Padding Up the Home (Living and Bedroom)

So today, I'm going to look at how far a shoe-string $3000 budget can get me in furnishing a living room, a bedroom, and a  study room. To save on cost, if you are renting a room out or don't mind 2nd hand goods, you can request previous owners for their furniture, especially if it is in good condition, needs lots of disassembling, or looks really unique like teak furniture which just needs to be re-polished. Many like having new furniture when they move to a new place, but remember, it is often cheaper to simply refurbish than to buy new everything. If you do ask for possible furniture, it'll be added on to the valuation price but it is better than going out there to get one just for the tenants. Some tenants actually prefer bringing in their own furniture. (I met at least 3 PR sellers during viewing who were selling off their homes to rent as the space was just too small for their expanding family, and they needed a bigger space.)


I like multi-functional versatile & practical furniture. & I've lots of 'things', so I like things with lots of storage options.

So for the Living Room, these are my ideas:

 This is the Sarai Storage Sofa ($399) from fortytwo.sg. Now this does multiple duty. As a sofa, as a coffee table (just place the footstool in-front with a long board (or surf board to add funk) on top, as a storage unit, and finally as a bed for those unexpected guests. Tuck in extra pillows, blankets, and bedsheets into the drawers below. Handy. It also comes with a flip-down mini coffee table (as seen in picture), and I like this coffee brown fabric cover version. There is something similar at Qoo10 (deal price, at $299.90 + $30 delivery, presently but not as well fitted, but has a wider range of colours including lime green and wine red, removable cover unlike FT's and with a wider range of models but at higher increments).

I was looking for a console table when I saw this L-shaped sofa and console table and coffee table set going at only $499 on Furniture Mart. Good for big gatherings with more places to sit at. The coffee-table being the same height as the console, can also act as an extension of the console, offering more length.

This is a Unit TV console with two close door shelves at $159 from V.Hive. The price includes delivery and installation. More shelving space! I can have this in the middle with the console and coffee tables from above flanking it on both sides.

I've always liked those rattan swings, especially since I lounged in one while at Siem Reap, Cambodia. This Swing Chair is from Qoo10, retails at $229 with free installation and delivery, and has got good reviews too.
For rugs, I'll just look at IKEA. I like the soft sort which get in between your toes. I've considered laying carpet grass where my swing set would be. Those are not as bad, and at that pricing, I can afford to change them out when they do wear out. Cheaper and less of a hassle than dry cleaning or vacuuming, I guess. This costs about $19.90.

Finally, for the entrance, a 2 in 1 shoe rack, which functions like a bench too, to comfortably put on your shoes. This is $45 from FurnitureSg, and would suit the copper gates too.

There are some really nice storage cabinets at Orange Living especially the Cassini and Moly storage, glass shelves display cabinets, both retailing at $299 which can function as a space divider, like at the entrance.

I like maze like spaces, instead of everything being flushed against the wall, well, till I am rushing, or need space to dance... It is cozier and affords more privacy.

Now for the bedroom/s:


Now, this is how I quickly coordinate and would finish a (rental) room ... buy them in a bundle. This Qoo10 deal includes a Bed Frame, Dressing Table with stool, a Side Table and a 3.5 ft 2-door Sliding Wardrobe. They are even throwing in a free Queen sized 6" mattress (can upgrade to better height and comfort) and 2 free pillows. That is quite a bit of saving, isn't it, if the deal price is at $448 if you are getting it in Walnut + White? Pay a little more for Black, as that is classy :) Oh, installation and delivery is free too. There is another seller also on Qoo10, selling about the same thing, but their free mattress is 7.5", and it goes at $459.

If you would like better quality, you can consider getting bundle sets from more quality providers. Personally, I find the night stand and dresser extravagant. I just need a bed, a wardrobe, and a study desk.

 This bamboo partition is perfect to keep out prying eyes, especially if your front door opens up into the main living area, or to section out the dining area from the living area, or the bed from the rest of the room, or even the bathroom from the bed area to allow some privacy, especially if your bathroom door opens directly into your bedroom area. Damage? $26 on Qoo10.

