My ID thinks it’s ok for her to decide my laminate for me
One week before the latest handover date.
Some stuff finally fixed, quality a lot better than previous versions. But as always, there are surprises. Or better termed as shocks.
Noticed another laminate has been used for the refabrication of wardrobe doors (done by Carpenter B) and laundry area (done by Carpenter A). ID shared that different batches of laminate may vary significantly. Then we chanced upon the laminate code written by Carpenter B on the wardrobe doors. ID said she will check with both carpenters, so ok we thought maybe is both carpenters’ error.
2 hours later, ID called us up and said she was the one who selected the new laminate. Huh then why initially say could be batch, and need to check with carpenters? Apparently the old laminate was discontinued (yes I called EDL to double check) so she selected a new one and went ahead with the fabrication and installation. At no point were we, as owners of this property, were informed nor consulted.
It was very upsetting because we really like that EDL laminate (took us 5 laminate firms to finally find something we like) and now half the house is old laminate, the other half is new laminate. What is even more upsetting is it felt like ID was trying to smoke her way through, hoping we don’t notice it? Then maybe next time tell us to get used to it? I don’t know. I really dislike the new laminate though.
Solution proposed as of today is to stick a third laminate on top of current old and new laminates to make everything consistent. Really? My finally fixed trifold door cannot fold anymore how? Won’t everything look very thick and bulky? The side profiles leh? Will there be issues arising from a laminate-on-laminate situation?
How to not anxious you tell me? Of course, handover will definitely not be end of this month. Once again, the monthly “month end handover” not gonna happen. I mean, what’s new? I should have gotten used to this by now.
From my own experience, having a clear and documented agreement with your interior designer (ID) on materials and finishes is critical. In this story, the homeowner was shocked to discover that the ID selected a new laminate unilaterally because the original EDL laminate was discontinued, leading to a mismatched look between wardrobe doors and laundry areas. This situation highlights the importance of transparency and consultation during renovation projects. Laminates, especially those like EDL or Jennings, can differ significantly between batches or brands. Choosing a substitute without informing the owner can cause dissatisfaction, as homeowners often spend considerable time selecting specific materials. When different laminates are installed side-by-side—as mentioned with two carpenters using different batches or brands—it can lead to aesthetic inconsistency that is visually unappealing. The proposed solution to overlay a third laminate layer to achieve uniformity may cause more issues, such as difficulty in door functionality, added bulk, and potential complications with door profiles. This can compromise both form and function. In my renovation projects, I’ve learned to always insist on receiving samples or photos of any substitutions beforehand, along with a written approval process. If a material becomes unavailable or discontinued, it’s reasonable for the ID to propose alternatives but not to proceed without homeowner consent. Lastly, understanding the roles of carpenters and contractors can help homeowners verify which party is responsible for certain decisions or errors. This story serves as a cautionary tale: empower yourself with knowledge, maintain open lines of communication, and emphasize shared decision-making to avoid renovation nightmares and ensure a satisfying home makeover.
