Hi Alex, your videos are really helpful! I also like your wooden laminated built in wardrobes in one of the bedrooms. Do u mind to share which company did u get from?
1. Toilet window should replace with a ventilation fan. It works wonders in removing humidity and smell. The power switch for activating the fans should be tied to the heater and not the light switch. 2. Ceiling fans should be at most 3 blades - more blades are quieter, but moves less volume of air for the same amount of electricity. 3. full height feature walls actually make an already small HDB BTO to be even smaller. Avoid at all costs unless really necessary. 4. Tiles are the 2nd most expensive item in any quotation , choose wisely- reflective/glossy tiles may look great at hafary but are a pain to keep looking clean. Textured/wood grained ones feel nice to walk on at first but traps dirt in the grain easily. 5. Bathroom glass partitions need to be scrubbed from time to timeto prevent buildup of mould. The silicone at the base will also accumulate mould over time. Consider redirecting the water direction to minimise splash. 6. Learn to operate power drill to mount your own fixtures and shelves, you will save $100's easily. Use recycled wood to make your shelves. 7. If using storage tank for bathrooms, consider city gas heaters as it supplies both toilets with no penalty to heat or water output, and it takes up less space in your service yard compared to storage heaters. 8. When buying from taobao, search in 简体字. The search results will be much better than searching in english. If have to search in english, try aliexpress, lazada, shopee or basically any other platforms. 9. Countertops are expensive - there is no such thing as "commercial grade" quartz, they all are the same compound with the same properties, they charge higher based on the finish. If you need something for legitimately heavy cooking, consider sintered stone, tiles, or stainless steel. 10. Be thick skinned and always ask to reduce the quotation, ID margins are around 30% of the net price. If it is not profitable for the ID to take your project, they'll reject - Always compare and ask for a markdown instead of trusting blindly.
Thanks for sharing the tips and I agree with almost all of them! I too went with a step down shower area as opposed to a shower kerb because it also means fewer surfaces to clean (although probably requires hacking and won’t be an option for fresh BTOs). I would like to highlight though that concealing electrical wiring in walls is not always an option per HDB guidelines i.e. “No embedding of wiring (housed in metal/ high impact PVC conduit) in RC slab, beam, column, wall, in wall plaster or other finishes “. Also while I agree that a casement window in the bathroom certainly looks more aesthetic than a louvered window, the advantage of the latter is that it allows for better ventilation without “exposing” the bathroom too much - important for those whose bathroom windows face rather “exposed” areas - and without having to open/close windows after/before showering. You didn’t mention this as a tip, but I like how you opted to have frosted glass windows/doors for your service yard - no need to worry about guests getting a clear view of hanging laundry in the service yard when they go to the kitchen. 👍
ya that's exactly the purpose of the frosted glass, the laundry is not a pleasant sight haha. So no conceal wiring is a guideline or rule? Because I'm sure most of the IDs and electrician won't risk having their license revoked if it is against the law.
@@AlexTeo Not sure whether it’s considered legal or illegal. But I can point you to the source of the text on HDB website www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/living-in-an-hdb-flat/renovation/guidelines/electrical-works
Thanks Alex for the great video. 2 questions: 1) did you install smart switches for the whole house? 2) what device do you use to auto close your curtains?
Good two videos. Coming from someone in this industry myself, I agree with you. Just that many people who are familiar with designs and etc don't really need an ID. That may probably include yourself, you'll just need to do more homework and have exchanges with your good contractors who has seen many ups and downs of different owners' decisions on design concepts. Subscribed to you.
Alex Teo's channel should be watched by some ID people. Learn from Alex practical, useful and yet elegant designs to recommed to clients instead of thinking how much money they can make. . Love this channel.
Greetings from MY! I love how you balance your design with practicality. Some homes are heavily decorated with carpentries and decos probably just for initial IG, FB & YT moments thay always leave me wondering how they are going to maintain their homes. Gosh think about cleaning open shelves alone already gives me the jitters. Keep it up bro!
Hi Alex, awesome tips u shared here again. Wish TH-cam has "Awesome" than just "Like" button to click on. I told my ID that I want a table top sink & kerb for both toilets, replaced laundry service yard classroom window & bifold door to clear glass panel, about to buy Dyson fan etc, now am changing my mind after watching ur video (my ID gonna roll eye on me lol). Once again, thanks for sharing such a valuable tips...more video please ☺
I hope IDs are not hating me after this video haha.. Anyway might want to consider frosted glass like mine if you don't want guests to see your laundry. Anyways thanks for the support, click the bell to get notified once i upload :)
@@AlexTeo Exactly, never tot of having frosted glass, inverted kerb etc...so glad I managed to catch ur valuable tips b4 I proceed with the reno. Looking forward for more videos...🙂
Really appreciate clarity in your explanations. Here's the thing.1) how do you clean the ceiling fan or change the bulb sitting above your bed? 2) if I choose shower curtain instead of glass doors, how does one go about sourcing for custom shower curtains that are easy to install and for the shower curtains to be easily taken down for washing?
@@david888a betw aesthetics and practicality, I prefer shower curtain bc I can just throw the whole thing into the washer! With glass, you need to scrub off layers of grime and soap scum regularly. Unless you tell me just spraying with water is good enough!
