Pre-Renovation Blues

Bobo owes a small explanation. People have been asking her what has been keeping her so busy. Besides embarking on part-time studies and work overload, Bobo and family recently got a new place and she's looking into renovating the place. This is the layout of the place she got.

This is what Bobo wants to do with the place.



Demolition works
Hack all existing floor tiles in living, balcony and bedrooms
Hack off 2 existing toilet bowls
Hack 6ft full height wall between hall and kitchen at the main entrance
Hack existing balcony sliding panel (remove)
Dismantle kitchen cabinets and sink support
Haulage

Masonry Works
Supply and Lay 600mmX600mm homo tiles in living, bedrooms and balcony.
Levelling of balcony area
2" homo skirting
Kitchen cabinet base
washing machine base
7ft full height hollow block wall for Study/bedroom 4

Carpentry Works
Fabricate and install 12ft bottom cabinet with solid surface worktop
Fabricate and install top cabinets (about 9ft)
Fabricate and install kitchen cabinet for pipes

Glass/Aluminium Works
3 track sliding Windows at Balcony

Plumbing Works
Run Piping for Sink and Washing Machine

Misc Works
Acid Wash
1 door frame and door for Study/Bedroom 4


She has been finalising designs with her family and talking to Interior Designers (ID) and Contractors... getting quotations for stuff.

She has found out a few things:
1) Some IDs/Contractors are so ridiculous that they dare to charge $34k in their quotations. They add in a whole load of rubbish and tell you or scare you into getting all that shit. At first Bobo thought that the fellow probably wants to overcharge so that can "reject" Bobo politely cos too expensive... but no.... days later he calls and asks if she's seen it and what she thinks of it. It's bullshit that's what it is. Even after revisions, the quotation can become higher even after BObo TAKES OUT some items. What the hell?!

2) Some IDs really don't know that stuff. After doing some research, Bobo can tell them some stuff even. Contractors are nice to handle with but no nice 3Ds drawings ya?

3) You have to do research research research. And ask ask ask. Otherwise you'll be prone to the scare tactics of money grubbing sharks (read: lousy IDs).

Sigh. Anyone has got good contractor/carpenter to recommend Bobo? Please?