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Got your first home? Off to meet your interior designer? Exciting stuff. But just before you run off, here are 7 tips on how to prepare for it so that your date with them will be as productive as possible.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1665712695718-1665712695718.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Set Goals&ldquo;What&rsquo;s my purpose in life?&rdquo; is the refrain of every man, woman, and child who&rsquo;s lost. Mankind can&rsquo;t live without a goal. Likewise, so do your renovation plans and potential ID &ndash; set a goal! Set specific expectations and objectives. Questions you want to consider are:<ul><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">How extensive will your renovation be? The whole house or just a room?</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">What level of detail and quality do you want?&nbsp;</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Are you renting? Or living in?&nbsp;</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">How and how often do you want progress reports?</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">What are your deadlines? Did you take into account possible complications?</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Do you have photos of the space to be remodelled?</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Are you aiming for a <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/singapore-2024-renovation-budget-does-having-design-styles-affect-your-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">budget renovation</a>, or do you need to factor in the typical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/singapore-2024-renovation-budget-condo-renovation-cost-forecast" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">condo renovation cost</a>?</li></ul>&nbsp;Figure out as much detail as you can but don&rsquo;t worry too much about the nitty gritty. Just having an idea is a great start.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1665712695742-1665712695742.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Design IdeasImagine a living room. With black highlights. And minimalist furniture. Chances are, what you&rsquo;re thinking of now, is wholly and completely different from the next person&hellip; or even your life partner! Mood boards to the rescue! Mood boards are essentially a collage of pictures that helps to set visual expectations. It&rsquo;s not just some school art project &ndash; pros use them too. Having one of these babies ensures that everyone is on the same page, from your partner to the interior designer to the contractors to even your neighbours&rsquo; pet dog.&nbsp; Be as detailed as you can with mood boards. Don&rsquo;t be shy. Show everything from colours, patterns, and carpentry to <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/6-hacks-for-more-functional-modern-bathroom-designs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">modern bathroom designs</a> and kitchen inspirations. Sort everything by rooms. Show photos of other homes you like. Any interior designer worth their salt will then tell you what&rsquo;s feasible, practical, and, most importantly, whether it&rsquo;s within budget.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1665712695764-1665712695764.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> BudgetRenovating without a budget is like leaving a starving kid in a candy store&hellip; they&rsquo;ll both get out of control. You&rsquo;ve got to have a budget! Also, having one helps your prospective interior designer advise on what will and won&rsquo;t work, and plan the next steps. And if your budget is tight, they&rsquo;ll be the best ones to offer up alternatives to get the best out of your buck. You&rsquo;re not good with money, you say? Just visit a few furniture and appliance shops, and a couple of interior design showrooms, to get a rough idea. Then start budgeting. DocumentsNothing&rsquo;s more boring than paperwork. But, alas, it&rsquo;s a necessary evil. Prep them papers. What papers? Floor plans and pictures, good fellow! They give interior designers a good idea of what they have to work with. All the electrical points, water piping, load bearing structures, and especially the dimensions of the house will be clear for your potential interior designer to see. Every little bit of such documents is crucial.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1665712695789-1665712695789.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Consider Your RoutineHave you thought about how you live? Now, don&rsquo;t get upset yet &ndash; this isn&rsquo;t a criticism about your lifestyle. Just think about how you live in your home. Think about:<ul><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">What&rsquo;s lacking in your present home?</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">What would make it better?</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">How will you use your home? Will it be your party-pad, cookshow set, office, or, fortress of solitude?</li></ul>&nbsp;Thinking about these things helps you communicate what will be important in your future home to the interior designer.&nbsp; Interrogate The Interior DesignerLast, but not least, put your interior designer under that spotlight. QC them. Make sure they&rsquo;re worthy of your trust. Ask about: <ul><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Past work samples.&nbsp;Ensure it&rsquo;s done by the same interior designer you&rsquo;re talking to. Request for their most recent work and see if their work revolves around what you want in your own home.</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Project Schedule. Demand it. It should detail every stage of the project. It&rsquo;ll give you an idea of what needs to be done when.</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">3D Visualisations. It&rsquo;s one thing to imagine what things will look like, it&rsquo;s another to actually see it from all angles. It&rsquo;ll set everybody&rsquo;s expectation on the same page.</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Interior Designer Involvement.&nbsp;Ask how involved the interior designer will be in YOUR project; interior designers often work on multiple projects. See how often you can meet up. Naturally, less work means less meetings, and vice versa.</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Payment Terms. Ask how often payments can be made. What&rsquo;s the deposit? Can it be paid in installments? Best practice: pay the last installment AFTER everything is done, not before.</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Warranty Period and Coverage. Some interior design firms offer warranty. Get specific T&amp;Cs. They should last 12 months from the date of completion in most cases. Discuss the terms, request a printed copy, and read said copy before signing it.</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1665712695809-1665712695809.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Keep An Open MindA renovation is a complicated business. It&rsquo;s easy to get overwhelmed especially if organising isn&rsquo;t your strong suit. The most important thing is to:<ul><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Be patient. Be open to an interior designer&rsquo;s ideas and advice. They understand the possibilities and limitations of a job.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Trust your Interior Designer. You&rsquo;ll burst a blood vessel second-guessing them - you are, after all, tapping them for their experience and expertise. &nbsp;That said, don&rsquo;t trust them blindly. Find one you feel comfortable with. A BIG RED FLAG is when they try to pressure you into making any decision. From those, walk away.</li></ul> Simplifying It Just A BitFinding and dealing with interior designers is tough work. To take the stress out of the initial process, look into SIXiDES&rsquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/equote">eQuote</a>&nbsp;&ndash; based on your budget and design preferences, you&#39;ll have a breakdown of renovation quotation, suggested layout plan and six recommended interior designers in less than a weekend!

