Marine Crescent

As we went about our search for an ID, it looked like most IDs are out to close with discounting and a promise of better material. Most of the IDs we met were more interested in sharing the latest promotions they were running rather than taking the time to understand what we wanted. So we had to look deeper into who we are as a couple and what we wanted. The first thing we did was to acknowledge that we are not gifted in design and space planning. We were looking for an expert to help us design a very nice home. First Impressions It took a while for the Habit team to respond to us for an initial meeting. This was interesting as most IDs would rush to meet for an initial appointment. When we first met them it was clear that the Habit team was a breath of fresh air. They asked us a series of questions about lifestyle, family, intentions and budget. They did not propose anything and simply asked for some time while they worked out proposals for us to consider. They also asked us to send them a mood board of photos to help them understand us better. After about 4 weeks, they invited us back to their office. They shared 4 floor plan proposals that challenged how we saw the conventional ways a HDB house could be constructed. Their space planning was thoughtful and it became clear to us why they were asking all those questions during our first meeting. They really paid attention to our needs and wants as a young family. However, the team had set a budget expectation that was almost double what we had in mind. We had some thinking to do but really our hearts had decided for us. So we went with them. The Planning Phase - Circuit Breaker Our key collection was delayed due to the COVID-19 circuit breaker so we got to work on finalising the floor plans via zoom. This process took about 2 zoom meetings and a bit of back and forth. It was probably the hardest part of the renovation process as the Habit team does not provide 3D drawings. However, the manner in which space planning was conveyed to us communicated much more than what conventional 3D drawings would. The attention to detail in a 2D drawing was very deep. The Habit team were extremely detailed in their 2D drawings - each carpentry (i.e. the kitchen cabinets, isles, wardrobe, etc) had been drawn in various perspectives - front view, side view, back view). It was easier to visualise with some guidance from the team. They even did up a lighting plan that showcased how much of the house would be lit up. The Execution Phase Once we finalised the floor plans, the rest of the process was fairly painless. We met them twice to confirm flooring and tiling options and carpentry and laminate colours. The 2 meetings were structured and the team had prepared 2 options for us and shared their thought process. It was clear a lot of thought had been put in prior to our meeting and there were no surprise "top ups". Additional purchases (Lighting, Toilet Fixtures, Fans) The team at Habit work with a few trusted advisors who are domain specialists. The folks they recommended to us for the additional purchases were very professional and were able to guide us well. It also helps that the Habit team had done the legwork to recommend a few options for us to consider. Once we decided on the purchase, all we had to do was to foot the bill - the delivery, checking, coordination were taken care of by the team without any issues. Project Timeline and Completion The entire renovation process from start of hacking works to handover took just under 3 months. They did not give us a timeline or expectation of progress but at this point, we trusted that things would turn out well and it did. Upon handover, there was really nothing much that needed correction. Dollars and Cents The final bill vs the one we had signed up for varied ~3%. The initial quote we had signed up for had taken into consideration the type of tiles, flooring, countertops we needed to get the final outcome, the additional top ups were minor carpentry add-ons. Living in the space two months on We have now lived in the space for over 2 months and are happy with the choice we made. The overall experience working with the team, the quality of the outcome and feeling of coming home to a well designed home is worth it. We highly recommend the team and will not hesitate to engage their services for our future homes. Sincerely, Kavee & Felicia