Renovation Contractor Review : Thian Ho Renovation Contractors

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. So today, I shall review Thian Ho Renovation Contractor.

We acquainted Ah Heng when my parents flat was enbloc, so we got this new bare flat which need renovations and all. We are very simple people who don't fancy feature wall, platforms or false ceiling that sort of people. By simple, we just want things to be practical. So we settled for just a good kitchen set-up, a few installations, and we are happy like that.

So my father's friend asked us to come by his flat to take a look at his renovation contractor's workmanship and design, and so we did. We like the idea, take some off, and we engaged Thian Ho almost immediately.

Ah Heng was very accommodating, coming by our place, take measurements, talk to us, recommended us a few suggestions, and got us a good home to live in.

As such, he left a very good lasting impression in my head, and I had always thought he would definitely be the one who will do my own flat when I get mine one day. But we kept our options open, and allowed other contractors to quote us as well.

Other contractors however didn't achieve that comfort we have with Ah Heng, and his price definitely is no match to start with. And other contractors always make it look forced to have that false ceiling and down-lights into our living room which we definitely do not fancy.

So on Good Friday, while everyone was preparing for an egg hunt, we got Ah Heng down with his men to take a look at our flat and take measurements. The carpenter was a very "no-nonsense" guy, but he is actually very nice, but he has that stern face like "DO NOT MESS WITH ME" kindda look. I still like him, because it means business, alright.

So after an hour or so of telling him excerpts of what i want, and how I want it, he gave me a good quote of under $15K. And I find it a joy because our budget was under $18K. What this means is we have a good buffer to get our sink, stove and everything essential for installation so we can kick start life in the new flat. We even got some spare for washing machine, dryer and refridgerator!

Workmanship wise, my parents' flat is living proof, nothing has broke yet, and everything is still just as good with no downfalls as yet, and we have been living there for about 4years.

Another thing we like about Thian Ho is that they are not hard up for big deposits. Unlike some companies where you MUST make 10-20% deposit to book, then 50% deposit more upon getting keys (with adjustments after measuring), then balance before it is even completed kindda arrangements.

With this contractor, because we were recommended clients, they do not demand deposits. This translates to the fact that Thian Ho has a positive cash flow, and not surviving with deposits after deposits, and this is definitely a good sign to start with.

I have spread his cards over to a few friends if they are not so "atas" like needing a 3D visualization art and what not. Honestly, I just prefer contractors to IDs because firstly, I am a CAD Drafter, if I want to, I can do it myself, secondly, because I am a drafter, I can visualize by just looking at the floor plan. And I find it unnecessary to spend so much for space planning as I can do this myself.

I am a simple person with a simple family, who just wants a simple home. So if you do come by my house, do not judge per se. I am just like that, not because I don't have the moolah, but because I am just a simple person and if possible, she wants her home bare (which is impossible with aged parents and future kids). So furniture seemed to be mandatory.

So what is our home theme? Hmm... I shall say something between a minimalist and nature?

We'll see.. Pictures will follow when renovation is in place and when the house is taking shape into a home.. Stay tune!

Thian Ho Renovation Contractors
License No : HB-06-1550-D
Blk 344 Jurong East Street 31 #01-45 S600344
T: 6564 9733
Email: thianho.reno@gmail.com
Web: www.thianhorenovation.com

Heng Jee Tee  (Ah Heng)
9105 3679

Feel free to engage them!
You can always mention that I recommended them
Jun from 815B CCK or 420 Casa Clementi.

I am sure he would recognise me with those addresses. :)

Happy new flat owner,
Jun

Wassalam

It is midweek!

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.

It is midweek! Take a break, and dance.

Found this on Facebook, and I just had to share!

This kid.
Ladies and gentlemen this is how you dance at a party!!
Posted by Living the Single Life on Saturday, 26 March 2016

Boy have got mooves, baby!

Enjoy the rest of week and start welcoming the weekend!

Jun

Wassalam 

Our new flat, and financial planning...

