Reno Tips: Ranking Carpentry Works That Is Worth Doing

[@amk573]

I renovated my entire 5rm HDB point block flat and thanks to Taobao, around 85-90% of the items were from there which I believe saved me easily 20k if I were to leave to my reno guy to supply which I am sure he will add onto the cost. I bought from power switches, sinks, ceiling fan/light, rain shower system that has different shower heads for the entire body, modular wardrobe that i can move around, two pull-down hydraulic shelvings fixed into my top kitchen cabinets so I don’t need a chair to get my stuffs, toilet shelvings that uses cement glue to fix and needs no drilling, same for toilet roll holders and many more stuffs. I strongly suggest to get as much stuffs from Taobao and just get the reno guy to quote the installation cost in your reno quote. It really saves you a lot of money in the end.

[@benozw12]

Wow! I'm designing for my new flat now, so also looking at taobao. Do you mind sharing some of items, esp the hydraulic shelving and toilet shelving?

[@RealRandomVideos]

Please Make a video of those items and upload ..

[@jeremycheong8036]

Exactly my thoughts when I renovated my place. I literally only did the S tier and nothing else. Kept the cost below 40k.

[@AlexTeo]

good stuff! and actually i feel Asians are more into carpentry built-in

[@janicepeh8412]

I now having second thoughts on my study desk and toilet design. This is really helpful for couple thats are on a budget like myself.

[@rachellee963]

So happy that you pointed out the things I never would have thought of! Very informative👍

[@sallisan81]

The most relevant n full of information video made in Singapore!! Looking forward to view more of yr videos!!thk u for the info!!

[@AlexTeo]

wow thanks for the kind words!

[@evilhighness84]

This is a VERY good video. The detailed explaination from a home owner’s perspective & all the dos & donts provides a great insight especially for those who had never done any home renovation before.

[@madcancer7]

Your list is very similar! I keep telling my husband I want that window settee along the balcony. That is a lot of sitting space since it’s a 4.7m long balcony and if we do flip up, it will be a lot of storage space. So it can serve as a dual function for storage and sitting when we host guests. Wall storage cabinets for us as well. We will be extending it from under the stairs all the way to the end of the living room. Not too sure about the bed head and bed frame though. We are planning to buy off the shelf and probably just get matching bed side tables from castlery

[@AlexTeo]

i am thinking to diy a window settee one with the ikea NORDLI series.. for bed frame its just about concealing wires and putting LED light strips

[@jamesong2672]

Almost wanted to customize the the platform bed and study table for my kid room. Lucky I chance upon this video. And now I am also looking at getting those ready made bathroom cabinet. Thanks for the information.

[@doe1991]

Totally love it.. super practical recommendations!

[@AlexTeo]

thank you doreen!

[@kienguandickson8112]

Great video again, combining what used alot in games in tier system, makes things clearer, S tier all the way!

[@AlexTeo]

yeah... I'm a gamer and always wanted to do a tier list video!

[@maytan2411]

Your video always surprise me! Unique way of explaining! Good content as always! 👍🏻

[@ShahTheSniper]

This is the exact thoughts I am having right now! You basically reaffirmed that I’ve budget out properly!! Thanks for doing this.

[@violetears]

With kitchen carpentry, getting a flushed look will bring problems when changing appliances (fridge spoil, microwave spoil). I feel like it limits replacement options because the space catered for it is fixed. Years down the road, the nice and flushed look will likely be gone because the speed of technological change usually means the next time you buy a replacement, sizes won’t be the same especially when your needs/wants change. I hated the void left behind by an old fridge in our kitchen, and all our subsequent fridges also kept bigger with each change.

[@AlexTeo]

yup good point on that!

[@IA100KPDT]

I totally agreed with your tips especially the tv console.

[@axel4330]

Love the carpentry works list. Very informative and insightful !

