Your new house is like a blank canvas – full of possibilities, and ready to be transformed into a masterpiece. Think of your interior designer (ID) as an art director who helps to mould your space into the home of your dreams. With so many interior design firms around, it might be overwhelming to pick the right ID.

Here are 4 questions you should ask your potential ID to see if he or she is the right one for you.

1. Can I see samples of your past work?

We’re assuming you’ve already done your homework, and checked out the design firm’s portfolio and online reviews. Still, you should ask for the designer’s past works to get a better sense of their style. This is especially as individual designers may have their own specialties, which could differ from their firms’. Check if their work aligns with the vision you have for your future home.

2. What is your working style like?

It’s equally important to understand how the designer works. Having this conversation early ensures everyone involved is on the same page before works begin. You may want to break this question down further, for example:

• How will you present your proposals? Should I be expecting ideas to be presented in mood boards, 3D visualisations or other formats?
• What would be the best way to contact you throughout the project – via text messages, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings?
• How regularly can I expect updates on the project?

3. What does the budget for this project look like?

Money talk might make you sweat, but the last thing you want to do is burst your renovation budget! Do also check when and how payment should be settled, and budget for this in advance. If the quotation happens to exceed your budget, evaluate which items are absolutely necessary and which are things you could live without.

4. What is the expected timeline for the project?

After all, time is money (your ID will surely agree). Highlight all the factors your designer may want to factor into the timeline. Can works on your flat only begin after a certain start date? Are you hoping to move in by a specific date?

It would also be great if you and your ID can draw up key project milestones. Do check if they have other projects that they’re working on at the same time as well, and ask if these projects will affect the progress of your renovations.

With these four simple questions, you should get a sense of whether the interior designer is The One for you.

While there are many aspects to renovation such as design and labour, one particular component provides the foundation (literally) – materials!

With flooring works potentially making up a huge chunk of the renovation budget, homeowners are constantly looking for cheaper alternatives to stretch their dollar! To save you the research, we’ve curated a handy list of affordable materials for every section of your home.

Wall Finishes: Traditional Matte Paint

Interior Firm: Metier Planner

Most homeowners are familiar with painted walls. They are the most common option for wall coverings, as they are cheaper and require less work than wallpapers.

Before making your decision, know that some types of paint may cost significantly more than others. Examples that are air-purifying, anti-bacterial or odourless cost approximately $80+/5 litres. Meanwhile, the traditional matte paint costs only about $50+ per 5 litres.

Interior Firm: Jubilee Interior

If you do not prioritise these health benefits, just opt for paint with a normal matte finish. Homeowners on a tighter budget may even consider a DIY paint job. This will help shave a couple of hundred dollars from your budget, as a paint package typically costs about $1,000+ for a 4-room flat.

Opt for Vinyl Flooring

Interior Firm: Meter Square

Vinyl has recently become a popular choice amongst homeowners because it’s so affordable. Typically priced at about $4.50 – $8.50 per square foot, vinyl is a pocket-friendly flooring option for the entire home. Other options like parquet or stone tiles can cost more than $10 per square foot.

Interior Firm: Design Plus

Better yet, vinyl tiles/strips can be laid over existing tiles, which means lower hacking costs! Vinyl floors are mostly water-resistant, fire-resistant and soft underfoot – making them a suitable option for homes with children or elderly occupants.

However, vinyl floors are prone to dents and scratches from sharp objects or furniture. Each vinyl piece also needs to be aligned carefully, as gaps will make the flooring susceptible to water damage.

Choose Laminates for Your External Carpentry Finishing

Compared to other options like wood veneers and melamine, laminate finishes are a popular choice – due to their affordable price point and range of finishings.

Interior Firm: Authors Interior and Styling

Solid colours and matte finishes generally cost less than those with prints (woods, marbles, etc.) or embossed and textured finishes. Similarly, laminates with special anti-fingerprint or scratch-resistant qualities will cost more.

Interior Firm: Design 4 Space

On average, one standard laminate sheet (2.4m x 1.2m) will set you back about $30+ for solid colours, and $40 – $50+ for wood/marbled patterns. However, as one sheet is enough for multiple cabinet doors, the overall price difference is not likely to be significant.

Opt for White PVC for Your Internal Carpentry Finishing

PVC and polykem are the most widely used materials for the insides of your cabinetry. Usually, white PVC is often the most budget-friendly choice, followed by coloured PVC and polykem..

Interior Firm: Black n White Haus

Do note that even though PVC is typically long-lasting and resistant to scratches, they are susceptible to heat and water damage. White PVC can also easily discolour over time.

Consider Laminate for Your Kitchen Countertops

Interior Firm: erstudio

Laminate countertops are by far the most affordable option for kitchen countertops. Other alternatives are solid surface, engineered quartz and natural stone – the cost increases in that order! Most laminate tops are essentially plywood slabs finished with a laminate covering.

Interior Firm: Schemacraft

One of the benefits of laminate countertops is its wide variety of designs. Laminates panels can look a lot like the real material it’s modelled after – be it stone or wood. If properly cared for, they can last just as long too!

Interior Firm: Authors Interior and Styling

However, if you cook often, consider selecting a hardier material, such as engineered quartz, which is highly heat-resistant. But bear in mind that once its surface or sealant is damaged, the countertop cannot be resealed again and must be replaced entirely.

Consider Ceramic for Your Bathroom Tiling / Kitchen Backsplashes

Ceramic refers to a range of clay-based surfaces, which may include homogeneous, porcelain and ceramic tiles. Hardy and largely water-resistant, ceramic tiles are a popular choice – its costs range from $3 – $15 per square feet.

