Sale! Kronospan & Pergo

If you're looking for laminated wood floors, Kronospan and Pergo are on sale while stocks last!*

For Krono Original, from the original price of Php 1671.00 per box, it's now Php 1148.45 per box. It has a 15 year warranty and an AC rating of 4 class 32.

Pergo's official Philippine retailer is Design Source International Inc. I was not able to take note of the original price but their sale price is Php 1816.00 per box for Pergo Universal (which is their most cost effective option). It also has a 15-20 year warranty depending on the type.

For more about AC ratings, here's what's posted on BuildDirect:

AC hardness ratings are a standardized measure adopted by The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF) . The AC measure rates abrasion resistance, impact resistance, resistance to staining and cigarette burns, and thickness swelling along edges. If a laminate flooring cannot meet the requirements for each of these ratings, approval for a given AC rating will be denied. Here is a more detailed guide:

AC1 is suitable for lighter, more infrequent traffic, e.g. a bedroom.
AC2 is suitable for general residential use in living rooms and dining rooms.
AC3 can be applied to more varied locations, such as small offices and other light commercial locations.
AC4 can be installed in higher traffic commercial areas such as boutiques, busier offices, and restaurants.
AC5 is more durable still and can withstand the traffic of heavier commercial areas such as department stores and public buildings.

*We visited the Alabang and Ortigas Home Depot branches. Not available at Wilcon Depot.

Decorating Small Spaces

Here are a few tips from the book Decorating Small Spaces: Live Large in Any Space by Better Homes & Gardens:

Page 8 - Increase perceived space by using the same colors in adjoining rooms. Creating a long line of sight so the eyes can see without interruption makes two small rooms look more like one large room.

Page 21 - Anchor a furniture grouping and delineate it from others by creating an "island" with an area rug. A guideline for positioning furniture on the rug is that all legs of a particular piece should either be completely on the rug or completely off it.

Page 46 - Switch from a wooden table to one with a glass top. There's no better way to open up the center of a room or to reveal the pattern in a pretty rug.

Page 52 - Avoid putting roadblocks in the line of sight. Encountering a tall, bulky piece of furniture, such as a chest of drawers, at eye level just as you walk into a narrow space makes the room seem smaller.

Page 83 - Accent the vertical. This phrase alone will help you make the right decorating choices. Lifting the eye to a higher plane helps overcome space limitations in a room by drawing attention to all the extra space above eye level. Without a reason to look upward, the eye essentially puts an artificial "ceiling" on the space, and it's even lower than the actual ceiling.

• Page 23 - Include at least one tall element.  A bookcase or an armoire, for instance - in every room. Create interest at floor level too, with a patterned rug or a basket of pine cones beneath the a table. The idea is to keep the eye moving to distract it from the actual size of the room.
• Page 45 - Install curtain rods near the top of the room rather than on the window frame. This draws attention toward the ceiling, especially if you use decorative finials on the rods. (Buy longer curtains if you do this.) Unless your ceilings are high, avoid complicated or heavy-fabric valances laden with trim - they make ceilings appear lower.
• Page 77 - Anything that draws interest to the ceiling, yet isn't darker than the walls, tends to expand the perceived height.

Page 86 - Ample legroom. The general guideline is that there should be from 12 to 18 inches of space between the sofa and the coffee table; an ottoman often sits closer to the sofa to make it easier to put your feet up.

Page 96 - Reasons for round. A round table is naturally convivial, inspiring easy conversation among everyone seated and always letting one more person squeeze in. It's also a good choice for most small dining rooms. Many round tables come with extra leaves for when the crowd comes for dinner, but these are removed for everyday use to create space around the table.

Page 115 - Choosing colors. Kids thrive on colors that stimulate creativity. Choose a bright pastel for the walls and either extend it to furniture (to make the room seem more spacious) or switch to another bright color that complements the walls. It's easy to clean little fingerprints if you choose gloss or semi gloss paint.

Renovation Update 1

Tiles for the Second Floor Bathroom

Overwhelming sense of panic. That basically describes how I'm feeling at the moment.

You see, my sister has been telling me to look for tiles, paint colors, and other things needed for the house months ago. But I was too busy looking at international websites instead of checking to see what's locally available. (Well, I have been to the local home depots countless times but I was hoping they would have the tiles I was fixated on.)

