1. What methods of payment does DIC accept？

According to a strictly standard procedures of ISO, our company commits ourselves to provide a great quality service to our customer with excellence management concept. We also anchored in a strong bond and continuous to improve.

In order to protect the interests of customers and the security reason, our company staff or designers are prohibited to receive cash or money transfer to any personal account. Our company do not require customer to pay cash for any discount or promotion. we are not responsible for any private transaction between designer and customer.

Our company regulation for employees requires our designer cannot receive any cash or money transfer to their personal bank account. Payment method only by check, credit card or bank transfer to the company account. Checks payable to the " 豪迅有限公司" or Globe Sense limited", please summit crossed check and delete " holder or Bearer".

For any further comments to our company management or service, please calls us at 9698 8869 Kevin Chan or email : [email protected].

We are appreciate for your most value opinion.

2. How would DIC handle employees who privately take on projects with the company’s clients？
In recent years there has been an increase of cases where employees unfairly obtain their company’s businesses by privately taking on customers’ projects which were originally meant for their company without their company’s knowledge. As a member of the Hong Kong Famous Designers Association, DIC regards stopping these unfair industry practices as a matter of duty and will report any of such employees’ details to the Association. Once confirmed, those individuals will be blacklisted in the trade.

We encourage anyone to provide information on any known unfair industry practices. Report hotline 9688 1963 Kevin Chan
3. When would you pay a visit to measure the dimensions of the flat？

Generally, the floor plan can be found online. Clients can also provide the floor plan to us with correct proportion. Our professional designers can calculate the real dimensions according to the floor plan. Therefore, it is not necessary to visit the flat instantly. For certain older buildings, tenements and village house, however, it is much harder to find their floor plans online. It would be the best if clients can provide the floor plan to us in such case.

Firstly, Design Information Centre will provide free initial quotation to clients according to their requests. During the process, our designers will provide an appropriate quotation according to the needs and design requests of the clients. Clients could visit our branches for further understanding if the construction budget could fulfill their needs. If clients confirm to choose Design Information Centre, we will arrange specialized staff to visit the unit and measure the dimensions after they signed the invoice and paid the deposit.

It would be a waste of time for both parties if we pay the visit for dimension measuring at once without learning the needs of clients, proposing a construction budget exceeds what client wants or clients find that we are not suitable for them. Therefore, we would only arrange a visit to measure the dimensions of the unit after initial quotation is provided and received initial deposit.

4. Are there any installment arrangements available？
Design Information Centre can offer 12-month, 24-month or 36-month interest-free installment choices of several banks. It is because of our well-developed foundation and stable financial condition, we are able to obtain back-ups from different banks. You could enjoy our services with 12-month, 24-month or 36-month interest-free installments if you own any credit cards from either one of the 8 banks below:

12-month interest-free installment:
HSBC, Bank of China, Fubon Bank, Dah Sing Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Manhattan, American Express

24-month interest-free installment:
HSBC, Fubon Bank, Dah Sing Bank

36-month interest-free installment:
HSBC

Besides, clients could pay with a combination of several credit cards
e.g. In case of a $200,000 bill but the credit limit of the Standard Chartered Bank credit card is just $80,000, the one of Dah Sing Bank is $100,000 and the one of Bank of China is $40,000, clients could pay the bill with the combination of the three credit cards at one time.
5. How to calculate credit limit of the credit cards regarding installment issues？

If a client consumes $330,000, the bank will deduct $330,000 credit limit one-off even in case of installment. When the client pays the installment monthly, the credit limit will gradually resumes according to the paid amount.

6. How long would the effect drawing take from the date of invoice？

We shall provide the effect drawing to clients within 14 days from the date of invoice. Firstly, designers will find out clients’ specific requirements on design, lending out certain design books for their reference, and suggest clients to collect their favorite design pieces. Designers will then create the effect drawing for clients. In general, designers will fully understand clients’ needs within 2-3 times effect drawing adjustments and the ISO standard also required that no more than 3 effect drawing alternations should be made. However, Design Information Centre will make further changes for clients just in case, until clients fully satisfied with the designs.