Also you can make videos on cable managing a desk and how to keep a clean productive desk space for optimized workflow. A lot of people look at videos like that for work from home
very helpful tips, your house looks wonderful! im only planning to get BTO soon and will probably need another 4-5 years before i get my flat.. but im already excited about the house works and designs! so hard to wait so long XD
Hi Alex. Thanks for the reno tips. 👍🏼👍🏼Currently renovating and would like to ask whats your advise for ceiling fan any brand recommended and nos of blade. I saw you installing 4 blade on your bedroom. Can also ask what size of kitchen sink you using 60cm or 50cm? Thank you. 😊
there are quite many choices if you don't need it to be natively smart. Eco-airx looks good but I didn't try before, been using fanco fans which are cheap and good. I will recommend 3 or max 4 blades as they look nicer imo. Kitchen sink is from previous owner, didn't change it L53cm D23cm. Initially find it to be quite small but turns out fine
Hi Alex. Thanks for the videos that you have shared. I have moved several times and done renovation to 2 houses and 2 condos. Last one was about 5 years ago. Many things have changed, especially in the home automation area! Your videos are indeed thoughtful and practical. Please continue to do more videos as I am moving to a 4 room HDB resale flat in a few months time and will be starting on another renovation journey! Can I request that you do a video on flooring and wall finishings. I noticed you did vinyl flooring in your flat. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks!
thanks for the comment! You should be very experienced then since its like your 5th house? You can check out my smart home automation playlist of videos, might be useful for you :)
Yes I know what to do. I subscribed. 🤣 So many good tips. I just collected my house key. Major Reno coming up. I like the cove light idea by the wall! Never seen it (at least from residential). Other then track lights, I actually think ceiling cove light is outdated too.
thanks for the sub! yeah I don't do ceiling cove anymore too as it builds cobweb, I see many houses in US just attach an LED strip at the connecting edge of the wall and ceiling
Hi Alex. Thanks for sharing great tips! I love ceiling fans, but wanted to check your views as hdb ceilings are low and noticed you can touch the ceiling fans on tip toe...thanks!
Hi! Alex. Please continue doing this sort of videos. Your efforts are so appreciated. Did you install dry wall to hide the electrical trunking and etc? Won’t there be a problem if you need to change aircon or some electrical wiring issues? Thank you.
conceal/hide wiring, not the trunking itself. These wires are very small, electrician make a cut on the wall then hide the wires inside then cover up with powder
@@AlexTeo Thanks Julie I was just about to ask this question. So just to clarify with Alex again, you mean instead of placing electrical trunking to cover the wiring which is super common, you ask the contractor to make a little concave recess on the wall, tuck the wiring in there and then cover over with cement? If yes, did your ID/contractor say this step will be an additional cost when you ask them to do this? Thanks in advance for replying
@@nicklovia actually I thought conceal wiring is more common and popular these days vs open wiring (using trunking). Conceal will definitely cost more, the drilling and patching works takes a lot of time and effort, on the other hand, trunking is barely any effort haa
Alex, great videos. So concealing of wires is OK for BTO flats? I plan to install wall lights & its ok for electricians to drill thru holes to hide the wires. I got the impression that HDB regulation states that wiring shouldn't be concealed within the reinforced concrete slabs, beams, columns & walls. Also, if its a new BTO flat, u can renovate the toilet floor tiles & wall tiles, that is change it? I thought HDB does not allow that due to some structural integrity for first 3 yrs of occupation due to some water issues in cement.
Tks for yr knowledge. Is true when buying stuff or renovation alwys need to think whther it is useful or easy to clean....cos hsechore really no joke .......tks for sharing..
Hi Alex, your TV feature wall + wall cabinet really caught my attention since your first house tour video! Was wondering is there any storage space behind the feature wall or is it just a fixed false wall? Also, how do you hide all the cables, plugs and tv boxes so neatly? Cheers!
Hi Alex, you’re really a godsent! I’m preparing to move home and this is really helpful as I think i’m really quite troublesome as a homeowner. I think i’ll give my ID/contractor a huge headache because I’m very particular about bug infestations in the home, so I try to steer away from wood as much as possible (even though it’s soo pretty). I’m also very OC about cleanliness, so your advice is always deeply appreciated because it values practicality. Just wanted to ask you - you mentioned that cove lightings on ceilings can collect dust and is difficult to clean (super helpful tip that I never thought of), but would cove lights at the bottom nearer to the ground have the same problem of collecting dust & be difficult to clean?
hahah thanks for the comment Flora. Cove lights at the bottom means its a light strip that sticks underneath some carpentry or furniture like a bedframe or sofa. There is nothing dust can be collected onto
OMG thanks for replying me! WOW that is genius! Wa at the rate this is going, i’m so worried my house is gonna just end up looking like yours cuz everything you say makes so much sense! HAHAHAHA. But don’t worry, i won’t replicate your house k! Thanks so much, please don’t stop doing what you do. Really a godsent! ☺️
@@florayong9108 hahah its perfectly ok to copy, i myself copy ideas here and there and piece them together. I will try to motivate myself to keep doing, just doing this for fun at the moment 😅
Hi Alex, I noticed you managed to do a step down for wet toliet. My understanding is we are not able to hack the original tiles for the first 3 years. Mind sharing how your step down is done for your wet toliet?
i bought it from kohler store via taobao, else you can check out bathroom warehouse or some other local retails too, i first saw from these shops then went online to buy instead because it's so much cheaper
Hi Alex great video ! Learnt a lot from this series. Wanted to ask in the video you mentioned about doing concealed wiring/ your distaste for false ceiling. Could I please check how is concealed wiring is usually achieved without false ceilings ? Maybe you could also share how do you hide trunking for air con. Thanks !
Just to clarify i never dislike false ceiling, its just that i find HDB with that standard ceiling height is not suitable haa. How conceal wiring works is electrician will cut like a drain on the wall/ceiling big enough to lay the cables in then just patch it up. Hiding aircon trucking is done with standard box up way
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing. i'm in the mist of planning for renovation, your videos really helps. you shared that for the shower screen, its better to have the dip in instead of a kerb. would that cause any rust on the metal frame or algae on the silicon?
