Costs likely to be in line with quality and brand
I budgeted RM 60k for construction and RM 30k for cabinet n fitting,
now the costs exceeded RM 150k

If u want to save some money,

1. you need to compromise by excepting less branded item eg.
buy sofa from co like Zolano than Lorenzo

http://www.zolano.com/awards.html

2. Buy during stock clearance. My old Lorenzo L shape only costs RM 2.5k
as it was one of the last two sets then.

3. Purchase your own material especially tile as contractor may
source for u a spec which is expensive (quality or timing) as he may
not have the time to look for every shops.

4. Look for the right shop eg go Top Ten Puchong for lighting, don't go
Signature Kitchen for Cabinet unless u r super rich etc. I'm not saying
there quality is not good but u r paying $$$ for slightly better quality.

I think your contractor's price r reasonable. Do consider other item which better to complete b4 u move in as it is troublesome to do in future.

1. Alarm/ CCTV as security frame is not that secured
2. External Water Filter
3. 5 feet back yard may compromise security. Not much usage also as the neighbour cooking will cause the area oily.
4. Paint the house as developer would not give u good quality paint.

U may want to consider following:-

1. Install mirror (min 6" x 6") in dinning since u r going to have nice kitchen
2. Install a nice shower screen.
3. Change some of the lock set.
4. Carry out basic termite treatment if developer did not provide it.
5. Choose inverter air-cond if the house wiring is not 3 phrase.

It rather surprise u r using service of 3 contractors.
better make sure proper coordination especially finishing eg.
The wet work (concrete) guy likely to finish his work first but
electrical guy normally install switches after painting. who is responsible
for the finishing as the electrical guy may not have the material or tool.

1. Wireless item cause problem eg weak battery, ineffective sensor. U want
to do it, better ask the wireman to install a proper wire one.
2. I got my mirror at RM 1k v nyotoh frame. Its special price from friend.
I understand Designer charge RM 1.8k for that. I suppose u can get one
at price somewhere in between. There is one glass/ mirror shop at SS14 Subang.

* Do consider the location of phone point (broad band computer) n Astro point. The existing location provided by developer may not be ideal n u do not want the wire to run everywhere.
* Also consider the piping for 2nd water heater as it need the water source from main. It looks ugly in future if u decided to install a second one.
run everywhere.
* if u r doing heavy cooking. u better get a good hood.
U do not want a hook that just look good but not effective especially u don't have a wet kitchen (i suppose).

# u under estimate the electrical fitting costs especially if u want nice switches. U should also re-look at the location of power point at kitchen, living area, second hall (up stair) which i find the 10 r not sufficient.
# cabinet n bedroom set for guest room?
# 32" TV is too small as it is wide screen. U need at least 40"

---

Added on July 18, 2010, 9:27 pmInstall Inverter type is more than just $ saving.
The inverter receive power at minimal range (when start) and adjust according to the temp.
The normal air cond receive power at maximum and only lower subsequently.
If u switch several air-cond + big fridge + water heater, u may need to visit your DB box
frequently (short term) n other problem (long term).

---

Added on July 18, 2010, 9:47 pmI hope everyone is sincere when providing opinion
n not for the sick of fighting for business. If an estimation
is expensive, may b is good to provide example n reason:-

Eg if a car porch area = 30 x 20,
u need min 600 pieces tiles x provision 30 pieces (exclude skirting)= 630
if your tiles costs RM 4 per piece, its already > RM 1.2k
Cement, sand ?
Indonesian labour for tiling r classified as semi skill to skill. daily rate = RM60- 80
Remove and cart away unwanted material etc

So it is useful for us when there is cost estimation in detail n give your best cost for comparison

let businessman make bit of profit after take into consideration of wastage, otherwise
u will get workers quarter standard when u wanted a house.


This post has been edited by 9replica: Jul 18 2010, 09:47 PM