For my own room, I most probably will be customising it with built ins like a platform bed (Read this article on the advantages of platform beds), within an alcove area, shelved with all my books and CDs/DVDs, and a long wall full height wardrobe, but for the purpose of illustration, we'll take it that I'll be turning the spare room into an office. So here are the works:

I LOVE this 3 in 1 book cabinet and display shelf from FurnitureSg. It can be collapsed to be one shelf, expanded to be two shelves, or placed perpendicular to be a corner shelf. Very versatile! Expanding to your needs too. It is available at $205 here.

 As I would be working from home quite a deal, I need a work desk too, and this L-shaped desk with a high back chair with arms, comes in at only $288, with delivery and installation from LCF Furniture Store.



I forgot about kitchen/dining furniture, so this is to add on...There are some really nice dining table sets at Orange Living. I like the Florida Checkered Glass and Metal Dining set going at $499 and the Florida Square Table with corner chairs that fold in, retailing at $419. It saves space and is compact though small at 100cm each side only. However, I found a dining set which is more affordable on Lazada at only $299 in dark walnut, as pictured.

So total damage is $2916 for the base end selections. The remainder? Don't forget curtains and the works...

Like textured ceiling tiles... :



You can look at this link to find out where some of the best furniture stores in Singapore are.

HDB Upgradings

Ok, only 1 comment on my entire blog so far. That too anonymous and cryptic. Ok, Sobz. Moving along.


HDB has over the years endeavoured to make the flats more appealing and usable. I do applaud their efforts, and if you live in a really old house, it helps you in renovating your house at a steal rate (but of course 'matching' materials and workmanship). But I truly appreciate it, if it has been done.

HIP (HDB Improvement Programme) Check that if has been done, (can be easily checked here or on HDB Map Services under Housing Icon for your chosen block) and whether it has been billed to previous owner yet. (If it hasn't been done yet, wait for it to roll around as it is very cheap - the labour also that quality of course. Unless the toilet is really in a very bad condition. Just imagine how a little after a year from us getting our toilet renovated, HDB does the leak test, and it doesn't pass, and as such it is now UGLY as it is a mix-match of quality tiles, and standard badly laid tiles. The cutting ruined the nice tiles too. The other toilet came out better as it wasn't a blend. But plain.)



And now for a more authentic retelling, you can check out this other lady's post on her HIP experience, and yes, you'll fall in love with the bulky yellow and red portable toilet/shower, though an eyesore, after using it for a week. I wonder if I can purchase one for my non-en-suite-but-has-adjoining-wall-to-toilet bedroom... It is true about the dust, even for the areas covered! Don't plan to do any cooking, in fact, masking tape seal any doors of your kitchen too. We wet mopped the house every night even after they did and it always felt dusty. A colleague actually covered all her walls and what not with cardboard, plastic etc. and sealed those for those 10 days to save herself the trouble of re-cleaning your entire house after those 10 days. She said the trouble was worth it. I agree. (Trick - Place a wet towel under the openings to your bedrooms/storeroom - YES! Masking tape window gaps when you've shut them. The dust gets EVERYWHERE! Do not even leave windows open during those hours especially as if not your unit, a neighbouring unit's dust gets into yours. Before and after yours is done, till entire section of block is done. Clock longer hours at work.)

Some houses I've looked at in Tampines, still have not had HIP done, so I'll have to think about the pollution and monitoring needed when it does happen (whose going to lock and unlock the doors, and as they do batch by batch in the block, you have very limited option as to which date you prefer so be prepared to take at least 2-3 days leave. One option is to put a bicycle lock around your gates, and give only that key to the contractors. Or get someone to house-sit. Premium remuneration expected as it is really very bad conditions as it is renovations en-mass for that area.)

LUP (Lift Upgrading Programme) Check again, especially if it was recently concluded. Most blocks have done at least this by now, from what I understand.

