A wonderful method to get more information about the characteristics of a condo and the range of apartments available for purchase is to visit a condo show flat. Show apartments typically have stunning theatrical furniture and interior designs that are in excellent shape.
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It’s easy to buy into the ultimate ideal of what may be, even though the majority of us are aware that what we see at show flats is different from the vacant apartments we’ll eventually get if we decide to buy.
How can we purchase homes with greater discernment? Continue reading to discover 11 things to watch out for while seeing a Singapore display apartment.
11 Things Condo Show Flat Visitors Should Watch Out for
1. Verify the window sizes and the orientation of the unit you are considering.
Show apartments are constantly artificially lighted and have a constant brightness.
“You will need to access the type and sizes of its windows if you want to access the amount of natural light and ventilation a space will receive,” stated Dr. Tan Tee Khoon, PropertyGuru’s Country Manager for Singapore. “For example, large windows will not only allow more light into a room, they can also help to facilitate air flow.”
Don’t forget to contrast it with the unit’s face to determine if it will receive the majority of the scorching sun.
2. Watch Out for Floor Tape: Some Builders Take Down Walls for Decorative Effects
A few barriers may be knocked down by developers in order to improve the visual flow. Developers are required by government decree to disclose the location and thickness of barriers.
The majority of developers will mark this area on the floor with tape. Therefore, when you’re admiring the vastness of the room, glance down to see if the unit will still seem the same once you have the keys. If you want to remove any walls, make sure you know which ones can be taken down by looking at the floorplans.
3. Examine the Interior Doors’ Quality
Costs are frequently economized and shortcuts used at the doorways leading to the restrooms and bedrooms. When you knock on a door, it should feel solid, swing smoothly, and not sound especially hollow.
Good quality doors are essential to maintaining privacy and preventing noise from entering the bedrooms, especially in smaller homes. Should the doors prove to be insufficient at your eventual move-in, the expense of replacing them may be substantial.
4. Determine Whether the Space’s Flow Pleases You
Make sure the unit’s layout accommodates your way of living. This involves taking into account the orientation of doors and windows, the height of appliances, and the location of the stove and kitchen sink, according to Linda Yang, Associate Division Director of Propnex Realty.
The exquisiteness of the décor might easily divert one’s attention. But consider the way the room will flow and how you and your family will utilize it. Consider your kitchen’s cooking routine and whether the existing arrangement would be practical for you. It might be costly to rearrange the kitchen’s design.
These days, open layouts—where the kitchen, living room, and dining area are all incorporated into one area—are quite popular. Nonetheless, some individuals might want distinct areas in order to keep odors like cooking oil from permeating the entire flat.
5. Spot Design Techniques for Hide Unusual Corners
Regular patterns are often preferred by Singaporeans because they provide better furniture arrangement and flow more naturally. A barrier or some plants and vases may be used to hide up dead corners, which can be minimized using a variety of design techniques.
Always go to the official floor plans when making a purchase to make sure there are no strange corners. Sharp triangle corners are especially regarded as poor feng shui. Future resale value may be impacted by feng shui even if you are not a believer.
6. Determine How Many Pocket Sockets the Unit Will Include
“Verify with the developer the quantity and placements of power points, which may not always be showcased in show flats,” Linda Yang added.
Our current possession of gadgets and appliances will only grow in the future. Buyers should always make sure there are enough power outlets in places where televisions may be installed, such as the kitchen, bedroom, and walls. Even though you could always add more power outlets once the project is finished, doing so would cost more money and cause you to move into the apartment later.
7. Examine the package of kitchen appliances.
It’s important for buyers to constantly confirm which kitchen equipment are included; not every gadget on show may be part of the finished product. Refrigerators and washer-dryers, which can cost thousands of dollars, are sometimes omitted by developers.
If the purchasers’ current appliances don’t fit, they will need to be replaced. In addition, the majority of condominiums have policies prohibiting the hanging of clothing to dry on the balcony, making a washer-dryer unit—which is more expensive than a standard washing machine—a requirement.
8. Explicate the Type of Surface and Degree of Maintenance Needed for Each
Every surface has been flawlessly polished. Astute purchasers, however, should always ascertain the materials utilized and get acquainted with the benefits and drawbacks of each. For example, solid surface is a popular and inexpensive material for kitchen countertops.
Placemats or trivets should be used to shield it from hot pots and pans even though it is stain-resistant and simple to clean. Marble, on the other hand, is more expensive and takes more upkeep, but it is also attractive and resistant to heat.
Additionally, Dr. Tan Tee Khoon says, “Look for telltale signs of the developers’ meticulous craftsmanship.” Be aware that some installations have the label “ID” on them. The specs of your item will not include these installations.”
9. Examine the bathroom fixtures that will be included with the unit itself.
The majority of bathrooms are styled to resemble opulent spas. But make sure to look at what’s offered. Wall cabinets are frequently either not supplied at all or may arrive in a simpler design than what is shown. High-quality fixtures should also be included in the bathroom, including the sink, faucet, and shower.
In order to stop mould growing due to our humid weather, make sure the bathrooms have windows. A ceiling ventilation fan is a good idea for bathrooms without windows, but it needs additional upkeep.
10. Pay attention to what’s being said when agents emphasize how much space they can provide.
Although bedrooms tend to be smaller, there are a few design tips that might help them appear larger. Removing or reducing the closet to provide additional floor space is a popular solution. Keep an eye out for the tape that developers are supposed to use to demarcate this.
Additionally, real estate brokers will inform you that each bedroom has space for at least a queen-sized bed. That may be the case, but it would be a tight fit if you had less than a meter or so to walk around the bed.
11. Pay attention to the unit’s fit and finish
Look for the little things that indicate a developer’s attention to detail and quality. Show apartments serve as a showcase for everything a developer has to offer. It might be a reason for concern if you notice indications of poor fit and finish, including badly glued or peeling laminate on the woodwork or improperly closing cabinet doors.
A developer’s pride in the project is evident in even the smallest details, such as the cleanliness or neatness of the bed linens.