Sadly, I have to raise a white towel to the fact they don't have the tiles I want. So now I'm now doing what I should have done to begin with - work with what's in front of me.

Well, Alecto has begun fixing the electrical mess to something we can actually live with. They started last August 16 and will be done after 25 days (maximum they tell me). We now have to buy the lights for them to install and check if everything is working properly.

Rabacon tells me that they can start next Tuesday. Yikes! We haven't even decided on color scheme of the rooms much less the actual tiles to be used. Due to major procrastination, I am scrambling to get everything done!

Progress was made though yesterday courtesy of my sister - she chose the tiles shown above. But I nearly had a panic attack earlier today when the sales lady at Wilcon advised that they no longer carried the mosaic tile border you see in the photo. I asked her to double check their warehouse and to call me as soon as possible. Thankfully, she called back with good news - they have all the tiles I've asked for. Crisis averted.

This episode also taught me that, if there's something I really like, to buy it right away as you'll never know if it will still be there tomorrow.

We plan to buy most of the lights needed for the house and settle the rest of the tiles this weekend. At least, that's the scenario I'm hoping for.

We've also decided to buy all the tiles from just one place to maximize the Php 800 delivery fee. About the delivery fee, while I understand that we are technically considered to be outside Metro Manila, I still can't see why it can't be waived considering the village is just 15-20 minutes away...

Notes:

Second Floor Bathroom
Border - Lola Mosaic - 30cm x 30cm
Wall - Roman Gres Sandstone Bone - 25cm x 33.3cm
Floor - Sol Ceramica Kacha Brown - 30cm x 60cm

Window Shopping: Finishing Contractor

I think everyone wants a supplier who can be trusted to do the job well at the same time charge cheaply. But since that magical combination has eluded us, here are the quotes we received from two of the suppliers mentioned in the last post.

WORK ITEMS

• Tiling of Ground floor
- area = 44.81 sq.mts
- labor and materials
- surface preparation and leveling of floor
- supply and installation of sand, cement, tiles (per submitted sample) & grout

• Windows
- supply and installation of owner approved wood casement for windows (interior)
- supply and installation of grill works on all windows (exterior - french window design) per owner approved design

1.00 mts x 1.20 mts - 3 pcs - wood casement and grill works
1.50 mts x 1.20 mts 10 pcs - wood casement and grill works
1.80 mts x 1.20 mts - 1 pc - wood casement and grill works
0.50 mts x 0.50 mts - 2 pcs - grill works only

• Fabrication of Dirty Kitchen Countertop w/ Sink
- supply of labor and materials for form works & concreting of countertop - 1.80 mts x 0.60 mts
- installation of owner supplied tiles and kitchen sink
- includes plumbing works

• Tiling of Ground Floor T & B
- floor and walls
- area = 20.44 sq.mts
- labor only
- surface preparation, leveling of floor, application of water proofing
- installation of owner supplied tiles, sand cement & water proofing

• Tiling of Second Floor T & B
- floor and walls
- area = 18.86 sq.mts
- labor only
- surface preparation, leveling of floor, application of water proofing
- installation of owner supplied tiles, sand cement & water proofing

• Electrical Works at Study Room
- labor and materials
- chipping works and restoration of affected areas
- supply and installation of 2 pcs. 2 gang C.O, 1 pc telephone extension line, 2 pcs water heater C.O.

• Repainting of Interior Ceiling & Walls
- labor and materials
- ground floor
- second floor
- per owner approved colors, walls = semi gloss, ceiling = flat finish
- including cornices, baseboards, window casements

• Relocation of Back Door
- labor and materials
- removal of existing door, chipping of wall
- installation of CHB to cover affected area
- restoration of existing exterior wall finish
- plastering of interior CHB wall
- re-installation of existing door

- Maven Architects Studio

Telephone Numbers: 0917 533 6223, 0908 861 7800
Email: christine_bem@yahoo.com

Price: Php 445,314 excluding VAT

Notes: Through Benark Builders, Inc. which is their affliated contractor. We are hiring her for the architectural drawings instead as the rates given were not bad (at least in our opinion).

