Centris Getting Ready Part 1

I took half day urgent leave last Tuesday bcos I had to meet the contractor. The mini renovation for Centris is finally completed and the contractor was handing over the unit. I also needed the contractor to drill holes to mount a couple of things as well as to assemble the ikea furniture that we bought. We could have done the latter ourselves but lack the proper tools and time.

We didn't do much for Centris. In fact, the unit had been very well maintained by the previous owners and tenants. It looks good enough to move in when we 1st took over. We simply gave it a new coat of paint, repaired the broken parts, built in new bunk beds for the kids, built in a bed headboard and a mini study table for the master bedroom and finally completed the renovation with a good chemical wash. All these set us back by about $6.5k.

I was absolutely right to pay the contractors to assemble the furniture. There weren’t much – 2 study tables, 4 high chairs and 1 wall hanger. It would probably take Daddy Lim hours if he has to manage those alone. The contractors were absolutely efficient and had the furniture done in less than 30 mins. Woohoo!

While the contractors were hard at work, I went to JP to buy mop and towels, intending to start cleaning up after the contractors were done. I also tested out and walked to the new school bus pick up point, confirming that it is a 2 mins’ fast walk away.

After my purchases, I was happy to find the exit that is nearest to Centris, having to lug so many things home. Then, I had to go to JP a 2nd time to buy a broom when I realized that the old vacuum cleaner that I had lugged over is no longer working. It had been years since we last used that vacuum cleaner. I looked totally auntie, lugging a broom in JP.

I even lugged the broom to Courts to collect the new vacuum cleaner. How ironical?! The more I tried to hide the broom, the worse it became. At one point, I even dropped the broom with a loud “piak” echoing the store, inviting people to turn and look at me while waiting to collect my vacuum cleaner. Aiyo.

Just when I stepped into Centris, I learnt that the contractors had spilled paint on the floor and were busied cleaning up. The pungent smell of thinner filled the air and they insisted that the paint is water paint and is not harmful to the already worn parquet floor. Ya, my foot but I don't think there is a case for compensation.

I then made the 3rd trip to JP bcos they had used the only pail in the house to fill thinner to clean the paint. It didn't make sense to use the same pail to now clean the entire house. At the end of the 3rd trip, JP didn't feel that near to Centris anymore. Zzzzz.

The real work started after the contractors left. They helped to clear up the big junks and I swept and mopped the floor. I mopped the floor 2x (3x for the paint-spilled room) and wouldn't be surprised to find it dusty a few days later. That is always the case with empty houses.

Counting down.

Mummy Lim