Match with up to 6 ID firms for

Match with up to 6 ID firms foryour reno needs

Find Your Perfect ID Firm

Got your first home? Off to meet your interior designer? Exciting stuff. But just before you run off, here are 7 tips on how to prepare for it so that your date with them will be as productive as possible.

Meeting Your Designer For The First Time? Prep These 7 Things

SIXiDES is an interior design tech and renovation platform that uses tech to change the way people renovate their homes. Conceived as a means to safeguard aspiring homeowners in realizing their space with ease and peace of mind. SIXiDES unique features provide an integrated solution that guides the users right from the very beginning till the end of the renovation journey.

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You walk into a room, and something feels&hellip; off. The colours seem right. The furniture fits. And it&rsquo;s all well-lit. Chances are, the room lacks a focal point.&nbsp;&nbsp;Focal points are essential to human nature; we&rsquo;re always looking for something to rest our eyes on. In rooms, it helps anchor everything else in the room, serving as a mental shortcut to its form and function.&nbsp;This applies whether you&rsquo;re planning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/hdb-living-room-unleashing-the-charm-of-singaporean-lifestyles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">living room design Singapore&nbsp;</a>ideas or mapping out your next&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/singapore-2024-renovation-budget-condo-renovation-cost-forecast" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">condo renovation.</a>&nbsp;Here are 5 quick and easy ideas to create focal points in your home.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666329240585-1666329240585.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/honeycomb-design-studio">Honeycomb Design Studio</a> Wall Features For The EntrywayNaturally, this is where you want to make a good first impression. After all, in most homes, it&rsquo;s wall to the left and wall to the right. So, you only need to put something in front of the entrance. Any wall feature will do; wallpaper, picture frames, or even just a contrasting paint scheme. The one thing you want to be concerned about is that entryways almost always lead into the living room. When it comes to focal points, just like in The Highlander, there can only be one (in a room). Don&rsquo;t let the focal point spill into the other room.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img border="0" src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666328847104-1666328847104.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/apex-studios">Apex Studio</a> Potted Plant For The Living RoomRegardless of whether you&rsquo;ve got a minimalist or eccentric home, a potted plant will always stand out &ndash; perfect for a focal point. Now the only thing you&rsquo;ll have to consider is what plant you&rsquo;ll put there. Got lots of light? Get a plant that loves direct sunlight. Not so much? Buy one that likes a bit of shade. Finding the right plant is key to its very survival. Because you really don&rsquo;t want to keep replacing them forever. And for goodness sake, don&rsquo;t forget to water it.&nbsp;<img border="0" src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666328847129-1666328847129.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/kaizen-architecture">Kaizen Architecture</a> Light Fixtures For The Dining RoomIt goes without saying that the dining table would be the dining room&rsquo;s focal point. But why stop there? Put a light fixture over it. Then it doesn&rsquo;t just become the centre of attention, it subsequently directs attention to the table by throwing a halo over it. Just note that this works best with large and loud fixtures.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img border="0" src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666328847156-1666328847156.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/m2-decor">M2 Decor</a> Round Mirrors For The BathroomMirrors are a natural focal point in any space. It adds dimensions, reflects light, and, done right, serves as a sculptural decor. Getting one without angles would be a pro move because, admit it, how many homes have rounded mirrors? Plus, they look like portals into another world.&nbsp; <img border="0" src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666328847182-1666328847182.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/vendors/brands/wells-singapore">Wells Singapore</a> <span id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(29, 71, 93); font-family: Roboto, ui-sans-serif, system-ui; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;">Wells The One For The KitchenThe kitchen is the heart of any home. You really want to make a statement here. And Wells The One Water Dispenser serves this purpose exceedingly (pardon the pun) well. Unlike most focal points, this doesn&rsquo;t just draw attention with its premium design and construction, but it also serves as a highly functional and hygienic source of drinking water.&nbsp;It comes in various classy colours and, most recently, two pastel looks too &ndash; pink and mint, which makes it easy to match just about any kitchen. Apart from its eye-catching presence, its small footprint means it can fit just about anywhere, so you can install it where everyone can best see it. And if you&rsquo;re currently refreshing your kitchen as part of a <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CaseTrust renovation</a>, this dispenser fits beautifully into modern, certified renovation standards. To pick one of these statement pieces up, head on to:&nbsp;Wells Singapore Showroom140 Paya Lebar Road #03-06AZ @ Paya LebarSingapore 409015(Opposite Macpherson MRT)

