[goldy]

I am currently in the process of trying to renovate my apartment and would like to hear from anyone who can recommend a good contractor or decorator for the job. Ability to speak english is obviously an important requirement.

I would prefer not to deal with an expat as I've had a bad experience in the past and they tend to charge a premium.

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

[wuga]

i know someone, she's from canada and don't worry, she won't charge premium. she's an interior designer and is looking for these kinds of projects to give her something to do. i highly recommend her. let me know if you'd like information.

[tstexpat]

Try and find a contractor and eliminate the "Interior Designer or Decorator".

You can check with the labor department as they have a list of people looking for work. I have done this to decorate a few of my apartments and had no trouble at all. Hiring a Interior designer will put the price up 30-50%. The most recent work on my apartment in TST cost me close to 1 mill including the best fittings, jacuzzi etc. The cheapest Interior designers were quoting me 1.5mill for the same job with local cheap China fittings.

Also pick up a few copies of recent PACE mag. There's loads of ideas and info in there.

Good Luck!

[goldy]

Thank you for your replies.

Wuga we are pretty happy with the design we have come up with so now it's a matter of simply getting someone to follow through and execute those designs. Getting an interior designer would I'm afraid be like taking a stpe backwards at this stage.

Tstexpat what is this magazine PACE you mention and where do I get my hands on it ? Also when you suggest going to the labour department what about the language barrier with any of workers you get for the job ?

[tstexpat]

Stop by any newsstand or 7-11 and ask for Pace.

I will PM you the details for the guy I used. He is local..speaks OK English and does a fantastic job. I recommend that you stay away from the expat designers/contractors as these guys are just middlemen.

[cheekybleeder]

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[goldy]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Tstexpat I would be interested in getting the name of that contractor off you if you can find the time to PM the contact details I would appreciate it. I'm sorry to say that your advise on expat contractors rings true for me as I've had a terrible experience with one a few years back.

[tstexpat]

I will look for it and PM you in a day. I designed my place in TST based on my requirements. I wanted a clear Glass bathroom, Jacuzzi and a lot of space. This is a 3,000 Sq ft place with a few bedrooms but I just wanted one huge bedroom. I had over 50 designers and contractors come in but only this guy knew exactly what I wanted. He took 3 months to do the job which involved tearing the old place apart and starting from scratch. I have moved back for over 2 months now and the work is excellent. He offered me a 12 month guarantee but I doub't I would need to call on him to fix anything.

[goldy]

Tstexpat, that sounds great especially the 12 month guarantee. Was the price he charged reasonable ?

[tstexpat]

He was reasonable and the quality of work was very good.
The flat is fixed this time is in a 30+ year old building which needs a lot more work. I will PM you as soon as I get back.