Hi Alex, thanks for your sharing (all your videos). Ur house really looks good and comfy. i) Where did you get your toilet mirror+basin+cabinet? ii) Did you buy the tv back-light online or...?
thanks, the house is really comfy. I put all the toilet items inside the video description for my taobao home review video. You can go check that out. The tv back light is Yeelight led light strip.
Hi Alex! It’s a very useful video for me as I’m going to reno my resale flat soon! May I know what to take note if I buying basin & vanity cabinet from Taobao?
Hi Alex. Great renovation tips! Keep doing what you do. I would like to know if you have any one stop renovation company to recommend that will be able to convert a new empty unit to a fully furnished unit ready to be rented out? Thanks in advance! :)
Thanks Alex for sharing. Any alternatives to track lights? If we have ceiling fan in every room, there isn't any much space to place a normal ceiling light without casting a shadow of the fan. Cove light will just attract insects n dust.
oh you didn't get a ceiling fan with lights? Then maybe you can see whether you can use led strip around the bedframe, if there is a desk you can also have it behind the desk. Else ceiling dropdown lights (no shadow if they are hang lower than your fan), wallmount lights, standing lamps are your other options.
Hi! Thank you for sharing your tips for renovation. Really helpful! Like your well thought through reno. May i know which brand is your sleek white switch? is it smart?
i bought it from taobao, product link inside the video description for my taobao home review video. You can also get from local stores like bathroom warehouse if you don't want to purchase online.
all from taobao, ► Vanity (detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=559105824234&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.339c2e8dRTOSgK&_u=j2ai2jg1a396) ► LED Mirror (detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=559386637058&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.795b2e8dCmGSd4&_u=o2ai2jg1deaf)
Hi Alex, can I check what is the vendor you engaged for the window design (to replace the classroom window) at your service yard? Thanks! You have a very nice home!
Hi Alex, may I know roughly what is the breakdown in your renovation spending? (eg: id renovation, appliances, furniture etc) would serve as a very useful reference! Your videos are very useful for someone whose bto is coming up. Thanks!! 😁
Hi Alex, love the details. I would like to ask what do you mean by deep in/ sink in for the separation between bathroom dry and wet area? How do you prevent the water from the shower area to leak to the rest of the bathroom?
I tried to zoom in from the video but can’t really tell as the floor looks quite flat. It is screed to fall to the side to the shower screen or the whole shower area floor is sunken in or there is a drainage strip along the shower screen?
both from taobao, product link in the video description of my taobao review video. If you want to buy the toilet vanity locally in sg, bathroom warehouse sells that too, just more expensive
Thanks for the great tips! Your light switches are nice! Where do you get them? Do you have to get them ready yourself before the electrician comes over?
Thanks for the really useful tips Alex! You also have a wonderful view from your place. We are currently about to select our bto flat soon. Was your place a bto and do you have any advice on that? Thanks once again for sharing your knowledge with all of us!
Hi Alex, I just gotten my house. My floor plan is very similar to yours. Just that mine is 4 room. Would like to know to start planning for renovation. You mention need to plan power point, switches and lightings. I also saw on ur comment need to start w the aircon first. Would like to know what is the sequence of planning. Thx alot
if yours is a hdb bto then you can do the aircon trunking first, typically there isn't much planning for that, pretty standard. It is powerpoint and switches wiring works that require more planning based on individual needs
@@pohsun1987 you need to plan where you want to put what devices, whether they need a power point. See my part 1 where I talk about every point have its purpose.
Thanks for sharing your useful renovation tips once again! For me having a proper concealed wiring, built-in wardrobe and the round shaped sink are important to me, I'm glad that my ID/contractor had shared most of these useful ideas and make it possible for my 3rm resale flat. Where did you get your yee light strip? How many meters?
You are lucky to have them sharing these with you, no need to learn through the hard and expensive way. Yeelight i bought from taobao, but they take very long to be delivered. Can just get from shopee just abit more ex. Yeelight base is 2m, then any additional length you need is 1m extension
@@AlexTeo my ID/contractor was referred by my friend, he has more than 10 years experience in home design and renovation. Btw, Yeelight strip is good, I’m planning to buy one for my TV down light. If this is really good, will plan to get one for bed frame. I notice you mention about ceiling fan. Since it’s installed on top of your mattress, how do you clean it when it gets dirty?
@@davidtan260 the mattress is not exactly at the middle of the bed, so i can reach the blade with a ladder right beside. I also feel like getting led strip for the bedframe, but i think there are enough lights in the room haha
@@AlexTeo there is good and bad, some ideas they gave me I had rejected as to constructing a false ceiling. I’m living at the top floor and my ceiling is naturally higher than other floors. I respect their ideas but when it comes to maintenance wise, I’ve heard numerous feedbacks from those who installed false ceiling, the material can’t withstand humidity of Singapore weather, hence, the surface started to peel off and grow molds. Is the track light in your bedroom installed by the previous owner? I presume that the ceiling fan in your bedroom has LED light function.
Alex whats ur suggestion about vinyl, laminates and othe flooring ? Can u pls guide on what is bad or good in terms on VOC, chemicals pricing and other aspects we might not think of.
not an expert in this area, but based on experience and what I heard, I will decide mainly on price and maintenance. Comparing marble, homogeneous, vinyl, laminate these 4, i will go for rooms bedrooms vinyl, and homogeneous tiles/vinyl for living room and kitchen.
Your tv console area is very nice 😊can i ask do you have singtel TV or apple tv where will you put it ? your tv box needs to be beside your tv and actually putting the router in your study room under your table not a very gd idea . is there any more ideas on where else you can put your router ?
i actually recommend to place it at a table top 3:14 in this video, but i will be doing a separate video sometime this month on this wifi topic again. I don't have any of those single/apple tv physical boxes, now its steaming era haha, I'm using netflix, viu, disney and singtel cast instead.
