the new place: last leg
by mayjin
Men came in to install the bar/ kitchen counter.
This is the second piece they have brought through this house. The first piece was cut inaccurately, and this second piece…
Oh dear.
…broke during installation. The dread on the men’s face were apparent. With this recent “break“, I (with the help of Chel- big brother’s girlfriend) have instructed a change of colour for the replacement piece they’re fabricating. A misfortune for one, an opportunity for another.
As we’re nearing the final stages of our renovation, I’ve been having much more frequent “talks” with the contractor. Most of it about finalising certain finishings, and of course the inevitable insistence of having some mistakes rectified.
I find detailed and regular inspections are good. It’s during these visits that I would spot problems and have them rectified. Some owners prefer to leave this part until they move in, but I find this works better for me. I am expecting to need some slight repairs and touch-ups even after I move in.
With the need for repair/ rectifications, comes intense conversations with the contractor. I’m glad though that I’ve engaged someone who is can be reasoned with and able to manage his cool.
Patterns are meant to match. He had to redo some of the tiles that didn't match.
He argued that it’s at a small discrete part of the wall, and it doesn’t affect the functionality of the tile. To me, the whole point of getting 3D patterned tiles and paying the extra for it, is much like buying a wallpaper. It’s for the aesthetics, and it should match from one piece (or roll for wallpapers) to another. Basics.
Tiles are hacked out.
He cut the tiles too high up to install the shower glass. This change came after a rather intense conversation.
When the shower door opens, it would scrape the floor tiles, so he had to redo some parts of the floor.
To solve this, he had to rework some of the floor tiles. My caution to him for taking this course of action is to make sure that when I wash this floor, I won’t see a puddle of water there.
Changing a tile that was installed slightly unevenly by the side of the tub.
Yes, I was being petty about this. I think installing tiles evenly/flat should be obvious to anyone who works in that industry, or perhaps I just have high expectations.
There are other slips here and there, but nothing too major. Overall, I’m still pleased with how this new place is coming up.
I for one am really looking forward to the end of this work-in-progess. :)