The HDB Main Upgrading Programme has concluded a few years ago, and in the older blocks, the addition of a Utility room at the back of the kitchen, adding another 6sqm of space (fits even a Queen Size bed and a small console/shelf/wardrobe and is breezier with wider spanning windows), is highly welcome. I've seen these utility rooms at Toa Payoh, and am highly attracted, as it is next to toilet/shower, so finally an 'almost' ensuite, even if there is still just one toilet/shower.

This is from Block 110, Toa Payoh. It actually is more spacious than it looks. One place even fit in a Queen sized bed with a tight walking space around, with a small nook that fit in shelves. Highly ideal for just sleeping as it is the breeziest room too!

I've seen advertisements advertising to rent these utility rooms, but I don't think it is legal. But supply often meets demand so apparently some are really that desperate. From what I understand, you can use that space for anything, bedroom, storage, laundry, playroom, etc. but I'm sure definitely not for rental. That should be a proper room, only only if yours is a 3-room flat.

Comments highly appreciated

In this post we are going to do something interactive.

You are going to COMMENT.

How did you get here?

Are you 35, reaching 35, over 35 and single?

How useful has the information been?

What else do you hope to see?


Have you shared the blog yet?

Please comment. It is highly encouraging.

Anyway, tomorrowtoday, I'm going to do something gargantuan in line with this house hunting experience.

What do you think it'll be?
(Comment below.)

House Play List

Ok, as you can see, today's post is very 'different'.

Was listening to my brother play some tracks, and I thought, why not do a House Hunting song list?

To put you in the mood for house hunting and to calm your nerves while house finishing.

35 songs to last at least 2 hours, from all genres and tastes. Pop, Country, Reggae, Jazz, Rap, Patriotic, Children's, Ballad - you name it, it is on this list.

Listen to them while searching houses, searching for renovation quotes, filling up the documents, waiting for Seller Agent (Today's agent was late...), waiting for First and then Second Appointment, waiting for ID, waiting for renovation, waiting for deliveries, to block out renovation noises, and whenever you need a song list to burn the hours...

If you have more suggestions (around the idea of houses... do tell me.)

I did leave out some even more depressing (Burning House) or explicit (Work from Home, Click House, there's lots) or boring songs (Better Be Home Soon?), so don't say I didn't try.

At the very best, it'll make you appreciate the wait... There are some things worse than the wait. Like this song list :)


Enjoy.

Padding up the home... (Kitchen and bathroom)

So you've finally bought the house, got the keys, and are now looking at furnishing it.

Why consider that before/while considering renovation?

So that you realise what is out there and how much you have to set aside for renovation costs, and whether you want to include certain furniture ideas into the renovation too. Also furniture window shopping can be fun...

I know that I would like a soak tub in my new place, so I've walked down the shops at Geylang last month (lots of Bathroom appliances stores and considerable range of bathtubs on sale too) and visited IMM last night (was expecting more stores but only about 5, and had more of heaters, shower/rain heads, taps, kitchen sinks and bath/laundry sinks. You'd have to go further to their showrooms to view a wider range.)

I've fallen in love with anthracite double sinks, laundry rack and deep bowl ceramic sinks, and the pull spray faucet taps. If I could, would work them into my renovation plans. Houses that need kitchen makeovers now actually are starting to appeal to me more.

The Blanco Anthracite dual sink. I understand it is a silgranite variant.

Kitchen
In the kitchen, you'd have to think about getting sinks, cooker hoods, hobs, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, etc. It'll be good to get the possible range you're interested in, so that you can choose one quickly when there is more pressure and panic to purchase (especially when your ID is trying to sway you to what he thinks is best for you, and maybe his wallet, as they do get kickbacks from the stores if you purchase from their recommendations. That's how the world works.) Your contractor will need the dimensions when they are planning and renovating the kitchen, for example. Especially if you want a beast of a dual sink like what I saw. (Good for not doing dishes for a day or two? :P ) Hence they can leave space for these, and also install convenient electrical outlets to plug these in (ensure space for the plug head too as some jut out.)

