Finally, after discussing with the previous contractor, he agreed to take the job, close to my budget. The quotation became cheaper than earlier because I took out some works, not because I ask for a change in material.

What are the things I need to do before confirming? Do I need to make a detail list of the things he agreed to do and ask him to sign, or this is based on trust?

He did give me a quotation, saying doing what, doing what but there are some not listed in it like cementing/plastering the hackings, labour charges for installation of bathroom accesories, moving the ceiling manhole to another location etc. Should I be concern about this?

For the carpentary works, do I need to specify the thickness I wanted for my wardrobe etc? It says melamine in the quotation but not the thickness or the density.

Thanks for your advice. Mine payment mode is 30% upon confirmation, then 70% progressively.

I did ask about the kitchen in particular but that's verbally only - not include sink and taps, accesories. Just the local solid surface and cabinets but I missed out asking about the sink hole opening charge.

Oh.. the most important part, how much cash I should put aside for ad hocs? Should I target there might be plus of 15% of the quotation price, or more?

Goes deep into detail as to ask for a more detailed quotation? How? To list them into quotation?

They're going to do my kitchen cabinet, wardrobe and bookcase, splashbacks, electrical works. Nothing major... Things are 'to be advised' are the cementing, plastering and labour charges for helping to install bathroom acccesories.


Oh.. one more thing.. I'm still torn between letting my contractor do the kitchen cabinet vs getting the kitchen cabinet from Ikea.

Contractor quote RM11K++ for local solid top, exclude accesories, sink and tap, exclude installation of hobs/hood/oven. One drawers set.

Ikea quote RM 14K++ for Korea solid top, include pull out larder, drawers, wire basket, carousel corner basket, drawers set, installationof hobs, hood, oven, sink and tap.

Both using same material for cabinet doors.

If I use contractor, it's cheaper but need to add on for at least the sink, tap and installation works. And I have to pay cash.

If I use Ikea's, I would be able to use the 36 months interest free installment, so I would have more cash on hand in case of emergency. Cons is, I had to apply for the Ikea credit card and contractor probably won't happy to take the job because a huge chunk of fess is taken out.

What will you choose?

According to the Ikea staff it's LG. I was looking for white, and their white happened to be RM220 per foot run while the rest are RM290. What makes me wondering is why the Ikea price tag says 'Acrylic' top instead of using the word 'Solid Top'.
The 14K++ is inclusive installation and delivery with 10 years warranty. I have just enough cash for the entire renovation including 25% over-budget just in case, but then my account balance will be

All in all, Ikea is more expensive on tall cabinet, sink and tap price are higher than buying outside while my contractor's quote is higher at the local solid surface (almost 250 per ft run)


Thanks, I'll take note to focus on the main things first. Hmm.. my contractor does use that word a lot... "few hundred only"...

Thanks for reminding, I totally forgot about the matter. Will need to check with contractor whether the cabinets is all the way up to compare apple to apple.