7. Is it necessary to buy renovation insurance？
In case of any accidents happened or third party injury is involved during renovation works period, the flat owner has to bear all the related responsibility. Despite the fact that Design Information Centre has bought Labour Insurance for our staff, which means our staff would be protected if any accidents happened, all the responsibility would be borne by the flat owner, however, if anybody (including the third party) is injured due to the location of works. Therefore, clients should buy renovation insurance. When selecting renovation companies, consumers should pay attention if their renovation company has suggested them to buy renovation insurance or not so as to protect their rights.
8. What is the meaning of “hand-over date”？
A hand-over date means the date which Design Information Centre changed the lock provided by client and signed a “hand-over record”. On the hand-over date, Design Information Centre will sign a “hand-over record” with client, in order to record the remaining follow-up items and protect the rights of both parties.
9. What if there are still remaining issues or supplementary parts issues during the hand-over date? Which items are included within the 3-year free structural guarantee?
Design Information Centre will sign a “hand-over record” with client during the hand-over date. The “hand-over record” will list out the remaining issues that Design Information Centre will provide follow-up and will fix them up soonest as possible.

3-year free structural guarantee (includes remaining follow-up items within “hand-over record”’) contains all project items responsible by Design Information Centre which are within mutually signed agreement or follow-up items (hardware fittings, items we purchased for clients and artificial damage are not included within guarantee period). We will reserve the right and responsibility to undertake the project if clients request Design Information Centre to follow-up items beyond the agreement. Clients have to pay related project fee (the amount of fabric and hardware fittings involved would be calculated according to payment invoice) if Design Information Centre follow-up items beyond agreement contents, and those items would not be included within 3-year free structural guarantee.
10. Under what circumstances that the hand-over date would be postponed?

There are few possibilities for hand-over date postponement:

  • In case of typhoon or black rainstorm happened during works period, normal construction works would be delayed. Depends on the number of stoppage dates, the hand-over date would be postponed accordingly.
  • Hand-over date would be affected if clients request for additional items after the signage of the drawing. Clients have to fill in “add-on furniture / renovation works agreement” for every additional item. If the additional items have an effect on the postponement of hand-over date, the renew hand-over date should be agreed by both parties and would be effective only after the signage of clients.
  • Hand-over date would be affected if clients requested to change the dimension of the furniture drawing or on-site construction drawing after signing all furniture drawing and on-site construction drawing with Design Information Centre.

11. Additional items means…?

All project items should be agreed mutually and then signed on the agreement during the quotation process. If clients request to add on additional furniture / project items after the signage of agreement, those items would be named as “additional items”. Design Information Centre would then sign an “add-on furniture / renovation works agreement” with clients and state the amount of the additional items clearly inside such agreement. This agreement has to be signed by clients so as to protect the rights of both parties.

12. How to calculate the 3-year free structural guarantee?

3-year free structural guarantee takes effect within 3 years starting from the date we changed the lock (provide by clients) for clients, that is, the hand-over date. Clients may make a call to projects department of Design Information Centre at 2690 0181 if there are any items which need our follow-up (e.g. items on renovation or furniture stated within agreement).

13. Is it better to visit the Design Information Centre branches rather than making a call?

In case of telephone enquiry, Design Information Centre would suggest clients to visit our branches after understanding their basic requests through the phone. It is because there are a large number of design cases and themes in the branches for clients’ reference. In addition, designers can explain to clients clearly face-to-face if there are points that clients cannot get across. Besides, there are huge amount of design books in the branches, which would be helpful for clients to find their ideal designs.

However, our senior designers would work outside most of the time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to make an appointment in advance before making a visit to our branches.

14. There would be a big gap between initial quotation and the actual amount?
There should not be a big difference in general. According to ISO requirement and the professionalism of our designers, the difference between the initial quote and actual amount will generally not exceed 10%. This 10% difference may happen because designers calculate the price according to layout plan for the initial quote, where the layout plan may be different from the actual flat in certain aspects. In other cases, clients may request to add-on certain items which did not mention before (during initial quote). The actual amount may exceed 10% of the initial quotation in such cases. And also the designers may have some changes on the design according to the actual situation, and thus the price will be changed.

If clients think that our quote is within their budget and choose Design Information Centre, we will sign an “agreement” with clients after issuing invoice and making initial deposit. The “agreement” will list out all project items in detail together with the related prices. Clients could clearly understand every single detail of the project and ensure that cases of unclear or unreasonable quotation would not be happened.
15. How to protect property of our clients?
To avoid property loss of clients, Design Information Centre will set up separate client property, work tools and waste materials areas in the flat under renovation. Property of clients will be separated from work tools or waste materials so as to avoid chances of accidental contacts which may cause property loss.

Besides, clients could minimize any potential danger of property loss further by choosing our paid service to protect their property:
  • Flooring protection: Cover the original flooring with EPE Pearl Wool with the addition of 1/10 inch plywood as further protection.
  • Cover the marble windowsill, wooden door, door frame and electrical appliances (air-conditioner) with EPE Pearl Wool.
16. What are the differences between plywood board and fiber board?
Plywood board is made from layers of wood veneer under compression, where fiber board is made from matchwood, foreign substance and glue under compression.

