Renovating Your First Condominium Property? Here’s What You Need to Know

Renovating Your First Condominium Property? Here’s What You Need to Know

Home Renovation No Comments

Design: I Interior

Renovating a Condominium is different since the process is more complicated than a typical HDB renovation. Therefore, it is inevitable that a greater degree of planning and legwork is required. Nevertheless, to help you start, here are 6 quick tips!

#1. Alterations that result in an increase in Gross Floor Area (GFA) will require planning permission

Design: Arc Definet

Any renovation works that result in an increase in GFA will require planning permission approval. When the home improvement works cause an increase in GFA, you will require a letter signed by the Secretary or Chairperson of the estate’s Management Corporation (MC). The letter has to include that MC has 90% resolution, to authorize you to proceed with the proposed works for the strata unit.

What this means to you
The authorization letter must be submitted together with the proposal as part of the planning application to the URA. Do note that conservation strata-titled residential properties need to adhere to different guidelines delineated here.

#2. Changes to common property will require MC’s approval

Design: LemonFridge Studio

Generally, making any alterations to common property will require the permission of the MC. These changes usually include improvement works that affect the external façade of the property, such as the installation of additional awning in a common property wall and balcony screens.

What this means to you
Find out what constitutes common property. In addition, you should also be aware that the concept of majority rule in a strata development should not be taken to the extreme, when the safety of children is at stake.

#3. Management Corporation (MC) rules might restrict the type of renovation activities

Design: Haus Werkz Interior

Generally, the estate’s house rules might restrict the kind of renovations that can be carried out. For instance, the house rules may stipulate the time and duration of renovation work that can be done during the weekdays and weekends. Furthermore, types of permitted renovation works may differ from estate to estate too. For example, popular balcony enhancements such as installation of glass curtains, are only permitted in certain Condominiums.

What this means to you
Find out the rules that govern the renovations in your Condominium and make sure that these regulations are communicated to your Renovation Professional. You should also consider engaging Renovation Professionals who have experience in carrying out renovation in Condominiums.

#4. Access to the estate is limited

Design: Space Vision Design

You have to arrange for your Renovation Professional’s access to the premises with the Management Agent (MA). If your Condominium was just granted the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) status, chances are there are many other renovations going on at the same time. Hence, the availability and access to the elevator and the visitor parking lots are limited.What this means to you
Remember to inform the appropriate MA staff, especially the security personnel, who and when your renovation workers require access well ahead of time. An experienced Renovation Professional would buffer in the expected delays due to the limited access to the buildings and come up with a contingency plan when that happens.

#5. Ensure that arrangement for bulky renovation waste removal is made

Design: The Scientist

Unlike HDB flats where Town Council provides a free bulky item removal service for the HDB residents, your Renovation Professional need to make sure that the disposal of the waste generated from the renovation should be removed on a regular basis. Certain items, such as flammable items, wet cement and other adhesive materials are not to be thrown into the refuse chutes.What this means to you
Find out from the MA if there are any guidelines that should be observed during the removal of the debris. Make sure that the MA is informed of the schedules for the removal of waste. Do take note that you are also liable for the cost of replacement or repairs for the damages to the refuse chute and/or Common Property. In addition, the waste removals workmen are to use only lifts and staircases stipulated by the MA, so as not to inconvenience the residents.

#5. Set aside a buffer budget

Design: Inside Living

No matter how well-planned the renovation is, something might go awry. Therefore, setting aside some buffer in the renovation budget helps, especially since renovating a Condominium will involve more overhead. For example, you might need to factor in the costs of renovation waste disposal.

What this means to you
The recommendation for a contingency budget is usually 5% to 10% of the total cost that you are prepared to spend. Remember to ask for a detailed breakdown of the renovation quotation.

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16 Unique Storage Solutions that Aren’t Your Typical Built-ins

Home Design No Comments

Looking to take the road less travelled in your home renovation? Forget typical built-ins, and look to these unique storage solutions instead.

1. A structural wall that conceals a storeroom

If your home doesn’t come with a storeroom, build one right in the middle of the apartment we say! Have it blend in with the rest of the walls so it doesn’t stand out. Curves here add to the decor while helping to soften the edges.

