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Category: Singapuraku

  • How Much Does It Really Cost To Renovate A HDB Flat?

    How Much Does It Really Cost To Renovate A HDB Flat?

    Renovating a HDB flat is one of the few big-ticket items in Singapore that most couples will need to spend money on. To renovate a house is not cheap, contrary to what some articles on social media sometime suggests. It gets even more challenging when one hears of horror stories dealing with errant contractors and even sometimes, interior designers.

    So how much does it really cost to renovate a HDB flat? Are those articles touting beautiful renovation works at $35,000 believable?

    $56,000 to renovate a HDB Flat

    According to Qanvast, which is a platform allowing Singapore homeowners to compare design inspirations from a pool of interior designers, the average renovation amount spent on a typical HDB flat is about $56,000.

    If that seems a little higher than what you were originally expecting, it is time to be realistic about how much home renovation can actually cost you. Truth is, unless you spend a lot of effort doing it yourself, home renovations are rarely cheap. Of course, a renovation package will appear “cheap” by not including some costs.

    Here are some things you might want to know before signing on the dotted line for your renovation package.

    1. Be Careful Of Photos showing 3D perspective

    It is common for interior designers to showcase beautiful pictures of their portfolio of work. One thing when reviewing their portfolio is to differentiate between 3D perspective and actual photos of completed work.

    One easy way to differentiate between the two is to simply look at the window within the photo. If it’s a 3D perspective, the view from the window will look like one that is too good to be true.

    2. Additional (important) works not included

    If your renovation package price appears quite low from the perspective that your interior designer have done up for you, it is worth noting that there are some additional works that are probably not included as part of the package price. Here are some common items.

    Item Price
    Cost of lights plus electrician $4000
    Cost of curtains $1000
    Window grills $500
    Air Conditioning $3500
    Cement Screeding $1000
    Total $10,000

     

    Our price range is an estimate but even then, you can see that it is not difficult for an additional $10,000 to be included in the package. These are additional money that you will need on top of what you are paying for the renovation package. We are also assuming that your interior designer or contractor is honest enough to include all the costs instead of hiding some.

    3. Additional cost of furnishing

    If this is your first home, you probably do not own any existing furniture yet. New homeowners can expect to spend anything between $10,000 to $20,000 to furnish their home.

    Here is a non-exhaustive list of furniture and electronics that you will need.

    Item Price
    Kitchen Appliances $2000
    Fridge $1000
    Washing Machine $1000
    Television $750
    Dining Table Set $750
    Sofa Set + Coffee Table $1500
    Study Table Set $1000
    Queen Sized Bed $2000
    Total $10,000

     

    The amount that we have estimated does not include other items such as additional beds for your children, wardrobes for the bedrooms and the storage racks for your household shelter. It also does not include the cost of bathroom accessories and your dressing table.

    4. Ensuring the renovation package covers what you really need

    Renovation packages can sometimes be one size fit all packages. A sales person may promise you everything under the sun before the contract is signed and then transform into the most inflexible person after your deposit is received. Hence, it is important for you to understand each and every item that you are paying for and the justification for the price quoted.

    In our opinion, the best thing to do is to sign the agreement after you have received your house keys to ensure that your interior designer has already done the relevant measurements in your home before quoting their price.

    You want a quotation based on the actual dimensions and needs of your home, and not one that is simply a ballpark figure.

    5. NOT getting a package from a road show

    Getting a package from road shows is almost always a bad idea. There are a few reasons for that.

    Firstly, the salesperson that you might be talking to may simply just be that, a sales person. He or she may not be the actual person you will be working with after the contract is signed. The sales person may promise you things that the company cannot deliver.

    Secondly, any package signed during a road show is likely to be subjected to future changes on your part. However, there is no guarantee that the company is going to be flexible with these changes. If you wish to remove an unnecessary item thereafter, they may not reduce the price.

