Friends have asked me how is the renovation going?
In a word – MESSY.
Still a way to go, so I’m constantly being reminded by my contractor. But I wonder what that really translates to in terms of timing as his reference of ‘not so fast/soon’ is actually quite fast by our standards. There have been a few incidents where he completed his tasks which in our mind we still had ‘some time to go’ to mull over.
Most of the time we are unsure whether to get excited with the progress or to slow down with our plans for the house.
There have also been a couple of boo-boos but nothing major, can be rectified either by additional money or some ingenuity/creativity or just accept the mistake and move on.
And so that is how the client-contractor civil relationship moves along forward!
We are as one might say – going with the flow or taking it in strides! Ha ha ha
The key is constant communications and daily physical inspections. But if you have a language barrier, that could be a problem!! Imagine a 'chicken and duck’ talking – that about describes my current situation, well almost. That is why when I communicate with our contractor, I always have pictures or paper at hand to show or try to draw out what is being related!! From a third party point of view, I suppose this can get quite commical at times.
DH commented that I seem to be changing my mind too often – what can I say except that if it can be done better, more functional and looks nicer, why not right? Maybe he just can’t keep up or too much reno talk is just draining rather than frustrating.
Besides there are situations where it may seem to make perfect sense on paper but it is not until you see it physically that you realize it will definitely not work out that well afterall!
I agree that it can get rather tiring mulling and checking on the renovations everyday but after you make decisions on a few big items, things will fall into place progressively; just need to solve minor issues as they arise. If possible, try to keep a few steps ahead so as not to slow down the work progress.
My half way marker is when they can start tilling the floors and bathrooms – then I’ll really start fussing over the kitchen cabinets, counter tops, cupboards, etc. For now, it seems a little premature to get worked up as the kitchen and cupboard people will still need to remeasure everything before they can finalize. So I still have room to ‘get creative’ and of course probably change my mind AGAIN!! :) *hm, better watch those variation cost as they could really sky-rocket!!*
In a word – MESSY.
Still a way to go, so I’m constantly being reminded by my contractor. But I wonder what that really translates to in terms of timing as his reference of ‘not so fast/soon’ is actually quite fast by our standards. There have been a few incidents where he completed his tasks which in our mind we still had ‘some time to go’ to mull over.
Most of the time we are unsure whether to get excited with the progress or to slow down with our plans for the house.
There have also been a couple of boo-boos but nothing major, can be rectified either by additional money or some ingenuity/creativity or just accept the mistake and move on.
And so that is how the client-contractor civil relationship moves along forward!
We are as one might say – going with the flow or taking it in strides! Ha ha ha
The key is constant communications and daily physical inspections. But if you have a language barrier, that could be a problem!! Imagine a 'chicken and duck’ talking – that about describes my current situation, well almost. That is why when I communicate with our contractor, I always have pictures or paper at hand to show or try to draw out what is being related!! From a third party point of view, I suppose this can get quite commical at times.
DH commented that I seem to be changing my mind too often – what can I say except that if it can be done better, more functional and looks nicer, why not right? Maybe he just can’t keep up or too much reno talk is just draining rather than frustrating.
Besides there are situations where it may seem to make perfect sense on paper but it is not until you see it physically that you realize it will definitely not work out that well afterall!
I agree that it can get rather tiring mulling and checking on the renovations everyday but after you make decisions on a few big items, things will fall into place progressively; just need to solve minor issues as they arise. If possible, try to keep a few steps ahead so as not to slow down the work progress.
My half way marker is when they can start tilling the floors and bathrooms – then I’ll really start fussing over the kitchen cabinets, counter tops, cupboards, etc. For now, it seems a little premature to get worked up as the kitchen and cupboard people will still need to remeasure everything before they can finalize. So I still have room to ‘get creative’ and of course probably change my mind AGAIN!! :) *hm, better watch those variation cost as they could really sky-rocket!!*
pssst....those kitchen consultants must have patience like a SAINT! I'll probably go M-A-D with all the every other minute changes and questions!!! Ha ha ha
Its good that we do not have a set date to move in by. So there is not too much pressure on everyone to complete the works by a certain date. Its not that we are not excited with the move, guess its more that we are just taking our time.
As it is, I am still dragging my feet a little with the tiles….oh yeah, did I mention that we changed our minds on some tile selections recently? We almost have it all pat down, the final remaining area is just the laundry room – they tend to get the least attention don’t they?. Remember I mentioned that we are pretty bad at colour and tile coordination, well after some discussions with S (who just recently moved into their fab newly renovated house), I got some ideas on how to ‘mix and match’ the tiles. Nothing too complicated (just that DH will probably roll his eyes at the cost of cutting the tiles to the required size), still pretty simple but at least not just one boring colour – well conceptually on paper anyway ha ha ha!!
Here are some pictures of the progress thus far, as you can see for yourself, nothing too exciting as we have ‘still some way to go’.
As it is, I am still dragging my feet a little with the tiles….oh yeah, did I mention that we changed our minds on some tile selections recently? We almost have it all pat down, the final remaining area is just the laundry room – they tend to get the least attention don’t they?. Remember I mentioned that we are pretty bad at colour and tile coordination, well after some discussions with S (who just recently moved into their fab newly renovated house), I got some ideas on how to ‘mix and match’ the tiles. Nothing too complicated (just that DH will probably roll his eyes at the cost of cutting the tiles to the required size), still pretty simple but at least not just one boring colour – well conceptually on paper anyway ha ha ha!!
Here are some pictures of the progress thus far, as you can see for yourself, nothing too exciting as we have ‘still some way to go’.
Doesn't seem like we are making any progress right? Putting RC slab onto the ground so there will be minimal chances of the garage floor cracking in the longer term.
The kitchen.
Laundry area - still a little annoyed the contractor made this slightly bigger than my wet kitchen.
New water tank installed. Compare the size with the former one!
Master bedroom.
MP's room.
Backroom.
5 comments:
Oh my god...I think it's still a long way to go. :P
guess not too bad lah the progress.. ;)
as for tile selection, prob can get some idea at tiles showroom or select the pre-match tiles.. that was what we do for all our bathroom.
think or try to be creative frm zero is definitely harder than referring to the existing showroom for ideas sometimes.. ;)
good luck...
big house! at least u have not moved in yet. imagine u have moved in and the reno going on like what happened to me. cant imagine!!
true that there's still a long way ahead...but looks like u r gearing yr focus & attention 101% on it so i believe everythg should be kept on 'track'....u really 'geng' ahh!
btw, u mean u can't speak 'chinese' at all?? kenot be so banana wan, LOL !!
**big water tank** roll eyes...
hi Amy, yes i suppose it is a long way to go. Old house, lots of things to replace >_<
agnes, agree with u. Your pix also came in handy. Guess i didn't talk to the right tile showroom people, they didn't offer very good suggestion. Either that or too picky!! :)
wen, reno too major, would probably have shifted out renting while waiting for it to be completed.
jacss - can spak here there but when want to scold, totally lose it - can't remember the words until later, ha ha
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