Reno Tips: Sharing 3 House Tour Videos I Like!

[@AlexTeo]

Which of these 3 house tour videos you like most?

[@simplydyn6185]

Wah 26 min video!

[@AlexTeo]

@@simplydyn6185 cut out quite a lot already else its over 30mins haa

[@maytan2411]

3 also pretty! Love mervyn carpentry and hdb manhattan master room toilet.. taiwan kitchen and tv console idea! Tough choice

[@raydentay9171]

系統傢俱 is talking about the material of the furniture, wardrobe, cabinet, etc.. Basically referring to plywood material aka engineered wood. It seems to be a trend for laminated plywood nowadays. Hence, home owners can decide on solid wood or plywood, where each has its own pros and cons.

[@huiyinglim8887]

Hi Alex, I love your videos and your presentation style is very clear and helpful! Thanks and keep up with the good work! 系统 means system/modular furniture where you can choose how to put them together like lego blocks. Commonly used on office furniture but has progressed to home furniture in more beautiful designs. Hope my explanation is not entirely wrong as I'm just using my own words instead of the interior design textbook 😉

[@SGLife1]

Mervyn's house is super customised and every inch is thought out nicely.

[@AlexTeo]

yeah it is, very worth sharing

[@StackedHomes]

Great video Alex, thanks for providing such helpful content!

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for dropping by!

[@jayashrishobna]

I definitely like the second house the most, that open airy feel is exactly what I would like to achieve in my own 4-room bto (no kids so we're breaking all the walls). But I certainly hope to be as meticulous in planning as Mervyn and will probably steal his kitchen organisation ideas!

[@AlexTeo]

i have no kids as well but will still think twice about hacking down the walls as they affect resale value, so it depends how long you gonna stay there too

[@jayashrishobna]

I've thought about that too, but imo 5 years is a long time to not live exactly as I want just because of resale value! I'm more concerned about the cost of reno which we're sinking into the place without being sure how long we're staying. Honestly biggest thing that could make us move out after just 5 years is if we don't get along with our neighbours haha.

[@vanessalim9628]

the design u picked to review is so well design and practical! good to have your insight thank you Alex for sharing!

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for watching!

[@jennychoy359]

Excellent commentary on the various details of the designs. Well done and thank you ☺️

[@Joshua-ed2gi]

Wow so glad you did a review on Mervyn's house ! Believe his designs are one of the most practical / innovative, good to also have your insights / further elaboration on the ideas/design presented. Keep up the good work !

[@AlexTeo]

yeah haha, been wanting to do this video for quite some time, thanks for the support!

[@michaelbyz23]

The first house is truly uniquely his.

[@maytan2411]

Love this series! Do more insight and good home tour video alex! Very helpful 👍

[@jeffnp]

I prefer last one. I like Taiwan renov design and I watch a lot too.

[@AlexTeo]

yeah me too

[@TheBlabberfish]

I wish I can find a home video that inspires me like how that Taiwan designer inspired yours!

[@FSRain]

Hi Alex, great to see your new video!! Great recommendations and explanations on the set-up/configs + your own tips in maintenance! Loved all the videos which you've showcased, thank you!

[@AlexTeo]

happy to hear that!

[@bluegotme]

Another great insightful quality review video 🤩. Really useful! Could you please make a video reviewing Induction, Infrared or a fire stove and which one of these would be suitable for what type of kitchens with pros and cons? Tried to find in your channel but couldn't find. Thank you so much!

[@AlexTeo]

thanks haha, but unlikely i will make that requested video

[@timothycheng5101]

Hi Alex, I'm an interior designer and also a certified Blum kitchen specialist. 22:14 to answer your question 系统柜 mean system cabinets and it has already existed in Singapore for many years ago. Today, ppl still using traditional carpentry work because it just lacks awareness from system cabinets. Just FYI, there are 16 companies in Singapore that are certified to install Blum system cabinets. Hope it helps!

[@AlexTeo]

wow ok, thanks for sharing this info. Because it seems pretty common in taiwan. Bedframe, study table, bedroom wardrobe all using the system cabinets, the blum can cover all these as well?

[@timothycheng5101]

@@AlexTeo yup, it’s pretty common in Taiwan and that's because no successor wants to take over. Since we are certified Blum installers, it’s not a problem to fabricate system cabinets that you’ve mentioned but it will be costly as it’s not a mass-produced product. By far, we only have the kitchen and bathroom vanity (that’s the latest) may check it out at the Blum showroom. Currently, our company (dezigner labs) is doing our R&D for the wardrobe to be produced as system cabinets with Blum hardware. In Sg, we will usually call it a modular system and there are the same terms as system cabinets.