    On the other hand, it is almost a given that any additional item you need that is not included in the renovation package will be an added cost, even if it was the sales person who had forgotten to include it.

    Lastly, never ever fall for the trick that sales people like to use by saying that “locking in your package price a year before your house is ready will hedge you against inflation”.

    As finance writers, we all know that the underlying risk of inflation have to be borne by someone. Are interior designers and their companies really going to hedge in their material price? We highly doubt so.

    Do your own research

    Rather than be at the mercy of information provided by sales people, homeowners can do their own research first to better understand the market and their own needs and wants.

    Qanvest is a great platform for anyone who wants to get started in understanding the industry. The platform showcase various designs by interior designers in Singapore and help people understand the renovation decisions that they will be making. Ultimately, knowledge is essential in being able to make a good choice on the type of interior designer that you will want to work with.

     

    Source: http://dollarsandsense.sg

  • Average Singaporeans: Rich Elites Can Never Understand Our Simple Local Lifestyle

    Average Singaporeans: Rich Elites Can Never Understand Our Simple Local Lifestyle

    Dear All Singapore Stuff,

    I would like to share my reflections on what the upcoming SG50 anniversary means to me, based on my personal experiences as an average Singaporean.

    I have come to realize that the poor and lower-middle class represent an entirely different Singapore from the rich and upper-middle class. We are like two different nations.

    Kids from the rich and upper-middle class are different from birth. They are equipped with skills an average Singaporean will never get. They are taught to play various musical instruments, taught a variety of sports and even go for supplementary classes from a young age. Not surprisingly these kids end up doing well academically and also excel in other activities. Even if they do not succeed academically,they have the financial support and necessary connections to set up their own businesses to establish themselves. These kids dominate the better schools and will inevitably become the next generation of elites. As an end result, we have the elite producing more elites.

    What happens to the kids from the poor and lower middle class? The vast majority ends up in the neighbourhood schools. Less conducive environment, no guarantee of good teachers (I was once scolded by a MOE teacher for bothering her with too many questions about a humanities subject) and limited enrichment programmes. There are less opportunities for students to participate in competitions to boost their own confidence. Many cannot afford tuition. Quite a number are from broken families (myself included), and they are troubled by family problems even as they study. They also have to deal with exposure to kids who smoke, gangsters, bullies and other delinquents. These kids even have to work part-time during school holidays to increase their monthly allowance. Most end up in polytechnics or neighbourhood jcs and very few enter the local universities.

    Being one of the few neighbourhood school kids who entered a good jc and then a local university, I experienced a culture shock. I could not relate to the majority of my classmates in my jc. Almost everyone in my jc class stayed in a condo or landed house.

    I could not effectively communicate with them because I lacked relevant experiences like overseas trips as well as musical and sports talents. I couldn’t understand why every outing had to involve eating at a restaurant in the city area and why there was so much spending. Most of the girls stayed in condos and frequently called others to come over for tennis games, swimming, barbecues and other frivolous celebrations. I actually felt embarrassed to be staying in a hdb flat with so few fun facilities as I could not engage my classmates in a similar manner. They had perfect families with supportive parents and they went on overseas trips every holiday in contrast to neighbourhood school people who usually worked part-time during holidays.

    They were seasoned travelers who had no qualms about staying overseas for weeks without their families! Same thing in university. I found that there were fewer and fewer of the neighbourhood school kids with whom I could better identify. Those I know who went on exchange programmes and overseas CIP trips were mostly scholars and wealthy people. Those with greater purchasing power also enriched their university experience with participation in marathons, camps and clubbing events whereas those who were poorer were stuck with memories of lectures and tutorials, school activities and the inevitable bank loan.

    Most of the rich people tend to think and behave similarly. For instance, during jc, they were taking their Grade 8 piano examinations at the same time, they took SATs while preparing for ‘A’ levels and later on in university, they took up driving lessons simultaneously. I could not even afford to take up driving and I didn’t see the point of it because I have no car.

