Dream Home: Decor do's & don'ts

The Housing Board advises homeowners to follow the guidelines below so that renovation works can be carried out legally:

To carry out renovation works in an HDB flat, including those that do not require a renovation permit, flat owners are required to engage an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor (RRC). The list of HDB RRCs is available on the HDB InfoWEB at www.hdb.gov.sg .HDB flat owners can also obtain the list of HDB RRCs through their mobile phones.

Users can download the Mobile @ HDB app on their phones or access the services through http://mobile.hdb.gov.sg.

For renovation work such as demolition of walls, contractors must electronically submit the floor plan showing the proposed renovation works together with the application for renovation works on behalf of flat owners to HDB for approval.
More information is available on the HDB website.

Flat owners must ensure that the renovation works carried out by their contractors are in accordance with the approved renovation permits and guidelines. Flat owners are given information booklets such as a renovation guide and electrical guide for HDB flats when they collect their keys from HDB. This information is also available on the HDB InfoWEB under the section Living in HDB flats >Home Renovation >Knowing the Guidelines.

To minimise inconvenience to neighbours, noisy renovation work like demolition of walls, removing wall and floor finishes, cutting of tiles and drilling works must be done between 9am and 5pm daily on weekdays. Such works are not permitted on weekends or public holidays.

Contractors must also keep neighbours informed by giving them advance notice on the works that will be carried out, as well as display the notice of renovation work outside the flat until all the renovation work is completed. All HDB licensed contractors should be able to advise on what can or cannot be done with or without permission

Here's a list of renovation works that are not allowed in HDB flats:
• Hacking and removal of structural members such as reinforced concrete wall, columns, beams and staircases within maisonette flats

• Loading of the floor slab with a load greater than 150kg for every m sq of floor area Plastering of ceilings

• Partitioning the unit with combustible or toxic emission materials such as plywood or plastics

• Using concrete to raise the floor level beyond the allowable thickness of 50mm.

• Extending the floor area by covering over void deck areas

• Constructing a water tank in the bathroom unless it is a ready-made fibre-glass bathtub

• Repositioning or enlarging the opening of the rubbish bin chute

• Painting external parts of the building

• Installing fixtures outside the unit

• Installing casement windows where the unit's facade is facing common corridor

• Laying floor finishes outside the entrance door without a recess area or step


And here's why some of the renovations works are not allowed:

• They may overload the structure, which may in turn affect the structural integrity and safety of the building

• They will affect the external facade/form of the building or public safety

• They will create a public nuisance, pose a fire hazard or encroach on public areas

• They will infringe the lease agreement, relevant statutory regulations or requirements

For owners of condominiums and private apartments, they should get permission from the Management Committee Strata Title or Managing Office before proceeding with any renovations. The MCST or Managing Office will usually have a list of guidelines derived from the databases of the relevant authorities and advice from the project consultants.

Information is also available at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Building Construction Authority (BCA) websites.

This article was first published in The New Paper

Types of Kitchen Countertops

When it comes to kitchen countertops, the options are endless.

Although not every kitchen countertop will fit into your lifestyle, there’s no doubt that no matter the choice you make, you will find yourself with a beautiful kitchen countertop that will hopefully last you for years to come.

That said, here are some of the latest kitchen countertop options that have become popular in recent years.

1. Granite

If money is no object when it comes to building or renovating a kitchen, granite is typically the big winner. It gives off an air of elegance and sophistication, and the original beauty of the granite stone gives a je ne sais quoi to even the most conventional kitchen.

If sealed and installed properly, a granite kitchen countertop can last a lifetime. The major drawback is that it’s quite expensive, although some would argue that it is becoming more affordable.

Should you get it?
 It can sustain heat, is available in myriad colours and patterns, and adds major value to homebuyers; however, it is porous (can absorb and harbour bacteria).

2. Laminate

If you have kitchen ADD and need to switch things up every few years, then laminate countertops might be a great option for you. Made of plastic-coated synthetic material

with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean, the pieces are easily cut to size and then

finished on the edges of the counter space.