Hi Alex! Gonna get my keys soon. And your videos have all the contents that I’m looking for! Understand that your sink was purchased from tb, does the cabinet below comes tgt with it? I’m thinking of shipping the whole cabinet + sink from tb. But have concerns if our taps are the same or the piping fits. Any advice ?
Haha thanks man glad the videos are helpful. Cabinets and sink together in a set, taps have to buy separately. Some shops in sg is selling it if you don't want to get from tb.
there are few brands I recommend here in SG - philips hue, Yeelight, Nanoleaf and Govee. Simply power them via a socket, each have their own features you can go check them out
Support local content creator by subscribing and comment, it really means a lot and keeps me motivated!
Ok!!
@@haylivk someone 1k sub already. Congrats!
@@AlexTeo someone says thank you!
Can u pls make whole home tour? Wanna see all the lights and storage cabinets,nd all the modern technology u hv used in ur Home.. it's wonderful..
Hi Alex, your videos are really helpful! I also like your wooden laminated built in wardrobes in one of the bedrooms. Do u mind to share which company did u get from?
1. Toilet window should replace with a ventilation fan. It works wonders in removing humidity and smell. The power switch for activating the fans should be tied to the heater and not the light switch.
2. Ceiling fans should be at most 3 blades - more blades are quieter, but moves less volume of air for the same amount of electricity.
3. full height feature walls actually make an already small HDB BTO to be even smaller. Avoid at all costs unless really necessary.
4. Tiles are the 2nd most expensive item in any quotation , choose wisely- reflective/glossy tiles may look great at hafary but are a pain to keep looking clean. Textured/wood grained ones feel nice to walk on at first but traps dirt in the grain easily.
5. Bathroom glass partitions need to be scrubbed from time to timeto prevent buildup of mould. The silicone at the base will also accumulate mould over time. Consider redirecting the water direction to minimise splash.
6. Learn to operate power drill to mount your own fixtures and shelves, you will save $100's easily. Use recycled wood to make your shelves.
7. If using storage tank for bathrooms, consider city gas heaters as it supplies both toilets with no penalty to heat or water output, and it takes up less space in your service yard compared to storage heaters.
8. When buying from taobao, search in 简体字. The search results will be much better than searching in english. If have to search in english, try aliexpress, lazada, shopee or basically any other platforms.
9. Countertops are expensive - there is no such thing as "commercial grade" quartz, they all are the same compound with the same properties, they charge higher based on the finish. If you need something for legitimately heavy cooking, consider sintered stone, tiles, or stainless steel.
10. Be thick skinned and always ask to reduce the quotation, ID margins are around 30% of the net price. If it is not profitable for the ID to take your project, they'll reject - Always compare and ask for a markdown instead of trusting blindly.
wow thanks for sharing these tips, very useful!
This is a very good advise. Im renovating my 3room BTO. Thanks for sharing.
Water pressure is low for gas heater. Sintered stone and kompac plus are better than quartz in the long run
I like how you pay attention to the cleaning aspect. A lot of designs I see online don't seem to take this into consideration.
Make a video of your current house renovation regrets. I'm sure we all want that.
Hello Alex, just wanted to say that your tips are really helpful to first time home owners.. thanks!
Like the way you explain the stuff, so patient and clear.
maybe my teaching experience helps!
For a new home owner, this is super useful and eye opening! Thank u!
Thanks for sharing the tips and I agree with almost all of them! I too went with a step down shower area as opposed to a shower kerb because it also means fewer surfaces to clean (although probably requires hacking and won’t be an option for fresh BTOs). I would like to highlight though that concealing electrical wiring in walls is not always an option per HDB guidelines i.e. “No embedding of wiring (housed in metal/ high impact PVC conduit) in RC slab, beam, column, wall, in wall plaster or other finishes “. Also while I agree that a casement window in the bathroom certainly looks more aesthetic than a louvered window, the advantage of the latter is that it allows for better ventilation without “exposing” the bathroom too much - important for those whose bathroom windows face rather “exposed” areas - and without having to open/close windows after/before showering. You didn’t mention this as a tip, but I like how you opted to have frosted glass windows/doors for your service yard - no need to worry about guests getting a clear view of hanging laundry in the service yard when they go to the kitchen. 👍
ya that's exactly the purpose of the frosted glass, the laundry is not a pleasant sight haha. So no conceal wiring is a guideline or rule? Because I'm sure most of the IDs and electrician won't risk having their license revoked if it is against the law.
@@AlexTeo Not sure whether it’s considered legal or illegal. But I can point you to the source of the text on HDB website www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/living-in-an-hdb-flat/renovation/guidelines/electrical-works
Alex Teo normally it's the ID that breaks the rules.,,
Hi Alex, any suggestions on ceiling fan brand for room? How has your ceiling fan been?
Your work is very admirable and inspiring. Thank you for the content! Took notes and plan to apply them👍👍
Thanks for the comment rachel!
Hi may I know the colours and laminate used in ur guest room ? Tip8# looks very nice. Also recommend pls recommend your carpenter. Nice home 🏡
Thanks Alex for the great video. 2 questions: 1) did you install smart switches for the whole house? 2) what device do you use to auto close your curtains?
Not the entire house, the 2 small bedrooms don't have. I use a xiaomi wireless switch, my smart home tour video got showcase it
Practical and sound content. Subscribed and looking forward to more of your practical tips and advice!
Me too! Subscribed and hoping to glean more from your sharings :)
Good two videos. Coming from someone in this industry myself, I agree with you. Just that many people who are familiar with designs and etc don't really need an ID. That may probably include yourself, you'll just need to do more homework and have exchanges with your good contractors who has seen many ups and downs of different owners' decisions on design concepts. Subscribed to you.
thanks for the sub and share more insights from your expertise and experience!
