Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by maxxon

The makeover of my humble abode

maxxon — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:21:21 +0800

I've been following this forum since many months ago and I really find this forum so interesting and informative with all sorts of useful topics and sharing on renovation matters. Now, here I am to share my renovation journey as well with as much details as I could. I also appreciate your inputs and suggestions along the journey as I'm kinda noob in some reno matters and lacking of experiences.

Bought an intermediate dsl in PJ, a gated and guarded community, 24x75 with original build up 2350sqft. Got the key quite some months ago but it was not having much progress earlier mainly delays especially from the drawing, permit application and sourcing process. It was also delayed for 3 weeks as I decided to wait till the lunar 7th month is over before the reno starts.

It is not a major make over where it won't have obvious change on the front facade. The structural change is only the push-out of kitchen extention, push-out of master bed room's balcony to make space for bigger bathroom and knocking down the side pathway wall to rebuild it like an entrance to the living room, hence the main door will be shifted over to the extention of the side pathway...

Note: The drawing was actually done before decision to some changes on the actual reno. The actual kitchen layout has been slightly changed where the location of hood/hob and the sink has been reversed. Furthermore, the main entrance to the front foyer has also been extended.

Will also knock some walls to open up extra windows at first floor to the indoor courtyard.
This was the earlier plan to have a separation partition for wardrobe but I've changed my mind now to have only one simple row wardrobe in order not to jeopardise the overall spacious master bedroom.

Will move the main door to the corner to make use the pathway as entrance hall.

Gonna knock this wall down to make entrace to the living room, will rebuid part of the wall with sand block and vent block to give a raw and rustic touch.

Tempered glass backing for kitchen

maxxon — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:27:10 +0800

Hi all,
Is there anyone who can shed some lights on info and experience of using tempered glass backing for kitchen?
The following are some of my questions in mind:

1. Does the tempered glass easily break-up due to hit near the hob?
2. If I install the glass backing, does it means there is no need to tile the bottom and upper part of the wall? (it will be full height cabinet up to the plaster ceiling).
3. Do I install the cabinet first or the backing panel first?
4. Where to get the glass backing? From the kitchen maker or glass vendor?
5. Any idea on the cost?

Pantang to start renovation in lunar 7th month?

maxxon — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 15:06:09 +0800

Hi all, after some homeworks done and filtering of contractors, we finally gonna get the contractor to start work on later this week. One of my friend asked me if im serious gonna start reno during this lunar 7th month.... I'm like, "er........."
I asked the contractor if there is a pantang, he said depends on individual believes.. Some owner will avoid some will not care... So, i'm kinda in dilemma now...coz i need to rush the reno for our wedding in early Dec..

Anyone can share some opinions or experiences? If I still wanna do reno, anything that i can do to avoid bad things/lucks?

Condo in PJ or dsl in Subang Jaya, USJ or Puchong?

maxxon — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:32:22 +0800

Would you buy a subsale 700k-800k condo (approx 1600 sf, FH) in PJ or subsale dsl in subangjaya/usj/puchong?

Buy goods from China

maxxon — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:36:13 +0800

Hi there,

would like to seek advise if anyone here hav experience buying goods from china, pls shed a light on the procedure of shipping and will it automatically (by default) go thru the Kastam and charged for taxes?

Thanks in advance!

Subsales Condos in Damansara Intan

maxxon — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:36:17 +0800

Hi There,

Thinking of buying a subsale condo in the area behind Tropicana City Mall for own stay. Anyone here has some experience to share?

-Casa Damansara 1 has a different and narrow entry road via ss2 but it has recently been repainted, hence the price hiked. (cons: no balcony)

- Casa Damansara 2 is very close to the mall and some mid/lower floor might hav privacy issue. The guard hse and entry of condos do not seems appealing.

- Ken 1 is not bad but it's building and facilities seems a bit aged...

- Ken 2 is my first choice as it has a proper lobby, newer building and facilities & 3-tiered security. Nevertheless, the price hike is too steep over these few months ....just wonder if they can really get that kind of valuation and transaction price at par of the asking price...

Buy shop with tenant but will take it for own use

maxxon — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:03:46 +0800

This is my first time buying a subsale prop with tenant and would like to seek advise from sifu-sifu here. Pls hep...
Scenario as follows:-

I've just bought a shop and going to sign S&P very soon. The shop is currently rent to the seller's friend with a rental slightly lower than market rate and their agreement has been expired for sometimes. The tenant is willing to continue renting the shop if he is satisfied with my increment. After some consideration, I would like to take that shop for own use.

1. As the shop is in a mall and still under master title (leasehold), any idea how long it would takes for the whole transaction till handover?
2. I think at least a month notice should be given to the current tenant to vacate? So, the tenant will be transferred to me while handover the shop right? How about the rental deposit he submitted to the seller previously?
3. Is there anything I should take note and highlight in the S&P regarding this tenant's issue?

4. Besides this, as a buyer, is there any extra caution clause that we could put in addition to the standard snp to protect our interest?

Thanks in advance!!

Loan for retail lot in shopping complex

maxxon — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:44:26 +0800

Upon some checking, found out some banks do not provide loan for purchase of retail lot in shopping complex. Got O*BC to offer loan margin 75%, tenure 30 yrs; P*blic bank offered 85%, tenure 20-25 yrs.
Does any of u could recommend or came across some better offer fr other banks? Prefer high loan margin with 30 yrs tenure if possible.

Bankers could also PM me if u hav better to offer.

Arigatogozaimasu~