- Rabacon Construction

Office: 4F Garcia-Jovellanos Bldg., 2215 Rd. 3 Fabie Estate, San Jose, Sta. Ana, Manila
Telephone Numbers: 562 6697, 0927 926 7808
Email: mjg_rabacon@yahoo.com

Price: Php 260,599 excluding VAT

Notes: The operations manager, Maricel Garcia, is an interior designer. But while we will not hire her in that capacity, she told us she can help us out with space planning for free. Which suits me just fine as I want to do the decorating myself.

Finishing Contractor: Rabacon Construction

Either they're too expensive or they run off with your money. Those are the two comments I usually associate with contractors. Uh, so why did we hire one?

Well, the main reason is that the only two carpenters we know are busy with other projects. And, since there's a lot of work to be done on the house (i.e. painting, tiling, plumbing, etc.) plus the fact that we won't be able to oversee the work ourselves, we decided hiring someone to take care of everything was our best bet.

As with the electrical (which you can read here and here), I turned to the people from the facilities department at work and checked with the chat group I belong to for suggestions.

Edwin, the facilities manager, suggested Rabacon Construction which does a lot of jobs for our office. He said that their work is okay and they charge reasonably. Now, expensive depends on thy perspective but I know Edwin so if he said they were reasonable, I could trust that to be true.

His other recommendation was Wilfred Daze Construction Corporation (WDCC) as they were the ones who built his house. They too do construction work for the office so like Rabacon, I'm assured that our money will be safe. (You see, the office will not pay a supplier unless they've provided documents to prove they're a legitimate business entity.) Unfortunately, they are rather busy with a number of projects at the moment.

Patrick, also from the facilities department, recommended WDCC as well along with New Accurate Builders Company Inc. (NABCI). But when I called the owner of NABCI, Mr. Ramon Luis, he (more or less) brushed me off by telling me that their rates might be too high for our budget. When I mentioned that we already have a quote from Rabacon, he commented that Rabacon was expensive. My reply? They're okay.

One suggestion from the chat group (thanks Marj!) was Christine Dado of Maven Architects Studio. I met with Christine who turned out to be the first cousin of my high school classmate. She was really nice and we did so want to work with her but the contractor she's affiliated with was more expensive than Rabacon. We've decided to hire her for the architectural drawings instead.

We also received referrals from Erlaine (another chat group member and our Avida neighbor) but we were already pretty much decided on Rabacon. I guess what won me over was that Maricel Garcia, Rabacon's operations manager, is also an interior designer.

Sale! Designs Ligna, Electrolux & GE

Here's what I got from the newspaper today:

- Designs Ligna

July 16, 2010 - August 31, 2010

1.) Megamall, 4/F Building B
2.) Greenbelt 5, 3/F Ayala Center
3.) Pasay Road, 2/F 1014 Almeda Arcade

- Electrolux White Westinghouse Bodega Sale

August 13, 2010 - September 10, 2010
Monday to Sunday - 8 AM to 5 PM

Up to 70% off on refrigerators, chest freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, cooking ranges, built-in cooking appliances, and vacuum cleaners at the following locations:

1.) CEVA Building, Pascor Drive corner Johann St., Bo. Ibayo, Sto. Niño, Parañaque City
2.) Km. 14 La Suerte Compound, West Service Road SLEX, Parañaque City

For inquiries please contact their customer care department at 845 CARE (2273) or email them at wecare@electrolux.com.

This wasn't in the paper, but I decided to call them to ask if they're also on sale:

- General Electric

Ongoing warehouse sale until supplies last.
Monday to Friday - 8 AM to 5 PM
Saturday - 8 AM to 12 Noon
Sunday - Closed

CYA Industries, 103 Mercedes Avenue, Brgy. San Miguel, Pasig City

For inquiries please call 643 3456.

FYI. I just called the sales department of Exatech, the exclusive distributor of Whirlpool Home Appliances USA, and they advised that they will most likely have their next warehouse sale sometime during the fourth quarter of this year.