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. As most would have known, Husband and I have received our keys and are now officially proud owners of the BTO flat we opted for back on 9th December 2012.

We thank Allah SWT for all his blessings, in which He had made some things easier for us and insyaAllah our future as joint owners of this new flat, in which new life shall begin, a new challenge as husband and wife.

All our consistency in working full time, enduring and hanging on to our jobs, searching for better opportunities, and the rewards our stay in the company has been paid off when we see the figures on the screen.

We initially wanted to just go for 15yr loan, but the figures are a bit tight for my husband, so we opted for a 20yr loan instead of the full 30yr loan as I definitely don't want to work beyond 50, if possible I don't want to be working beyond 45. And I definitely don't want to see my husband struggle and continue working too hard after he is 55. He deserve a good break too, you know.

Alhamdulillah, even with the shorter loan period, we are still at the comfortable repayment amount, in fact it was at least $200 under. Alhamdulillah. This only means that I can afford to cut some slack after a good 5-8 years of continuously working as how I already am at the moment.

So friends, this is why a good job with a good CPF contribution is helpful. The 20% goes a long long way if you do intend to have your own flat and it does help if you are hospitalized.

So now that all the signing is over, we took the trip to physically see the flat, and get down to the real planning works. Jump on the wagon and start scouting for a good contractor to get working. If you havent know, we are intending to be loan free as much as possible.

We had told each other to save $10K each for renovation work, since 2-3 years ago, I kept to my word, in fact had some extra to get my Babylock Enlighten at least! However, due to some unseen circumstances, my husband falls short, But is okay, it is at 70% of the targetted amount and is good enough for us who are both minimalist and practical in terms of our new home.

So we set ourselves to keep everything within $15K. Alhamdulillah, we know of a contractor who can do the job for us at that amount or less. Allah SWT had made it easy for us, Alhamdulillah.

And the plan we had earlier, wasn't to what our actual flat is, so there you go! This is why I waited till I get my keys. :)

From this:

Initially we drew this from the "typical floor plan" in the BTO booklet thingy, and modified to suit our flat layout as per the BTO booklet. 

After looking at the actual flat, the actual size of it, the irritating corners or the columns that eat up space, that Gas Maintence shaft that eats into our kitchen, we had no choice but to make significant changes to our plans, and this is what we come up with.

I even decided to do a built-in shelf for the hobby room instead of getting an off the shelf, as I figured I need durability. Further changes to wardrobe locations with the contractors' advice. And the kitchen! I had to put my fridge in the service yard. Oh wells, what to do? We also shifted the dining area since there is a partition there beside our main door. And had our game console on the other corner. For sure, we LOVE our living/dining area, Alhamdulillah, it is spacious to accommodate, living day space, dining space and game space!

Baby M was very sure the hobby room was hers, she kept going in that room and telling me it is hers, and that we will sleep in it. Haha. Okay Baby, we will keep a space for you in there okay? While Abah saves for his bicycles, I will squeeze a day bed and toy space for you in there! :)

Also, this is a corridor unit, not the corner, so on a down side, I don't have a view, the sunlight, or the wind. But I get a good living space, and a personal corridor to my main gate. Possibly to grow some herbs and get some Aquaponic going on or something? Or maybe a bench to just sit guests when the house gets too full. That personal space also means our shoes wont get kicked by neighbours walking pass to get to the lift or the bin chute. I love that outdoor space the most, to be honest. :)

That's about it for my new flat, another entry for our contractor soon..

The happy new owner of a new flat,
Jun

Wassalam

Food Review : ABM by Family Store

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. So now, finally, a review for the ABM (Air Batu Malaysia) I got from this lady I acquainted by a simple mutual friend of a mutual friend on Facebook kindda friend. :)

Fb Page: ABM by Family Store
Founders are husband and wife who basically have this business by pure coincidence. Their children love Air Batu Malaysia, hey! Who doesn't? And when she mades them, the children have them outside and friends start enquiring, and taa daa! A business. :)

Alhamdulillah. I have ordered twice from her. Once to try the premium flavours which consists on Nutella, Milo and everything chocolate. In the same sentence while collecting it from her, I mentioned she should venture into natural flavours, the classic ones like Pineapple, Sour Plum and you know, the fruity ones.