Alex Teo's channel should be watched by some ID people. Learn from Alex practical, useful and yet elegant designs to recommed to clients instead of thinking how much money they can make. . Love this channel.
wow thanks for the comment haha
Hi Alex, thank you for sharing your reno tips. Very helpful. You can consider being a reno project manager.
moved house for a few times already so just sharing some experience
Greetings from MY! I love how you balance your design with practicality. Some homes are heavily decorated with carpentries and decos probably just for initial IG, FB & YT moments thay always leave me wondering how they are going to maintain their homes. Gosh think about cleaning open shelves alone already gives me the jitters. Keep it up bro!
yeah 100%, open shelves and windows frames are a nightmare to deal with
In love with your channel, glad i found this and that too at the time when we are planning for a revamp, keep going 😊
I've been binging on all your videos. They are so helpful!
Glad you like them!
Hi Alex, awesome tips u shared here again. Wish TH-cam has "Awesome" than just "Like" button to click on. I told my ID that I want a table top sink & kerb for both toilets, replaced laundry service yard classroom window & bifold door to clear glass panel, about to buy Dyson fan etc, now am changing my mind after watching ur video (my ID gonna roll eye on me lol). Once again, thanks for sharing such a valuable tips...more video please ☺
I hope IDs are not hating me after this video haha.. Anyway might want to consider frosted glass like mine if you don't want guests to see your laundry. Anyways thanks for the support, click the bell to get notified once i upload :)
@@AlexTeo Exactly, never tot of having frosted glass, inverted kerb etc...so glad I managed to catch ur valuable tips b4 I proceed with the reno. Looking forward for more videos...🙂
Really appreciate clarity in your explanations. Here's the thing.1) how do you clean the ceiling fan or change the bulb sitting above your bed? 2) if I choose shower curtain instead of glass doors, how does one go about sourcing for custom shower curtains that are easy to install and for the shower curtains to be easily taken down for washing?
i used a ladder to clean ceiling fan, there is no bulb
sorry i never used shower curtain before
@@AlexTeo I can’t imagine a ladder tottering on the bed. Do you have enough space to move the bed aside to place the ladder on solid floor?
@@hannah5245 ladder placed beside the bed, no need to move anything
Better to use glass enclosure than shower curtain, it looks better n cleaner…
@@david888a betw aesthetics and practicality, I prefer shower curtain bc I can just throw the whole thing into the washer! With glass, you need to scrub off layers of grime and soap scum regularly. Unless you tell me just spraying with water is good enough!
Thank you for taking time to share! very useful! :)
Also you can make videos on cable managing a desk and how to keep a clean productive desk space for optimized workflow. A lot of people look at videos like that for work from home
that's my plan on the next video haha... but not so much focus on cable management as I think sg viewers are not that interested in that topic
@@AlexTeo you have a good point. Most have it built into their house I think.
Hi Alex, is it possible if you share the link to where you bought your toilet basin + cabinets please? :) really like it!
can find them my taobao vid :)
very helpful tips, your house looks wonderful! im only planning to get BTO soon and will probably need another 4-5 years before i get my flat.. but im already excited about the house works and designs! so hard to wait so long XD
yeah just get a BTO than a resale if possible, better financial move
Hi Alex. Thanks for the reno tips. 👍🏼👍🏼Currently renovating and would like to ask whats your advise for ceiling fan any brand recommended and nos of blade. I saw you installing 4 blade on your bedroom. Can also ask what size of kitchen sink you using 60cm or 50cm? Thank you. 😊
there are quite many choices if you don't need it to be natively smart. Eco-airx looks good but I didn't try before, been using fanco fans which are cheap and good. I will recommend 3 or max 4 blades as they look nicer imo. Kitchen sink is from previous owner, didn't change it L53cm D23cm. Initially find it to be quite small but turns out fine
Hi Alex. Thanks for the videos that you have shared. I have moved several times and done renovation to 2 houses and 2 condos. Last one was about 5 years ago. Many things have changed, especially in the home automation area! Your videos are indeed thoughtful and practical.
Please continue to do more videos as I am moving to a 4 room HDB resale flat in a few months time and will be starting on another renovation journey! Can I request that you do a video on flooring and wall finishings. I noticed you did vinyl flooring in your flat. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks!
thanks for the comment! You should be very experienced then since its like your 5th house? You can check out my smart home automation playlist of videos, might be useful for you :)
@@AlexTeo Yes, I have gone thru most of your videos and will definitely incorporate some of your ideas. 👍👍👍
Hi Alex! Great video! May I know what’s the height of the false ceiling …?
Thanks man, this video is very useful for 1st time buyers.
Yes I know what to do. I subscribed. 🤣
So many good tips. I just collected my house key. Major Reno coming up. I like the cove light idea by the wall! Never seen it (at least from residential). Other then track lights, I actually think ceiling cove light is outdated too.
thanks for the sub! yeah I don't do ceiling cove anymore too as it builds cobweb, I see many houses in US just attach an LED strip at the connecting edge of the wall and ceiling
I like the wall paints very much.has been thinking to make similar one by myself with latex paints
Hi Alex. Thanks for sharing great tips! I love ceiling fans, but wanted to check your views as hdb ceilings are low and noticed you can touch the ceiling fans on tip toe...thanks!
i love ceiling fans, save floor space, easy to clean, best airflow ventilation
Hi! Alex. Please continue doing this sort of videos. Your efforts are so appreciated. Did you install dry wall to hide the electrical trunking and etc? Won’t there be a problem if you need to change aircon or some electrical wiring issues? Thank you.
conceal/hide wiring, not the trunking itself. These wires are very small, electrician make a cut on the wall then hide the wires inside then cover up with powder
@@AlexTeo Thanks Julie I was just about to ask this question. So just to clarify with Alex again, you mean instead of placing electrical trunking to cover the wiring which is super common, you ask the contractor to make a little concave recess on the wall, tuck the wiring in there and then cover over with cement? If yes, did your ID/contractor say this step will be an additional cost when you ask them to do this? Thanks in advance for replying
@@nicklovia actually I thought conceal wiring is more common and popular these days vs open wiring (using trunking). Conceal will definitely cost more, the drilling and patching works takes a lot of time and effort, on the other hand, trunking is barely any effort haa
Hihi, I love your vanity counter in your toilet. May I know where you did buy it? Many thanks, love all your tips!
kohler official store via taobao :)
Wow! thanks for your quick reply.
