom makeover, follow these four tips and be well on your way to a comfortable and updated sleeping space:
1) Measure carefully – Whether you plan to stick with the same mattress size or upgrade to a bigger bed, you need to measure your bedroom carefully. If you plan to keep the current size, measure from each side of the mattress to its nearest wall; do not measure from your current frame, as you may choose a thinner or wider frame for your new bedroom furniture. Also measure the width and length of the room. Mattresses do come in standard sizes, but manufacturers may vary slightly. Keep these sizes handy, though, especially if you plan to upgrade to a bigger size: 1.6 meters by 2 meters for a queen, 1.9 meters by 2 meters for a king.
2) Go shopping – Hit two or three large furniture stores to get a sense of what styles you like. If you currently have traditional furniture, don’t assume you have to stick with it. Look at and consider many different styles. If you do come back to traditional, you will know that you explored other options before returning to your preference. If you go with something completely different, consider how it will fit into the rest of your home’s décor. You might want to choose complementary styles to avoid an abrupt transition between your master bedroom and nearby rooms.
3) Measure carefully again – Once you find a bed set you like, measure it carefully and compare the measurements to those you took of your current mattress and bedroom. Will the furniture significantly reduce the amount of room you have to navigate around your bed? Or does it still give you plenty of room to move around? The last thing you want is to have furniture delivered that proves too big for your bedroom. Appropriately sized furniture makes a bedroom feel more spacious, which leads to greater relaxation.
4) Shop for the best price – Note the manufacturer and name of your top choice for a new bed set, then search for the lowest price available online. Web stores such as Bedroom World can offer up to 85-percent off the suggested retail prices for the same beds found in brick-and-mortar stores. Before your new bed set arrives, purchase new bedding to go with it. A new comforter set and pillows will complete your makeover, particularly if you do not have the means to repaint or put in new flooring.
The Role of the Interior Designer
A professional interior designer budgets your money, selects materials, finds the right contractors, schedules jobs, coordinates projects and oversees the job on a daily basis from conception to completion. An interior designer should be licensed and affiliated with one or more of the industry’s professional organizations. He or she acts on your behalf, as your agent, to see that the selected choices are used and that the work begins and ends in a timely manner. A professional interior designer relieves you of the stress of dealing with the contractors and takes full responsibility if there are problems. Most importantly, he does whatever is necessary to overcome any obstacles that may occur.
A substandard interior designer will not take responsibility and often abandons you when you need him most. Your designer should be present to correct any problems as they occur, maintain focus on the quality of the workmanship, and be attentive to the budget, materials and labor costs.
Your designer should have good people skills, be concerned about safe working conditions and only promise what he or she is capable of delivering. It is always advisable to ask a lot of questions. Ask about their credentials and educational level in design. Ask to see their portfolio and inquire about the location of a recent project and whether or not you can go in person to visit the site. Ask for references, and call each one to see how the job turned out for that particular client. Remember to get your agreement in writing before the job starts.
The interior designer makes sure the quality, function and style of the project meet your expectations. The designer is the most important member of your team, bringing in all the necessary people to get the job done. All communication is channeled through the designer to the workmen. From cabinetmakers and electricians, to drapery installers and faux finishers, the designer has a wealth of quality craftsmen to draw from to accomplish the job. Your interior designer is there to protect your interest. It is all about you and your vision. The designer is a tool at your disposal to get the job done right.
Derrick Design 