Events: September - December 2010

Here's a list of events based on the online calendars of the SMX Convention Center, SM Megatrade Hall, and the World Trade Center:

Manila Construction Show

Date: September 2, 2010 - September 5, 2010
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: SMX Convention Center
Description: MANILACON is your link to the country’s ever dynamic building and construction market. It features the latest trends and developments on product solutions, innovations and sustainability in the Built Environment.
Website: http://www.manilacon.com

Homeworld Warehouse Sale

Date: September 17, 2010 - September 19, 2010
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: SM Megatrade Hall
Website: http://www.smsupermalls.com/smsupermalls/index.php?p=650

Manila F. A. M. E International 2010

Date: October 18, 2010 - October 21, 2010
Time: 11am - 4pm
Venues: World Trade Center, Philippine Trade Training Center, Philippine International Convention Center
Description: Manila F.A.M.E International is the second longest-running trade platform for home and fashion lifestyle products in the Asia Pacific and the only Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) recognized trade fair in the Philippines.
Website: http://www.manilafame.com

SM Appliance Sale

Date: October 22, 2010 - November 14, 2010
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: SM Megatrade Hall
Website: http://www.smsupermalls.com/smsupermalls/index.php?p=650

Interior World

Date: November 11, 2010 - November 14, 2010
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: SMX Convention Center
Description: Interior World is the 7th International Interiors, Furnishings and Furniture, Lighting, Home Entertainment and Total Lifestyle Exhibition. For more information about this event, please call 750 8588.
Website: www.globallinkmp.com

PHILCONSTRUCT 2010

Date: November 11, 2010 - November 14, 2010
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: SMX Convention Center
Description: PHILCONSTRUCT 2010 is the 20th Philippine International Construction Equipment and Building Materials Exhibition. For more information about this event, please call 750 8588.
Website: www.globallinkmp.com

36th Furniture and Furnishing Show

Date: November 26, 2010 - December 5, 2010
Time: 10am - 8pm
Venue: SM Megatrade Hall
Description: The 36th PFFS, which will showcase the best of Filipino furniture design and innovation, is geared towards helping local manufacturers and exporters penetrate the lucrative domestic homestyle consumer market. The exhibit will highlight furniture and furnishings from Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Ilocos, Iloilo, Bacolod, and other regions.
Website: http://www.cfip.ph

Window Shopping: Existing Electrical Service Upgrade

The "Electrical Kit" we sent to suppliers contained the floor plan with notes on what we wanted done and where, the electrical plan and pictures of the panel board. It also contained the following information provided by Alecto:

SCOPE OF WORK

- Additional Power Load

1. Provide and install new 3 – 30Amp Circuit breakers at space of your existing panel.
2. Provide and install the 3/4" dia PVC conduit from panel board to additional ordinary convenience outlet, aircon, water heater and washing machine.
3. Provide and install new wires of 3 #3.5mm2 THHN for additional ordinary convenience outlets and washing machine.
4. Provide and install new wires of 2 #5.5mm2 and 1 #3.5mm2 THHN for additional load of water heater and aircon units.
5. If necessary we shall do the chipping and restoration works for layout as specified in the proposed location of additional loads.
6. Provide and install of wiring devices (convenience outlet), “National” brand to the proposed location of power outlets.
7. Provide and install additional loads for water heater and aircon units, “National” brand to the proposed location of power outlets.
8. Terminate, test and commission.

- Lighting System

1. Provide and install 3/4” dia PVC conduit including boxes and fitting for additional switches at specified locations.
2. Provide and pulling of 3.5mm2 THHN wire from existing lighting fixtures going to new switches.
3. Relocate and reuse existing lighting fixtures affected by the renovation works.
4. Provide and install additional 4 sets of dimmer switch to specified locations.
5. Provide and install additional 2 sets of 3-way switch with faceplate and 1 gang switch with faceplate.
6. Terminate, test and commission.

- Telephone Works

1. Provide and install 1/2" dia PVC conduit including boxes and for the new telephone outlet from existing telephone outlet.
2. Provide and pulling of telephone cable from existing outlet going to new telephone outlets.
3. Terminate, test and commission.

