Applying the FIRST rule - "Design concept" in a blueprint..

For the industry player like me, i have no problem understanding what is a design concept. Another architectural or interior designer jargons that other people should understand clearly. A design concept is actually how do you want  your house to look like. The choices are endless. Traditional, contemporary like retro, fusion, Zen, futuristic, posh, luxurious or simply simple. It could be inspired by certain tradition say English, Malay,  Japanese, Balinese, Thais, Romans, Egyptians, Indians or Oriental. Endless list. It is actually what you like. If you need a guidance ask yourself what do you like? If you are a simple person, you woudnt want your house to have Roman pillars everywhere would you?If you are a fan of roman pillars, ask yourself if you have sufficient and suitable space to erect them around the house. And consider if you have the budget to transform your house into a roman mansion. If you answer yes for both question, you could proceed with the idea happily.

Somehow or rather, most of the modern society will opt for simplicity and practicality. I know they are a lot of English design fan out there but due to budget concern, the former is widely choosen. Bear in mind, that this is an FOC consultancy for people who wants to get their housse renovated considering every aspects. All the millionaire wont be neeeding this free consultancy because they could afford designers. This is for mass public reading. It is no offend to say that most mass public have economical limitation.. or we simply don't want to spend on something that is avoidable. Nevertheless, exclusive design sometimes doesn't carry hefty price tag. It is a very good news that i want to share my experiences with people. Mark my word, doesn't matter if you don't have that much to burst in you  bank account, as long as you have proper planning, everything is possible.

So, You already have the design concept or simply say a rough idea as a guideline. The next thing you need is to sketch your space area on a paper and try to map what you want on the map. forget about your flaw in drawing, as long as you could understand it,  it doesn't matter. You might need to have a measuring tape handy. This is important if you want to build a kitchen cabinet, the contractor will charge you by a "foot run". That means, 1ft will cost you certain amount. Longer ft will charge you more. So measure and measure to make sure that you could stuff all your things and some extras into the kitchen cabinet.

Next, after the sketching, the best thing to do is to make a blueprint. and everything must be accurate with measurements at this time. There is a cheaper way to get a blueprint, get a student from  architectural/planning/Interior Design or anyone who knows AutoCad  to draw it for you (Bettter still if they could furnished you with a 3D drawing, you would have a better idea of how your end result would look like) and had a printing shop to print it out, in A3size. Students won't be so fussy with the payment because they will accept anything as long as the currency is valid at no professional charges. If you live nearby a university or a politechnic or a college that offers those courses, you'll easily find a plan printing shop nearby. That is a tip. If you need a list of colleges that offers the courses near your hometown in order for you to locate the printing shop, you should start Googling it yourself. :), i definitely know USM (as in University of Science Malaysia in Penang have some printing shops nearby)

Oh, it doesn't have to be the real 'blueprint'. Real blueprint is expensive and the odor that came from a real blueprint is really uncomfortable. So, I  would suggest that, If you have an A3 printer at home or at your office, this is the best time to make full use of it. This is important so that your contractor will know exactly what you want. At least how you want your house to look like. Pictures speaks a  thousand words. It will save a lot of arguments along the building process because the contractors and you have the same picture in mind.

Wrap up from this post:
1. get inspired by any concept - ask what you like and what you need
2. ask how much you have
3. start sketching, expand your creativity
4. ask students to digitalized your sketch
5. get it printed

Mistakes that could never be undo..

Everybody are now estatic when it comes to house renovation. Renovating houses could cost people a lot of headache if done without proper planning. Renovating a house is the next major investment after putting up the downpayment to secure the house itself. In recent days, some banks even offer loans for house renovation. It is a blooming industry and the happiest people of all is of course the contractors..

I am taking this opportunity to share with people what i've gone through my point of view as a house owner, end user and even a contractor myself.

Before considering of any renovation, you must always have a clear picture of what you need. Not what you want. You could want everything, the sky is the limit, but it is actually your budget that will determined what you will have at the end. So 1st of all set aside a practical amount every month into your house reno piggy bank, or special envelope or a secret treasure chest. When the time really come, you wouldnt have to rob a bank to get the money. House renovation is normally settled in cash term. You are lucky enough if the contractor accept credit term but it is not good for your future financial planning. Trust me.. i know better..