Initial Quotes

Its been a slow month.  My 2 targeted contractors could not take my job.  Someone recommended to me another contractor and he quoted me RM 500,000 ! And this is for 3,000 walled in sq ft without tiles, fittings, flooring, kitchen !  I nearly fainted.  Needless to say I am getting other quotes. Lets see if we can get a better quote this weekend.  The rule of thumb is between RM 110 - 150 per sq ftt depending on your finishing.  Mine should be on the lower side as I have opted for floor joists with no concrete slab.

Ceiling

As I have indicated the flooring is wood.  This creates a new problem as to the base under the wood floor particularly for the 1st floor.  From the ground floor, the ceiling would be exposed and the joists could be seen. For some people its nice and rustic to see the joists etc but this poses other problems such exposed wiring and noise and the people upstairs move around.  Hence for the dining and lounge, we are considering a ceiling.  Initially plaster has been proposed.  While it can be nice I have some reservations.  Anyway we have seen some very nice wood used for ceilings.  Agapis is one of them.  It is a local wood creamy with some grain and knots much like pine.  UD Siburan Jaya curio shop on Jalan Main Bazaar is using this on their ceiling if you want to see the effect.  They also sell great Belian and Selangan Batu furniture.  I bought a dining table from them.  Another one is Rengas which I am quite fond of.  Its deep red with dark grains.  Brilliant for doors and ceilings ! However the wet wood and sap has toxic properties which is extremely irritating to some.  Doesnt affect me and my friend John Tucker in Ontario who has made a few clocks from this !  I attach a pic of a clock made by him as well as the wood itself.  Note that the second piece is not mature hence the yellow strip.  I have a shipment now from Lee Ling and I am holding on to it until I have the detailed specs of the requirements.

More Flooring Options

There are other flooring options that are popular with some businesses. One of them is Kempas. It is quite colourful but it comes only in 3 ft lengths which would mean laying on a concrete base with slats 1.5 ft apart. Not part of my plan. Attached is a pic



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Approved !

The plans have been approved by DBKU ! It took a while, like 7 weeks !
Now to get the engineering plans completed before I start negotiations with a contractor.

View of the property

Here are some views of the property.

The first is a North East view.  Our property is on the right.

The next is the frontal or West view. Our property is behind this pic.

The 3rd pic is that of our property itself, looking South.  Note our immediate neighbour.

The last pic is also of our property  South East view.

Recommendation of Contractors

Zain has asked me to recommend a contractor.  Apart from my suggestion that he separate the contractor from the architect work, I would hesitate to recommend any contractor.  Choosing a contractor is highly personal.  You need to think whether you have leverage over him.  For that reason, a relative or a good friend is not really a good idea.  If he makes a mistake or cheats on you, how would you be able to get redress from a relative?  Also have you had any experience with him? What was the quality of his work?  There is no free lunch.  A contractor that produces high quality work is expensive.  Have you seen his work? Inspect the houses he has done and look at the detailed work and finishing.  Sloppy work is a bad sign.  Is he flexible?  Would he allow you to appoint sub contractors for specialised work.  For example the kitchen or stairs?  Would he allow you to select or buy some of the materials?  For example the tiles, paint or wood flooring?  Does he have too many contracts currently?  If he does, you may have a problem getting your house done in time.  Finally you have to determine if you need a site supervisor.  If you dont, you would have to do it yourself and that would be difficult if you are working.  So can you trust the contractor?  For that reason, you have to make a choice yourself.  I can suggest some names but I cannot guarantee a good experience.

Land & Survey approved

Land & Survey approved the house plans today.  Now waiting for DBKU.
Looks like after Chinese New Year we will be looking for a contractor