You walk into a room, and something feels… off. The colours seem right. The furniture fits. And it’s all well-lit. Chances are, the room lacks a focal point. 

Make Your House Shine With Focal Points

Feng shui is a direct Mandarin translation of wind (&ldquo;feng&rdquo;) and water (&ldquo;shui&rdquo;). In Chinese culture, both elements are associated with energy. This energy, better known in feng shui as chi (&ldquo;气&rdquo;) can harnessed to our benefit, or act as a detrimental force. The difference comes down to our beliefs, practices and the chi in our lives. The flow of chi is therefore a critical part of feng shui.<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666922423948-1666922423948.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">1. Door Facing DoorAccording to feng shui theory, the openings of a house are where chi&nbsp;flows in and out. We call these openings chi kou (气口) in Chinese, which literally means &ldquo;the mouth of&nbsp;chi&rdquo;.&nbsp;When two &ldquo;mouths&rdquo; face each other, it can generate negative energy known as sha chi (煞气). This form of sha chi is termed dou kou sha (鬥口煞). Dou kou literally means &ldquo;arguing&rdquo;. This energy builds arguments or disharmony within the family.&nbsp;&nbsp;A practical explanation? When two doors swing open at the same time, the sudden motion can cause alarm or even accidental collisions &mdash; especially in narrower spaces like those commonly seen in <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/mastering-space-innovative-planning-for-your-4-room-hdb-flat-in-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4 room flat interior design</a> layouts.&nbsp;2. Door Facing Window Or Rear ExitIt is common knowledge in feng shui that if the front door aligns with the backdoor, all the chi that flows in from the front will go straight out the rear. Some superstitiously interpret this to mean wealth and opportunities will slip in through the front, and out the back, meaning a house is unable to retain wealth.&nbsp;On the practical side, this layout pulls visual focus straight to the back of the home. It&rsquo;s why designers working on everything from <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/why-the-hdb-red-lobby-freaked-everyone-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">private lift lobby design ideas</a> to <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/8-cool-home-mini-bar-designs-for-nonstop-celebration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">home mini bar designs</a> try to avoid such direct alignment, ensuring the home feels more balanced and inviting.<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666922423971-1666922423971.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">3. Bed Facing DoorWhen you lie on your bed as you normally would at night, if your feet face a door, feng shui practitioners would urge you to change your bed&rsquo;s position immediately. Known as the &ldquo;coffin position&rdquo; or &ldquo;dead man&rsquo;s position&rdquo;, it is deemed bad luck and bodes ill for your health because dead bodies traditionally are removed from a bedroom feet first. It is also believed that your bed facing a door (be it the main bedroom door or a balcony door) is imprudent as the door &ldquo;pulls&rdquo; your chi from you as you sleep, causing poor rest, and leaving you feeling restless and fretful in your own home. More chillingly, many cultures, even in Italy, have eerie superstitions about sleeping with your feet facing the door. Some believe evil spirits may drag you out the door while you slumber.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you live in a small space and you have no other place to put your bed, you can break the pull of chi by blocking the foot of your bed with a lounge chair or ottoman.&nbsp;Logically speaking, not having your bed face the door protects your modesty as you sleep. Sometimes people sleep in compromising positions, often with our clothes in disarray. It is much easier to catch an unwanted glimpse up your sleeping shorts or nightdress with the foot of your bed facing the bedroom door than in any other position.