So you have been checking out the fairs, visited IKEA a few times. Around this time, you can actually start some proper decisions.
Decide on what you want. By now, you should know what furniture you want, what is their usual prices. Watch out for offers and deals on those items during the next few months. Some stores only will have sales once a year. Ask their sales folks. Some will share the exact dates when those sales will come by.
Place those orders. Around this time you might be able to place your orders with some of your favourite stores. They will be able to "hold" your furniture up to 6 months, so if there is a good deal, time to take it! But do verify what if you need more than 6 months before taking that furniture. Usually, negotiable.
Getting your spouse's opinion. Assuming you are married, that means there is that one other person you need to consult. With your homework done in the last few months, you should have a feel on what your spouse likes. If he/she is the kind that does not want to provide any comments, go ahead and tell them exactly what you will buy, what colors you will use, etc. Let those thoughts simmer in their mind for a while.
Note: Discuss and try to come to an agreement. Don't start throwing words like "divorce" just because you two refuse to agree.
Ask around. Talk to your friends. Talk to your family. You will be amazed at the treasure trove of knowledge everyone who already have a HDB flat can share with you. Tips, tricks, horror stories, brilliant ideas. There are all there. All you need to do is ask.
Note: The only exception is the overly demanding parent. "Aiyoh, that cupboard so ugly." "Aiyoh, your dining table so small". AVOID at all costs.
Decide whether you want contractor or designer.This is where you probably have an idea whether you want a contractor or designer. I went with contractor. Because it is cheaper. Period. Why else did I spend so much effort doing so much research and learning so many things about the renovations. Because I cannot afford my own designer.
I had talked to the interior designers. Make sure you check what is covered by their offer. Some packages do not include the renovation costs.
Anyway, talk to your friends and family as well. They will probably have their own ideas on who you can call.
Know the time frame you will be starting your renovations. Interestingly, once I started talking to my contractor, I learned a few times. There are some things that will affect your start dates. Watch out for Chinese New Year. Everyone is rushing to finish up their renovations before CNY day.
7th month. Even if you are not superstitious, your spouse might be. Your parents might be. Heck, your contractor might be too. Try to avoid it.
Know your Fengshui. I believe that there is some logic behind all the mystical beliefs behind fengshui. Pick up some books and read up. Even if you don't believe in everything, it does provide some very interesting ideas.
Decide on what you want. By now, you should know what furniture you want, what is their usual prices. Watch out for offers and deals on those items during the next few months. Some stores only will have sales once a year. Ask their sales folks. Some will share the exact dates when those sales will come by.
Place those orders. Around this time you might be able to place your orders with some of your favourite stores. They will be able to "hold" your furniture up to 6 months, so if there is a good deal, time to take it! But do verify what if you need more than 6 months before taking that furniture. Usually, negotiable.
Getting your spouse's opinion. Assuming you are married, that means there is that one other person you need to consult. With your homework done in the last few months, you should have a feel on what your spouse likes. If he/she is the kind that does not want to provide any comments, go ahead and tell them exactly what you will buy, what colors you will use, etc. Let those thoughts simmer in their mind for a while.
Note: Discuss and try to come to an agreement. Don't start throwing words like "divorce" just because you two refuse to agree.
Ask around. Talk to your friends. Talk to your family. You will be amazed at the treasure trove of knowledge everyone who already have a HDB flat can share with you. Tips, tricks, horror stories, brilliant ideas. There are all there. All you need to do is ask.
Note: The only exception is the overly demanding parent. "Aiyoh, that cupboard so ugly." "Aiyoh, your dining table so small". AVOID at all costs.
Decide whether you want contractor or designer.This is where you probably have an idea whether you want a contractor or designer. I went with contractor. Because it is cheaper. Period. Why else did I spend so much effort doing so much research and learning so many things about the renovations. Because I cannot afford my own designer.
I had talked to the interior designers. Make sure you check what is covered by their offer. Some packages do not include the renovation costs.
Anyway, talk to your friends and family as well. They will probably have their own ideas on who you can call.
Know the time frame you will be starting your renovations. Interestingly, once I started talking to my contractor, I learned a few times. There are some things that will affect your start dates. Watch out for Chinese New Year. Everyone is rushing to finish up their renovations before CNY day.
7th month. Even if you are not superstitious, your spouse might be. Your parents might be. Heck, your contractor might be too. Try to avoid it.
Know your Fengshui. I believe that there is some logic behind all the mystical beliefs behind fengshui. Pick up some books and read up. Even if you don't believe in everything, it does provide some very interesting ideas.
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