Furnishing a new home - my recommendations

It has been a tiring experience but quite pleasant and interesting time.

I benefited a lot from the folks in various forums especially Renotalk and want to be able to give back to Singapore.  So here's my list of recommended vendors if you are looking to renovate/furnish a new home.

Main contractor : Ah Peng.  +65 9831 0570
Why - work direct with the main contractor himself.  He's down to earth and very experienced, not to mention no nonsense pricing.  Only if you know what you want and don't need a designer.  I have absolutely no regrets working with him.  Oh and he speaks Chinese only.

Carpenter : I do not recommend Ah Chuan whom Ah Peng usually partners with.  Pick another carpenter.

Biometric digital door lock : Fred - Digital Home +65 98566260
Why - the best price in town for a biometric digital door lock Yale brand.  But don't expect any after sales service.

Marble slab : Yong Ping - Hot Spring +65 6362 0085 http://www.hotspringstone.com/

Why - they are marble slab suppliers, lots of selection.  I bought a whitish slab over my bay window and love it!

Carpet/Rugs : Fotohi #03-03 Tanjong Katong Complex +65 6735 1578

Why - good quality reasonable price.  I love the carpet my bro/sis-in-law bought me.  Love, love, love it!

Curtains : Kelvin +6591541768

Why - hotel grade curtains (he usually bids for hotel tenders) and very reasonable pricing.  Very nice guy.

Solar film for windows : Huber Optik.  Lindy +65 8418 8922

Why - visibly cooler and not as expensive as 3M.  Sales person a little brusque but the people who install the films are very professional.

Dining set and Italian furniture in general : Calligaris from XZQT.
Why - Italian quality finish says it all.

Appliances : Audio House
Why - they offer price protection and will refund you the balance if you find a cheaper version elsewhere.

Leather sofa : Lorenzo at  601 Sims Drive.  Ask for Ziwei.
Why - I love the ultra soft leather and well designed sofa.

Lighting : www.lighting.com.
Why - there are a lot of lighting shops in Singapore.  But the offerings are often tacky and kitschy.  If you want simple yet classy lights without paying an arm and a leg.  Also lots of LED selections too.

Bathroom fixtures/fittings : Universal Union at 710 Geylang Road +65 6749 0007
Why - you can pretty much buy everything from WC to taps to bathroom accessories all in this place.  Bargain, bargain, bargain to get yourself a good deal.

Ikea, Howards Storage World, Mustafa and Robinsons also feature highly on my buy list.  The biggest surprise being Ikea.  I always had the impression that Ikea products are simply not cost effective, cheap but you need a replacement every 2 years.  I learned that, if you are selective with your choices, there are some pretty good buys from Ikea.  Very nice finish at affordable prices.