Due to a higher firing temperature and kaolin (clay mineral) percentage, homogeneous and porcelain tiles are generally hardier and less prone to moisture absorption than ceramic tiles. This makes them perfect for outdoor areas! But they are also slightly costlier than ceramic tiles. Prices may also vary according to the design and where it was manufactured.

That being said, with tiled backsplashes, cleaning may be a problem. Food spills and grease can get trapped easily in the grout lines and are difficult to remove. So if you cook often, a seamless, glass panel may be a better option.

This article was adapted in collaboration with Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform for homeowners to meet the right interior firm for their home makeover. Check out the original article here.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Buying a resale flat comes with its advantages, one of which is not having to wait long to get your keys. However, if the flat is in bad shape or the interior is not done to your tastes and needs, the renovation costs can add up quite quickly!

Fret not –  here are some tips to help cut back on your renovation costs.

1. Set a Budget

… and stick to it! Set your budget and consider all the potential expenses that you may incur, including your furniture and fittings. (Be sure to include a buffer!) Go through the items and check if they are necessary or if there are alternative options.

Making a list helps you visualise what your biggest expenses might be and rationalise your needs. From there, you can determine if you can afford a major renovation or if it would suffice to make a few light changes to the existing flat.

Do keep in mind that renovating a resale flat generally costs more, due to the necessary repairs and restoration works, as well as any dismantling or demolition works.

2. Plan Ahead

If you think you might move after a few years, consider holding off on making drastic, expensive changes to the design such as wall-hacking, or investing in pricey tiles and carpentry.

Design trends can come and go quickly, and it is important to invest in timeless looks with broad appeal, especially if you plan to live in your flat for the long term.

3. Budget Wisely

While wallpaper can make your home look instantly more luxurious, paint is typically more cost-effective and requires less maintenance. To save costs, you can also reupholster or varnish existing furniture in good condition such as arm chairs and tables, rather than purchasing new ones.

Such alternatives are ways to free up your renovation budget, so that you can direct your budget towards more essential improvements, such as in the bathrooms or kitchen. In some cases, you may also need to spend on vital fixes for the air-conditioning pipes or electrical wiring.

4. Factor in Loans

While not exactly a money-saving tip, a renovation loan can help you cover the cost of certain renovation-related works so you can use your savings to buy things like furniture. Do your research on the most competitive rates in the market before applying for one.

Bonus Tips for Resale Flat Buyers

When buying a resale flat, you can leverage on several CPF housing grants! As a first-timer applicant, you can apply for the Family Grant and Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) if you meet the criteria. Tap on the Proximity Housing Grant as well, if you are buying a resale flat to live near or with your parents. Likewise, other grants are available for first-timer single Singapore Citizens who are 35 years old or above.

Housing loans from HDB are pegged at 0.10% above the prevailing CPF Ordinary Account (OA) interest rate. The rates may be adjusted in January, April, July and October, in line with CPF interest rate revisions. HDB’s Resale Financial Plan services are available here.

Current bank loan interest rates on the other hand, are lower than HDB Loan rates. However, the rates may fluctuate according to market conditions.

This article was contributed by Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform. Whether you’re embarking on a major overhaul or a simple refresh, Qanvast can connect you to the right professionals for the job. Read the original article here.

Most HDB flats built from the late 1990s are equipped with a household shelter, also known as the “bomb shelter”. While most home owners utilise the shelter for additional storage space, we’ve seen others transform the space into a cosy pantry or even a library. Learn more about these shelters in this article!

How did these household shelters come about?

Due to building code regulations that took effect in 1996, all apartment buildings in Singapore must be constructed with a household shelter. With strengthened walls, floor and ceiling, the household shelter is designed to protect you and your family during an emergency.

Can I knock down the walls of the shelter to make more space in my flat?

The household shelter is an essential part of your home, so it’s important to note the walls must not be hacked or drilled.

How do I know where the household shelter is located at?

If you look at the floorplan, you will see that the household shelter is clearly marked with the thicker black lines to represent reinforced walls. The shelters are usually located nearer to the living and dining area, or beside the kitchen area. Here are some typical floorplans:

Household shelter in the ‘middle’ of the flat layout, beside the kitchen. In this layout, the door can be inconspicuous as it is not visible from the main living room area.

Household shelter beside the main door. This layout allows you to mask the door with an extended shoe cabinet.

How can I make use of the space within the shelter?

You can transform part of the household shelter into a storeroom by installing shelving units that can be removed in times of need. Avoid filling the shelter to the brim, as you’ll need to utilise the space during an emergency.

Can I remove the door? What about the round metallic disc?

It’s important to leave the door intact and ensure that it can be opened and closed properly.

The round metallic disc is actually a ventilation sleeve for the household shelter. If needed, the sleeve can be tightened to provide an air-tight shelter. We’d recommend that you always keep the vent open and check the gasket and screws from time to time. Do visit this page for some essential maintenance tips for your home shelter!

Is it possible to re-design the bomb shelter?

Many homeowners have either redecorated the door or added design elements to mask its appearance. Here are some examples!

If the shelter is positioned near your front door, you can consider doing a customised shoe cabinet and storage cabinets, according to your décor theme. This helps you create another ‘wall’ to mask the door – can you spot it in the photo above? Alternatively, even a simple application of wall decals and stickers can help to mask the door.

The household shelter door is made of reinforced steel. Some creative homeowners have embraced its original form and transformed it into something like a fridge wall. Now, your magnet collections have a permanent home.

Read on for more design and décor and renovation tips!