    I think the poor and lower middle class appreciate simple pastimes better. A stroll in the park, running at the stadium, playing board games or card games at a void deck or playing basketball at a public basketball court is simply too boring for the wealthier people. Window-shopping without any purchase is ridiculous to them. They will never be seen doing any of these activities and will sneer at you or look bewildered if you even suggest any of these activities. If you say that $13 is too expensive for a movie or that $70 is too much for Universal Studios, they will just scold you for complaining so much. Gradually,they will abandon you for being such a boring and negative person.

    I have seen enough to believe that the non-elite can never truly be part of one Singapore with the elites. We have different upbringings, different values, different lifestyles, different educational experiences and a different sense of identity. Our life goals are also different. While the elites love to say that what we see as elite is what they see as meritocracy, the hard truth is that there’s such a thing as inherited meritocracy, and the non-elite lack the necessary resources and upbringing to properly compete with them. This leaves the majority of the non-elite with limited social mobility.

    Equality is a lie. Rather than deceive myself into thinking that there can be a true, lasting friendship with an elite person, I choose to believe that elites can never understand or appreciate simplicity while living within the comforts of their condos and landed houses. Of course, I will work hard. But I also accept the reality that I am disadvantaged relative to the wealthier segments of society. Fraternization with them will only be counter-productive to my life goals.

    As far as the non-elite like myself are concerned, it is best to leave the elites to their extravagant lifestyles. I strongly believe that the poor should not provide any entertainment to the rich. If we are invited to their parties, we should decline. Leave them to celebrate with their ilk. As we prepare to celebrate Singapore’s golden jubilee, let’s not deceive ourselves into thinking that we are all one. We certainly are not.

    Fred
    A.S.S. Contributor

    Source: www.allsingaporestuff.com

     

  • 5 Traffic Fines In Singapore You Didn’t Know You Could Get Fined For

    5 Traffic Fines In Singapore You Didn’t Know You Could Get Fined For

    You know how tourists in Singapore think it’s a big joke when they buy a T-shirt that says “Singapore is a FINE city” followed by a list of things that you can get fined for. You know, like littering, or jaywalking, or even using someone else’s WiFi network. But you know where it hurts the most? When you’re on the road. Or more accurately, when you’re out of your car after parking illegally. Recently, one Singaporean has to pay a total of $7,000 for his 14 traffic fines! All of them have to do with where he parked.

    Here are 5 traffic fines in Singapore you didn’t know you could get booked for.

    1. Parking a vehicle on a flyover

    Fine: $70 for light vehicles, $100 for heavy vehicles.

    Essentially, don’t be a jerk and put other people at risk. Even though the speed limit on a flyover is supposed to be 50km/h, Singaporean drivers tend to ignore it because they’re usually entering or exiting an expressway. What’s worse, many flyovers in Singapore are winding and you probably won’t see a parked vehicle until it’s too late.

    Needless to say, “parking a vehicle on a ramp leading to a flyover” is illegal as well and carries the same fine.

    2. Parking a vehicle in an underpass

    Fine: $70 for light vehicles, $100 for heavy vehicles.

    Having been a pedestrian for most of my life, my first thought when I saw this traffic fine was “How the hell does a vehicle get into an underpass”? Of course, this isn’t referring to a pedestrian underpass, but a vehicular one, like the Bukit Timah Underpass beneath the Farrer Flyover, or Queensway Underpass beneath Commonwealth Avenue.

    Just like the flyover, it’s quite the jerk move to park in an underpass, because vehicles aren’t expecting to stop or change lanes when they’re in an underpass. Doing so puts others at risk.

    In the same way, “parking a vehicle on a ramp leading to an underpass” is illegal and carries the same fine.

    3. Stopping a vehicle on the right side of a two-way road

    Fine: $70 for light vehicles, $100 for heavy vehicles.

