My Home Renovation Journey For My 2-Room HDB Flat

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In this video, I talk about my experience with renovating my 2-room HDB flat in 2021 and working with an interior designer. Back when I was embarking on this project, I knew absolutely nothing, so I hope this can help clarify some of the processes and steps if you're starting your renovation journey too.
➡️🗂 Notion template ($5)
- payhip.com/b/m...
🎞 OTHER KZbin VIDEOS MENTIONED:
- Part 1: How I Bought a Resale HDB ➡️ • How I Bought a Resale ...
- Part 2: (this video!)
- Part 3: House Tour ➡️ • My Minimalist 2-Room H...
🕑 TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:17 Consolidating finances
2:15 Research & Plan
7:45 Get quotes from interior design firms
14:06 Make lists of what you need
16:56 Summary of costs
18:04 Other important things to take note
20:14 Timeline for renovation & moving-in
22:47 Notion template
25:16 Learning points
Alas, this video is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.
💁‍♀️ Where you can find me:
🧡 Find me on Patreon: / lisa_k
🌐 Read my blog: lisa-k.com/
📧 Read on Substack: lisakletters.s...
💬 Join my Telegram channel for updates: t.me/lisaksg
👉 If you're looking for a financial advisor, I would highly recommend the folks at DaretoFinance: forms.gle/UCSu...
🗺 Floor plan:
- Official HDB floor plan: services2.hdb....
- How to read HDB floor plan: qanvast.com/sg...
✏️ Useful lists & resources:
- Qanvast: qanvast.com/sg
- Seedly: blog.seedly.sg...
👩‍🔧 Hiring an ID:
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire An ID! (Chiouhuey): • 5 Reasons Why You Shou...
- Qanvast free quotes: qanvast.com/sg...
⚡ Utilities:
- How to set up utilities with SP group: blog.seedly.sg...
- Open Electricity Market (OEM): blog.seedly.sg...
🌐 Wi-Fi:
- *MyRepublic Broadband: secure.myrepub... (Use code 'FWB' and my customer ID 'C1264928' for 10% discount: myrepublic.net...)
🏠 Home insurance 🛡:
- Seedly’s Home Insurance comparison: blog.seedly.sg...
- NTUC Income Enhanced Home Insurance: www.income.com...
📬 Update your address:
- Update ICA: www.ica.gov.sg...
🌟🌟 Recommended companies: 🌟🌟
👩‍🔧 Interior Design company: Obsessed Design Studio (ID name: Shu)
- Website: www.obsessed.c...
- Qanvast page: qanvast.com/sg...
- Instagram: / obsesseddesignstudio
🚚 Movers: Shalom Movers
- Website: shalom.com.sg/
🪟 Curtains & Blinds: Blinds Guru
- Website: blindsguru.com...
- Facebook: / blindsgurusg
✏️ RESOURCES:
- 📊 Budget Template (go to "File → Make a copy" to be able to edit the template) ➡️ docs.google.co...
- 🗂 Home-buying and Renovaton Notion template ➡️ payhip.com/b/m...
🔗 SERVICES I USE + REFERRAL CODES (only if you wish to support me, no pressure):
- 💰 Money Lover app (expense tracker app) ➡️ apps.apple.com... (iOS) / play.google.co...
id=com.bookmark.money&hl=en (Android)
- 💰 *Stashaway (investment robo-advisor) ➡️ www.stashaway....
- 💰 *Syfe (investment robo-advisor) ➡️ syfe.onelink.m... (code: LISAK)
- 💰 *Singlife (cash management account) ➡️ app.singlife.c...
- ☎️ *giga! (my phone plan) ➡️ bit.ly/refergiga (code: rU0Bvk)
📹 MY EQUIPMENT & TOOLS:
- *Logitech Yeti Nano Microphone: shope.ee/4pZfT...
- *iPad Pro 11" (3rd gen): shope.ee/8p5rS...
- *Apple Pencil: shope.ee/2KsNi...
- iMovie for video editing
- Canva for graphics
*Indicates use of affiliate links which provide a small commission that help to support this channel.

[@hilmir]

Interior Designers definitely work to manage the reno project making sure of the progress and sequence, but more importantly, he or she also safeguards the design and vision for the space. To become an ID, they would have to enter a design institution, which focuses on technical aspects of interior build (thus differentiating from an architect), but also ergonomics, space planning, furnishing and styling of a project, aka the vision. They can then work as an ID upon graduation. This is the main reason why contractors cannot call themselves Interior Designers, as 1. they have not been accredited or licensed. and 2. they are not trained in this field, especially in the area of design. Some contractors do take on more to have a better earning margin overall. Some have even developed a good understanding of Design over the years, but these contractors are rare. And so, they mostly function as technicians who install, finish or execute a specialised aspect of the reno. for eg, tiling vs cabinetry vs plumbing. I am a design professional with 20 years experience, and hope my quick explanation helps to elucidate the significance and differences...! ☺️

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

thank you for this! this is very helpful 🥰

[@pinggponggg]

Hi Lisa, I was touched by your videos. You sound so positive despite your difficult circumstances. I doubt many can be as resilient as you. Your family must be so proud to have a daughter/sister like you, because I know I would be. I wish you all the best in your adulting journey.