[@AlexTeo]

love your display pic

[@jaselinpo7365]

Thanks for the tips! Totally agree with the study desk. I was a victim of the sharp edges for those built in desk when I was a kid. I can't do my homework very long. Moreover, there are many working adults wanted to stand while working especially after meals. Having the flexibility to raise up and down the desk is really important. Great tips on the TV console!

[@AlexTeo]

yeah you will have that 'line' at the back of the hand after some time... just nice i am standing up by my desk now while replying comments haha

[@rachellee5523]

@@AlexTeo Hi, any recommendation on adjustable table for laptop (without monitor) use?

[@delcikhoo7794]

Totally agree with your tier list. Your toilet vanity is a good tips which I never knew. So I will have to thank you for that.

[@shan2lu]

Love your tier list, it's very clear! I really regret doing carpentry for my study room. The exact pain u mentioned about leg room, cables, etc.😓

[@AlexTeo]

yeah i did the same mistake last time and regretted a lot, so I really want to share this out

[@bd1982]

thanks Alex, I just got my resale flat, your video can help me out in deciding the renovation works.

[@AlexTeo]

glad it helps

[@bd1982]

@@AlexTeo what's your view on engaging contractor or interior designer?

[@AlexTeo]

@@bd1982 hmm i cover this in my reno tip part 1 video

[@bd1982]

@@AlexTeo thanks I'll go through it!

[@Gh0stBird]

Thanks for making another home reno related video! Been waiting for a while and as always very informative and well explained :) Mostly agree with ur tier list but i will most likely move up TV console as i feel having a nice feature of wall would be good if u have a soundbar and good for hiding cables :)

[@SY-bz7zr]

I will move TV console and feature wall up too if homeowners are going for certain home design/theme (esp luxury theme) to bring out the effect

[@AlexTeo]

yup definitely agree! most of the time you will not wallmount tv then so your cables can just hide behind else no choice have to put a casing

[@alexlee122]

I just came across your channel yesterday and i have watch almost 80% of your videos. I am from malaysia and was looking for help to make my new house a smart home. Your guidance are very easy to follow and relatable. i love how you balance aesthetic and practicality. So often, house renovation ideas look pretty but unrealistic and lack substance. I have received really good ideas from you. Appreciate the videos.

[@AlexTeo]

Wow thanks fellow alex, welcome to my channel

[@alexlee122]

Alex, would you be able to share some of taoboa vendors who you frequent? I am looking for aqara smart plugs and hub. I have checked the local vendors here and want to do a price comparison. Its a bit challenging because i dont read chinese. Of course your recommendations are share in confidence. I wont held you accountable for anything. Appreciate you giving me some help to start. Thank you

[@py1281]

Thank you for sharing. Completely agree on the built-in study table & drawer. I've lived with this design flaw for a long time in my old place. Now as I'm doing up my new place, this is one of my yardsticks when shortlisting IDs :D

[@khkhoo3562]

Tier list is simple and great. Highlighted some key factors when deciding each piece. Review your lifestyle and needs. Perhaps an Ikea kitchen is cheaper for a family that doesn't cook at all. Huge counter for baking if you need. Saving budget may help you allocate more on other critical needs, appliances, deco, comfy coach, etc... How about a simple list of power points locations for the next video since we are growing desperate for more power everyday

[@AlexTeo]

thanks thanks! power points location is essentially based on layout of your house and individual requirements, the key is to plan ahead

[@psjoshi20]

really loved this whole series you made.

[@AlexTeo]

Thx thx

[@SusanLookBook]

Thanks .. it’s very useful tips 👍🏻👍🏻

[@loijunkai]

severely underrated channel

[@gladyssham381]

We built a 2 x 3m long L-shaped carpentry desk for the study and didn't regret it. Mine is kinda a special case though, cos it's an open study in the living room, meant for at least 4 people to work together at the same time. It's designed to be connected with my full wall cabinets and looks much neater that way. We didn't do drawers under the desk and also customised the desk height to 72cm, which is ergonomic for our height.

[@AlexTeo]

most importantly is what works for you and whether you like it!