    Unless you’ve lived in countries like United States, or the Philippines, or China for extended periods of time, you know that it’s common sense not to stop your vehicle on the right side of a two way road. We drive on the left-hand side of the road, which means that parking on the right side will cause obstruction to oncoming traffic.

    Needless to say, if you do park on the left-hand side of the road, you need to make sure you’re not “stopping a vehicle without facing the direction in which the traffic may lawfully move”. Or, in other words, don’t park against traffic!

    On a one-way road, you can stop on either side, unless of course there’s an unbroken white line (or lines).

    4. Parking a vehicle within 9 metres of a bus stop

    Fine: $70 for light vehicles, $100 for heavy vehicles

    Most drivers remember that you can’t park within 3 metres of a fire hydrant, or within 6 metres of a junction of any road or street, but did you know you also aren’t allowed to park within 9 metres of a bus stop?

    Normally the measurement will be taken from the bus stop pole or the tip of the bus stop box, but in the case of a bus bay, the measurement is taken from the tip of the bus bay itself not the bus stop.

    Of course, if you’re “parked” because your vehicle has broken down or your tyres have been punctured then you’re given a free pass.

    5. Parking a vehicle on the grass verge of a road

    Fine: $70 for light vehicles, $100 for heavy vehicles

    Bet you didn’t realise this was illegal, huh? Especially since so many Singaporeans do it when they’re in landed property areas where there’s only one lane or a narrow two-way street. In all fairness, some drivers who are forced to park on the grass often do so to prevent any obstructions. But there will be those who think that any grass patch next to a road is as good as a parking lot. $70 should tell you otherwise.

    In the same vein, “parking a vehicle on the footway of a road” is also illegal and carries the same fine. The simple lesson here? If there’s no official parking lot, don’t park there. It’s not worth it.

    But wait, there’s more!

    As of January 1st this year, repeat offenders will have to pay larger traffic fines for certain offences. A “repeat offender” is defined as having received a fine within the last 12 months from the date of his previous offence.

    Here’s the complete table of traffic offenses that don’t carry demerit points:

    S/N Offences Light Vehicle Light Vehicle Heavy Vehicle Heavy Vehicle
        First time Repeat offence First time Repeat offence
    1 Failing to comply with the “No Parking” sign $70 $110 $100 $150
    2 Failing to comply with the “No Stopping” sign $70 $110 $100 $150
    3 Failing to comply with the “No Waiting” sign $70 $110 $100 $150
    4 Failing to stop a vehicle parallel with the edge of the left-hand side of the road $70 $110 $100 $150
    5 Failing to stop a vehicle close to the edge of the left-hand side of the road $70 $110 $100 $150
    6 Stopping a vehicle in such a manner as to cause unnecessary obstruction to other road users $70 $110 $100 $150
    7 Stopping a vehicle without facing the direction in which the traffic may lawfully move $70 $110 $100 $150
    8 Stopping a vehicle on the right side of a two-way road $70 $110 $100 $150
    9 Parking a vehicle on any road between the edge of a roadway and any portion of an unbroken white line laid down on such road $70 $110 $100 $150
    10 Parking a vehicle on any road between the edge of a roadway and any portion of unbroken double white lines laid down on such road $70 $110 $100 $150
    11 Parking a vehicle on any road where unbroken double yellow lines are laid down $70 $110 $100 $150
    12 Parking a vehicle on any road where an unbroken yellow line is laid down $70 $110 $100 $150
    13 Parking a vehicle on the grass verge of a road $70 $110 $100 $150
    14 Parking a vehicle within 6 metres of a junction of any road or street $70 $110 $100 $150
    15 Parking a vehicle within 9 metres of a bus stop $70 $110 $100 $150
    16 Parking a vehicle within 3 metres of a fire hydrant $70 $110 $100 $150
    17 Parking a vehicle on a slip road $70 $110 $100 $150
    18 Parking a vehicle on a filter lane $70 $110 $100 $150
    19 Parking a vehicle on a fly-over $70 $110 $100 $150
    20 Parking a vehicle in an underpass $70 $110 $100 $150
    21 Parking a vehicle on a ramp leading to a fly-over $70 $110 $100 $150
    22 Parking a vehicle on a ramp leading to an underpass $70 $110 $100 $150
    23 Parking a vehicle on the footway of a road $70 $110 $100 $150
    24 Parking a heavy vehicle in any place other than the designated parking space – – $100 $150
    25 Causing vehicle to remain at rest on a road in a position that is likely to cause danger to other road users $300 $450 $300 $450
    26 Causing vehicle to remain at rest on a road in a position that is likely to cause undue inconvenience to other road users $300 $450 $300 $450
    27 Parking a vehicle at a taxi stop $50 $80 $80 $120
    28 Parking a vehicle at a public stand for taxis $50 $80 $80 $120
    29 Stopping a vehicle on a central divider of expressway $70 $110 $100 $150