I am not a tech geek so this video really helps. Only concern is old folks like my mum know how to operate or not if I install a smart lock.
yup why not
Hi Alex, thanks for this upload. Can you please tell me the suppliers of your electric window blinds?
Very helpful, thanks so much Alex!
Alex, great videos. So concealing of wires is OK for BTO flats? I plan to install wall lights & its ok for electricians to drill thru holes to hide the wires. I got the impression that HDB regulation states that wiring shouldn't be concealed within the reinforced concrete slabs, beams, columns & walls. Also, if its a new BTO flat, u can renovate the toilet floor tiles & wall tiles, that is change it? I thought HDB does not allow that due to some structural integrity for first 3 yrs of occupation due to some water issues in cement.
Tks for yr knowledge. Is true when buying stuff or renovation alwys need to think whther it is useful or easy to clean....cos hsechore really no joke .......tks for sharing..
just sharing my personal experience :)
Excellent suggestions as always.
I'm not even renovating but enjoy your videos! very informative.
😁😁😁
Hi Alex, your TV feature wall + wall cabinet really caught my attention since your first house tour video!
Was wondering is there any storage space behind the feature wall or is it just a fixed false wall?
Also, how do you hide all the cables, plugs and tv boxes so neatly? Cheers!
the left and right side of the tv feature wall are storage space. Cables are hidden inside the hole at 1:51 haha
Hi Alex, you’re really a godsent! I’m preparing to move home and this is really helpful as I think i’m really quite troublesome as a homeowner. I think i’ll give my ID/contractor a huge headache because I’m very particular about bug infestations in the home, so I try to steer away from wood as much as possible (even though it’s soo pretty). I’m also very OC about cleanliness, so your advice is always deeply appreciated because it values practicality. Just wanted to ask you - you mentioned that cove lightings on ceilings can collect dust and is difficult to clean (super helpful tip that I never thought of), but would cove lights at the bottom nearer to the ground have the same problem of collecting dust & be difficult to clean?
hahah thanks for the comment Flora. Cove lights at the bottom means its a light strip that sticks underneath some carpentry or furniture like a bedframe or sofa. There is nothing dust can be collected onto
OMG thanks for replying me! WOW that is genius! Wa at the rate this is going, i’m so worried my house is gonna just end up looking like yours cuz everything you say makes so much sense! HAHAHAHA. But don’t worry, i won’t replicate your house k! Thanks so much, please don’t stop doing what you do. Really a godsent! ☺️
@@florayong9108 hahah its perfectly ok to copy, i myself copy ideas here and there and piece them together. I will try to motivate myself to keep doing, just doing this for fun at the moment 😅
Hi Alex, I noticed you managed to do a step down for wet toliet. My understanding is we are not able to hack the original tiles for the first 3 years. Mind sharing how your step down is done for your wet toliet?
mine is a resale, not sure whether you can achieve this with just overlay
Hello Alex thanks for the valuable tips. Your TV backlight is pretty neat. Able to share where you purchased them?
that's yeelight RGB led strip, invol.co/cl2bdtx
@@AlexTeo Got it. Thank you Sir.
Good tips. How do you clean your ceiling fan on top of your bed? How to place the ladder?
just beside, hands are long enough
Hi Alex, love your video! May I ask where did you get your bathroom cabinet from? It looks really nice and functional with the pull out tray!
i bought it from kohler store via taobao, else you can check out bathroom warehouse or some other local retails too, i first saw from these shops then went online to buy instead because it's so much cheaper
Hi Alex! Is concealed wiring allowed for lights on the ceiling? This is to reduce the trunking like in those older HDB flats
Wah, that TV with backlight looks cool.
yeah i love tv backlight
Hi Alex, thanks for the sharing!! May i know what kind of lighting or what brand you are using for the TV lighting?
yeelight RGB LED strip, check out the community tab is my youtube channel, I made a post some time back.
Hi Alex, I've enjoyed your video. where can i find the type of wire grill/mesh you have for your window? thks!
they are all invisible grille, pretty standard many suppliers selling
Really great and practical tips. Thank you for creating this video! 👍🏻
Can you tell me where you got that bathroom sink? I love it!!!
Its from kohler :)
Hi Alex great video ! Learnt a lot from this series. Wanted to ask in the video you mentioned about doing concealed wiring/ your distaste for false ceiling. Could I please check how is concealed wiring is usually achieved without false ceilings ? Maybe you could also share how do you hide trunking for air con. Thanks !
Just to clarify i never dislike false ceiling, its just that i find HDB with that standard ceiling height is not suitable haa. How conceal wiring works is electrician will cut like a drain on the wall/ceiling big enough to lay the cables in then just patch it up. Hiding aircon trucking is done with standard box up way
@@AlexTeo Ah ok oops thanks for the clarification and thanks for your answer! Looking forward to your next video !
Awesome sharing!! Mind to share what you did for master room wall finish? Paint or wall paper? It’s nice!
that's paint, SCT-304 texture paint, check it out!
