renovation - prep

I never knew that there were so many stages in a renovation. In many ways, I am glad I was so relaxed about it going in, otherwise I would have just freaked out. I am also so glad for Mr. Eng Hoe, my contractor, who was easy going, kept his word, was pretty much right on time (most of the time!) and was able to adjust to changes in the space.

This is what I call the “prep” part of the process. The underfloor was put in (concrete) and the teak wood was moved into the house. The walls were given their basic painting, and the final placing of the electric plug points was decided. The house started looking neater, though still a construction site! They also laid the floor to the bathroom (my gorgeous pebbles!) and put in the glass bricks. Also, they started the cement wash on the walls of the bathroom. I have to say the glass bricks were not my first choice (I would have preferred plain glass without any ripples) but I can live with them. Here’s another lesson from renovation: you cant have everything you want!

Here are the photos from the preparation phase:

The cement floor, and the entrance hallway. So smooth compared the the hacked up phase!


The hallway - note the paint on the walls. This is the Natural Paint.

This is a view to the balcony. The wooden window has not been put in yet. Note the teak on the right hand side!

This is the reclaimed teakwood from Ipoh! Gorgeous, eh?

This is the bedroom, with the feature wall (the porno pics walls) painted in a Moroccan blue. I adore this colour!

This is the entrance to the bathroom. Note the doorframe painted white. The glass bricks are okay, but not my first choice (would have preferred clear plain glass). I love the pebble floor, and the cement paint walls.

Close up of the bathroom floor. I love it I love it I love it!

The first layer of the cement paint - another dusty blue. One more layer will go on later. I love it :)

The floor was treated with an anti-termite solution (I didnt like the idea of chemicals, but it was necessary in the tropics), and the wood floor was then put down! Next post will show the floors after grinding and Mr. Soo's coverage.