Longgggg wet works phase

Almost 3 months into my renovation, and we're nearing the finish line for the wet works!

Now, you might wonder why this phase took so long. Here’s the backstory:

Planning as we hacked: Some design and fitting choices needed to be changed once we started hacking, especially when we measured things like the waste pipes and considered future carpentry (check out my previous posts for more details on this).

Retaining the flooring: We chose to keep the Italian marble from the previous owner. But here's the challenge: We went tile shopping at Hafary and SBH, but SBH told us the only place we could find this marble was in HK! So, off we went, only to discover that the tile wasn’t available anymore. Thankfully, our amazing tiler managed to source the tiles for us. So, we only hacked around the flooring near the wall areas to keep everything seamless. We waited until we were sure the tiles were available before proceeding.

Design changes: After reviewing the rendering, the initial tile selection just didn’t feel right. I spoke with my ID, and we went back to Hafary to explore alternatives. I couldn’t visualize the new ideas fully, so I had my ID update the renderings based on our discussion. Happy with the results now, and I’ll share those renderings soon!

All these changes delayed the wet works, but we’re not in a rush to move in. We’re taking our time to avoid future regrets and ensure good workmanship.

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A lesson learned: My cousin and I both have the same ID, but his experience is quite different from mine. He’s been unhappy with some missed details and now feels the need to micromanage. For example, his renovation is slower with fewer contractors on-site compared to my other cousin’s renovation (different ID), and he wasn’t given options, like recessed U channels for his shower screen, until after his floor tiles were done.

In contrast, I haven’t had any major issues with my ID, and she’s been quite responsive throughout the process. I’ve come to realize that renovation experiences vary, depending on how hands-on you want to be and the time you can invest in exploring options.

While you pay an ID for their expertise, it's crucial to remember that the industry has different levels. If you want to be completely hands-off, you’ll need to invest in a more premium service. My partner and I chose this ID because we liked their contractors, and they've exceeded our expectations. They care about both functionality and aesthetics, often advising us on improvements, and sometimes at prices below market value. More on that later!

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