[@2024trotter]

Just got to know your KZbin channel recently. Jiayou and keep your videos coming Alex. Hope you are more motivated after my comments

[@AlexTeo]

hahah thanks, but just a few more videos to go for this channel :)

[@janicepeh8412]

Similiarity is all guy designer 😄Good compilation alex! All super chio man.

[@AlexTeo]

haha what a coincidence

[@labourse]

Excellent video, Alex. I agree completely. I went through a similar experience starting with Vera Smart Home, a Z-Wave hub. I was not quite satisfied with the functions and when another company bought Vera, I started to evaluate alternatives. - OpenHab:very good - Home Assistant: Excellent with a world of capabilities I am currently developing my system of home connected to vacation home but Home Assistant is my path. I have a technical background and am sure that those with less experience will have some challenges. My biggest lesson is to start simple and grow from there. Thank you Alex

[@dxz102091]

Ikea kitchen modules is like 系统柜，pre-fabricated and standard sizing. Formaldehyde level is controlled compared to custom carpentry which can be really high as a lot of adhesive is used to paste the laminate. But custom carpentry is more bespoke like curved surfaces and matching laminate joints, concealed wiring etc

[@AlexTeo]

i understand the material is like ikea standard, but seems like it can be customized in taiwan as well seeing quite many videos using that instead of carpentry, the guy is even a professional in that field haa

[@GeographySingapore]

HI Alex, thanks for the wonderful videos. They are really helpful in my planning for my upcoming new place. I think the Taiwanese 系统 is modular kitchen systems. Maybe like Song Cho style ones wher it is an integrated system.

[@AlexTeo]

not really, it's more like the type of wood used vs carpentry works, something like what ikea offers hence they are cheaper

[@GeographySingapore]

@@AlexTeo icic... thanks for the clarification. :)

[@kennysee1878]

for the entrance differentiation, you can consider carpets/rugs instead of stickers too.

[@AlexTeo]

Have to cut the door to have allowance for carpets depending on the thickness, trying to prevent that haa

[@Uwu-0-0-0]

Hey Alex, just a very simple minor feedback from a OCD person. Would be good to move your mouse cursor to the side of the screen to hide it while the video is playing hahaha. Cheers nice vid!

[@moonsterla]

Good stuffs, Alex! Do more pls!!

[@AlexTeo]

hahah sorry to disappoint u!

[@moonsterla]

No, you didn't disappoint! I meant do more of this kind of video in the future lol

[@mamemo359]

I saw the second video before and I really liked it because his design concept is the same as mine which is, keep things flexible. I don't have too many complicated inbuilt stuff because I know I like to switch things up, move furniture about etc every once in a while. Having that said, the first video has some nice ideas but if I really think about it, I am not very sure if it is practical. Thanks for another great video! By the way, you really look like my ex colleague who also stays in bukit panjang. I quickly went to take a look at your name again when you mentioned that haha. And ya you're not my ex colleague. XD

[@AlexTeo]

yeah i really like all 3 of these reno.. haha v common face maybe

[@iamKKX]

Great contents from this channel, Thank you Alex for sharing ! #sgpride

[@AlexTeo]

wow thanks KK!

[@hazelpeck5924]

Mervyn house the best!

[@ainzooalgown7589]

the Taiwan 系统柜 is also known as Factory produced/ prefab usually made in a factory, they use particle board or Low Density Board aka IKEA furniture, rather than what Taiwans other option which is Carpenter Carpentry and primarily uses Plywood (engineered wood made by gluing thin sheets of real wood together) or even real wood and also costs more. the 系统柜 can be bought at Taiwanese furniture shops with standard dimensions ready to go like IKEA but you can pay abit more and it will be made to custom dimensions example the standard is 100cm x 100cm but you need 100cm x 108cm, the factory can make the alteration but you need to pay the alteration fee and the furniture shop uncle will come install it for you. 系统柜 is cheaper and faster compared to Carpenter Carpentry.

[@selvankalai4323]

thank you for all your sharing! it has been very helpful!!! do you have a video comparing all the various OEM and Internet providers? what is your recommendation? what are you usimg?

[@AlexTeo]

for ISP i will always recommend companies with big proper infrastructure like singtel or starhub

[@maathavank1751]

@@AlexTeo ok ok... how about WIFI?

[@nanakrisdoggie7375]

Alex, can u share what paint u used ? We r renovating our house now n the paint quoted is Nippon Vinilex 5000. We prefer ‘all-in-1’ odourless actually. Any insights that u can share on which type of paint is better for someone who can’t take the slightest odour from house paint?