[@saltedjellyfish]

HAHAHA love that you mentioned fengshui, very practical and good advises. Thank you!

[@debsterdebz]

Glad I saw this video before I commit! Changed my opinion about the study room. For the kitchen cabinet and bedroom wardrobe I totally agree 💯

[@AlexTeo]

luckily... nice!

[@jiahuilim7598]

I like the plant thing at 6:27 , so nice. Very informative video as usual!!

[@AlexTeo]

yeah it is, get one for yourself too!

[@alvynzheng]

@@AlexTeo where did u purchase the plant at? Thanks and informative video. Thumbs up

[@AlexTeo]

@@alvynzheng you can get it here and using my discount code ALEXTEO5, synced.sg/collections/all/products/click-and-grow-smart-garden-3

[@januariusjang7233]

Very informative way of presenting info on prioritisation for new home owners. In fact, my list is exactly yours, doing only the Kitchen Cabinetry and MBR wardrobe last year. Now that I have additional budget, I'm planning to move down the list to do the shoe cabinetry/storage.

[@AlexTeo]

yeah nice, progressive implementation is good for your wallet

[@kaiqinAKAme]

I think the toilet vanity is definitely a must, because of how moist the confine area is. Thinking of all the dust/hair collecting in all the gaps together with the moisture, a built in vanity would definitely help.

[@AlexTeo]

that will depends on how you clean your toilet I guess, not to forget that you could have it suspended if you want. So cleaning wise really not an issue, you can be sure i factor that a lot in my reno haha

[@vanessalim9628]

Finally!! I’ve been waiting for more house tours/tips! Thanks for sharing your experiences Alex!

[@popnova]

Great and useful video! Will definitely keep them in mind. Keep these vids coming pls 👍🏻

[@saukuentan3047]

Love watching your video and is ao amazing by technology. My home is definately not yet a smart home.. See if i should be lucky enough to be pick to win this smart blinds to kick start planning for a smart home..

[@hasitdawnedonyou]

I really agree with your list. I’ve renovated two houses now and the one that makes the most impression on a space is def your top two S tier

[@AlexTeo]

yeah... experienced home owner haha

[@xdi0x]

Alex -> our home renovation best friend! Thank you, Alex for sharing your experiences.

[@AlexTeo]

hahaha 🤝

[@ckblah]

Hi Alex, thanks so much for sharing this! It is possible to get a view of your kitchen? The carpentry there looks quite good!

[@AlexTeo]

haha its not bad but I did not reno the kitchen, its actually leftover from previous owner

[@fourwayflame]

Great information! Loving your channel! Looking forward to more content!

[@littlekai4848]

Really nice Tier List, a very informative reference list and I agree 90% of this, the 10% is: I will put Toilet Vanity in "A" instead since toilet reno is a must for me and might as well do up the vanity to go in sync in terms of design look and feel.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks thanks! maybe a different design for the toilet? quite interesting that way

[@Shoppahorlicks]

Helpful and very timely thank you!

[@Reza.El-Fatih]

this is fantastic bro. Appreciate your good works! big up to u!

[@JiEN0011]

You are right, I rergretted doing a study desk. It takes up space and cannot move the table around.

[@laylabelle2803]

Hope you will release a comparison video of robot vacuums that's specifically more on the mopping function soon! Great and informative video as always! :)

[@nyj7941]

excellent advise buddy! love this ranking concept you have created. life saver!

[@AlexTeo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EsElle94]

Well Done Alex, I chanced upon this video and ended up staying. You made it simple yet insightful.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks and welcome to the channel

[@EsElle94]

@@AlexTeo hey Alex could you do a review of IUIGA? Heard that their products are modern, sleek, high quality but half the price of muji.

[@kayanviv]

Love your videos. The presentation mode used in this video is awesome! Would you please consider doing videos on Reno tips: lighting designs and considerations?