Think about whether you'd be doing light cooking (just leaving a space above stove should do, not much need for a hood) or heavy cooking (need an exhaust hood to suck up most of the smoke and oiliness - and you need to maintain/clean out hood regularly, change out the filters monthly etc.), maybe flame stove to add char flavour to the food, unless you can have charcoal stove pot), and closed walls so smells and oiliness doesn't escape to living space, but good ventilation still, kitchen window.) If you've a structural beam in your kitchen, installing a chimney may be complex, so you have a limit on where you can place the stove too.

Ovens are nice and pretty but are seriously meant for the serious bakers and cooks out there. I'm considering getting a 20 liter toaster oven which should suffice me fine for re-heating that Regular Sized pizza at best, which by that time, would be only less than half the pizza. If you're into Microwave ovens, consider that too. I'm just against the radiation in microwave ovens. (Try drinking water heated in a microwave oven, and you'll never want to use a microwave again. Or drink water. But the latter isn't an option.)


Next, the other beast, your refrigerator. I may need a bar fridge at best, but I noted that I just need to top up a bit more and can get a regular 2-door fridge which is more energy efficient. (Yes, consider the energy ranking, as it is no use buying a 'cheaper' product to end up paying more in utility bills.) The Retro fridges look cool, but have only 1 tick. If you're the kind that likes checking in your fridge often, you should get a two door so that you don't waste cooling energy. Someone should invent a transparent door to minimise this habit. Like for ovens. So the fridge doesn't have to keep regulating the temperature.

Also, if you are considering constructing a refrigerator base, you'll need the dimensions again. However, this is a constrictive and outdated practice. Constrictive as you cannot really change the placement of your fridge or get a bigger or smaller model, especially after it breaks down or becomes old/inefficient. The reason why many have this is because the base of fridges were made of metal and may corrode or get rusty if it comes into contact with water, and in the past, I'm sure you'd recall how when we were washing the kitchen floor, we WASHED the floor. Nowadays we just do light mopping or washing as our cooking styles are not as intensive or greasy. Also, the bases are now built with better quality metal or plastic. The plastic legs are also quite adequate to elevate the fridge while cleaning, if needed. However, for design reasons, having the base of the fridge to be flush with where the base skirting for the cabinets end makes it look more seamless aesthetically.


Lastly, there are the slew of other smaller appliances.

The hot water kettle. I prefer the keep warm thermal as my mother says re-heating boiled water is not good... But we use the hot pot at work a lot.

The rice cooker, steamers, air-fryers, food warmers, steamers, hotplates, etc. I saw those pack-it-in-and-go thermal tiffin carriers that is good for those who cook and would like to save cost when working. No need to transfer the food from the pot into a tupperware. The pot used to cook fits nicely into these shells. I also went over to Best Denki, and looked at really 'tiny' rice cookers and ceramic cookers, maybe for one serving, but remember, it is always economical and more efficient to cook for two. The price isn't half that of those which are twice or even thrice as big. Cook more. Pack the rest for lunch. Or invite others over to share the food. Alternatively, eat more! Why consider all these?
Well, they are going to clutter your counter space, so think about how much space you need to allocate to these appliances, and also, how much space you've now got left to do actual cooking.


Bathroom
For built-in bathtub, though they are cheaper, I know that installation costs would be high (need HDB permit, need to build base and low wall around, need to tile the area etc.) so I've started looking at portable bath-tubs too, which though more expensive, can be easily installed and positioned. They are low weight bearing too. I'm not sure if they are more prone to damage like leaks and cracks which I hear about built-in bathtubs, but it is easier to dispose if so, compared to built-ins, which are often single facing too (one side is the exposed nice side, the other the steel wall side, so you cannot even swap it from one end to the other.)

This built-in bathtub comes with handles and goes at about $320 w/o installation worked in.