[@leroylimll]

Nice Video..... where is your background wallpaper from and roughly how much did it cost?

[@AlexTeo]

from wallhub about 1.5k sgd

[@leroylimll]

@@AlexTeo thank you

[@leroylimll]

@@AlexTeo for your study glass screen and door.... are you using the standard clear glass or did u upgrade it to the ultra-clear / crystal clear type?

[@FSRain]

系统柜 literally means system cabinets >> what we meant here as carpentry works for built-in, basically is the formal term they use in Taiwan for customised (客制化系统柜）cabinets / carpentry works.

[@AlexTeo]

hope this is more available in SG!

[@raychia008]

Just finished my reno not long ago and all these videos shown are helpful. Maybe this should be a reno king version 2. (Maybe better than noc)

[@AlexTeo]

haha glad its helpful

[@blakemann2365]

Hey Alex, thanks for all the reno tips. There is one video where you do the comments on shower kerb. I wasn't clear whether kerb is necessary or not. Can one just install the shower screen glass panel without the kerb?

[@AlexTeo]

technically you can but water will all flow out then?

[@supremeleader8796]

Hey alex, watched your amart home videos and now looking thru renovation videos. Got a few ideas to renovate my house from you, could you also make some videos about home furnitures and accessories arrangement? Stuff like tidy kitchen accessories and neat shoeracks and cabinets etc. Would appreciate if you could recommend some items and where to buy them. I watched all these angmo keep talking about how to arrange and make their home neat but then their items ship from US. I dont see a practical way to build them at home here, i ask carpenter but he say custom furniture very expensive. Haiya, help me alex. Thanks for all your videos, i take and show my dog, my tilapia and my guppy. All seem happy to watch u hahaha

[@AlexTeo]

🤣 i need to get my dog watch my videos as well haha. I am an outside neat inside messy kind of guy, its fine as long as i don't see them. So i am not the guy for organization advice. Usually you can find a cheaper version of the furniture in taobao though

[@zhiyiong9558]

Hello Alex, we intend to get an automated laundry drying system for our new house. Our initial plan was to choose between steigen and xiao mi. Noticed that you are using 太太乐 which you get from taobao. How did you get it installed and how do you find the 太太乐 laundry drying system so far?

[@AlexTeo]

got my handyman to install, ya the taitaile works fine, its basically like a hairdryer but in a different form haa

[@yelol3278]

Thanks for this great video! Would you have a carpentry contact to recommend? Am looking to do up a feature wall and perhaps some shelving :)

[@AlexTeo]

yes I do, DM me on IG for the carpentry contact

[@terencepeiwen]

I like the Taiwan most, most practical and beautiful at such a small 3-room space. Mervyn's home, honestly, his study area is too complicated, he will be wasting a lot of time think where and how to sit instead at the box area..The re-sale from Stacked, he is single, he has a huge toilet area!

[@AlexTeo]

yeah i also like the taiwan most. It is still very creative of him to come out with that thought I also prefer something simple if I have the space. As for the resale, that toilet is a dream haha

[@9988tothemoon]

Hi Alex, mind sharing where you got the wallpaper right behind you? Thanks in advance!

[@AlexTeo]

from walllhub

[@ahkking]

Hope that u do a video of "top x regrets of my house reno"

[@AlexTeo]

i will consider!

[@johnlim2981]

Hi Alex! May I know if you can give some review of your Xiaomi Mijia Smart Door Lock? Is the quality good and user friendly? Any issues on the battery life?

[@AlexTeo]

yeah the quality is really good, look very sleek too. Can set user management which is good, for battery I am approaching 1 year in a couple of months and I haven changed any

[@johnlim2981]

@@AlexTeo Thanks Alex for your review! Shall seriously consider this with Samsung and Yale brands!

[@melaniekoh]

yay to bukit panjang :')

[@annew5380]

系统柜 i am guessing is refering to modular carpentry... pros is that when you shift home next time, you can move them. can check out oppein kitchens in sg but they are more expensive than built in.

[@AlexTeo]

from what i know its a much cheaper option than carpentry, very popular choice in taiwan... but in sg doesn't seem to have this thing. If you see the top right corner wording, the owner specialize in that

[@jityee]

Yes it is modular carpentry, so there will be standard sizes to choose from (eg. Ikea modular kitchen/wardrobe systems). It is generally cheaper because it is not exactly custom-made, but not too sure if it is feasible/cost-effective to bring it over to the next home.