[@AlexTeo]

thanks haha, not a bad suggestion let me consider

[@benozw12]

Yes please. Some say false ceiling makes maintenance of lights very difficult. While others say it's ok etc.

[@Alice-hh5kd]

Very nice. Very Good points. Thank you for sharing. Regards Alice

[@englo1963]

Hello Alex, well done. Indeed this is a wake up call. I will have 2nd thought of e 10 items mentioned. Thank u.

[@fr1ez]

Just found your channel. Really appreciate the tips and tricks that you have shared. Everything is clear, concise and to the point!

[@AlexTeo]

thanks and welcome to check out my other videos!

[@RoyalHerdy]

im someone who loves to move around furniture ALOTTT, so when im planning for my new house interior i alrdy know whats my S tier, and thats the kitchen carpentry only hahahaha yes i know u put wardrobe at S tier too. but i do not want carpentry as it will looks quite bulky in my alrdy small bedroom. So just planning to get a as tall as possible wardrobe will do. Good tips u have there, keep the good work, looking forward for more videos!! :D

[@AlexTeo]

thanks hahaha... actually I am someone who like to change things up as well!

[@pyt6631]

Very structured way to organise the information for decision making! Currently having my Reno, what I learn is that, the more things to be done, it allows the opportunity to screw up. So the ID needs to be detailed and customer oriented to work out these carpentry measurements and designs. It could be worse if the process is not managed well and homeowners are left to their means , might as well buy loose furniture, less headache, cheaper, flexibility to replace. I know in some cases, final 3D render never arrived in time, or no computerised drawings. Can be quite challenging to use imagination or whatever tools available to layman (PowerPoint? Lol) when there are many carpentry to do at the same time.

[@AlexTeo]

Actually i just need the 3D to help me see which color or design of the loose furniture i should get, but that said you can't possibly keep asking the ID to keep changing the 3D

[@pyt6631]

@@AlexTeo only those who been through similar experience would understand. It's possible second draft 3D never came in time or took more than 1 month... And no elevation drawings, what materials can we used to communicate the general carpentry concept properly to carpenter? Thankfully I have rectangles in PowerPoint. So it really depends on how this whole thing is managed.

[@siimplycharl1e_]

awesome video Alex, thank you! i am now in renovation stage, planning to have a built in study table but your video enlightens me!

[@AlexTeo]

yup don't make the same mistake i did!

[@Pain82138]

Awesome list! Very helpful!

[@gameinweb1285]

Thanks for sharing the tier list. Very easy to understand for gamers like myself ;)

[@nicholaslee5249]

haha! i feel so strongly about the study room/gaming room carpentry desks as well. doesn't fit the ergochairs arm's well.

[@lighthouse83]

Spot on with the carpentry listing. We regretted using a fixed study table which we can't change the position and height. Also with the platform bed. Hard to climb in/out of the bed when you are having a sore back.

[@AlexTeo]

yup that's right!

[@paulineho4370]

Ahhh.. gd to know here as I was thinking of renovating my bedroom n intstall a platform bed. Now hv to relook at my drawing plans again. ☹️☹️

[@bluegotme]

Really awesome tips and recommendations. Thank you for the well thought out issues with pros and cons.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks and glad its useful

[@janixchen6714]

Very informative video. Would love to see renovation regrets and how your renovation budget planning.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for the video suggestion, will consider that!

[@chloeleyi]

Is really useful, thanks for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@AlexTeo]

My pleasure 😊

[@konatan1804]

Tier list are so refreshing! Good one alex! I totally agree with build in table. Regret doing it. FFFFFF

[@AlexTeo]

F

[@thirtyshadesofpurple6308]

Love this video!! Kudos!

[@edithabernabe4051]

May i know which link to buy all those ready made vanity set? Want to replace my vanity for my 2 toilet. Thank you

[@norasurf27]

Hi Alex...thx for ur brilliant video.. 👍🏼 appreciate it..😊 - It benefits me much for my new home soon...💡🤓 #subscribed 👏🏻

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for the sub!