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666922423988-1666922423988.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">4. Bed Facing MirrorAccording to feng shui, if you aren&#39;t sleeping well, a mirror in your bedroom could be the culprit. In feng shui, a mirror facing the bed depletes your chi and creates sleeplessness. As a mirror doubles and reflects all chi, including negative energies, it disrupts the serenity of a bedroom and rattles your peace. Hanging a mirror on the wall facing your bed can also invite third parties into a couple&rsquo;s relationship and result in infidelity.&nbsp;Speaking from logic, most people fall asleep and wake up feeling groggy and disoriented. If you have a mirror right next to you when you sleep, you will notice any movement from the mirror&rsquo;s reflection. This triggers in your brain a false sense of movement in that area, and may creep you out, especially in a dark or dimmed room. This makes for a fitful sleep, heightening your senses and making you unnecessarily alert.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1666922424015-1666922424015.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-a-mirror-facing-the-front-door-1274597" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thespruce</a> &nbsp;5. Mirror Facing Front DoorPlacing a mirror on the opposite wall of the front door is said to cause both good and bad chi that is absorbed by this crucial chi kou to bounce around relentlessly, which could cause unsettling disturbances in the family. It is also believed a mirror &ldquo;pushes&rdquo; all good fortune or chi out of your home by reflecting it out upon entry.&nbsp;Scientifically speaking, our eyes are embedded with motion detectors, and unexpected movements in a mirror may be alarming. If a mirror is right in front of you when you enter the home, you may feel as if someone is walking towards you, and get a fright. This is a nasty experience for guests and homeowners alike.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Front Door Facing StairsSome&nbsp;feng shui&nbsp;practitioners caution that if a stairway faces the front door, you may experience many &ldquo;ups and downs&rdquo; in your life. Some also believe wealth will roll down the stairway and straight out of the door.&nbsp;A logical explanation for avoiding this layout is that your attention will naturally be drawn to the stairway upon entering the house. The second floor is usually a private space out of bounds to guests, and this may cause awkwardness as guests may feel as if the staircase &ldquo;invites&rdquo; them up while social decorum forbids them from invading others&rsquo; privacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;In feng shui, besides &ldquo;blocking&rdquo; the chi, you can subtly divert it away. Using carpets or partitions that mimic a road or create a pathway that leads away from the stairs and to the living room area is one way to do it.&nbsp;As you can see, feng shui places heavy emphasis on the front door. In a typical caricature of a small landed house, a front door can be thought of as the &ldquo;mouth of the house&rdquo;, with adjacent windows posing as the eyes - you get the drift. The &ldquo;mouth&rdquo; is how the house absorbs good or bad energy. Good energy equates to a healthy diet, allowing occupants of a home a living space filled with positive vibes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Logically, the front door also creates a first impression for visitors, and impacts the mentality and mood of homecoming occupants. A well maintained door that swings inwards gives you a welcoming vibe, whereas a poorly maintained entrance that swings outwards not only dampens your mood but forces you to take a few steps back before you may enter; a subtle but powerful difference in the welcome you are given.

Feng shui is a direct Mandarin translation of wind (“feng”) and water (“shui”). In Chinese culture, both elements are associated with energy. 