So I waited and waited, I saw and haven't got a chance yet to order again, until my aunt mentioned family gathering. Oh what better occassion to order ABMs!!

Yes, the picture is by them. I was so mesmerized by the family that I didnt take out my phone to snap any photos. Sacred memory like that lah. Hehe..

So ya I ordered the Minis in the following flavours
Milo 5x
Bandong 5x
Sarsi 5x
Soursop 5x
Honeydew 5x
Chin Chow 5x
Pineapple w Fruit 5x
Sour Plum w Asam Boi 5x
Lychee w Fruit 5x
Blueberry Longan 5x

I only managed to taste pineapple, sour plum, blueberry longan and lychee, but I am sure every flavour is just as nice.

The sourplum was awesome! She is generous with the asam boi, I got 3 in my mini! The pineapple is everything pineapple, it just ooze out sweet honey pineapple, so tasty!

All in all, it was pure joy to have these ABMs to cool a hot humid night! And I am very sure everyone was enjoying it because some had asked where I got them from.

Let's welcome the classic and support local! Go order, guys!

A happy ABM fan
Jun

Wassalam

Of gatherings and more...

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.

I am happy.. for many things. The gathering to celebrate March Birthdays were a success. All smiles and happy tears. I managed to sponsor cooling delicious ABMs, and yes, another entry just for those ABMs I promise!!!

The only bad news is that my dad fractured his two toes from a fall at the toilet. Thankfully it wasn't the major joint, else he will have to undergo surgery. For now, his toes just needs to be bandaged so movement of the toes are minimal and that it will give room for the bones to self-cure. Alhamdulillah.

The other milestone that I mentioned previously was for the new flat that is now rightfully ours. Alhamdulillah, ya Rabb for your endless kind blessings. Alhamdulillah.

Our first visitors were my grandmom, my mom, my dad and baby M! Then Mama H and my hamtaro came to drop by. Everyone was excited and a video with their active walking around to look at every corner, and their voices was evident! But that shall be our private video for now.

And so would our draw-up plan. InsyaAllah, we will share with you the pictures when the time is right.

As for now, I will be undergoing sewing classes via whatsapp from an ukhwa in Malaysia. MasyaAllah, so glad we crossed path via many of her students here in Singapore who are in my sewing networks, or rather affectionately called "Kakak Jahit" by my husband.

I havent been sewing the past few days, as I was once again down with cough, which made me sleepy after the usual strong meds which help curb my cough. Sleepy and sewing definitely don't go hand in hand. So I guess it is also Allah's way to tell me I need to rest, and come closer to Him.

Following that, we received news of 4 deaths, 2 from a motorcycle accident, and 2 from the freak accident on SMRT track. May the family of these 4 young men be able to accept the news with sincerity, calmly, and able to digest it positively.

There, again, we are reminded that death is very near us. Have we done enough, really.. Have we?

Let's all remind each other of our akhirat alongside our responsibilities in Duniawi. May we all accept our challenges and continue to do dakwaah through our actions.

Until I blog again,
Jun

Wassalam.

Another family gathering

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. And so March is here.. We have plenty of milestone in the making this month and we are embracing it at our own slow pace.

We have another family gathering soon.. Yeay!! I am so elated when my aunt called to share her plans and invited us. Sounds like a great plan and sounds like a whole lot of fun!

And so I ordered mini ABMs (what are they? Well, wait for the review okay?). And we got excited thinking of bringing PS4 to play while we were there with other cousins, and what not. And then someone nudge me about riding on other people's plan and about others riding on my plans.