Design: Provolk

2. A TV console that hides bar and dining tables

This multipurpose living room comes with an equally practical TV console that conceals bar and dining tables. Pull them out when it’s dinnertime or when you’ve got guests over, and put them away after for a clutter-free home.

Design: Ataz Haus

3. A storage bed with a pull-out nightstand

We use nightstands for bedside essentials, but a full-fledged one can take up a lot of unnecessary floor estate in a small bedroom. Consider then a more flexible pull-out bedside table that can be drawn out like a drawer from your storage bed. Set down your favourite read when it’s time to go to bed and only push it back in the morning.

Design: By: Dan & Co

4. A headboard that comes with plenty of storage

Here’s another unique storage solution for the bedroom: This headboard was crafted to consist of hidden storage located underneath a wooden top and bedside shelves that also partially mask the power outlets.

Design: BuildBuilt

»Read more: 10 Clever Storage Solutions for Small Bedrooms

5. A bookshelf that doubles up as a door

For feeling magical (or just to hide your bedroom away from the prying eyes of visitors), do up a bookshelf that also doubles up as an entrance into the bedroom.

Design: ArtMuse Interior

6. A wardrobe with curtains for some of its doors

Looking to gain an inch more space in your wardrobe? Take away some of the doors and replace them with curtains. Curtains offer less physical obstruction so you can store more. Plus, it’s a great way to alleviate the lines and edges in the bedroom to bring about a softer, more calming atmosphere.

Design: Design 4 Space

7. An entire laundry room behind perforated storage

Keep things neat and compact by having your entire service yard behind closed doors. Since you’re dealing with appliances like the storage heater and washing machine, you’ll want to keep things constantly ventilated with perforated doors.

Design: Insight.Out Studio

8. A curved, double-volume bookshelf

A tall bookshelf that spans the double-volume space in this HDB executive maisonette is used to house a large collection of books and provide a focal point for the home. A curved design keeps things unexpected.

Design: The Local Inn.terior

9. A ceiling-mounted clothes rail made from copper pipes

Looking to add a boutique style flair to the bedroom? Go for a ceiling-mounted clothes rail to add extra storage space on top of your wardrobe. The copper pipes are a great way to add a twinge of a elegant metallic sheen to the space.

Design: The Association

10. Bookshelves that lend illusion

In order to create the illusion of a space surrounded by books, this reading nook employed thin steel shelves as well as wall mirrors for some eye trickery. After filling the shelves with books, the shelves seem to disappear, while the number of books seem to increase when reflected against the mirrors.

Design: Produce

11. A climb-up bicycle storage that also conceals laundry essentials

To make use of vertical storage space, a pair of bicycles was placed on top of a built-in storage that also houses all the laundry essentials. The two-wheelers can be accessed through a ladder.

Design: Jesigns Interior Design

12. Storage hidden within the vanity stool

Need the extra space to store all those extra cotton packs you got on sale? Since you are using that space anyway, make your vanity stool work double time by hiding some storage space.

Design: Promesa Artz

13. Shelves that come with a pull-out standing work desk

With work-from-home situations going back and forth nowadays, you may want to invest in a home office solution that functions well without taking up a whole lot of space just in case you are asked to go back to the office for good. Enter: a pull-out standing desk. It not only helps with your well-being, but it can also be stored back into the shelf after office hours so they don’t take up any extra room along the walkway.

Design: Project Guru

14. Shallow shelves that function as a backsplash

Make use of that backsplash space to eke in some shallow shelving that you can use to store sink-side essentials like your dishwashing liquid, hand soap and brushes and scrubs.

Design: Lemonfridge Studio

15. A custom dining bench with underneath storage + a stow-away spot for a coffee table

Small homes, you’ll want to take a leaf from these customised solutions in this pint-sized apartment. One: a dining bench that features storage underneath and two: a coffee table that fits back into the sofa to free up more space in the living room.

Design: The Minimalist Society

»Read more: 10 Storage Solutions That Do More Than One Job

16. A TV console with a robot vacuum cut-out

Robot vacs are super crucial for saving you some elbow grease during housekeeping but you’ll need a spot at home for them to return to. We love that this designer thought to carve out a cut-out on this TV console for the vac’s docking station.