The Science Behind Feng Shui Beliefs And Superstitions

Keeping the dog(s) quiet. Helping aunty carry groceries up 20 stories. Not cranking Led Zeppelin to 11 past midnight. All fine examples of good neighbourly conduct. And you know what else is? Not burning the whole building down because you cheaped out, getting non-fire-rated doors for your apartment, and then setting the building ablaze trying to cook wok hei char kuey teow. For this reason, amongst many others, authorities insist that every premises owner install fire-rated doors.This applies whether you&#39;re planning a <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/mastering-space-innovative-planning-for-your-4-room-hdb-flat-in-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4 room flat interior design</a> makeover, engaging <a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">interior design firms</a>, or even budgeting your <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/singapore-2024-renovation-budget-condo-renovation-cost-forecast" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">condo renovation cost</a>. Now the question is, can any door become fire-rated? Sadly, it&rsquo;s not that simple. To better prepare you for getting proper fire-protection for your home and your neighbours (because you ARE a good neighbour), here are 4 myths about fire-rated doors you must know about.<h1> </h1><h1>Myth 1: Just Slap On Fireproof Paint To Make Fire Doors</h1>An oldie by goldie, this myth. While there are paints that are fire retardant, these do not make a fire-rated door. Laws and regulations demand a lot more. The materials, parts, measurements, fit, and even installation need to be very precise and very specific, all done by a certified door manufacturer. Everything has to be tested and certified to comply with these guides. Don&rsquo;t put your faith on just a layer of paint; make sure the whole door is fire-rated.<h1> </h1><h1>Myth 2: Don&#39;t Mind The Gap Between Fire Doors And Their Frames</h1>Actually, the government minds the gap VERY much. It has to be installed by a certified technician to ensure that the fire-rated door is a snug as bug. That tight gap keeps smoke and toxic fumes from passing through the door. Any less and the door will only ever be as good as a leaky boat made of paper. So these gaps need to be neither too big nor too small but just right. On top of all that, fire seals that help contain fires onto one side (doesn&rsquo;t matter which side) need to be installed all around the door. All these are non-negotiable.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1668690741941-1668690741941.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Photo Credit: Keep your corridor or any areas near your escape free of clutter (<a href="https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/corridor-after-clean-feels-different-place" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">asiaone</a>)<h1> </h1><h1>Myth 3: Light And Mobile Furniture Can Sit Near Fire-Rated Doors</h1>No. Just no. Not even dollhouse ones. Fire is neither courteous or polite. It won&rsquo;t patiently wait for you to gingerly tip toe around or move obstacles. It&rsquo;ll rage and rush to burn everything in its path. If you trip over anything in your mad dash for safety, it&rsquo;s game over for you. Keep the path towards fire-rated doors clear of anything and everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1><img border="0" src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1668690741959-1668690741959.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"></h1>Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/vendors/brands/an-digital-lock">AN Digital Lock</a><h1> </h1><h1>Myth 4: Any Digital Door Lock Will Do For Fire Doors</h1>If only it were that simple. Sadly no. Fire doors are a whole package; any compromise and it stops being a fire door. Fire-rated doors need fire-rated locks. This applies even to digital locks too. How do you know if what you are buying is a fire-rated door and/or lock? Look for certification issued by relevant government approved testing bodies, such as Singapore Testing Service (STS), PSB , and SETSCO. In search of one this very moment? Then you&rsquo;re in luck &ndash; AN Digital Lock has six models that are totally fire-rated. That&rsquo;s more than any other store in Singapore. So whether you&rsquo;re looking for keyed or keyless, passcode or fingerprint, smart locks or simple locks, they&rsquo;ve got you covered.&nbsp;In addition to fire-rated digital locks, AN Digital Lock also offers fire-rated doors to match. Any doubts and worries you have about fire-rated doors can be answered by their friendly consultants. Find AN Digital Lock at: PAYA LEBAR140 Paya Lebar Road #01-02, AZ@Paya Lebar.Singapore 409015&nbsp;SEMBAWANG2 Gambas Crescent, #01-07 Nordcom 2Singapore 757044&nbsp;BOON LAY18 Boon Lay Way, #01-98C, Tradehub 21Singapore 609966&nbsp;Phone:&nbsp;<a href="tel:+65 69666788" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">+65 6966 6788</a>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:enquiry@andigitallock.com">enquiry@andigitallock.com</a>Opening Hours: 11am to 8pm &nbsp;

Keeping the dog(s) quiet. Helping aunty carry groceries up 20 stories. Not cranking Led Zeppelin to 11 past midnight. All fine examples of good neighbourly conduct.

