Name(s) of Homeowner(s): Hazriq and Kelly Surattee
House Type: 3-bedroom Condo
Size of Home: 116 sq m
Duration of Renovation: 2 to 3 weeks
Cost of Renovation: $50,000
Interior Design Firm: DC Vision Design Pte Ltd
Name(s) of Designer(s): Don Loo
Pictures talk, and so do homes! Hazriq and Kelly own a home that is ‘modern Victorian’ yet thoroughly modern, with smart automation that talks to them and even ‘watches over’ their three lovely children
HomeRenoGuru: Why did you choose DC Vision Design for the second phase of your renovations?
Hazriq: We had used Don Loo when we first renovated our home and had been very happy with his service. So we followed him to his current company, DC Vision.
Hazriq and Kelly added built-in cabinets to their living area while remaining true to their ‘modern Victorian’ theme
HomeRenoGuru: What were the main objectives of this phase of your renovations?
Hazriq: We wanted to increase our storage space without affecting the floor space too much. We also wanted to upgrade and update the smart automation already in place. Of course, everything had to blend in with our ‘modern Victorian’ theme.
A place for everything and everything in its place – including a growing collection of holiday snapshots, now housed neatly in the floor-to-ceiling cabinets
HomeRenoGuru: Why did you choose to make your home a ‘smart’ one?
Hazriq: Basically the market is gradually moving towards smart homes – automated homes that allow you to control them both centrally and remotely, from IOS or Android devices. I wanted a home that you could ‘voice-control’ as well. “Alexa, turn on Apple TV!” (Alexa, the invisible concierge cum butler who ‘lives’ insides a small, discreet device in the living area, switched on Hazriq’s TV before our very eyes! – HomeReno Guru)See, Alexa switched on my Apple TV. Our home basically talks to us.
Smart space planning includes built-in and concealed storage under the beds, as you can see in this fully wired and ‘smart’ master bedroom
HomeRenoGuru: How was the renovation process?
Hazriq: Don is actually a very resourceful person. He knows all the connections, and who to look for, and he’s able to collaborate with them nicely. He was the single point of contact for everything. So I never had to look for the person who’s dealing with the home automation, or the person who’s dealing with the masonry works or the carpentry works. Basically, it’s just Don, and it’s that simple.
Fantastic space planning continues in the guest room cum study, which features a raised platform with concealed sliding drawers underneath
HomeRenoGuru: Do you have any advice for homeowners contemplating renovations?
Hazriq: I would say – plan for the future. If you are considering home automation, it’s much simpler to make provision for the cabling and wiring at renovation stage. So think ahead. Look at your needs in the future. If you have children, it gives you peace of mind to be able to ‘look in’ on them when you’re not at home.
HomeRenoGuru: Would you recommend Don and DC Vision Design to your family and friends?
Hazriq: I would recommend Don and DC Vision to all my friends and family out there.
Kelly, Katrina, Keanu and Karolyn: (All together now…)We love our home!
