It is not easy to buy a house, you know. We spent more than a year to shop for a home. And, finally, King made his final count and decided to buy the house in PJ area. After a long waiting for the house keys, we finally could start to build our dream home, dream dream dream!! :)
Well, we didn't know how to start from a scratch at all. After collecting some information from friends, magazines and the Internet, I took the responsibilities of everything -- budget of RM60K and design. I would say, I was stressed out a bit but excited! The time management part is very important as we planned to move in before Chinese New Year which is 2 months away. Anyhow, I can make the call, heh!
First of all, I have a folder which is mainly for all the design papers that I've drawed. The folder is my organizer that I've all my drawings, figures, time management and many lists.
Here is the list based on the priority:
1. Have floor plan in hand wherever you go.
2. Pay neighbors a visit for renovation ideas. Neighbors remain an important role during your house renovation because they give many types of suggestions and advices. And, they can look after your property while during renovation and at night time.
3. Hunt for contractors nearby your new property. Get measurement and quotation from at least 3 contractors.
4. Have your own design in mind and on drawing paper will be the best. Show contractor your ideas. They will share their ideas and advices based on their experiences.
5. Wet work (wall or room extention) will be the first thing to kick off before electricity design.
6. Aware of how you want to design your electricity line -- light points, switches, TV point, home theatre system, kitchen appliance points, air-con, extra power plugs (you will no regret on the extra one, trust me!), alarm, auto-gate.
7. Water piping design (water filter, heater, toilet, kitchen basin, toilet) has to be ready and go by now.
8. Car porch design (piping, landscaping, floor tiles).
9. Kitchen wall tiles is the next after all the wet work is fully done.
10. We didn't change any internal floor tiles at all but you can do that at this time.
11. If you have beautiful cornice design, it can be installed by now.
12. Choose your wall color from color wheel and match nicely. Start the painting part.
13. Kitchen Cabinet will be installed after 3 weeks factory productions.
14. Wardrobe installment.
15. I've beautiful american style of chair rail installed at this time.
16. Roof extension or Awning installment.
17. Floor polishing.
18. Lights and fans installment.
19. Wallpaper installment.
20. Curtain rod and curtain installment.
21. Furnitures, including beds and sofa.
22. Alarm and auto-gate installment.
23. Water filter installment.
24. Pest Control.
25. Exterial wall painting.
These are the items that we did in our hot list based on our RM60K budget! It turns out a nice and cozy home! Beautiful and cozy home doesn't need a lot of money, actually. It is the color and design that paid off! Of course, and your enjoyment!
I find that it's very important to have a good relationship with your (kitchen and wardrobe) designers and contractor. They are willing to share many experiences and ideas with you. Hence, please don't hesitate to treat them nice and give them your beautiful smile when you visit. Smile doesn't cost a penny. And, smile makes someone's day. :)
Happy house-renovating!
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