There is a nice range of Water Closets (what we know as sitting toilet bowls) but I am still looking for those with the mini sink on top that can be used to flush which will help with saving on water and the environment. The more hip range now seems to be those with tornado flush something. I liked those with a monolithic back base too. I prefer low cisterns though as it mimics squatting and is better for the body. I've been looking for one of those U-stools in the meantime... but it has yet to catch on in Singapore, it seems.

Then there are the rain heads and the shower heads and the water heaters. If you're getting a bathtub or a rain-head (quite the rage now but I'm still blah about it), you're advised strongly to get a water heater tank to ensure pressure of the water, and temperature of the water. I've been using instant water heaters for almost the last 3 decades and they are great for me though (before that, if we wanted hot water, we either shower in the afternoon, or boil water in a kettle, and pour it into a pail of lukewarm water. Grew up poor, yeah). However I've heard people who talk about fluctuating water pressure, scalding from sudden increase in temperature and such. To me, heated water is still a luxury so I don't need atas set-ups. However, if you mean to be in the tub a long time, having storage tank will help as the heat will dissipate after a while, and you may end up with hypothermia or wrinkly skin if you don't regulate the temperature inside.

Then there is the vanity sinks, with interesting designs like rectangular basins, glass bowl, and even a heart-shaped design. I'm practical. I'll go with one with a laundry rack and deep bowl so that it does double duty.

My dream vanity/toilet sink.

I'm also considering installing a portable shower like I've seen done in some hdb spas. Like that I can have an ensuite shower, even if only one toilet on the premises. I go tthe idea when my house was going through HIP and we had those porta toilets. It actually was really cool in the end. The wall has to be a wall adjoining the shower to allow for piping water and drainage, but I wonder if HDB would permit it. You can look at some of the models here at Universal Union or this on Alibaba which comes with a toilet too. But they only had one of the more basic ones on display at their showroom at Geylang. Need to specially order. If like that, I like the wooden version with the sauna. hehe. Go big, or go home. Sigh, if only HDB will approve.


Always consider the delivery and installation charges when working out the affordability of appliances, as these can rack up quite a fee too.


So, what have I overlooked?

The Single History

Mapping the housing trend for Singles over the past ... not that many years...



The Single Singapore Citizen Scheme was introduced in 1991 by the then newly minted Prime Minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong. He first announced the possibility of such a scheme during his first ever National Day Rally Speech on 11 August 1991. Before that, Single Singaporeans were not allowed to purchase HDB flats. Period. In line with the government's stance of being pro-family, and certainly pro-marriage.

Now those 35 years and above could finally own their own homes, but these could only be 3-room or smaller re-sale flats, in ulu estates.

They weren't allowed to purchase re-sale flats in the central regions, particularly, the seven estates, "Bukit Merah, Central, Geylang, Kallang & Whampoa, Queenstown, Farrer Road, and Tanjong Rhu & Mountbatten."

There wasn't an income ceiling at this point.

From 18 March 1998, to boost the demand for housing during the Asian Crisis, Singles could finally qualify for a grant of $15,000 for purchasing 3-room or smaller re-sale flats, if they've not received any housing subsidy before, and their monthly income was $3,000 or less. However, over the next few months as housing prices slid down, the grant amount was gradually decreased at a rate of about $500/month.

The Joint Singles Scheme was also stopped for Singles as many brought an elderly relative to apply to get the rebates, but with no intention of living together, and lived in the flat on their own, thus abusing the system.

From 28 August 2001, the restrictions were slackened such that Singles are able to buy 3-room or smaller resale flats anywhere, including those in the seven urban estates.

I remember my counsellor, now a good friend, who bought her 3-room re-sale flat in Holland Village back then. Some may think HV to be ulu and dated but my old is gold. So opening up these estates injects young blood and vibrancy into them, renewing the Qi.

Announced on 29 August 2004 in his first community walkabout after becoming the new PM, the now Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that soon Singles would be allowed to buy re-sale flats of any size, well, still 5-rooms and below.