[@jhssoo]

Hi Alex , thanks for sharing the great ideas and thoughts!

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for the long time sub!

[@SirenAlisa]

Very informative and I agree on many points, will keep this for my future renovation. Thanks Alex 👏🏻 Can you share the process of buying furniture from Taobao like which vendor or forwarder you used etc?

[@AlexTeo]

doesn't matter what items you buy the process is the same. I used to go with ezship, now i use oops.sg thanks to this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmmVfKaobrKogrc

[@ikhsha21]

This is god-send! I'm looking to re-do my bathroom vanity... any links?

[@AlexTeo]

you can go to those brands website search, shopee or other resellers in sg

[@katherinetang3645]

I'm so glad to have found your channel as i have just sold my unit. I love all your tips as i'm also a practical person myself. Btw i dont remember seeing any shelfing for your shampoos & shower gels, did you make 1? Tks

[@AlexTeo]

thanks! bought some shelving from taobao and fix them up

[@wanlivian3539]

Loves your video!!! 😍 😍 😍

[@cluelesscrispy]

I agree with all. But as a minimalist in closet I’m putting my closet as B, and toilet cabinet as B too. I agree with the rest

[@jB_15]

S tier only for myself. Almost everything else you can get off the shelves/online :) Carpentry is the most expensive aspect in home renovation that most fail to recognise.

[@DC-wz9gp]

Hi Alex. I’m planning to do storage cabinets and want to do cove lighting under it. I want to check what’s the height of the gap at the bottom of your floating cabinet?

[@AlexTeo]

mine is 40cm

[@DC-wz9gp]

@@AlexTeo wow so high. My id was recommending 25cm. Any reason to go so high?

[@AlexTeo]

@@DC-wz9gp yeah i think that's a standard ID recommendation? i am doing cove lights below, so i feel 25cm is too low to see anything and luckily turn out good, totally no regrets

[@jessicakai1]

Good informative video!

[@paulyin8934]

Great tips Alex...

[@AlexTeo]

thanks paul

[@pharmtee626]

Great video Alex! Very helpful advice. The tips may seem obvious, but they aren't.

[@AlexTeo]

yeah some are pretty obvious just that people still tend to overlook them some time during the renovation process

[@animalout]

Hi Alex, I am considering buying a projector. Wonder whether you have tips? Also looking forward to seeing your new videos!

[@AlexTeo]

cheap ones are all bad, go with those using laser which you can put very close to the screen. New video coming this friday!

[@animalout]

@@AlexTeo thank you for the tip Alex! Looking forward for your video, no pressure though 😉

[@chewteelim6020]

Hi Alex, how about kitchen island? Would you consider this an absolutely must do too?

[@AlexTeo]

i would if the space allows you to do a decent size kitchen island, if its going to be like the size of a podium then forget it

[@sherrygoh3294]

Hey Alex! You're awesome!

[@AlexTeo]

thanks sherry! 😊

[@tomatoxfairy]

100% agree... Would only do up to A tier.

[@josephchen7043]

what are your tots on Ikea products? i.e. table, cupboards

[@AlexTeo]

i won't consider, wall storage is fine like the besta I suggested

[@doreantan4026]

Excellent

[@xyquek]

Alex, thanks for sharing the great tips... My wife is your fan... We are thinking of renovating our HDB flat... Can I find out which are the interior designers that you have shortlisted earlier?

[@AlexTeo]

help me thank her haha as well as the sub. Can't remb all, some of them are starry homestead, design4space, sky creation, artmuse..

[@alvinhuang7630]

Would be nice if you can share some feng shui tips

[@kelvinteo5352]

Hi Alex, thanks for your kind and useful advice on home reno. Can you share which id you engage ?

[@AlexTeo]

can DM me on ig for the contact

[@jacquelineliaw4313]

Hi Alex, love your genuine comments and sharing. Very helpful and couldn't agree more!! Am currently sourcing for ID. Do you recommend yours? Can share ID company name? Also, can share the reason you decided to go with vinyl instead of tiles for flooring?

