PROJECT A -
Topic: Concrete Mixing

After all of the preparation work is done, it's time to mix and cast concrete. Cement mixer truck is used to mix dry ingredients with water and other additives as needed to deliver the exact quantity of concrete for small and large concrete pours. Then, the fresh concrete is brought upwards using a concrete crane.

A mechanical vibrator should be used to compact the concrete. The vibrator is poke into the fresh concrete until the concrete settles. Ensure the steel reinforcements remain in its own place. Level the surface of the concrete with a screeding board to further compact the concrete.

Once the concrete is set, the formwork is stripped. Your beam and slab is now ready.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Casting First Floor Column, Roof Beam and Slab

PROJECT A-
Topic: Casting First Floor Column, Roof Beam and Slab

As the project is a one and a half-storey design, we will then construct columns on top of the first floor slab to transmit all of the loads from the roof above to the supporting elements below. As usual, we get ready with the rebar tightened up with the stirrups, preparing the wooden formworks for the columns and lastly pouring concrete into the formworks for the casting process.

After the curing process was done, we moved the scaffoldings below up to the first floor. Similarly, they are used to support the timber horizontal joists and timber panels which act as a formwork for the construction of roof beams and slab.

Thanks . We always put a lot of effort in creating a safe and neat structural work for our clients.
For your information, the diagonal rebar we used is known as Y16 steel bar. It gives a better mechanical anchoring to the reinforced concrete. It enhances the stiffness of the structural system even more, which is what we emphasize on in every project we made.

Ya, you are right. the pipe concealed inside the new column is the rainwater downpipe right in front of the car porch. This is to hide the downpipe from viewers, as it may affect the aesthetic of the house if left exposed. However, there is no right or wrong in this case.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Roof Slab and Brick Walls Construction

PROJECT A-
Topic: Roof Slab and Brick Walls Construction


From the pictures above, you could clearly see that the roof slab construction is exactly having the same working process as the 1st floor slab done previously. Rebars are placed technically while fresh concrete is levelled properly.
With the new design, brick walls on the first floor are added up to the roof as shown in the picture. Lastly, plaster the gable end brick walls on both sides.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Construction of Internal Walls, Door Frame, and Staircase

PROJECT A-
Topic: Construction of Internal Walls, Door Frame, and Staircase

Moving into the internal parts of the house, brick walls are laid according to the layout. To lay the bricks perfectly, we would need a string line acting as a guide. While laying the bricks, the top of each brick in the row should just touch the top of the line. Apply mortar on the sides to affix the bricks next to it.

The door frames are also constructed on site, built as “H” frames with steel angles screwed on both sides so that the bricks can be laid on top of it, binding together with mortar. Lay all the bricks up to the beam above.


Before the construction of the concrete staircase, ensure that the starting of the entire staircase is connected to the small concrete foundation so that the loads are transferred into the ground successfully and to resist the movement of stairs. We prepare a proper formwork, a standard angle of flight with proper dimension of treads and risers. Next, we place the steel bars inside as reinforcement and fix the wooden boards to create the steps. Lastly, pour the concrete into the formwork and wait for the stairs to dry out completely to prevent cracks due to thermal expansion.

Sorry for the late reply!

For your information, laminate flooring is actually durable but it depends on the types of quality. It is suitable to use in high traffic areas like living room. The pricing is also lower than those engineered wood. Laminate flooring can withstand with scratches and dents which is very good in properties. So, you can have a try on it. But remember, not to install laminate flooring in wet areas, which are not so suitable!

PROJECT B - Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Preparation Work









This post has been edited by My Maison: Aug 11 2021, 01:54 AM

The topic that we are going to share with you today is a renovation project of toilets in residential housing.

Throughout this few weeks, we will share more about
a) preparation/protection works we had actually done
b) hacking, concrete works
c) piping and waterproofing, installation of fixtures
d) High-skilled Tiling work process

From time to time, we will update photos of work in site until the completion works for sharing.
For today's topic, we will start off with preparation work. As you can see, we put a lot of efforts in protecting the condition of the house surrounding including furniture, tiles in other areas. We have to ensure that along the route to the working areas (toilet), they are always in good condition and no damaged is caused. We cover them with canvas for future ease hygiene.

PROJECT B - Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Hacking and Plumbing

PROJECT B - Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic : Hacking and Plumbing Works


After done all of the protection and preliminary works, we move on into the hacking process to remove all of the old unwanted walls layout, wall and floor tiles, bathtub etc. As shown in the illustrations, all of the wastes are then packed into a few packets of disposal bag before disposing outside.

While hacking work is done, at the same time, we do consider about the pipeline flow. Places for piping to be embedded inside are made, and they are installed and being concealed inside. Lastly, plaster them with cement.

PROJECT B- Renovation of Toilet Areas
Topic: Formwork and Countertop










This post has been edited by My Maison: Aug 16 2021, 12:51 AM

PROJECT B- Renovation of Toilet Areas
Topic: Countertop

With all of the plumbing routes ready, we move on to construction of bathroom countertop. Similarly, we build the formwork first, cut and place segments of rebar lengthwise within the form to give the concrete added structural integrity. Pour the concrete mixture, level it and let it dry.

Complete your installation with any finishing of countertop you preferred. Basin are also installed in place.

This post has been edited by My Maison: Aug 16 2021, 12:52 AM

PROJECT B: Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Waterproofing and Setting of Tiles











This post has been edited by My Maison: Aug 18 2021, 01:36 AM

PROJECT B: Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Waterproofing and Setting of Tiles

We apply waterproofing agent on the surface for the first step. It helps to prevent leaking of water if there is any gaps or cracks in the concrete. Ensure the surface is always clean before work so that the final outcome is levelled.
For your information, we use laser as an indication and guideline while laying tiles and apply thin set of mortar as binding agent during installation.
In today's topic, we emphasize on the initial setting of first tile, this helps to minimise wastage of tile, save cost and ensure aesthetic in the toilet tile layout. We will share more steps in future. Stay tuned.

This is a very subjective question. It actually depends on your budget and the scale of works you are consider with. Approach the contractor/designer, share your thoughts and review them after having a site visit together with your reliable contractor/ designer. You may find your answer then ! 😬

This post has been edited by My Maison: Aug 21 2021, 11:44 PM

PROJECT B- Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Continuous of Tiling Works

PROJECT B- Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Continuous of Tiling Works

After setting up the first reference point of tiling in the toilet, we then install the remaining tiles along the straight lines by applying thin set of mortar using trowel. We press the tile in place while twisting it slightly to secure it into
position and ensure each bottom of the tiles are in contact with the mortar. While laying tiles, we place tile spacers in between each of them to get even and consistent spacing and joints.

We do cut any tiles to size for the end rows next to the walls or either the floor trap location. Good workmanship is required here.