Also, to qualify for housing board loans, they could only buy up to a 5-room flat, and again. their monthly income had to be $3,000 or less.

On 15 August 2011, "to provide additional affordable housing options for more citizen households," the monthly income ceiling for Singles to purchase up to a 5-room re-sale flat was revised from $3,000 to $5,000. The Grant quantum was also increased from $11,000 to $15,000.

However, yes, if you've noted the constant repetition of that 'R' word, Singles were still relegated to the re-sale market which means higher costs than new builds like the trending BTOs.

So it was met with great cheer when on 30 July 2013, Singles were finally allowed to buy 2-room BTO flats in non-mature estates, like Sembawang and Punggol, directly from HDB, at highly subsidized rates (depending on your income still of course) with grants going up to $30,000. Of course there is a quota of how many of the flats go to Singles, like about 30% for example. This definitely would meet the needs of lower income singles. It'll also help sell 2-room BTOs which are still moving slowly before that as it is not really family friendly unless you can adapt. As BTOs are considerably cheaper than re-sale flats (think about $100k even), this meant public housing was finally becoming accessible and for the masses.

(When looking at the digits, remember, we're not looking at Joint Singles Scheme. I like being Singular. Technically we're not looking at BTO too, as we're about DIY Buying Re-sale flats - right up my alley.)

On 24 August 2015, the income ceiling to receive the Singles Grant of $15,000 was raised from $5,000 to $6,000 allowing more Singles to be eligible for the Grant despite rising incomes (and rising cost of living.)

This article was heavily referenced from these and all those other sites linked to in the post:
http://business.asiaone.com/property/news/improvements-over-the-years
http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1585_2009-10-26.html
http://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/singapore/if-you%e2%80%99re-single-and-you-just-turned-35%e2%80%a6-should-you-apply-for-an-hdb-flat/ar-AAgBiib
Addendum: If you earn more than $6,000 you can still buy a re-sale. I think the author in the msn article made an error there.

P.S. If I do make errors, do PLEASE point out to me. Thank you.


Regards.

Size does/n't matter?

Living tiny does not mean living small.

It is about the management of your space/s.

Below are the floor-plans of some 2 room and 3 room flats, and you'll realize some patterns emerging. Reminder that these are the copyright of Property Guru.com once again. If you like something here, call them.

This is a 2-room Toa Payoh flat which comes with a Balcony area. There is only ONE toilet/bath in the flat, which is very narrow, with the sewerage pipes protruding into the shower space too, making it obstructive. Definitely cannot fit in a bathtub, not even a soak tub!

This is of a 2-Room First Floor unit in Pasir Ris. This is RARE! as almost all Pasir Ris flats are 4 Room and above, except for recent build blocks which have yet to MOP. Ground floor units usually have higher ceilings too, I think. 1 toilet/bath

This is a 2-room flat in Fernvale Road. It has a Jack n Jill (Dual Entry) Toilet/Bath. The kitchen wall doesn't seem to be a structural wall, so it may be hacked to create an open concept kitchen. It has Bay Windows in the Living Rm.

This is a 3-room in Bedok North. Many 3-room flats in Tampines have this same design. This is the front on door design. The storeroom can be converted to a study or walk-in wardrobe, and placed in between the bedrooms, is ideal to be used to extend either rooms too. Or a mini sleep alcove, like I saw in a house. Just add an air-con on top. The living room flows into the kitchen, making it perfect for an open concept kitchen. 1 split toilet/bath.

This is a 3-room flat in Tampines, which has the bedrooms at a perpendicular angle to each other, which creates a special hallway. The store can again be converted into a walk-in for the common room, or extend the size of the common room. An open concept kitchen would be impossible? in this layout if that is high on your wish list. The front door faces a wall, which allows some privacy. The unit is also raised from the corridor, giving you more privacy. 2 toilet/baths.