[@blackblack1030]

Hi Lisa, it’s really heartening to see how mature your thinking is. You put me, a 39 year old to shame. You can definitely go far in life. Trust me, you will be rewarded by God for taking care of your mother. I wish you the best!

[@diladina8312]

cant wait for your house tour. i'm 40 but still scared to make such big commitment (buying and renovate house). you're such an inspiration

[@regpunzel]

Can't wait for your house tour! Thank you for sharing your journey with us 😊

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😇😇 😇

[@leehock4840]

Good Luck to You,Lisa.I wish you the best in life.May you succeed in everything you do.Good luck to your family too.

[@edwin9395]

its nice to see a realistic budget after all the 60-150 thousand reno videos.. its reassuring to see that a functional home could be built for much less..

[@tktcapital1024]

Admirable strength and determination. Respect. Will continue to support your channel. I do wish every viewer can like your videos. There is truly a whole lot of nuggets of info inside.

[@JayelJL]

Love how you navigate challenging situations and difficult conditions. Am glad that your channel is growing. Stay positive! And I wish you all the best!

[@alui5362]

thanks for sharing, lisa. that's a very practical use of the layout. living rooms really are a luxury, and sometimes I wonder if people get them just for the sake of it, especially since now we consume media on our computers and ipads rather than TVs.

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😇😇 😇

[@toni-kaku]

Massive respect to your detailed planning and attitude of your approach. Hard to believe this is your first property. Great job 👏👏👏

[@lovekomovies]

You are so thorough and detailed. Much respect for your planning and organisation. Thanks so much for sharing! ❤

[@epiphadipity]

This was so detailed! Thanks for your hard work, can't wait to see your house tour!

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😇😇 😇

[@adrianjulviangofar1942]

This was very helpful for me as I am a new buyer of a 2-room resale as well. Thanks for this! And I love that you are providing for your mum and brother. God bless you!

[@sukayahramli4343]

Hi Lisa, I found this and watched it straight. Did not watch your 1st video. Thank you for sharing step by step. Help me to define exactly 13:09 what I need in future. Waiting for mine, perhaps 3 years. Hopefully enough time to save enough. You sound very educated. Wishing you & fanily the best!

[@weewee1518]

Very well written and thought through before presentation. Articulated like a professional. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@silverhair3156]

My sis and I let the ads run whenever we watch your videos. Love it ! and thank you

[@lucaskhoo3712]

Girl, your video makes me feel like watching a movie. So interesting and inspiring.

[@Potomacstud]

I am really very proud of you , you are blessed with the wisdom of a sage

[@user-fz9bb3vz7p]

I really enjoyed your videos Lisa. I wish your mum and your brother and yoyrself every happiness in moving forwards. I wish your aunt to reflect upon her behaviour. Aussie hugs.

[@ClearBrookRae]

Thank you for sharing with us your comprehensive and aspiring video. Wish you all the best in your renovating and life journey.

[@dash2040]

Love your video! Am also on a renovation journey & chance upon your video, after hearing your ID experience & some online stories seems positive experience will be finding her as well 😍 and yes I'll totally be buying your notation!! $5 so worthy!! 🤩 Can't wait for your home tour!

[@sherinleong509]

I was attracted to view thru bec i am getting my 2 rm flexi bto soon. Your work & putting all to view is v well done & v helpful. Your wisdom & humility to learn & work it out are well beyond your age. You hv a wonderful heart to love yr family too, & surrounded by helpful friends. May God expand your horizon to receive much more in yr family, career & any endeavours. Thank you so much.

[@lovelifeange8322]

I think you did a great job taking care of your family and planning this renovation with a tight budget. 👍

[@wendywong4732]

Its lovely that you are offering your Notion template for fellow homebuyers. Rather than focusing on the small cost ($5) - its more important to spread out this goodness so that more people can benefit from this knowledge🙂. I have watched your previous video also on your house-buying journey, and so much to unpack there. You are incredibly strong/resilient and keep it up! 💪

[@jnet6]

There are more than one ways to save cost, you have choosen the not so cheap way but at least a peace of mind to let yr ID handle the Reno for most of the main works then u can concentrate on other things. Keep up the good work!