@@AlexTeo I googled, it’s from Suzuka strato. 👍🏻👍🏻
@@doublecy1fivefive265 i got mine done by wallhub if you are interested
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing. i'm in the mist of planning for renovation, your videos really helps. you shared that for the shower screen, its better to have the dip in instead of a kerb. would that cause any rust on the metal frame or algae on the silicon?
mine so far so gd, i guess as long as you clean it every week then its fine
Hi Alex, thanks for your sharing (all your videos). Ur house really looks good and comfy.
i) Where did you get your toilet mirror+basin+cabinet?
ii) Did you buy the tv back-light online or...?
thanks, the house is really comfy. I put all the toilet items inside the video description for my taobao home review video. You can go check that out. The tv back light is Yeelight led light strip.
Hi Alex! It’s a very useful video for me as I’m going to reno my resale flat soon! May I know what to take note if I buying basin & vanity cabinet from Taobao?
just make sure its properly crated for shipment protection
Hi Alex, very good tips. Where did u get ur toilet basin? Im looking for the same one as urs! :)
Hello, is the wall on your bedroom microcement? thanks for ur effort to make these videos! Im a new sub!
Love your channel, learning alot from one video to another. Keep it up and looking forward more videos from you~
Awesome, thank you!
Hi Alex. Great renovation tips! Keep doing what you do.
I would like to know if you have any one stop renovation company to recommend that will be able to convert a new empty unit to a fully furnished unit ready to be rented out? Thanks in advance! :)
i think as long as you willing to pay the services, most ID companies will do it
hi Alex! Thanks for making these videos. Do u have any recommendation for ceiling fan?
fanco fans cheap and good, but I would prefer getting a smart ceiling fan instead
@@AlexTeo Thank you :D
Thanks Alex for sharing. Any alternatives to track lights? If we have ceiling fan in every room, there isn't any much space to place a normal ceiling light without casting a shadow of the fan. Cove light will just attract insects n dust.
oh you didn't get a ceiling fan with lights? Then maybe you can see whether you can use led strip around the bedframe, if there is a desk you can also have it behind the desk. Else ceiling dropdown lights (no shadow if they are hang lower than your fan), wallmount lights, standing lamps are your other options.
Hi! Thank you for sharing your tips for renovation. Really helpful! Like your well thought through reno. May i know which brand is your sleek white switch? is it smart?
Thanks for the support! that's the aqara smart switches
Great tips! Can I know where you got your vanity cabinet and sink in your toilet from?
i bought it from taobao, product link inside the video description for my taobao home review video. You can also get from local stores like bathroom warehouse if you don't want to purchase online.
Hi. Thank you so much for sharing, thats so informative!
Thank you for the useful practical tips. 2 thumbs up!
Hi 👋 can u share where u bought the vanity cabinets n mirror ? So nice design, tks
all from taobao,
► Vanity (detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=559105824234&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.339c2e8dRTOSgK&_u=j2ai2jg1a396)
► LED Mirror (detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=559386637058&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.795b2e8dCmGSd4&_u=o2ai2jg1deaf)
Hi Alex, can I check what is the vendor you engaged for the window design (to replace the classroom window) at your service yard? Thanks! You have a very nice home!
thanks haha, I actually don't know the exact vendor because it is part of the reno package
Hi Alex, may I know roughly what is the breakdown in your renovation spending? (eg: id renovation, appliances, furniture etc) would serve as a very useful reference! Your videos are very useful for someone whose bto is coming up. Thanks!! 😁
my breakdown is roughly 40k reno, 15k furnishing, 10k appliance. But note that I almost reuse the entire kitchen reno from the previous owner.
Hi Alex, love the details. I would like to ask what do you mean by deep in/ sink in for the separation between bathroom dry and wet area? How do you prevent the water from the shower area to leak to the rest of the bathroom?
the difference in floor level, from the pics i think you can see the difference pretty obvious
I tried to zoom in from the video but can’t really tell as the floor looks quite flat. It is screed to fall to the side to the shower screen or the whole shower area floor is sunken in or there is a drainage strip along the shower screen?
@@sxrie sunken floor, ok maybe you check out at 12.45 in this video, th-cam.com/video/PWa4RAUB3eA/w-d-xo.html
Very informative and straight to the point. I agree with so many of them and learnt so much too, thank you!😊
Hi! Love your content! Where did you purchase your toilet basin cabinet and smart mirror from?
both from taobao, product link in the video description of my taobao review video. If you want to buy the toilet vanity locally in sg, bathroom warehouse sells that too, just more expensive
Love the dip in shower area idea! May i know if you hack or overlay the toilet tiles?
thanks thanks, its hacked!
@@AlexTeo ic!! Is it ex to hacked? Hdb warranty for waterproof will void? Any concern on this?
@@wendywenyikoh6582 i think its ok especially for toilet not gonna reuse haha, 1 HDB redo everything is about 7k
Thanks for your reply! Appreciate it!!
Hi Alex, love your conceal wiring in the house, may i know u use your own electrician or use ID's one?
my own trusted electrician haa
@@AlexTeo I see, would u mind to share? I find my ID's one too ex..
Thanks for the great tips! Your light switches are nice! Where do you get them? Do you have to get them ready yourself before the electrician comes over?
yeah have to, switches are aqara smart light switch bought from taobao
@@AlexTeo Thanks!
Your tips are great! Thank you!
thanks!
Thanks for the really useful tips Alex! You also have a wonderful view from your place. We are currently about to select our bto flat soon. Was your place a bto and do you have any advice on that? Thanks once again for sharing your knowledge with all of us!
thx for the comment! mine is a resale that just fulfill the 5yr mop. Go for bto definitely, financially its a good move
Great video!
