Another set of materials were ordered today by Mang Rey. Most of the materials were for electrical works.
Mang Alexandro and Jeff completed stripping the T&B with its tiles. They just left untouched a small patch of tiles behind the pipe since the piping around the T&B will be concealed.
The wall-hung home entertainment system cabinet which I designed was assembled today by Mang Rey and Mang Eric. I closely worked with them to ensure that the measurements were precisely followed. I was amazed to learn that the cabinet can hold more than 60 kilos of load. Mang Rey himself sat on it and before I could protest he explained that the mounting was strong.
The long wait is finally over! I have already reached an agreement with the contractor who will undertake the interior renovation work in my condo.
At early morning today, I picked up the would-be foreman at a bus station in Cubao. He is from Isabela so he had to travel to Manila in order to see the site and to quote his price for the work.
We had breakfast first then we headed to the new condo. After I showed him the floor plan and detailed the work that will have to be undertaken, he named his price. Having had previous discussions with other contractors, I have already made prior computations and when we eventually got to the figure that will work out best for the two of us, I decided to award the work him.
Later in the afternoon I was back in the area scouting for lumber and hardware stores. I was already given a list of materials to buy and, fortunately, despite the dry and humid Sunday afternoon, I found one store near the condo which has all the materials that I needed. Arrangements were already made and I was informed to expect the materials to be delivered to following day.
This weekend I am going to two furniture shops to finalize the designs of the custom-made pieces of furniture for my new condo. I'll probably be able to start the necessary renovation by the last week of January, but as early as now I am sorting out all the necessary furniture and fixtures. Wish me luck in the design discussions! I hope I could get a good deal.
My journey began early in September 2009 when I became really serious about owning a residential property. For nearly five years, I was renting a condominium unit within the confines of the business district in Makati. I admit that I started quite complacent about owning my own house because my work and my hobby take me to different countries and I find the rented space appropriate to my priorities. I was fortunate that the space I was renting (including parking space), didn’t share a big chunk of my monthly expense despite the location being conducive. I was living less than 10 minutes away (i.e. with relatively light traffic) from shopping malls, wet market, hospitals, churches and even my company’s head office. However, I had enough of Makati; it has literally become a comfort zone and this has somehow retarded the zest that I have for life. I wanted to experience something new; I wanted to reinvent myself. I wanted to be somewhere else.
Priorities do change overtime and alongside my desire to move out, I eventually found myself wanting to live in my own property. Much like everyone else, my first choice was to own a house and lot. My work, lifestyle, financial capacity and my aversion to long-term debt had made me change my mind. I soon realized owning a house and lot will require me to make use of my life’s savings should I choose to free myself from decades of mortgage. I crimp at the idea of being in debt for so many years. I must have inherited from my parents the same aversion to debt.
My next choice then was to buy a condo unit which would cost less than a house and lot. After many sleepless nights, I chanced upon this online forum with relatively comprehensive listing of condominium developments around Metro Manila. I found one that seemed to offer residential units and parking spaces within reasonable terms and with all the amenities that are important to me. After a quick call to the developer, an agent got back to me with the initial details that I needed and within two days after my first call, I visited the site. What followed were weeks of calls and meetings with my agent. The interactions were sometimes unproductive because my agent was neophyte in his field. Nearly always, he was unable to address my questions. Two more people from the developer eventually got involved and there was positive development in the outcome of the discussions. In December 29, I was informed that all the necessary paper works had been completed and the key to my condominium unit will be handed over to me in January. It was the news I was ecstatic to hear! A new home is definitely a good way to start the year!
In choosing the condominium unit, I was initially concerned how the 30-square meter floor area will house all the stuff that I have collected over the years. How could it possibly be a comfortable home for me? How could it be a cozy place for my guests? How can such a space support the usual activities that I do at home? These were just a few of the questions that I asked myself. Always up for any challenge, I eventually found it in me to think creatively. Asking around, researching online and reading magazines and books were the activities that I primarily resorted to in order to answer my questions. All the efforts paid off since I was eventually able to create a floor plan with a fusion of modern and oriental themes along with these amenities:
Walk-in closet;
Kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets providing ample space for all appliances and cooking stuff;
Cozy dining area;
Zen garden;
Spa ambiance in the T&B with bathtub;
Living room complete with home theatre setup;
An isolated bedroom; and
A reading room that doubles as a mini-office.
With some help from equally creative friends, I managed to have them all in such a tiny space. Or, perhaps, not that tiny after all? So this is how my journey started. I still want to have my own house and lot –- who wouldn’t? However, while I continue to work on that plan, I am enjoying every step of the way in making my condo unit a livable space –- my very own place under the sun. In a metropolis where space is a luxurious commodity –- and a pricey one at that –- I am keen on making my home a little less than ordinary. I am certain I cannot make a castle out of it; but, hey, who said I cannot live like royalty in my own 30-square meter universe?
This blog aims to inspire those living in small spaces and dreaming to make the most out of every inch. I have recently bought a thirty square meter condominium unit in one of the cities in the metro. I got a good deal from the developer; after running my computations and reassessing my priorities, I decided it was a good deal worth taking. Through this blog, I am documenting my journey in maximizing what others may consider a cramped space into what I call my own comfortable universe. I hope you find inspiration in my journey and, in your own way, muster the creativity to transform your space. Welcome to my blog!
