Carpenters 匠

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We were renovating our 5-room resale HDB with Cecilia Chiew. Everything works out well at the start, with prompt updates from the ID, all requests to her were "No problem! / Can!" even to the point that she helped us to assemble 3 furnitures that we bought from Taobao. We were really impressed with her service UNTIL 95% OF THE CONTRACT WAS PAID AND EVERYTHING WENT DOWNHILL. It was only after our renovation nightmare that we found out that Cecilia Chiew had prior litigation case (from Google review in 2022). After paying the 95%, she lost focus of our Renovation, failed to follow up on our renovation closely, and many multiple quality issues happened. 1) Electrical works and windows were out of her quotations but vendors were recommended by Cecilia Chiew she wanted us to liaise with them ourselves. Please note that HDB requires a licensed EMA electrician to do all the electrical works, however, the electrician recommended was not licensed in Singapore (despite Cecilia claiming he was trained and licensed in Malaysia). After we moved in, there were multiple electricity issues that we had to engage our own licensed electrician to rectify it. Windows supplier was unprofessional, even though Cecilia had worked with him for 7 years. Windows were installed before we even get to see the quotation and we had no choice but to pay for it. We even had to follow up with HDB and BCA ourselves after a delay of 2 months only to found out that they did not even submit the application appropriately. 2) Subcontractors engaged were questionable. Gate installers did not bring their own ladder, climb onto our coffee table to install our gate. Dido Enterprise was engaged to clean our place and used a spade to sweep our marble floor. Dido who is Carpenters' business partner had their business registration ceased on ACRA but yet still providing services to Carpenters. Plastering and Painting subcontractors were from Malaysia - within 3 months of renovation, there were already cracks from the plastering & painting works. (Pls see the picture attached). More money had to be dumped in to rectify the poor works. 3) Top-ups by Variation Order were not agreed upon before work was done. The variation order was only sent to us on 26 Oct when all of the work had been done, including the tiles top-up that we did not even know about since tiles were all recommended by Cecilia. Worst still, some of the tiles looked defective (pls see attached picture). Some of the works from the variation order were also not satisfactory, however Cecilia insisted that it was their business practice and claimed work completed. 4) Poorly done Partition wall that we could not even mount our 75inch TV on. Cecilia recommended a partition wall in our living room to fill up the sunken in space for better mounting of our 75 inch TV. This was also one of the top-ups on the variation order that the cost of $1.3k was not shared before work had been done. Worst still, we were unable to mount our 75-inch TV as the partition wall was badly done and our 75 inch TV could not be mounted by Courts. (Pls see attached picture). 5) Carpentry which was supposed to be their strength was also done wrongly due to ID's lack of focus. Told the ID earlier on that we will be installing the coffee machine in one of the Carpentry, all measurements were provided to her even before they started work. Yet, it was still done wrongly. Most of the information on appliances provided to the ID was not taken into consideration due to her lack of focus. 6) There was a washing machine base quoted in the contract but was not talked about and not done until we realized it ourselves. Lesson learnt : A) Whatever you see on Instagram might just be 3d renders. B) As long as Work is done and although unsatisfactory and defective, even the Consumer Protection Act could not protect us the consumers as "Satisfactory is subjective". [WE LEARNT THE HARD WAY]. C) Make sure that you see ALL the quotations and agreed with the cost before the works are done. D) Find an ID that did not have prior Litigation cases online - THIS IS A MUST AND JUDGEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF THEIR WORK. E) Make sure you get them to itemised the quotations, and know their obligations and contract items well before you sign it.

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Carpenters is Singapore's most prestigious home interior design firm which was established in 1950. Recognized as Singapore's premier interior design firm, we are dedicated to exceeding our clients' expectations through a combination of hard work, dedication, and a focus on ethics and professionalism. Products and services provided by our home renovation firm in Singapore are guaranteed to meet or exceed customer expectations. Offering customized Scandinavian interior design solutions to our clients is a crucial part of our success and desirability. When it comes to renovation work, Carpenters' ideal scenario would be to be able to fulfill the homeowner's dream house, delivering satisfaction to both parties. Taking into account the tastes and preferences of our clients, allow us to offer modern interior design solutions that create a satisfactory balance. To this day, we've earned a number of prestigious certifications.