This is another popular 3-Room Tampines flat design. Again, the raised unit from the corridor and front door facing sideways affords privacy. However, the storeroom creates a blockage between the living room and kitchen, which would cost twice as much to hack if it was between bedrooms. Consider making it into a dining nook, or use it just as for what it is, to store things. Difficult to dream of an open-concept kitchen again. But now, you can create a huge bedroom by demolishing the wall between the two bedrooms. Most Tampines flats also have en-suite bath/shower and two of those, you would have noticed by now.

And this is the lateral flip of that, also a 3-Rm Tampines design. Love the toilet space!

Now we're going to look at the Toa Payoh series...
 This is a 3I model 3 Room flat in Toa Payoh, Blk 96, Lorong 3. Notice how the addition of a utility space in the Main Upgrading Programme is highly utilitarian as  that is about another 6sqm of space. Of course this layout has a smaller kitchen space.

This is a 3-room Toa Payoh unit, after the addition of a utility room. Front door faces the main living area, and the unit isn't elevated from the corridor. You can create a design wall or feature to give some aesthetic and privacy at the entryway. Again, split bath/toilet, both at the back of the kitchen. Sink, kitchen cabinet, cooker hob and toilet/bath all along same wall. You can certainly have your open-concept kitchen here.

This is a 3-room in Kim Keat which is in the Toa Payoh area. Note that the toilet/shower is split, and there is only one in the entire flat. The kitchen appliances would be on an opposite wall from the toilet/shower. Also note the addition of a utility room at the back with lots of windows means it is breezier, and is considerable addition of space. A good alternative bedroom as they have a door too, unless owner removed it.

 This is a 3-Rm Fernvale Road. Introducing the newer designs of flats with a passageway to the bedrooms, and the bath/toilet not located in the kitchen. The bomb shelter cannot be hacked, and is positioned such that it works best as that - a storage room. If the door was facing the kitchen, at least I can use it as a larder - you need to eat while taking shelter, right? This particular design is very squarish. Baywindow in the living room. Kitchen is open, but not much of a concept. 2 toilet/baths.

This is a 3-room Toa Payoh unit, before the utility room is added. Front door faces sideways, but unit isn't elevated as much from the corridor as in Tampines. There is a split bath/toilet, both at the back of the kitchen. You can definitely have your open-concept kitchen here.

And just for comparison sake, some 4 rooms too. 

This is a 4-room in Edgedale Plains. I like the dual entry triangular kitchen, and the long living room. This is called the arrow head design for obvious reasons. This flat has potential for renting by erecting a partition/wall/gate at the back where the hallway to the bedrooms begin. Very interesting pentagon design, but the second bedroom can be used as a sitting room.

Now this is a 4-room Fernvale Lane design. EXCELLENT for rental income. The left could be your space, and you can rent out both rooms on the right. With a bath/toilet just between them, you won't need to worry about sharing yours with theirs. No dreams of open-concept kitchen though it has a condo like layout.

This is a 4-room Punggol flat design. The bomb-shelter can be used as a larder, and you can have your open-concept kitchen to some extent. The living room is nice and long, but the front door looks head on. There is a hallway to the bedrooms so if you're renting, it'll be another shared space with the tenants. The common toilet/bath seems to be bigger, but it could be the drawing. The digits are too tiny to investigate. Lastly, the rooms are longish, but still tiny compared to older builds.

Floor plans are important when you ask for quotes or meet your ID/contractor.


Floor plans give you an idea of which are the structural features, what you can adapt, and if the store room can be converted.
I've seen many make the store-room into a walk-in wardrobe or study, by hacking or extending its walls. If it is right next to a bedroom, and is not a bomb shelter, it allows for this perfectly.

Many older builds like 3Is actually have split toilet and shower. Depends on whether you like them like that, or joined together. I like them adjoined.

Floor plans help you to visualise your deco and furniture too.

& floor plans help you to decide whether that bathtub is even going to fit in that space.

Remember you can purchase floorplans from HDB at a nominal fee, but I've not tried it yet.

