I contacted him for a quote as well. He told me that my bathroom plumbing was too complicated for him. He can do minor job ie leaking, water proofing, etc.

Based on my experiences, most contractors will take 2 weeks to get back, some don't bother, and some will give a lump sum verbally without itemising.

So good luck to all!

from one wall to another wall. erm...about 7 feet away?

what is mcb? is it means those push up down switches? standard one..err perhaps like 10 or 12 gua. i need to change to bigger db box anyway. estimate how much to do that ya?

periwater, what is it u planned to do initially? can share? what's so complicated?

Hi Kochin, good day to you and thanks for starting this thread. It has been informative. Would you mind telling us which contractors you ended up inviting to provide quote etc for your renovation? And have you received their quotes? Based on this forum i.e. threads such as "Good contractor person" and "Need good contractor/designer", I have sort of shortlisted a few

1) Desmond Wong - Unicon Concept
2) Bryan - One HY Project Solutions
3) Vinns Yap - (Plumbing / Toilet / Wet works)
4) Erny and Patric Looi - Unity Kitchen (For Kitchen)
5) Eddy - YTL Glass Hardware (For Glass and Mirrors)

I am targeting to start renovation this month (August). My place is at Tropics @ Tropicana City Mall Petaling Jaya, about 1200 sf loft/duplex.

I have shortlisted several items to do. They include:

1) Hacking and removal of several walls incl. make good and plastering.
2) Tiling works.
3) Bathroom remodeling.
4) Painting.
5) Rewiring and setting up of new switches and powerpoints etc
6) New kitchen.
7) New wardrobes and builtins.
8) Mirror for an entire wall measuring 20ft x 15ft.
9) Glass panel for staircase.
10) Miscellanous items.

I understand renovation can quickly turn into a nightmare, so therefore I am doing what i can to avoid such a thing from happening. If we could exchange information freely between us, i think it would do us well (and also for others following this).

I feel it is important as well for contractors (where applicable) to itemize their quote based on labor and cost of material separation, so we can better understand the price mechanism of the renovation work involved.

I am looking for a reasonable and competitive price, fair and consistent work, and a job done well on time. I know obviously this is what everybody wants, so hopefully it will all work out.

I've so far only gotten one quote for all hacking works, and awaiting quotes from Unity Design for kitchen and builtins and Eddy for my glass needs.

How are you doing on your side?

kochin, how's ur progress in finding contractors so far? I've a few come to quote. Am starting my reno soon, should be next week.

kochin, i haven't selected materials yet. I think for me, only select tiles is main concern 1st. You bought urs yet?

Can I have the contact number of recycle charity group?

kochin kochin, what u mean start off point?

meaning where you want the position of the first tile to be laid.
this is for you to plan in order to:
1. minimise wastage
2. prevent small cut pieces (say 50-100mm at the end of your wall)
3. prevent joint line at unsightly area (say the joint line is crossing at somewhere obvious)

am also dictating where my floor trap should be.

I just want to move the WC, have a double basin, a jacuzzi, a rain shower and hand shower. I'm changing all the ABS piping and adding copper piping for hot water, plus to be connected to a storage water heater. Nothing complicated!

My initial consultation with IDs, what I described was simple. I was quoted RM700 - RM1,500 for these works (refer attached Option 1 & 2).  But when I talked to plumbers to seek for second opinion, it was a different story. I was quoted RM5k - RM8k for these works!  

After a long explanation from plumbers, I was convinced that the IDs might not have the expertise in this area. Just adding copper piping itself costs more than RM1,500.00.

At the end, I dismissed the idea of using an ID or one-stop contractor, and appointed all specialized sub-contractors. Yes, you need to have the bandwidth to project manage them, but at least they are good in their specialized fields. My dad helped me to oversee daily work progress while I had to manage the coordination of the sub-cons. It is a great learning experience and I managed to complete my renovation in 2 months time. 

Let the tiler do for you la. They do water proofing and floor tiles last. Wall first.

meaning where you want the position of the first tile to be laid.
this is for you to plan in order to:
1. minimise wastage
2. prevent small cut pieces (say 50-100mm at the end of your wall)
3. prevent joint line at unsightly area (say the joint line is crossing at somewhere obvious)

am also dictating where my floor trap should be.

Let the tiler do for you la. They do water proofing and floor tiles last. Wall first.