Design: The Association

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My Property

My Property Type isHDBApartment/CondominiumPrivate HouseCommercialThe room type isPlease selectStudio2 Rooms3 Rooms4 Rooms5 RoomsAbove 5 RoomsProperty StatusNewResalePresently StayingKey Collection TimeYes, Key is collectedNo, in 1 – 3 months timeNo, in 3 – 6 months timeNo, in 7 – 12 months timeHave not purchase the unitProperty AddressUpload your Floor PlanAccepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, ppt, jpeg, Max. file size: 2 MB.We recommend to attach your floor plan for a better estimate. File must less than 2MB.

Project Info

Area(s) you need to renovateLiving RoomDining RoomKitchenBedroomsBathroomsOthersWhole unitPreferred design styleNo PreferenceAsianClassicContemporaryEclecticIndustrialMediterraneanMidcenturyMinimalismModernRetroRusticScandinavianTraditionalTransitionalTropicalVictorianVintageMy project priority isPlease selectAesthetically Nice – I want good designCost effectiveness – I’m on a tight budgetMy renovation budget isPlease selectNot Fixed20,000 and Below20,001 – 30,00030,001 – 40,00040,001 – 60,00060,001 – 80,00080,001 – 100,000100,001 – 200,000200,001 & AboveDo you require renovation loan?Please selectYes, please call meNo. I don’tOther information?

My Contact Details

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An Overview of the Different Types of Residential Roofing

Marylin Saldago

Roofing No Comments

residential roofing Commercial Roofing Products contains those products needed to deliver a superior quality roofing solution for a commercial user s property, commercial garage, or other commercial applications. Commercial roofing products used in residential buildings are generally designed for heavier applications. In addition to commercial applications, residential roofing systems are also used in schools, green housing complexes, and hospitals. To meet the unique requirements for each application, manufacturers of residential roofing provide an extensive line of high-quality products designed for the application mentioned above.

For the commercial buildings, different materials are used as roofing material, including slate, shingle, tile, clapboard, and metal. While for the residential roofs, wood is the most common roofing component used. The maintenance of these residential roofs depends upon the quality of the installation. Moreover, timely repair and replacement are essential to make sure that the residential roofs provide a long term service.

Asphalt Shingles Residential Roofing Materials used in asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials used for residential buildings. The basic function of these roofing materials is to protect the structure from the weather as well as to facilitate the easy movement of water. These shingles are generally fabricated out of aluminum. This provides improved resistance against fire. Although, recent studies have revealed that aluminum exhibits some negative effect on human health as a result of inhaling aluminum dust.

The other materials used in the construction of the residential roofing systems include steel, clay and gypsum underlayments. Steel is the most suitable choice as it offers better resistance against rust and corrosion. Moreover, it is also available in different alloys for superior performance. Clay and gypsum are cheaper alternatives which offer satisfactory performance as far as insulation is concerned. However, these materials are prone to deteriorate over time. This leads to more frequent repair works and therefore, a higher cost.

Asphalt Shingles Residential Roofing Materials used in the construction of asphalt shingles are known to be very strong when compared to clay or gypsum underlayments. The main reason behind this is that asphalt shingles exhibit excellent thermal conductivity. These materials are also highly durable when compared to clay or gypsum underlayment. Moreover, they are available in different alloys, ensuring superior performance when it comes to durability. Moreover, asphalt roofing shingles are available in various thicknesses and sizes to meet the requirements of different residential structures.

Modified Bitumen Home Roof Systems A roof made of bitumen, the modified bitumen roof system is one of the most advanced and modern roofing products available in the market today. With the help of this system, you can easily add insulation to your home without spending a lot of money. This system is quite similar to asphalt roofing shingles but possesses additional insulation properties that make it a far better residential roofing product. However, as this type of roof system is comparatively expensive than clay or gypsum based roof systems, it is often purchased by home owners who do not have much budget for other roofing materials.