Transforming the house into a home

This is where it gets interesting.

Here is where I showcase pictures of delectable houses, but as I do not have the copyright to these, I may have to remove pictures if asked to.

The new trend is cement finished walls, black piping wiring, and open concept kitchens. This is from 23 Pretty Outstanding HDB designs. This series of renovations definitely appealed to me, almost all, but certain works more than the rest. Here are my favourite 5.

In this kitchen, I love the clean lines with the margins in gold. I like the matt laminate surface too, double sink, mosaic backsplash and warm tones with the rattan wood lamp.

427 Yishun Avenue, JSR Design & Renovation

It may be in the background here, but I love the sunken dining table, which still makes use of the area below as cabinets. I like the booth seating too. But too white for my likes.

615B Edgefield Plains, i-Chapter

Love the warm colour and the patterened cabinet finishing. Looks posh - more for bedroom though?

310B Punggol Walk, Fifth Avenue Interior

Love the cement finishing and the hanging shelf above the island. Very nice industrial look.

525 Jelapang Road, Edge Interior

I like the folding windows into the living/kitchen space. I love the matt cabinet finishing.

Joo Seng Road, D5 Studio Image

Stalking Property Guru listings means I also get to view some immaculately renovated homes. Some may turn out to be dummy or showflats in the end, but still good eye-candy, so here are some of them. If you know who the design IDs are for these flats, please comment/PM me:

Entryway

I love the entryway here with the diamond design cabinet and wine rack. Very classy.

Blk 160, Toa Payoh Lorong 1  - $298k/1BDRM

Layout
I like the warm tones, the open concept kitchen, the greyish kitchen tiles and the homogenous living room tiles.

Blk 530, Bedok North St 3 - $305k/2BDRM

I like the partition sliding doors with rectangular blocks frame.

Blk 202, Tampines St 22 - $345k/1BDRM

Love the open concept tiny kitchen with bar counter.

Blk 302B, Anchorvale Link - $350k/2BDRM

Kitchen

I love the orange cabinet and the simple kitchen layout with the breakfast nook.

Blk 408, Tampines St 41 - $350k/2BDRM

Blk 642C, Punggol Drive - $390k/3BDRM - SOLD!

The glass upper cabinet and backsplash, compliment the wooden lower cabinets nicely.

Blk 642A, Punggol Drive - $380k/3BDRM

After all that though, this would be my IDEAL kitchen. I love the nook, tiny squarish design, with my favourite RED and balanced by the white!

Blk 184C, Rivervale Crescent, $350k/3BDRM - Sold

Toilet/Shower

I LOVE the hieroglyphics tiled backsplash and the fiber walls. I like the bathtub with glass encasement doors too.

Blk 601B, Punggol Central - $400k/2BDRM

Nice floor tiles and partition of shower from toilet space.

Blk 445A, Fernvale Road - $300k/1BDRM

Living Room

Not that great a fan of backsplash but this is so classy and sleek. Blends with the furnishing too.

Blk 602A, Punggol Central - $380k/2BDRM

I adore the textured brick wall backsplash here,

Blk 450, Tampines St 42 - $355k/2BDRM

and here, even if it is marble purplish, with the weave backsplash...

Blk 160, Toa Payoh Lorong 1 - $298k/1BDRM

Bedroom

I like the walk-in wardrobe, nicely partitioned from the bed with a full length mirror. Just don't like the open shelves.

Blk 408, Tampines St 41 - $345-50k/2BDRM

I liked the zig-zag full length and height wardrobe.

Blk 642C, Punggol Drive  - $390k/3BDRM - SOLD!

So since we have been considering DIY Buying, I wonder if anyone would bite and do DIY Renovation like this couple for their Executive Flat. Ours is just a 3-room at best right? How difficult can it get? Hmmm... I think for me, I shall pass go if I need extensive renovation done. At most I'll DIY Paint.

Note: None of the pictures here are mine. They belong to RenoNation and Property Guru.