Diary of an old 1975 apartment

A tribute to all the talented, serious and experienced designers, We mean those who really know their role/profession (you know what I mean) who make all the sacrifices to make the client dream home come true. Also a reminder to all the house owners to appreciate what we are doing, the amount of overtime spend on space planning, construction and M&E, material selections, production drawings and 3d rendering. Not to mention the constant change of brief.

Each project brings memories to all of us. You can Imagine the joy to see the project being featured.

We wrote this blog during the COVID 19 lockdown period. Something I always wanted to do for all my new clients, to understand how basic standard renovation functions (as a team and keeping the timeline together.)

I skipped a lot of details not to make it so lengthy . (It is already super long)

1) Before renovation, few details must be confirmed

a) Demolition Plan, Layout Plan

b) M&E Layout (Lighting, electrical, plumbing , ceiling details and aircon)

c) Tiles selection must be completed

d) Trickiest one, bathroom fittings confirmation (For the conceal sets / parts must be ready during hacking period)

e) Engineer endorsement and management approval

Starting of reno

I am using my dear client / friend Christian Lam house as an example

DEMOLITION OF FINISHES /WALLS

WALL ERECTION

DOOR FRAMES MUST BE INSTALLED AT THIS POINT

PLUMBING WORKS / ELECTRICAL REWIRING (REPLACING ALL PIPES / NEW OUTLETS INCLUSIVE OF SEWAGE PIPE SHAFT WITHIN PREMISES)

NEW AIRCON REROUTING WORKS  / TO COORDINATE WITH FALSE CEILING AND BOX UP

NOTE; TILING CANNOT PROCEED IF AIRCON DRAINAGE NOT COMPLETED

(VERY COMMON DELAY FROM OWNER SIDE BASED ON BRAND AND PRICE COMPARISON )

ENSURE DUCTWORKS/ RETURNS ARE COMPLETED TILL NEXT PHASE

ENSURE SOUND IACCOSTIC INSTALLATION / ROCKWOOL QUALITYSTRAIGHTENING ALL THE JOINTS /  UNNECESSARY RECESS WALLS

FOUNDATION LEVELLING / CREATE DIFFERENT DROPS / WATER PROOFING / PONDING TEST

ARTWORK PREPARATION IN STUDIO /  FLOOR FINISHES/ TILING BEGINS (THIS WILL BE THE INTERESTING PHASE OF THE WORK)

INSTALLATION OF ALL WINDOW FRAMES 

SKIN COAT PLASTERING TO BE COMMENCED (ALL CONCEALED WIRINGS MUST BE COMPLETED)

SANDING DOWN WALLS AND CHECK FOR SMOOTHNESS  (TO RECEIVE BASE COAT AND PRIMER)

WOODEN FLOOR SHOULD THEN BE GRIND AND 1 COAT OF VARNISH

ALMOST DONE!

CARPENTRY COMMENCEMENTS

ACOUSTIC TREATMENTS

THE CHIEFS

FAULT FINDING TIMEFRAME FOR TERMINATIONS, ALIGNMENT

THE MAIN DOOR

BEFOREREADY TO GO!

AFTER CARPENTRY , 

ALL WOODEN FLOOR SHOULD RECEIVED THEIR SECOND SANDDOWN AND 3RD COATS OF VARNISH

PAINTING OF CEILING AND WALLS  (NOT FINAL) AND INSTALLATION OF GLASS / MARBLE TOPS ETC

ITS ALSO THE FITTING OUT PERIOD OF PURCHASED  ITEMS

WINDOWS INSTALLATION / DOORS

GLAZE WORKS

BATH FITTINGS

KITCHEN FITTINGS

THIS IS THE PERIOD THE OWNER WILL BE BURN OUT. DO PAY ATTENTION TO WINDOW TREATMENTS /  DECORATIVE ITEMS / FURNITURES

LIGHTS INSTALLATION

NOW THE FAVORITE MOMENTS WE WAITING FOR

ART INSTALLATION AND FURNITURE ARRIVALS!

SOUND AND MEDIA CHECK / INSTALLATION, WIFI/ ACCESS POINT SHOULD BE AVIABLE AT THIS STAGE

MORE FINE TUNING

THE VIEW

FINALLY! THE FINISHED LOOK!

OUR EFFORTS AND RECOGNITION FOR THIS PROJECT

ITS ALL WORTH IT!