Metal Roof Systems The best part about metal roof systems is that they do not require much maintenance. Compared to clay or gypsum based roof systems, the metal roof systems do not need the tedious and expensive process of painting. These systems are far more durable and come with a long lifespan. Moreover, the most important advantage of these metal roof systems is that they are highly flexible and portable. You can easily move them from one place to another. Unlike clay or gypsum based roof systems, metal roof systems are very easy to install and can withstand all sorts of weather conditions.

With the above mentioned types of residential roofs, you will be able to enjoy several advantages. However, before you install any type of roof system on your home, you should consult an expert who can advise you on the type of residential roofs that would suit your home. Apart from the type of roof that you install, you should also keep in mind various factors that would affect the life expectancy of your roof. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional to carry out the job, because this will ensure that you get quality work done at a reasonable price. You should ensure that the residential roofs you are installing are designed in a way so that they are strong and durable. You can easily find several contractors online that are experienced and skilled so that you get quality work done for an affordable price.

Marylin Saldago

The Benefits Of Hiring Residential Siding Contractors For Exterior Home Repairs

Siding No Comments

residential siding contractors Residential Siding Contractors offer a wide array of services to install, repair and maintain your siding. Contractors work with only the best quality materials, experienced and skilled artisans, and constantly strive to give customers a high-quality project. You can trust them to help you achieve the look that you want for your home. From the time that the initial concept was developed until the very last detail is done, they will be there every step of the way to help you get the house that you always dreamed of. These professionals will complete the work correctly; they will also make sure that it looks beautiful when it is completed.

The most common type of siding that you will find at most home improvement stores and even hardware stores is vinyl siding. It is a durable, long-lasting product that is deficient maintenance. It comes in a variety of colors and textures and is very affordable. It is also very easy to install; which makes it very popular amongst those who have little or no experience with house construction and repair. Vinyl siding does come with its own set of issues, however. Here are some of the pros and cons of residential vinyl siding:

For minor repairs or replacements, DIY or do-it-yourself projects are great. Contractors have a lot of experience and are well-trained to handle everything from large jobs to small projects like replacing a tiny piece here and there. Although there are many professionals out there, if you want better results, hiring a contractor would be a better option because they have access to more advanced equipment and tools that can make a huge difference when tackling a major job.

Residential vinyl siding installation can be done by either DIY or hired out. There are many different ways to tackle this task depending on the skill level of the homeowner. The problem with hiring a professional though, is that they may have very specific instructions for how things should be done. If the job is a bit complicated, chances are that you will run into several complications and may end up having to buy more materials than you originally planned on.

Homeowners may opt for either cedar shake siding or cement board as a substitute. While both are fairly common, neither one offers the same benefits or peace of mind that wood siding does. For instance, shake has been known to rot out over time. On the other hand, cement boards tend to crack and break down over time, providing a weak point for a potential attack by termites.

Before hiring a siding company, it would be best to take a few hours to research each contractor and the level of experience they have with siding installation. A simple Google search will yield dozens of results that each have pictures of their work and websites where you can learn more about their experience with various types of siding materials. By hiring a contractor who has a wide range of knowledge about siding materials, you will know that you will be getting the best value for your money. Be sure to ask any questions you might have about their customer service and the costs associated with their repairs before hiring them.

If the exterior of your residential buildings requires only some minor repair, such as a small hole, it would be better to do this yourself. However, hiring an experienced contracting business will mean that you have the benefit of hiring a team of professionals who have the necessary tools and training to complete any task related to wood repair or refurbishment on your building. Additionally, they will also be able to perform routine maintenance tasks like hole saw maintenance and painting. They can also help you choose the appropriate type of wood, fill any gaps and strengthen the wood before the next layer of paint or repair is applied.

Hiring a professional for residential siding installation will be the best option for anyone who needs an exterior renovation. In addition to providing an estimate of what it will cost to complete the repairs, you will also receive valuable information about the type of wood and other products used in their work. The professional can give you advice on the best time of year to have the job done so that it benefits the structure of your home. Finally, you will always have peace of mind knowing that the job will be done correctly and professionally because they will be well trained to do so. They will also make sure that any damage caused by the installation of their product is covered by insurance.