PROJECT 915: Wiring Planning

The first thing to start in any renovation work would be the wiring works as I was told. But why do re-wirings when most apartments already supply all necessary electrical points for lightings, heaters, fan, air-con and AV items? Perhaps most architects are either slow or silly to have the points at the most unconventional places. Anyhow, it’s a trend to have plaster ceilings these days to cater for halogens or fluorescent down-lights. In this case then some re-wiring or lengthening of wires will be needed to outfit additional lighting required by the home owners at different corners of the ceiling perhaps. Thus, planning will be expected between the wiring contractor and the proprietor. Most owners will already have a rough idea on how their lighting would be. At the end of the day, it’s the pricing issue that matters. More work (eg. requires knocking or trailing of walls) will command a higher budget, more direct work will command a more reasonable price. I’ve heard of people spending 5 digits alone for wiring purposes, changing to 3-phase type or something but that I would not know. As for this case, budget of less than RM2K is allocated for all necessary wiring works which includes cable for extra lightings and extension of 1 phone line from the master to the study room. The actual lights and lamps are not included in that pricing. Shall touch on that maybe later on. Does anyone know of good wiring contractors and lighting specialist shops in KL and PJ area?

PROJECT 915: Guideline Blues

Renovation for strata titled properties can really be a hassle. Firstly, before commencement of all redecoration and reconstruction work, permission will need to be issued by the condominium management office. Basically, this is just a way they get to control the safety, orderliness and constancy of the surroundings. Surely we would not want owners to simply knock down any structural walls that could compromise the safety of all residents. Which is why they would require the submitting of renovation plans to them too. But what I really do not like is that (in this case), the management requires a RMxxxx amount as deposit for renovation commencement and refundable upon ‘satisfactory’ completion of works and ‘compliance’ of all conditions mentioned in their ‘Renovation, Delivery & Removal Guidelines’. That’s basically the do’s and don’ts of how and where to instigate decoration overhaul. Ordinary people like us are already short of cash for any renovation and these people necessitate a large amount on us for them to Photostat guidelines for us? Even the design, specification and color of our metal front grille would require their ‘compliance’! These people are nuts! It’s it just us or this is a norm for all condominium projects? Are all condominium management a pain in the a**? Do comment and let me know.

PROJECT 915: Introduction & Pics

This new apartment belongs to a friend of mine. A mainstream working class couple. The place is about 915sqft in size located in a pretty new neighborhood development. It’s a typical condominium with standard facilities though the quality and workmanship of the materials and construction are questionable. The apartment is less than RM170K so don’t expect Mt. Kiara or Damansara Heights kind of excellence. My friend and I are certainly not millionaires. But this is what this blog is partly about, economical renovation for ordinary people like me tangerine. Anyhow, renovation will begin this Monday with lead time of 1 month and hopefully let see how I can learn a bit or a little from their progress and predicament, and hopefully some budget planning wisdom.

Finances allocated is around RM20K-RM30K inclusive of wirings, built-ins & kitchen, furnitures, air-con & electrical and with any luck, a 43” plasma tv (just kidding). So here are some pictures for references and do note that the place is rather untidy at the moment, but who cares? It’s renovation period. Will keep an update on the progress, costing and suggestions in the coming days. Please feel free to leave a comment or two or even share your experiences. Tangy Cheers.

STORAGE: Plastic Container

I’ve always been using paper boxes for my prior relocations. I realized that they don’t last and definitely won’t protect your belongings especially the fragile ones. Removalist hates the flimsy ones too. My best beg now will surely be plastic containers. I think they are good for those breakable items and heavy objects. Example – cutleries, books, magazines or other bits and pieces. I used them to store my old books and magazines as well, they last for years.

Bought these at local hypermarkets last week. The one with orange lid is L48xW31xH30cm at RM9.90 from TESCO. The other one with size L62xW42xH23cm at RM12.90 from CARREFOUR. Pretty reasonably priced but only during sale periods and promotions. For those who still love colorful paper boxes, IKEA LingoCirkel box w/ lid (p227) at RM12.90/2pcs for size L32xW24xH15cm. Anyone knows of cheaper or better alternatives for storage and shifting purposes?

New Blog on the Block

I’ll be shifting again in two weeks. Frankly, I hate to move. Renting a small apartment this time. So small I think it’s probably just nice for one. ME. So happened that some of my friends are moving to their new place too, and so coincidently to the same location, but different block though. They are doing some fairly major renovating and hopefully I could get some insight from their endeavor before renovating my own place middle of this year. It’s always good to learn from others mistake. Oppps ;-)

So I guess this blog will deal with my relocating plans, good renovation insights hopefully and God forbid me … a queer eye for decorating high. I’ll catch a glimpse of you’ll in the coming days so that’s it for now. Hmmm ... Suddenly I feel like Martha Stewart. *LoL*