[@zhen86]

IKEA is 系统柜。系統system

[@ezlinear9138]

In my opinion, better not to stick your stickers for foyer separation if you do not want to spoil your original floor tiles. MC’s design is chic and functional but comes at a cost. I have asked a few IDs in SG showing them Taiwan designs and most will alway brush it aside citing cost as a main issue. I really hope someone, someday, can really produce and counter the current IDs in SG, in terms of a practical, functional and yet cost effective design. That is why I have always liked your videos in terms of practicality and cost effectiveness. Most SG IDs only renovate. Not design.

[@AlexTeo]

Yeah MC's reno cost he mentioned is about 70-80k which i think is the max to spend for a house this size. Because ID like to play it safe and go with something that works or what their sub contractors can provide. That's why i haven stick those stickers, coz once stick cant undo haa

[@simplydyn6185]

Hi Alex, I see your using a secret lab chair,ever compared it to a Herman Miller chair or ergo tune chair?

[@AlexTeo]

no man, i can test out ergo tune but generally i don't like sitting on mesh chair

[@jamesmadison3108]

I have use cheap China gaming chairs, secretlab and royale gaming chairs, ikea grain leather chairs...I sold all of them away because if u do not switch on the aircon..it really gets hot.. I have sold my secretlab and royale chairs and gotten herman miller aerons...and I can't be happier. I do not have sweaty thighs anymore. When I have both the royale and my aeron side by side, I sat in royale, stand up and sit on the aeron and vice versa. I didnt want be biased since I bought both with my own money, and I can clearly say the mesh on the aeron feels more comfortable as it has a encompassing feel as the mesh conforms to my butt. The royale on the other hand feels stiff. If I were to put secretlab into the picture, that will even feel much more stiff compared to royale. And also to mention, I use both of these chairs in April to June..during one of the hottest humid period in Singapore. Sitting 5 minutes on the royale napa leather makes me sweaty on the thighs.. that heat builds up fast.. it is worse if its secretlab's PU leather which is totally unbreathable. Once I stand up and swap to the aeron, that heat feeling on my thighs just dissipate. I am not joking at all. Just being honest and not defending my purchases. For gaming chairs, yes the royale will be a much better value for its napa leather quality chairs vs the cheap PU material that secretlab is using. Reason why secretlab is famous due to their heavy marketing overseas and they sponsor many gaming teams to get more awareness, that's how they are so well known. For an overall good sitting experience, get a mesh chair especially in Singapore. The ergonomics is better. Dont have to be a herman miller, I will say any other full mesh chair from other brands will be good as well as the mesh is flexible yet firm, it conforms while being strong still. Chairs like martiangear starship, ergotune supreme or classic, or ergohuman etc those will do a good job esp if using in Singapore. Of course the herman miller holds the top crown due to branding thus the price also is very expensive, the 12 year warranty is good and the build quality of the chair is hands down better compare to the other cheaper mesh. I love how the aeron looks aesthetically. A 2nd hand aeron is also a good option to save some cash as the chair is proven to last decades, but of course not everyone is willing to spend so much so...do consider other mesh offerings from other brands. As an honest consumer, after using diff types of chairs, the gaming chairs appeal to the gamers out there due to its flashy design and logos, but ergonomics wise, not quite. For an overall sitting experience, I believe many can attest to my claims especially in Singapore, that mesh is the way to go. Of course you might be in a way affiliated or sponsored somehow, thus you must "defend" or sing praises about them, no doubt if u compare just with gaming chairs alone, royale to me is number 1. Any other companies that still uses PU leather or "vegan" leather or whatever they wanna call it, just can't match up with real leather gaming chairs in terms of longevity. Royale has the best price to value for their napa leather chairs and the option to customise logos is a winner. Their customer service is also good. Secretlab is just hyped up that's why there are still fan boys who still still insist they are good

[@simplydyn6185]

@@jamesmadison3108 thanks for the explanation especially when you've tried and tested multiple products.I have used a Herman Miller aeron too for the past few years.My parents house. So now that I've shifted out. Id like to buy a mesh chair too but not sure should I just go with what is already my comfortable choice or to save up and buy the ergo tune. Firstly cos ive used a aeron- most likely anything less will be compared to the expensive chair. And also for chairs u got to sit a long time before u know if it's your preference. Sitting on the chair for few minutes in the show room doesn't do it justice or a good comparison cos work from home really a good 9 hours with short rest in between.. And yes I am considering the second hand aerons too.