     Illegal Parking Offences: With Demerit Points

    S/N Offences Light Vehicle Light Vehicle Heavy Vehicle Heavy Vehicle Demerit Points
        First time Repeat offence First time Repeat offence  
    1 Parking a vehicle within a pedestrian crossing $120 $180 $150 $230 3
    2 Parking a vehicle within a Demerit Points No Parking Zone $120 $180 $150 $230 3
    3 Parking within a Demerit Points No Parking Zone (footpath) $120 $180 $150 $230 3
    4 Stopping within a Demerit Points No
    Stopping Zone    		 $120 $180 $150 $230 3
    5 Stopping within a Demerit Points No Stopping Zone (footpath) $120 $180 $150 $230 3
    6 Parking abreast to another vehicle, causing unnecessary obstruction $120 $180 $150 $230 3
    7 Causing a vehicle to be stopped in a zebra controlled area $120 $180 $160 $230 3
    8 Stopping a vehicle on a carriageway of an expressway $130 $200 $160 $240 4
    9 Stopping a vehicle on the shoulder of an
    expressway    		 $130 $200 $160 $240 4
    10 Stopping a vehicle on the verge of an
    expressway    		 $130 $200 $160 $240 4

     

    Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com

  • Osman Sulaiman: Teguran Erwin Shah Tulus, Kehidupan Umat Islam Di Singapura Perlu Dipertingkat

    Osman Sulaiman: Teguran Erwin Shah Tulus, Kehidupan Umat Islam Di Singapura Perlu Dipertingkat

    Erwin nak pegi Malaysia kerana Islam, tapi kena slam. Ada yg lemparkan kata2 sinis. Ada yg dah dekat skali dgn fitnah kononnya Erwin tu nak pegi Malaysia kerana career.

    Dia nak ke negara jiran kerana Islam pun kena kritik. Apa ni? Korang ingat sini byk senang ke nak jalankan tugas sebagai orang Muslim? Apa salah ke nak pegi tempat yg menyenangkan diri untuk mempraktikkan agama sendiri?

    Kalau korang nak defend Singapura, konon2nya sini pun tak susah nak jalankan tanggung jawab sebagai orang Islam, meh sini saya bagitau sikit.

    1. Tandas shopping centre kebanyakkan nya tiada paip air untuk beristinjak. Yg ada tissue. Senang tak?

    2 Sembahyang jumaat kadang2 majikan tak kasi pergi. Kalau kasi pun, lincah2 kita kena balik. Senang tak?

    3. Yg pakai tudung, tidak dibenarkan berkerja di dalam uniform group. Yg nak cari kerja, kadang tak dapat kerana pakai tudung. Senang tak?

    4. Contractor2 melayu islam, tidak dibenarkan ke kawasan2 tertentu di dalam tentera walaupun hanya bertugas. Senang tak?

    5. Tempat mushollah walaupun sudah semakin byk, tetap berkurangan. Nak sembahyang, kadang kena pergi jauh sikit. Senang tak?