Should you get it?

While laminate countertops are inexpensive, you need to consider that scratches and chips are virtually impossible to repair, and does not add value to homebuyers.

3. Solid surfaces

 

Because surfaces like Avonite, Corian and Swanstone are solid, any scratches that the countertops endure can be sanded out.

However, the countertops are not heat resistant, so you are highly discouraged from placing a hot pan on the surface; but then, why would you ever do that?

Should you get it?

Solid surfaces comes in a wide array of colours and patterns, are stain resistant and seamless.

4. Ceramic tile

While ceramic tile can be quite durable, inexpensive, and a DIY project for resourceful homeowners, tiles rarely last a lifetime and can easily chip or crack.

As well, drop one glass of red wine and the grout will be permanently stained.

Should you get it?

Ceramic tile is heat resistant and is available in a wide range of price points, although your counter surface will be uneven and if you want to go custom, it will cost you a pretty penny.

5. Quartz

Quartz counters are essentially engineered stone composed of 93% quartz particles. You can get it in a much larger range of colours than granite and it is scratch resistant and has a non-porous surface (it will not be penetrated by bacteria).

Yes, it is more expensive than granite, but nevertheless, it is worth the price paid in the long-run, as it will last a lifetime.

Should you get it?

 It’s stain resistant, requires no maintenance and adds major value to homebuyers.

6. Stainless steel

If you’re a big fan of very contemporary kitchens, stainless steel might appeal to you in many ways. Both heat resistant and durable, stainless steel countertops also allow for that seamless look as they are constructed according to your specifications.

Should you get it?

While stainless steel is definitely durable, it is quite pricey, noisy and may even dent if hit hard enough. And don’t even think about cutting on this surface.

Kitchen countertops that suit your lifestyle

Of course, there are other options for kitchen countertops like marble, concrete, copper, crafted glass, and exotic stone, the truth is that most homeowners would opt for more reasonably priced and maintainable kitchen countertops.

by Katerina Gomes

Renovation Loans in Singapore: How they work & how to get one

If you made a diorama of my house, you’d get something like a Lego brick a cat chewed on. And the interior is worse; like the dungeon level of an 80′s video game. It all needs a facelift. Problem is, renovations don’t come cheap; and without cash on hand, it’s hard to make the upfront payments that contractors want.

The solution?

A renovation loan. These are trending in Singapore, and in this article, I examine how they works More importantly, I look at the best way to find a renovation loan package:

What is a Renovation Loan?

Renovation (Reno) loans are taken for a number of reasons:

• A change in Interior Design

• Extensive repairs

• Re-modelling of one or more rooms, or of the façade of the house

• Physical extensions of the house

Reno work is either paid in steps, or upfront. Either way, home owners need cash on hand. It’s like a race between you getting money, your designer trying to spend it, and your contractor trying to embezzle everything before you notice.

Sure, there’s always credit cards, but at 24% APR, that’s a step below the local loan shark. Also, renovation costs can easily exceed $50,000, so your nickname at the bank will be “Mr. Maxed” by around week three. Reno loans, on the other hand, average 3 – 5% APR, and won’t wreck your credit score.

How Big is the Loan?

With most banks, the minimum loan is $10,000. Depending on your credit, this can be extended to eight times (8 x) your monthly income, to a maximum of $30,000.
Some banks, such as RHB, also provide furnishing loans. If you want the loan to cover every aspect of your renovation, including the furniture, it’s usual to take a Reno loan and a furnishing loan. This separate furnishing loan is usually capped at $120,000.

So the maximum loan is typically $30,000 (the Reno loan) + $120,000 (furnishing loan) = $150,000. Interior Designers and contractors are familiar with this amount, and this is the budget for range for most designer apartments.

Standard loan tenure is between one to five years.

How Do I Get a Renovation Loan?