[@eyecandyfactory]

Great sharing again, Lisa. You have a very clear and logical mind. If you ever start up your own business, I believe you will achieve great success. Do let me know if you are going to do that, I would be keen to invest in your endeavour.

[@rikil214]

Hi Lisa all your videos are really inspiring, thank you for sharing your journey!

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😇😇 😇

[@soonsengtan7294]

Hi Lisa, you have gained such valuable experiences at a young age. Definitely, someday not too long from now, you will be debt free. So long as you keep working and have healthy health and mind, each year will have a salary increment. The more increment you have, as well as your side income in youtube, will receive more financial income will help you debt free. Just be careful about lease decay and VERS. The VERS details have not yet been announced by HDB.

[@JDLuffy]

very good detailed info which is helpful for new home owners :D

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😇😇 😇

[@zNicy]

This is a very useful video! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@nicoletan661]

Hello! hardly leave comments but love your videos and am inspired by how you navigate life and take time to share it :)

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

thank you so much 🧡

[@cheenamina]

Hi Lisa, thank you for this very illuminating video! I'm currently going through the resale/reno process so I'll happily purchase your Notion template to support. You mentioned you made some mistakes along the way, do you mind sharing what they are? (I'm assuming using cheaper movers is one of them?)

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

thank you so much 🥰 yup- cheap movers is the biggest one! hmmm i think the rest of the “mistakes” are not so serious and more a preference thing 😂 i wish i had gotten an induction stove instead of gas, and i wish i had invested in a better quality mattress from the beginning (but i also had budget constraints at the time).

[@janechuen7037]

Can we see once the renovation done? 😍 Love your vid!

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

yes definitely! 🧡

[@kvcking]

You are such an inspiration, Lisa :-)

[@alvintan8862]

Keep it up Lisa👍

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😇😇 😇

[@CyberMew]

will consult with you next time i get a house! :D

[@ktoh6490]

Amazing! Congrats on getting flat before gst hike! Will there b Any house tour?

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

yes, hopefully the house tour will come out soon! editing the video now~

[@claudia5329]

Your videos are gr8❤

[@willcomeback4227]

Dear Lisa, Thank you for sharing the insight into your renovation journey. Appreciate on how the whole renovation mechanism work. May I know does your resale unit requires hacking the wall or floor tile? or just overlay.

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

just overlay 😁

[@willcomeback4227]

@@LisaAdultinginSingapore Glad to hear that. Hacking could cost nearly a thousand and is subject to the area of hacks, plastering is needed after hacking which would be an additional cost. when comes to overlaying new tile on your existing tiles, it increases the height of your area. Please pay attention to the "bottom of your door", and ensure it can be closed and opened with overlay tiles.

[@18000rpm]

Enjoyed it but so disappointed that there's no house tour at the end!

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

will come out soon! editing it now hehe

[@Grace-hs4xr]

Hi Lisa, many thanks for the detailed sharing of your renovation journey! Very clear and systematic, well done! May I check who is the ID who was in charge of your reno? Thanks!

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

her name is Shu ☺️

[@athomenotavailable]

Wow you really managed to get the most out of your budget!

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

Looks cool~😇😇 😇

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

Quite amazing and splendid!!!😇😇 😇

[@Systarx]

Hi thank you for sharing… can I check why did u have pay the gas pipie, was it not functioning ?:)

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

not sure 🤔 i think there wasn’t one / it had to be rerouted to my new kitchen layout when i had my built in hob installed! the hob from the previous owners was not built-in.

[@jassc1757]

Thank you for your selfless sharing all the videos ❤. may I ask your ID company and ID name?

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

the company name is Obsessed Design Studio, and the ID’s name is Shu! i have the info in the description box 🥰

[@zecong07]

Hi Lisa, may I know who's your ID to look for? Thank you.

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

her name is Shu ☺️

[@zecong07]

@@LisaAdultinginSingapore Thanks so much 😊

[@sunggao6848]

11:08 Hi Lisa, not able to find your ID's contact as mentioned. Possible to share? Thanks

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

can contact the company directly! my ID's name is Shu :-)

[@sunggao6848]

@@LisaAdultinginSingapore Thank you!

[@1MW9]

have you considered ikea kitchen?

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

yup i considered! i think ikea kitchens are beautiful btw. but i just decided to go with my ID instead. the problem with ikea kitchens is that you might be stuck with their specific fixtures (sink, tap, etc) - but i’m not sure abt this, so can check to ask!

[@real4life335]

I still find it dumb that singapore calls 1 bedroom units “2 rooms” like huh😂

[@LisaAdultinginSingapore]

ikr

[@kudusilva9498]

It should called 3 , or 4 rooms if you take into account bomb shelter as a room.

[@garfield6428]

Could not find your ID Obsessed Design Studio at AZ @ Paya Lebar. any help?