Everything You Should Expect: Mid-Reno

You’ve finally found and signed with a suitable ID. But now what?

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Many homeowners only renovate once or twice in their life. As such, many are unsure of what the standards should be after signing with the ID. Should we discuss the actual works straightaway? What should I as a homeowner expect? Here’s everything you need to know.

(and in case you haven’t found an ID, refer to the previous post)

1) Don’t wait to start the rendering process

After signing, you can and should start on the 3D design renders. Some IDs will try to delay the process but do not let them delay.

The 3D rendering process can take a substantial amount of time, often starting from the 3D modelling process which in itself can take weeks, before going into the rendering stage.

The overall process can take 1-2 months or even more, lasting potentially up till the hacking stage as design can be quite subjective and prone to changes.

You wouldn’t want a case where the ID delays and when you get the render you ask “eh? Where my wall go? I thought this wall is cream colour why become yellow?” but by then your wall disappear already.

Hence, don’t delay the render process as everyone’s view on design can be subjective and the understanding of the intended vision can also be subjective. Expediting the render process ensures that everyone shares the same end goal and prevents miscommunication of design intent.

2) Spend time visiting material showrooms

Dedicate some time to visit material showrooms, especially the tile shop.

It can be incredibly therapeutic to go there see see touch touch the material. But more importantly, many materials look good visually on screen, but different in reality. This makes all the difference to your “dream home”.

Your ID should tag along at least once, so they can guide and share their opinion.

But of course, if you’re the kind who needs to go there 6-7 times, don’t expect your ID to come along with you every single time.

3) Get the project timeline, and don’t micromanage

Once reno starts, it's time to let your ID and contractors do what they do best. These guys have years of experience, they’ve seen it all, done it all, and know the best way to get things done.

But make sure they give you this timetable so that you are aware of what is happening and when, allowing you to feel more assured and set clear expectations.

There may be many reasons why ID and contractors choose not to solve certain things on the spot, yes – there may be issues that can be seemingly solved immediately but perhaps they prefer to solve another part of the reno to reduce abortive work down the road.

Micromanaging can sour relations with you and your IDs and you don’t want that. Trust them, but verify.

4) ID should come down weekly

If your ID spends the entire week in office and doesn’t show up. Please go and give them a wake-up call.

The ID should come down to site minimally once a week to ensure that things are going as planned, ensuring that the details are in line with what you and the ID want.

A good ID should show face, reno is not work remote one…

5) Appliances: Order early or regret later

Start preparing all your kitchen and electrical appliances early, especially if you’re planning to order from Taobao or overseas.

Many reno delays happen not just cause of the ID but because the homeowners never settle their items in time. Overseas products are susceptible to stock issues, shipment stuck etc. and some installations can only happen when the appliances are present.

6) Get your carpentry drawings first

Before the carpenter starts fabricating anything, make sure you receive the final carpentry drawings. These are NOT the same as your 3D render drawings.

3D render drawings show how it’s expected to look like and may have some artistic intervention or edits to showcase a better feel of the vibe.

The carpentry drawings show actual measurements, so that the carpenters can fabricate to scale. This minimises any disputes down the line.

7) There will be a final round of touch-up

At the end of the renovation, there will always be one last round of touch-up and adjustments. This is normal.

Some walls might have marks, some carpentry might need silicon touch-ups. These things happen.

Throughout the process, if you see these issues, just take note and list them down but no need for immediate action.

The IDs and contractors will (should) come back to consolidate and rectify these issues at the end.

As always, TRUST but always VERIFY.

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If you are looking to shortlist reliable IDs/contractors for your reno, feel free to enquire here, or check out our blog for other important tips!!