LIST OF MATERIALS NEEDED

- For Power System

A. 1. 5.5 mm2 THHN wire - 78 meters
2. 3.5 mm2 THHN wire - 162 meters

B. 1. 20 mm dia PVC pipe - 85 meters
2. Adaptor Connector - 100 pcs
3. Locknut & Bushing - 100 pcs
4. Junction box - 30 pcs
5. Utility box - 20 pcs

C. 1. Duplex convenience outlet, grounding type with face plate - 5 sets
2. Special outlet with face plate - 6 sets

D. 1. Circuit breaker 30AT, 100AT Koten brand - 3 pcs

- For Lighting System

A. 1. 3.5 mm2 THHN wire - 10 meters

B. 1. 20 mm dia PVC pipe and connectors - 20 meters
2. Adaptor Connector - 30 pcs
3. Locknut & Bushing - 30 pcs
4. Junction box - 5 pcs
5. Utility box - 10 pcs

C. 1. 3 – way switch with face plate - 2 pcs
2. Dimmer switch with face plate - 4 pcs
3. Single pole switch with face plate - 1 pc

- For Telephone

A. 1. 2 pair wire - 18 meters

B. 1. Modular jack with cover - 2 sets

C. 1. 15 mm dia PVC pipe and connectors - 19 meters

- Alecto General Technology Corporation

Office: 9694 Pililia corner Conception Sts., Makati City
Telephone Numbers: 890 2571, 890 2492, 890 3604, 895 5652
Email: alecto@mydestiny.net

Price: Php 118,000

Notes: Originally, their quote was for Php 121,230 so we asked for the option of getting the majority of the materials ourselves and just paying for labor which amounted to Php 85,000 (inclusive of miscellaneous items). A trip to Wilcon Builders' Depot showed that we would save Php 3300 if we purchased the materials. In the greater scheme of things, that's not much considering I would need to go on leave just to wait for the delivery so we decided it wasn't worth it.

As to the discount, that was courtesy of Patrick, my office mate mentioned in the last post, who talked to his contact at Alecto. So now, it's as though we're getting the materials at cost.

- Net Pacific, Inc.

Office: 3QA, ODC Bldg., 219 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Telephone Numbers: 893 9306, 893 4953
Email: abbie@netpacific.net
Website: http://www.netpacific.net/

Price: Php 240,955

Notes: Their labor cost alone was Php 120,000. Enough said.

Electrical: Alecto General Technology Corporation

Those who have read this blog know the problems that led to our needing an electrical overhaul (which you can read here and here).

And I must say that I still feel really bad when I think about it - which is almost constantly unfortunately for those around me. I usually end up ranting about the situation and snapping at others at the drop of a hat!

But as someone mentioned in an email recently, I've got to move on so we can move in. Thus the search for an electrician.

Luckily, my desk at work is located in the same area as the facilities group so I asked Edwin, the facilities manager, for recommendations. He only gave me one name, Alecto, saying that out of all the big name electrical companies he has worked with, they are the only ones who have yet to fail. He likes their work so much that he also hired them when he built his house a couple of years ago.

We asked Alecto for a quote but it was a bit steep so I prodded Edwin to give me another recommendation. He hesitated before giving me the name of another company, Net Pacific, saying that he can't entirely vouch for them. I assured him that it was okay as I just want options.

Net Pacific's rate was double that of Alecto! Note that we sent the same information to both suppliers to make sure they would not give a quote for different items. Basically, when Alecto sent their bill of quantities and the scope of work, I just erased the figures and gave it to Net Pacific for them to fill in the blanks so to speak.

Still wanting more choices, I then asked Patrick, also from the facilities department, to give referrals and he too just gave Alecto's name stating that they're only one who's good.

I also inquired with others for suggestions - the people from the chat group, a few readers of this blog, but by then Earl had already made up his mind.

We are going with Alecto.

Color Talk

The language of color uses hot, cold, warm, cool, or neutral words to describe how your body senses or visually “feels” temperature in a room. While these color words don’t describe actual degrees of physical heat, they do try to explain color’s effect on your physical well-being, activity level, and mood.

Some like it hot - rooms filled with bold, intense colors. Others prefer icy, reserved spaces of white, black, and gray. Most people like their rooms somewhere in between - warm, cool, or neutral.

WARM COLORS heat things up. They move forward in a room, communicate vigor, spread cheer, energize, stimulate appetites, promote excitement, and beg for attention. Yellow, orange, and red are the usual suspects, but sometimes purple, green, and blue come in warm, flirty tones if mixed with yellow or red.