Hi Alex, I just gotten my house. My floor plan is very similar to yours. Just that mine is 4 room. Would like to know to start planning for renovation. You mention need to plan power point, switches and lightings. I also saw on ur comment need to start w the aircon first. Would like to know what is the sequence of planning. Thx alot
if yours is a hdb bto then you can do the aircon trunking first, typically there isn't much planning for that, pretty standard. It is powerpoint and switches wiring works that require more planning based on individual needs
I second your views on the Dyson fans!
Been waiting for this part 2 and this really helps a lot for people with no renovation experience. Keep up the good work Alex!
glad part 2 didn't disappoint you!
Btw, any things to take note for renovation of a smart home? (Like electrical wiring/points etc etc).
@@pohsun1987 you need to plan where you want to put what devices, whether they need a power point. See my part 1 where I talk about every point have its purpose.
Where did you buy your pendant lights? They are beautiful.
All from taobao
wow . about the toilet . nice sia . didnt think about tht
Hi Alex, any suggestions on brand for ceiling fan? Can share your ceiling fan and any feedback?
i am using fanco fans, cheap and good
Thanks for sharing your useful renovation tips once again!
For me having a proper concealed wiring, built-in wardrobe and the round shaped sink are important to me, I'm glad that my ID/contractor had shared most of these useful ideas and make it possible for my 3rm resale flat. Where did you get your yee light strip?
How many meters?
You are lucky to have them sharing these with you, no need to learn through the hard and expensive way. Yeelight i bought from taobao, but they take very long to be delivered. Can just get from shopee just abit more ex. Yeelight base is 2m, then any additional length you need is 1m extension
@@AlexTeo my ID/contractor was referred by my friend, he has more than 10 years experience in home design and renovation.
Btw, Yeelight strip is good, I’m planning to buy one for my TV down light. If this is really good, will plan to get one for bed frame.
I notice you mention about ceiling fan. Since it’s installed on top of your mattress, how do you clean it when it gets dirty?
@@davidtan260 the mattress is not exactly at the middle of the bed, so i can reach the blade with a ladder right beside. I also feel like getting led strip for the bedframe, but i think there are enough lights in the room haha
@@AlexTeo there is good and bad, some ideas they gave me I had rejected as to constructing a false ceiling.
I’m living at the top floor and my ceiling is naturally higher than other floors.
I respect their ideas but when it comes to maintenance wise, I’ve heard numerous feedbacks from those who installed false ceiling, the material can’t withstand humidity of Singapore weather, hence, the surface started to peel off and grow molds.
Is the track light in your bedroom installed by the previous owner?
I presume that the ceiling fan in your bedroom has LED light function.
Hi, where did you buy the backlight for the TV?
from taobao
Alex whats ur suggestion about vinyl, laminates and othe flooring ? Can u pls guide on what is bad or good in terms on VOC, chemicals pricing and other aspects we might not think of.
not an expert in this area, but based on experience and what I heard, I will decide mainly on price and maintenance. Comparing marble, homogeneous, vinyl, laminate these 4, i will go for rooms bedrooms vinyl, and homogeneous tiles/vinyl for living room and kitchen.
@@AlexTeo thank you so much.
need pro tips for lighting, warm / cold, location etc
Wow!! Thanks for these useful tips!! Can I know how much you’ve spent for the renovation?
about 40k, but note that I did not reno the entire kitchen
Your tv console area is very nice 😊can i ask do you have singtel TV or apple tv where will you put it ? your tv box needs to be beside your tv and actually putting the router in your study room under your table not a very gd idea . is there any more ideas on where else you can put your router ?
i actually recommend to place it at a table top 3:14 in this video, but i will be doing a separate video sometime this month on this wifi topic again. I don't have any of those single/apple tv physical boxes, now its steaming era haha, I'm using netflix, viu, disney and singtel cast instead.
@@AlexTeo Thanks for the reply but out on the table infront of human not very good for body . Haha you get what i mean ;)
Hi Alex, thank you for all the insightful tips. May I know how much it costs for you to change the bathroom windows?
about 200+
Hi Alex, thanks for the renovation tips! May I know where did you get the World map on your wall?
from wallhub, check out their website
Great video! Question: Does conceal wiring means they add a layer of fake wall? Making the house smaller?
nono.. conceal means the wire hide inside the wall
@@AlexTeo oh but i found out that apparently for old resale flat, it is illegal to do conceal wiring. Guess there is no other way?
Hi Alex! Gonna get my keys soon. And your videos have all the contents that I’m looking for! Understand that your sink was purchased from tb, does the cabinet below comes tgt with it? I’m thinking of shipping the whole cabinet + sink from tb. But have concerns if our taps are the same or the piping fits. Any advice ?
Haha thanks man glad the videos are helpful. Cabinets and sink together in a set, taps have to buy separately. Some shops in sg is selling it if you don't want to get from tb.
These are very valuable points. Really good advice....
Thanks! glad it helps
Hi! Thank u very much for sharing. Can u please recommend an electrician company n kitchen also bathroom contractors? Thank u for your help
my electrician contact is a one man show - contact inside my 'smart switches comparison' video
sorry no contact for contractors
Awesome tips!!! Thank you...!!!
Any tips on how to do the TV backlight with LED strips? Not sure what to buy and what do i have to connect it with.
there are few brands I recommend here in SG - philips hue, Yeelight, Nanoleaf and Govee. Simply power them via a socket, each have their own features you can go check them out
Your tips are really helpful! Do you mind to share where did you get your curtains?
that's from taobao - item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.0.0.5e5d2e8dpEqvim&id=596622742846&_u=12ai2jg18ced
@@AlexTeo they come with the motorised tracks?
@@clementlim118 nope, that's the aqara smart curtain. detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=597797897310&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.2eb22e8dECOBsj&_u=j2ai2jg1534a