For my case, the company provided me with the quotations for all the items in the whole house:

3 rooms + partial kitchen + living room.

Each item was itemized properly for my view. Got a separate quotation for the ceiling + plug points too. And no. I was advised to get certain things myself (such as the switches etc - we have our own preferences and if required, they can go shopping with us for those items too).

I prefer this type of quotation and I was given few options of "deposit". Well, my unit is only going to VP over the next few months but seeing the price increases from all industries... might as well just get it sorted out and get the 2D/3D drawings out first. Any changes to measurements can be changed when we go to the unit after VP.

This post has been edited by digitalz: Jan 11 2022, 11:08 AM

All right, guess there is not much I could do now and since the cable is durable, just use it first.

Thanks for sharing about this, will get someone to conduct the megger test.

I insist the supplier to provide me with itemize quotation/ invoice so that both parties protected. In this way, you can expect the quality or specification of items used during the renovation. Not to mention also to include the measurement of your unit.

I have asked quotation from a few IDs and majority of them came to site visit at my unit before starting to discuss about the drawings. Then they do provide quotation for each item and including the specifications.

You could also negotiate the payment terms with them, i.e. Deposits 20%, Progress 1 30%, etc... Some request for 50% deposits before starting and I do negotiate with them until 20% then pay by progress done.

If the supplier is unable to provide quotation for each item then I will eliminate it from my choices. These are my two cents. Hope this help.

The drill bit used also makes a difference. Carbide SDS bits last much longer. Elcheapo round shank bits botak very fast. I also drilled a lot of concrete walls and ceiling slabs and I don't think you can wear out SDS carbide bits in just a single hole for finger size 10mm in newer concrete..unless the building is 50 years' type like Rifle Range flat in Penang.

My old condo was built by Sunrise. I don't know what drill bits the installer used. But, seriously, I saw it by myself how often the installer changed.

But, honestly, for some Ikea hanging storage, I drilled the holes by myself. Even those I bought most expensive ones from Ace Hardware - they also cannot last. I don't even dream to use those China product from Mr DIY.

This post has been edited by ongss: Jan 12 2022, 07:50 PM

I have the same feeling with my current ID lady. If they make you feel so, stop the discussion and find the other one that you can negotiate and communicate like @sawhueijye mentioned.

Don't want to describe the details anymore. after 2 months, the small renovation yet to finish. And so many terrible workmanship , hack/install at wrong location, later simply touch up /cover with cheap materials.

Really "vomit blood" workmanship, and this ID company answered back you can't request so much, later the workers are not happy and purposely make it worse.

And I'm being blamed as a "demanding customer".

I don't know how many ppl is having a similar experience like me. But imagine you save for years buying a house then engage a ID company to do the renovation. Ended up bad workmanship with materials/ fittings that not worth the paid price.. then start arguing with no avail.

At the end, you just want to end the nightmare and give the money to chase them out from your house.

This post has been edited by kimteck: Mar 7 2022, 07:11 PM

After reading all the comments and feedback from various users here, I think 50% deposit for such a big job is not that necessary. For me usual works are 30% deposit. Depends on the work if needed 50% or not, like i go one house just to do concrete top, i dont think can collect 30% only for that small work. IMO la, better i get 50% deposit first then lastly only pay the balance once work is completed and satisfactory. If 30% deposit, then will ask 50% of the balance. so lets say the work is 3k, i take 1k, then next 1k, then last 1k. Also see the progress, if work progress as planned, then can collect, or else i wont ask. lol.

At the moment i got one site susah one. sigh. already 3 months and owner still pointing out minor issues, personally to me it is a bit difficult to address, but i still do my best also cause owner pointed out to me. expected work to complete in 1 month, but so many issues with management and owner that time, good thing that all passed already. Now 95% complete. Owner also satisfied with my touch up work. I also happy, now only hoping he will pay the extra works... lol.

I imagine you're in a very difficult position. But right now its like nasi sudah jadi bubur, there's not much you can do already. And remember to ask for discount before you pay the final amount. xD hahaa..

After all the work, I have to fix many defects by myself. Even a sliding windows installation is leaking water when heavy rain. No more layan you after the full payment. Lesson learnt no 1. never get a one stop station to do the work unless they are very reputable and reliable. .

If you see some name with N**Y , remember my renovation experience.

Yes, I agree. I further add one more point : if the company is one-man show, ignore the quote even it sounds logical or cheaper.

I have been vomitting blood with my existing contractors -

(a) Main con did not state the skimming in the main contract. Now, before painting, want to charge me RM5 psf - even the market rate is 1.20 - 1.80. I have to get in a third party to tell him off that I am taking back the painting work.
(b) Electrical subcontractor appointed by main con further subcontract to Myanmar workers that could not converse in Bahasa. Worse, when I ask for quotation, the price was premium because I requested for fully concealed. Now, they the conduits in the RC slabs for lights but missed out network and power sockets. Then, they simply lay on the concrete floor and expect the 2" cement rendering is the layer that conceal the conduits. But, I have timber flooring and the nails will penetrate 30mm into the floor and will hit the conduits. The timber installers and my brother who has more than 20 years of experiences in construction of factory advised to hack grooves. Yet, this electrical subcontractor dared to criticise experienced contractors are from North Korea and never see his solutions.

I think local renovation industry needs a revolution platform like Grab. Transform the industry and kick out all those black sheeps.

TS thanks so much for sharing your learnings.
Sorry to hear about your difficult experience!