    6. Nak sembahyang bila dah sampai waktu, brani tak agak2 nak ckp pada majikan kita nak time off dari kerja untuk menunaikan solat? Senang tak?

    Jadi kalau dia nak pergi ke negara jiran kerana dia fikir ia akan menyenangkan dirinya untuk menunaikan ibadah, yg kita sibuk2 nak slam dia asal? Cubalah beri semangat sikit untuk dia. Jgn pula kita berprasangka buruk terhadap sesuatu yg baik.

    Saya tak marah. Cakap2 aja. Selamat Hari Raya. Kalau tersilap kata, mohon maaf.

     

    Source: Osman Sulaiman

  • Erwin Shah Dawson: You Get Complete Freedom In Malaysia Where Islam Is Concerned

    Erwin Shah Dawson: You Get Complete Freedom In Malaysia Where Islam Is Concerned

    Regarding the recent article “Erwin Ingin Berhijrah Ke Malaysia Kerana Islam”

    Lets clarify and go through this step by step, point by point.

    1st) to recall word for word what i said will be close to impossible. But i recall my intentions of the article.

    -the intention wasnt to badmouth or slander Singapore’s Islam. It was just a pleasant feeling to be in a place where one gets COMPLETE freedom where Islam is concerned.

    •the fact u get Adhan loudly at almost every few kilometres during every waktu. We dont get that in Sg. Its a pleasant feeling to be hearing different Voices and different Intonations of Adhan . U cant disagree that Singapore disallows the Adhan to be recited out loud during Prayer Time. Basically, it feels nice for a change.

    •the fact that our kids dont have to be restricted to only Madrasah Schools to be obliging our Islamic Laws on Aurah.
    Sikhs can wear turban but Muslimahs cant wear Hijab? Freedom or not? U decide.

    •the fact that every school will teach the basic of Islam since as early as Nursery.
    We have been programmed to think that Government school offers better future in this modern world. Thus many of us Sgporean Muslims refuses to send our child to Madrasah School Instead.
    Agree to Disagree

    •People being rejected Jobs because they are Malays or Muslims.
    Women do not get a job because they wear Hijab.

    •I can go on about this, but thats not my point. There is no denying that certain aspects of our Beautiful Religion is being constrained by the government disguised in the name of Racial Harmony and whatever not. U cant disagree that this is true.

    •Take Note that i dont think its a bad thing or so difficult to be A Muslim in Singapore, im just saying that is a nice feeling to see the complete freedom of Islam . Especially when u see ur own country facing Racial and Discrimination against Malays/Islam ,which is obvious but yet ppl seem to take it like it is Subtle .
    In short, i didnt kutok my own country at all. Im just praising the COMPLETE freedom Malaysia has regarding Islamic Practices.

    2) Ive spoken about this migration to various people. So perhaps some factors might have been missed out this time round. Either i forgot to say it, or they forgot to write it.
    But here goes

    • I have every intention to study Islam one day. And in Malaysia, there are various schools and Universities, and it is easily accessible to study Islam where Certifications are concerned.
    Whereas in Singapore, it is really limited.

    So , is it wrong that im migrating becos the study of Islam is easily accessible as compared to where i was born? Am i lying or am i just stating facts? U decide

    3) the ones yg easily melatar or jumped to conclusions base on what one party interpreted. The comments u people give out ,seriously?
    Mengata, menghina, menyindir, perli,
    Fooh, sangat Muslim prangai korang ye😅. Renungkanlah prangai korang yg mengata ye.

    4) The only major Question i have is this, where was it stated or mentioned that i critisized Singapore or their Muslims AT ALL? Can show me

    And yes, it is also because i wana pursue my career . Its related but not solely the reason for it.

    Slamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin , Maaf kalau ade silap kata atau terkasar bahasa. Assalamualaikum.

     

    Source: Erwin Shah Dawson

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