[@jamesmadison3108]

@@simplydyn6185 yea a 2nd hand aeron will suffice. Previously I saw alot of people telling me not to buy gaming chairs but I ignored them as I kinda like the gaming chair bucket seat design and I chose not to believe that they will get hot. I thought it should be fine and they "looked" comfy and plush. Buying the secretlab, the chair is like damn firm and hard, and the "reasoning" secretlab use is that it has to be hard for good posture hahaha.. come on. A good ergonomic chair needs support yet it has to conform to your back and butt. If it's just a straight hard or back, it's actually bad for our body because our bodies have curves. If being straight firm and hard is good, just buy a wooden chair. Anyway I ignored all the comments from people and regretted big time. Not only the chairs are hot, comfort wise is too firm. Even turning on the aircon, the thighs will get hot too. I should have listen to people and friends right from the start. But I am lucky I manage to sell them at almost equivalent prices I got them as I had discounts when I made my purchases on these gaming chairs. I switched to an Aeron and man..mesh all the way. When I see someone using a gaming chair, naturally I tell myself they are just another blinded by hype and marketing and have not try a real ergo office chair. Reason also I didn't chose other mesh chairs is due to aesthetics. The Aeron just reeks of sleek industrial and premium all over it. Though other mesh chairs will be good too, I didn't like how they look with their plasticky frame. Kinda look cheap.

[@ACZY]

Hi Alex, may I know what brand of digital door viewer are you using? I would like to get. Thanks!

[@AlexTeo]

using xiaomi door lock bought from taobao, can check out my video on that

[@simplydyn6185]

Alex what did u purchase for 7.7 sales?got yourself any home related products?

[@AlexTeo]

got myself an external SSD for my PS5 games and to store my videos only.... oh and a bunch of taobao items for my new pet haha

[@simplydyn6185]

@@AlexTeo Wahh new pet. Let's meet him or her next video!! I see I see u can consider using plex also for your videos/movies to link up to your TV and apps if ur planning your external ssd for movies

[@evlibrown6437]

Can share with us how much it cost to do the world map wallpaper on your study room wall? Thanks.

[@AlexTeo]

there are different paper texture to choose from, mine cost 1k

[@happyapple91]

Hi Alex, do u know the requirements for hdb bathroom having a power socket for hair dryer? Or it is not allowed in singapore?

[@AlexTeo]

technically not allowed, but some people still do it, some put a cover over it

[@bncj79]

Hi Alex, I like the design of your living hall storage and TV feature wall design, clean minimalist. Could you let me know your Id designer? Appreciate it.

[@AlexTeo]

all my house design ideas copied from different videos lol

[@ChenHenry-qx2cr]

Hi can check with u where u buy the world map wallpaper

[@AlexTeo]

www.wallhub.com.sg/wallpaper/world-map-mural/

[@daphnezhang3113]

I just renovated my 40 years old HDB but I feel the master room is a bit too plain, dont know what to do with it. lol

[@AlexTeo]

a wallpaper or nice textured paint, a rug will help!

[@simplydyn6185]

I suspect your Next video release tomorrow at 5pm? Make a video about your pet gadgets n toys?

[@AlexTeo]

haha nope, im just a newbie pet owner

[@daniellion7]

Buy Bulky items from Taobao, is hassle free? How to go about it. Thanks.

[@AlexTeo]

can refer to this taobao guide, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmmVfKaobrKogrc

[@engmgu1990]

Can we mount the dyson in the new hdb storeroom?

[@AlexTeo]

i mounted it but I am not sure whether it is against any sort of rules

[@frank645]

6:53 I think this is undersink water filter dispenser.

[@AlexTeo]

oh ya looking it closely now it should be

[@k6173]

you missed a xiaomi kettle, air purifier, and aqara wall switch in the first vid.

[@pharmtee626]

the 2nd house i think the toilet bowl design illegal for hdb. i wanted to conceal the showerhead and toilet bowl but my ID say not allowed.

[@AlexTeo]

yeah so it depends whether you can find a contractor/ID willing to do haa

[@zhen86]

If you talking about wall hang toilet bowl, you can do it. ID say illegal just to reject doing it.

[@shermainemaxinepang]

Timestamp is not correct for the 2nd tour..

[@AlexTeo]

oh thanks for letting me know, no idea why i got it so wrong haha

[@alfredlim5400]

thanks for the amazing revieww (&tips!) but pls dun mute the non-english speaking videooo

[@LaurentPerche]

Looks like a whole generation is preparing for living in space in cramped and over-engineered places with not a single inch left for self determination. Am I reading this correctly?

[@AlexTeo]

what's self determination?

[@LaurentPerche]

Hi Alex. Here is what google has to say about it: In psychology, self-determination is an important concept that refers to each person's ability to make choices and manage their own life. This ability plays an important role in psychological health and well-being. Self-determination allows people to feel that they have control over their choices and lives. PS: :love the videos. Keep on the good work !

[@AlexTeo]

@@LaurentPerche sounds too complicated for my simple brain haha, thanks for the support!