I guess everything has two ways, different perspective and personal feelings about it. I am not a big fan of planning things involving a lot of people, but I like being part of it. So I would be the happiest person when things are already planned and all I have to do is jump on the wagon and follow suit.

So it is rather amusing when someone said all I want are things going my way.. Well.. okayy.. that sounded like me at 17 going 21. Okay maybe right till 23 or something. So I forgive that person, he/she still see me at that young naive stage. I must have been so horrible back then eh?

You guys do know though, right? That the way we perceive others are actually reflections of your own self. So if you see something not so fanciful, the next best thing to do is self check. Have you ever had that feeling inside you? If you have, then embrace it, change it, be better, and see that person again. That whole blurry image of that demanding person you thought that person was is no longer there. If you still see that strong image, then perhaps you are not done with your self-reflection yet. Or perhaps it is for you to remind yourself and make dua that you don't become like them ever.

Yes, to an extend I like things going my way, hey who wouldn't? However, I prefer things planned and I just follow suit. What I don't like is when no one plans but expect it to happen, so I took it in my hands and plan it out in hope it will happen and someone else will that that lead off me and plan further. I told you I am not a big fan of planning. So please, if you don't like what I had planned, take it off my hands, my shoulders and my head. PLEASE do! I'd thank you for a million years.

Many times, midway through my planning I ask for opinions and accommodate whatever I can, in high hopes that someone else will offer something like "Eh I got better idea, mind if I plan hereon?"

I swear I'd be forever grateful to you for taking that load off me. How many times must I say that I hate planning? So many hearts to care for, and not many are people of my kind where they just wanna follow suit. If we don't like it, we don't participate, but we won't ask for a substitute or alternative or compromise. We are simple people. But people always mistook us as being snobbish for doing something else, like just sitting down enjoying the scenery while the plan is to snorkel, maybe?

The fact is we know it is hard to plan for everyone, so we don't mind following suit, and minding our own business when we cannot or dislike the activity planned out. By "we", I probably mean Scorpios. We don't like to be the center of focus, we like the spotlight, but dislike being the center of attraction. Now, how do I even explain that?

I like being in a conversation and talking and giving ideas and suggestions, but don't really like an audience that is too many. Weird and contradicting, right? Perhaps that's why I always end up alone in the corner. LOL! I enjoy company but sometimes it is too overwhelming and I disconnects. Weird, I know!

With that I should add this quote from Anonymous, "In life, not everyone will like you. And so, I don't. But it doesnt mean I dont love you, I do. Just differently, and perhaps I can only love you from afar."

And do read this article too, one para screamed at my face, it says, "Being on the receiving end of narcissistic love can make us feel like we need to try harder. Yet at the same time, it can make us feel that, no matter how hard we try, we can’t really get through to or connect to the other person (which is true). We can come to believe that somehow, it is up to us to fix the relationship. For someone who has blocked their heart, to the point where they cannot connect to themselves, superficial functional connections are all that is possible though."

So, the next time I plan something, and if you have a better idea, take the lead.. I don't mind. In fact, I love it! The only thing I don't like people to do for me is planning my own private space (home) and financials. If I suggest something, it is usually with careful calculations that I can afford it. I usually make sure I can pay for someone when I ask them out to lunch or dinner. Similarly I know I can pay for the whole troop when I tell them we are travelling to xxx.

I miss the whole troop travelling and flying. I would love for someone else to plan the next family vacation, all I wanted is a happy family vacation once every 2 years or so. It is not too much to ask for, is it? Doesn't matter where, as long as we are altogether as one big happy family.

Praying for a happy family,
Jun

Wassalam.

Food Review: Zulos Sg

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. It is time for another review to write! Alhamdulillah..

Zulos Sg - A muslim owned cafe situated at Blk 612 Clementi Street 1.

Serves mainly Churros, Waffles and MilkShakes.

I arrived to a chill-out place. Very casual setting.. No greetings, no asking us table for how many, they let people peak in and leave. Well, not exactly a place I would come back go at first sight within the first 10 minutes while deciding what to have.

