Postmortem

All in all my renovations took almost 8 weeks to complete, a little over the 6 weeks initially projected. So, some delays experienced due to public holidays and workmen (non)availability, however not an intolerable delay - especially judging from the many horror stories I've read about renovation projects running weeks and even months behind schedule.

I spent a total of just over S$60,000 including costs for the furnishings, transportation and warehousing, about S$10K over my budget. Still, money well spent and overall I'd say I am 90% satisfied with the total project. Sure there were a few mistakes here and there by the various contractors, not forgetting my unfortunate incident with my exploding cooker hob, however thankfully these have all been rectified.

It's now been 6 months since I've moved back and I am pleased as punch living in my "new" apartment. No regrets that I finally decided to take the plunge, spend the money, time and effort and "just do it". 

Resource-wise I haven't been able to afford the statement art pieces I envisaged bringing my white apartment to life, that'll have to wait, so my minimalist white apartment is a little stark at the moment. If you noticed the decorative items on my TV feature wall - the answer is No, I am not in the food distribution business (as one contractor who walked in asked). This is actually a play on Andy Warhol's very famous Campbell's Soup Cans (and only cost me S$50, from Fairprice!)

For all you homeowners out there who are about to embark on your own renovation projects whether of a brand new HDB or a private apartment, or if you are doing up an older apartment like I was, good luck with your projects and enjoy the experience!