COOL COLORS, as the word implies, seem to lower a room’s temperature. They step away, receding into the background. They’re known for their passive natures and are useful for cooling you down, calming nerves, lifting spirits, and promoting contemplation. Most people find them soothing. Blue, green, and purple are usually labeled as cool, but red, yellow, and orange can also come in laid-back, calming tones if mixed with blue.

NEUTRAL COLORS (brown, gray, white, and black) create a room temperature somewhere in between warm and cool, depending on which hue you choose. Browns, such as taupe, cappuccino, khaki, or beige, symbolize a down-to-earth attitude and make you feel safe and secure. Grays, such as ash, granite, silver fox, or dove, work with all other colors to create spaces that are easy on the eyes. White can be as warm as cream or cold as snow, depending on whether it’s mixed with red, blue, or yellow. And black? Black is basic, strong, the opposite of white. Mixed with white it becomes gray – a less powerful force in a room.

No doubt you've heard the phrases "tickled pink," "green with envy," or "seeing red." Clichés common to Western culture, they reflect the sentiments attached to certain colors. Although a few hues have been shown to affect the heart rate, most color associations are culturally conditioned:

Gray, the color of quiet reserve, retreat, inactivity, and cool distance, takes a room away from the busy hubbub of a wild and colorful world. Associated with precious metals and weathered seashores, it’s a classy and sophisticated way to neutralize a room. It associates well with any other color, so its uses are countless.

Yellow, the color of intellect and thought, promotes sunny feelings and a sense of well-being. Strong versions are said to stimulate the brain, aid clear thinking, and promote communication. Softer forms of the color are as warm and embracing as sunshine. The shades of this color make good choices for north-facing rooms.

Purple, the up-for-anything color of dream and spirit, brings a sense of inner calm and inspiration to a room. In pale versions it makes a room appear larger, promoting contemplation or lighthearted fun. In pure, saturated forms it’s royal, slightly off-the-wall, yet sophisticated.

Green, the color of health and vigorous growth, evokes feelings of renewal and hope. Research shows that when people look at this color heart rates slow and people visibly relax. A walk in the woods helps connect with its restorative, healing qualities.

Black, the color of strength, night, and magic can strike fear into color schemers. Interior designers know its power to create drama, formality, sophistication, and contrast. For maximum emphasis use it to draw attention to furnishings, tie everything together, and underscore your color confidence.

Red, the pick-me-up color of heart, passion, and action, fills a room with emotional energy. Color therapists say it stimulates appetite and conversation, so it’s often used in food advertising. In bold and gregarious tones, it seems to draw the walls of a room close, creating a cozy mood. Pastel versions set a more relaxing, nurturing, romantic tone.

Brown, the mellow color of natural wood and earth, successfully bridges decorating gaps wherever needed. Associated with safety, security, and comfort, its warm neutrality surrounds a room like a hug that’s not too passionate. Pale versions are expansive and reasonable; darker ones are dramatic and graphic. This color’s laid-back tones work well at home in broken patterns and natural textures, just as they appear in nature.

Blue, the color of calm, is the most popular color in American homes. It aids relaxation, honest communication, and sleep. Connected to sea and sky, it’s associated with clear thinking and meditative environments. It’s like a breath of fresh air, serene and restful. In dark versions it symbolizes strength, loyalty, and dependability.

White, the color of cleanliness, innocence, and purity, can look clinical if not balanced with textures or other colors. Yet it refreshes, clarifies, and unclutters a room. It’s associated with calm silence, like a landscape expanded after snowfall.

Orange, the color of enthusiasm and sociability, elevates sensuality and strong feelings. It stimulates creativity, wraps a room with warmth and energy, and inspires optimism and self-confidence. The “it” color for the mid-2000s, it overcame its unflattering image from the late 1960s and 1970s.

Pages 8, 10, 11 and 99 from Color Schemes Made Easy by Better Homes and Gardens

Excerpts from the Experts

Over the past year, I've had a love affair with Amazon. This romance resulted in a small collection of books on home interior design, organization and storage (all of which are listed in the section In My Library). I've had to keep the affair short though otherwise my budget would suffer greatly!

I love my books and I was thinking that this was a love best shared with others.

For those who might be interested, I will be posting a few excerpts from the books I found useful and which may be of help to someone else.  But I won't be able to post everything otherwise I'll run into the copyright law...