You have to:

• Be a Singaporean or Permanent Resident

• Be between 21 – 55 years of age

• Have a minimum income of $24,000 per annum

• Have a fair credit score

This loan is easy to negotiate, so you can sometimes get it even with bad credit. If you’re rejected, either appeal, or try again in six months. And if you can’t meet the minimum income, get a co-signatory. As long as they’re a relative, you’ll get your loan.

Aren’t All Reno Loans the Same?

No. While Reno loans have less variety than home loans, you should still do your homework.
Different banks offer varying interest rates, which hover between 3 – 5% per annum. Some banks also offer perks, such as free insurance protection for your loan.
Shop around and find the lowest loan, via websites like SmartLoans.sg. Remember, the best Reno loan in March 2012 may not be the best in June 2012; so make sure your sources are current.

General Tips on Renovation Loans

Points to note about Reno loans are:

1. Keep the Tenure as Short as You Can -

Unlike home loans, Reno loans can’t be refinanced. If you pick a five year loan, you’re stuck with the same bank for all five years. Also, unlike property, the value of the renovations won’t appreciate. A Reno loan is effectively borrowing money for consumption, and you want to repay the debt quickly.

2. Stretch the Loan to Cover Everything -

Because renovations involve multiple suppliers, it’s easy for the budget to go wrong. When that happens, many home owners end up with credit card debts on top of the Reno loan. You can save money by making sure everything is covered under a single, low-interest Reno loan.

Whatever budget the contractor comes up with, don’t match the loan to it exactly. Make allowances of up to 10%. While the repayments may go up a bit, it’s better than having to open another credit line later.

3. Crunch Numbers First -

Before you get the Reno loan, try to quantify what the improvements will do for you. If you’re a landlord, how will the renovation increase your yield? Is it enough to cover the new repayments?

If you’re just doing it for a more comfortable home, make sure it’s worth renovating instead of just moving. How many years are left on the lease? Are you intending to sell within the next 10 years? If so, remember the renovations may add nothing to your valuation.

Get more Personal Finance tips and tricks on www.MoneySmart.sg

Top Tips for a Smooth Reno

Renovating your home can be extremely stressful as you give up your territory and home conveniences for weeks - even months. Use these tips on organising and planning to keep the project on track and minimise disruption to your work and family life.

1. Create a separate folder for each contractor so there's no need to hunt around for the relevant documents at each discussion.

2. If you're doing painting work, ask for leftover paint for future touch-ups. Remember to label the tin with the room the paint is used in and date. Add a lick of paint to the lid so you can identify the colour without having to prise open the can, which dries out the contents.

3. Electrical trunking should be run before painting or wallpapering so you can blend it in with the wall colour. It should be wide enough to house at least four cables so your brand new decor isn't spoilt by unsightly wires crisscrossing the walls.

4. Factor in more electrical plugs than you think you'd need. With most household appliances requiring electricity or charging, you don't want trailing extension leads should you add a new massage chair or lamp.

5. Time and budget are huge considerations in any upgrading. If you want to save time, use off-the-shelf dimensions for features such as doors and storage systems instead of custom-building them.

6. We spend 60 per cent of our time in the kitchen around the sink, so plan its placement first. As a guide, stand with your arms straight down by your side and turn your hands up at right angles. This is where the bottom of your kitchen sink should be. Add the depth of the sink, and this marks the ideal working height for counters.

7. If you're home during the renovation period, carve out an oasis for yourself. Use a room that will remain relatively untouched by the chaos and put in whatever you need (your laptop, kettle, yoga mat, earplugs etc.) to keep yourself sane during that time. Keep all your renovation files, valuables and chargers in this spot, too.

8. Be prepared and make your renovation choices beforehand. Try to buy everything in advance. If that's not possible, schedule a time each day to make outstanding decisions with your spouse/family to keep within your schedule.

9. Be nice and tell the neighbours. They'll be more accommodating about the extra vehicles in the parking lots and the inevitable noise and dust.

Information provided by Georgina Wong
Find out more at http://www.asianprofessionalorganisers.com/