[@AlexTeo]

ID is johnny from starry homestead, just give him a ring, meetup and see whether can clique that's the most important. Vinyl is cheap and looks nice lol

[@tssnmm]

Hi, Alex. I'm bingeing on your videos on a Sunday lol. Will you be able to share more info about your floating storage in your living room (the tv area)? I need to maximize as much hidden storage as the resale 5 room flat I bought has the stor knocked down

[@AlexTeo]

haha i suppose its a good Sunday! what you wanna know about the storage?

[@tssnmm]

@@AlexTeo Is it advisable for me to get a contractor for the floating cabinets at living room? Any recommendations?

[@AlexTeo]

@@tssnmm if you are just looking to do the cabinets then you can pretty much just look for a carpenter, show him the design, choose the materials, go through the details together then they start fabricating it offsite, when its ready go to your house and install that's all

[@kennytan5055]

great video. can i ask if you would suggest using an ID vs direct contractor if simple renovation such as kitchen carpentry and toilets to be done only. Objective is to keep cost low 25k.

[@AlexTeo]

direct contractor, 25k for just kitchen and toilet is quite high already

[@Alan-kd3kp]

Very helpful info especially for first home owners! Sidetrack: Where did you get the white monitor arm?

[@AlexTeo]

www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Articulating-STAND-V001/dp/B00B21TLQU will share more in my updated desk tour video coming up next month!

[@mervynchd86]

Hi. May i know where did you get your computer desk? Any good tabao links u can recommend for furnitures and tv consoles? Thanks! :)

[@AlexTeo]

you can check out my taobao home review video, all the taobao links are there

[@cheenamina]

Thanks very much for this video and all your reno vids, really. I'm currently in the midst of planning my reno and it's such a big headache. You explained things very clearly and make things easy to understand for noobs like us, and I also like that your opinions don't angkat any sponsors (I enjoy watching Reno King but cannot trust their recommendations cos of sponsorships lol). Thanks very much for sharing and if I do end up making a Before and After vid, will be sure to thank you for your videos.

[@AlexTeo]

niceee looking forward to your before and after vid :)

[@jeffer8762]

nice one bro , thanks for the idea

[@AlexTeo]

thanks bro

[@zandyheng3673]

Hi! Enjoy looking thru somw of ur home videos!! I am getting my new hse soon. I dislike the cove lights and tv featured wall but hubby says it is required in order to hide all wires and cables.. any advise here?

[@AlexTeo]

for tv featured wall yes in a way, unless you are just letting the tv sit on a tv console then there are some cable management features from the tv stand usually. For cove lights, i don't understand haha

[@tokbl2427]

Very helpful and useful tips. In another video you take about the preference of sink in shower base/toilet. Can you please elaborate. Thanks.

[@AlexTeo]

that means you don't build that typical shower kerb which most of the reno is doing to separate the dry and wet area

[@samueltan24]

Great renovation tier list. I'm wondering how would you put false ceilings? Given the costs, aesthetics & practicality. Cheers.

[@AlexTeo]

not a fan as I don't fancy downlights.

[@louislim4033]

Very informative video. Thanks alex! Now i have a firm decision not to do a built in study table

[@AlexTeo]

yeah pls don't

[@calvinng8988]

Great Video! Can I know where do you get your study desk?

[@AlexTeo]

i got mine from omnidesk, but if you are not looking at standing desk then look elsewhere

[@urgoodfriend7510]

well said..

[@valerietxw]

Thanks for the tips and tricks! Was wondering if it is possible to do a video about using NFC tags around the house? Especially with Android phones.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for the video suggestion, will consider!

[@raychia008]

Gr8 video. Realised that spending 30k on cabinet, table, kitchen and tv cabinet (long) is not worth the money. Do you have any fengshui tips?

[@AlexTeo]

not really, know a few here and there but it's not something I am concerned with