Top 4 Myths About Fire-Rated Doors

The last tile has been laid down, the paint has dried, and you&rsquo;ve finally got your keys back. Time to celebrate now the dust has settled, yes? Funny you should say that (or just imagine you did if you didn&rsquo;t). Chances are, your brand spanking new home is dustier than the tomb of Tutankhamun . The worst part? Construction dust has a habit of sticking around for days, weeks, and, sometimes, even months after your renovation. This is why some homeowners even opt for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/places-to-stay-during-a-renovation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">temporary housing during home renovation</a>, especially when working with companies that follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/quide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CaseTrust renovation</a>&nbsp;standards. So how does one get rid of the scourge of newly renovated homes? Here are 5 tips for getting it all clean.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1669895112907-happy-beautiful-asian-woman-smiling-drinking-cup-coffee-tea-near-window-bedroom-young-latin-girl-open-curtains-relax-morning-lifestyle-lady-home.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Before You Begin: VentilationBefore and after cleaning, you should consider every fan and/or air circulator in the house. If there&rsquo;s one thing that keeps dust from settling down, it&rsquo;s a good wind. Where possible, you&rsquo;ll want to have all the dust blown out an open window or door for as long as possible.&nbsp;What about air-purifiers? They&rsquo;re excellent for improving air quality and they will do a great job at removing construction dust. The problem is that they often have very, VERY expensive filters and there is A LOT of dust to clear out. Your filters will get clogged faster than you can sneeze. Not the best way to spend your money. For the very same reason, you&rsquo;ll want to avoid turning the air-conditioners on so soon after a renovation. Dust will just get trapped in them and then it&rsquo;ll be a call to the technicians to come and service your brand new air-con.Needless to say, before you start cleaning, turn the fans off; it&rsquo;ll only make it harder to clean up.&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1669895093999-young-man-cleaning-air-conditioner-indoors-home.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Dust Ceilings, Fans, And Light FixturesWith any clean up, you&rsquo;ll want to start from the top and finish at the bottom. Keeps dust from settling down onto clean surfaces. And that even includes the ceiling. Yes, you read it right &ndash; the ceiling. Construction dust is like the Spiderman of dusts, it just sticks onto any surface. It&rsquo;ll need dusting and, where possible, a wipe.&nbsp; And if you only clean the ceiling, you&rsquo;ve only done half the job. Don&rsquo;t forget that fans and light fixtures also live there too. That way, you won&rsquo;t blow dust down onto yourselves and the rooms will be a lot brighter.Clean the walls If dust can stick to the ceiling, it sure can stick to the walls too. You&rsquo;ll want to work on this AFTER giving all the stuff above you a good clean. Because of gravity. Gravity will pull that dust downwards and walls are its next stop. Dry mops followed by wet ones are a quick and excellent way to make short work of this part of the house. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1669895020464-cleaner-cleans-office-by-wiping-dust-from-shelves.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Clean Every Surface That&#39;s Not The FloorNext stop: anything that&rsquo;s not on the floor. A good place to start is the highest furniture. Cupboard tops, high open shelves, and floor lamps tend to harbour dust. After that, give your appliances and devices a good wipe. Which appliances? All of them. TV, router, washing machine, air-conditioners, toaster, etc. Only then do you work on tabletops and low shelving.Remember, clean everything from top to bottom, not the other way around. This step is especially important after any <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">interior design &amp; renovation</a>, when dust settles into every corner imaginable.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1669895044217-ASIAN-%7E1.JPG" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Vacuum, Sweep, MopWhen you&rsquo;ve done all that, you can finally focus on the floor. There&rsquo;s a process for this too. Yes, proper cleaning is a science. Dry to wet. If you start mopping before either vacuuming or sweeping,, well, think about this: Which would be easier to clean up: dirt or mud? So the proper way to do this is vacuum first. This removes fine dust and deposits it all in a nice neat bag. For the bagless variety, make sure you empty that bag OUTSIDE the house. Otherwise you&rsquo;ll just reintroduce some of it back into the home.Second, you sweep. This is to remove larger debris that the vacuum couldn&rsquo;t lift off the ground.&nbsp; Finally, mop. Soap and water lifts dust off nook and crannies. Just be sure that you mop in the same direction for each room or you&rsquo;ll just be shifting dirt back and forth. Now You&#39;re Done... Kinda.Despite all that, you&#39;ll most likely have to repeat the process one more time. Construction dust is kind of disrespectful that way. But doing it right means having to do it less often. Happy cleaning.

The last tile has been laid down, the paint has dried, and you’ve finally got your keys back. Time to celebrate now the dust has settled, yes? Funny you should say that (or just imagine you did if you didn’t).

Meeting Your Designer For The First Time? Prep These 7 Things

Got your first home? Off to meet your interior designer? Exciting stuff. But just before you run off, here are 7 tips on how to prepare for it so that your date with them will be as productive as possible.

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