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Yes , I would recommend my interior designer for homeowners. He is creative in his design, practical in budget allocation and has a mind for details. You will be free from worries and enjoy the process of renovation.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

It is important to get a reputable company for your renovation works that solve your problems and provide good post-renovation service. Homeowners can read up more , so that they can make a informed decision .

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Dear Jimmy, thank you and your team effort in making the renovation for our unit, lush acres a success. We are impressed with the commitment and dedication of your team. Throughout the design process, you have show great passion and professionalism in addressing some of the key issues and managed to overcome them.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

We are also pleased with the quality of the workmanship that your team displayed and the flexibility in accomodating minor changes to the scope of wok. Despite the time constraint, you are able to complete within the stipulated timeline. Whlist this maybe our first project with you, we are confident that it will not be the last. WE have actively recommended your service to our friends and colleagues, great job done Thank you

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Dear Sir / Madam, I would like to thank you Shinny the interior designer, she is great and provided good service to us during the discussion session and renovation period. She try to fulfill our requirements and provide professional advice on the design. We love our house, the house is so comfortable as what we requested during our 1st discussion session.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

We love our house, the house is so comfortable as what we requested during our 1st discussion session. Thank you very much to Shinny Hoe.

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Reno works @ Skypark Residences Good service via prompt follow-up and flexibility when we decided to extend our vinyl flooring to the entrance area. Love the design of our feature wall in master bedroom!

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

Good carpentry workmanship for our shoe cabinet and mirror cabinets. Could do better with the painting works, i.e. Over-paint and not-straight-edges, but overall still good job done considering the other plus points. Thank you! Regards, Kelly and In Seng

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

The design is simple and classy which you will feel very cosy and comfortable when you step into each area. The living area have a cosy area which we have a platform at the balcony this is totally the feel of relaxation corner. The entire feeling for the living area is really soothing. The girl's room which is a total open concept which no cabinet door and with the platform for the bed is totally teenagers lovers. The boy's room is simple with one top hung cabinet cum table which show as a seperator for both boys. As for the master room cabinet have a L-shape which save our space allowing more spacious area. Lastly the both toilets are have the feel of hotel, totally enjoying the showering.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

Must have a grab of what kind of feel you like to share with your ID, give our idea and what you are looking at and discuss closely with your ID also have to let your ID know what type of texture you are looking at. Not forgetting types of furniture you are searching for so to blend into the design. Request your ID to bring you along to see their other project which you can determined their workmanship, so you will know how to judge on their quality and workmanship. Upon choosing the tiles or other capentery material bear in mind that you will be seeing tons of material which you will be lost. Best is that your ID can streamline the material as they should know by then what you are looking at. If after what your ID have chosen you are not satisfied discuss with you ID again and after chosen please remember the code of the material or take a picture as it hard to remember what you have chosen. Please do bear in mind the entire renovation will take at least 1 or 2 months depending on your requirement.

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Yes, my designer (Isaac) work very well with me. He is very helpful in any ways even now, he still provide some service with regards on any query about my furnish and doubts even i have completed the renovation 2 years ago. He response to query very promptly especially when I really need during the renovation periods.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

My advice to future homeowners. If you think you found a right home, spending a reasonably amount of money to get a good quality of works is really worth it. Carpenters Design really gave me the service and good quality of carpentry that I expected. Thumbs Up!!!

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

Yes, my interior designer was very focus and paid a lot of care to all aspect of the project during the whole duration. She was concern on the minor details that most would have overlooks, and was careful to take my family individual needs and l liked her during her planning and suggestions. She is patient with her clients and she is able to meet every deadline she promise.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

I was overall very satisfied with my interior designer so I don't have much advise to give but I would say that it is important to be dear on things that you want and not get sweep away with the fast pace momentum Plans can be design around the ideas you truly want, it might take a lot of replanning but it can be done

Would you recommend this Interior Designer and why?

ID Rex Zhang who understand our life style needs and orientation that provide us a beautiful designed and functional home. He helped us select the right laminates for our cupboard, feature wall and advises on the wall papers, lightings including curtains tone for our apartment that I receive several compliments from those that came to my home.

What advice would you give to future homeowners?

The advice I would give to the future homeowners is that plan your renovation ahead in advance. It is proven rush jobs are never good. It will add stress to both your contractors and yourself. Also, do plan your budget well and constantly check to ensure everything is budgeted according to your desired renovation. Lastly, the ID you choice have to be experienced in managing projects. For example, Carpenters, their carpentry work, electrical and painting were all professionally and skillfully done