Perhaps I was pampered by the ambience Butterscotch had served me with, where they notice you at the door, and asked immediately how many pax, and scan a table for me. Perhaps I was looking for something better.

Anyways.. we decided to try their waffles. And I ordered, I was clear, she repeated my order perfectly. I paid, there was no receipt. But it is okay, I sit back and wait.

Bubblegum. 

Hmm the captions say it taste everything bubblegum, so I was imagining it to be grape/strawberry/blueberry kindda mint. But this wasn't what it make me feel like it is what it describes itself to be. Obviously, I didnt finish it.

Iced Mocha Latte

I didnt taste it, but husband said it is a little too milky for him.

Kinder Bueno

Okay.. This is nice. Except they got the ice-cream on the wrong waffle. But it is okayyy la.. Husband and wife kan, can share la hor. No big deal. But this is nice. Crispy waffles, and kinder bueno can't go wrong.

Caramello

Yeay! This is nice. But my waffles aren't as crispy as my husband's I dunno why.

Just as I finished my waffles I start feeling nauseous, like on a verge to vomit but not. I dunno why. I thought I was just not feeling well, but husband said he felt the same but more of the verge to do some serious business.

So we hurried home. Honestly, I dunno if it is a good review or not. Perhaps the staff had an exhausting long day thus the solemn ambience. I don't know.

Or perhaps, I am just overly pampered at Butterscotch, because they recognize me, and all the staffs are always smiling.

Well, that only means, Zulos Sg can improve with time.

I am giving them a second chance, so wait till I return there some day.

To the next Caramello,
Jun

Wassalam

Sewing for the boys/men

Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. I know and well aware that I haven't really blogged about my sewing journey, at least not as much as I had wanted to. So today, let's just jump on it.

Sewing for the boys/men can be tedious and boring. And here's why!

Limited Fabric Choice

Oh tell me about it. The boys can at least have fun prints still, but men.. so so so limited choices.. Go for colours and they give this face. Go for fun and they wont wear it. Go for boring and they will say "oh I have that already"

Just lines...

And more lines....

Men!!!! Just what do you guys wear??

The very rare one that is fun but not too fun..

Tedious

For some reason, sewing a men's shirt is so tedious. These shirt patterns CANNOT go without pressing and ironing.

Kwik Sew 3484

And just for my own reference, I should revisit this blog to refresh how to sew the shirt right.

McCalls  6972

I have tried both, and I urge you sewist to please don't miss the pressing steps. It makes a huge difference.

And another reference for collar, see this blog.

Boring

I mean how many patterns are there for men? Seriously, there are always with shirt, t shirt, raglan shirt, and what? Singlet? *huffs* so boring.. Same thing, same fabric, same pressing game.

BUT it can teach you a few things.

Men's shirt look simple don't there, and expensive, even at sales, these shirts cost like what? $40 or something?

Well after sewing one I know why it is so expensive. And oh simple yes, but it is not too simple.

This is my first boy's shirt that I sew. Went horribly wrong with the wrong interfacing and the wrong step.

Tried again, by omitting the collar, still something is wrong..

Using McCalls 6972 Sz 3-4

Tried again, and well, with a bit of luck, it may turn out okay..

Using Kwik Sew 3484 Sx XL

Bottom line is.. DON'T GIVE UP. :) Keep trying, keep practicing! You'll get there, I will get there.

The toughest part for me when sewing these shirts is the front flap and collar, which tends to get on my edge. I will be making more of these whenever I need that extra challenge, definitely.

It is fun, when you do it once in awhile, but I do find it really tedious to be constantly being on point with the serge, sew, press, sew, press and to repeat that process for every part. It does drives me insane, but seeing the end result so pretty (probably because of the constant pressing), it does give me that satisfaction smile. And to top it up, the husband is impressed.

It fits! Yeay!

IF you do have fun prints for the men, do hola me! I sooo need some to practice sewing these!

The sewist who is having fun,
Jun

Wassalam