  Advantages Disadvantages
Plywood Board: The boards are less likely to swell when contact with water vapour and therefore more durable Low in density, needs to put on thicker paints and hence more likely to peel off paints
Price relatively higher than fiber board
     
Fiber Board: Low in density, so it is easier to paint and have a better outlook
Price relatively cheaper than plywood board		 When contact with water vapour, fiber board is more likely to swell and become soft, and therefore less durable
     
17. What should I do if the flat has indication of water seepage?
Design Information Centre will search the root of the problem and find out the solution if we face any problems during the works period. For example, if water seepage happened in the flat, we will find an independent professional company on testing water seepage to do the related tests and find out the source of water seepage. This could ensure fairness towards clients and the renovation company.

If the test result shown that it is the responsibility of flat owner or design company, the payment and responsibility involved would be borne by the flat owner or design company correspondently. Conversely, if the test result shown that the water seepage problem is not related to flat owner or design company, the payment and responsibility involved would be borne by the property management company. In fact, flat owner could seek claim from insurance company for this kind of payment. Again, it reflected that It is important to buy an insurance that includes everything involved the renovation works and beyond.
18. How many types of skirting boards are there?

There are skirting boards made of tile, wood or plastic. Different kind of materials brings out a distinctive feeling. Basically, only a handful of people would use plastic skirting boards nowadays because of its less favorable outlook. However, certain developers would use plastic skirting boards to cover TV antenna cable and telephone line cable inside. For residences of this kind, please note that the antenna could not put together with the power cable when you change the flooring tiles, altering locations or add TV switch, because it will affect signal reception of the antenna. TV antenna should be placed at the top of the plastic trough, where the power cable should be place at the bottom of it. It is necessary to notify the renovation worker paying extra care on the placement of cables inside the plastic skirting trough for any newly installed switches.

When design floor cabinet, it should be note that drawer should not be made in the lower level. The switch location of the skirting board should leave at least 3 inches space to facilitate cable installation. Nevertheless, if the TV cabinet locates at the head position of the signal cable or internet cable, the TV cabinet must be made flexible and leave space for broadband company to install cable, which means that the gap of the cabinet should not be closed.

19. Is it necessary to fully understand whole structure of the flat during the design process?

It would be the best if we could fully understand whole structure of the flat during design process. For example, if we know the power cable location of the flat during design process, designers could avoid the power cable locations when they design the flat, and would not drill into the power cable when they install other furniture of the flat. If we are unclear about the location of the power cable inside the flat, sudden alternations may take place on-site during works period and leads to confusions.

**For The Zenith, its original power cable location at the living room TV cabinet lies along the wall and extends towards the ceiling. If it is needed to install wall-hanging TV, the positioning of the TV hanger have to be adjusted on-site so as to avoid drilling through the cable during installation. In addition, when the power cable lies along the wall and extends towards the ceiling, one must pay extra care when they install the lightings as well.

20. What is the meaning and purpose of flat site visit with clients?

After the initial deposit has been received and before the renovation works commence, Design Information Centre will arrange an on-site visit for clients. We will bring clients to visit a flat which is close to the hand-over period, so clients could have a first-hand experience on our project quality. Clients should let our designers know once they discover any problems or dissatisfactions regarding construction quality.

Such an act could well avoid any potential future arguments.

If our staff has made an appointment with a client for three times already and the client still cannot make it, then the client would lose the right for the site visit automatically. We will record all the information regarding site visit into the “client site visit record”. Clients have to sign back to confirm even if they are giving up the right for site visit.

21. How to avoid industrial accidents mentioned in the newspaper all the time?

Most of the accidents mentioned in the newspaper are either due to workers’ improper usage of the safety belt and even did not use it at all, or the workers did not follow the law completely when they are undergoing work processes. Design Information Centre thinks that nothing is more important than human lives and therefore we are highly concern about the safety of our staff workers. We will provide regular safety talks for our staff and require all staff working at exterior building wall must wear safety belt. Anyone who does not follow this rule would be dismissed immediately.

Besides, Design Information Centre does not allow staff workers smoking inside the flats that are under renovation. It is because there are many flammable goods inside the flat and would be highly dangerous if anybody smoking inside. Same as above, anyone who does not follow the rule would be dismissed at once.

22. The damp weather would induce bug issue of the furniture, how could I avoid this happening?

All wood materials would be inspected before export to ensure that they contain certain proportion of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is bug repellent; hence there should not be any bug inside furniture generally. Notwithstanding, bugs may appear in the furniture under the situations below:

  1. Water seepage inside flat;
  2. Furniture has been soaked with sea water; or
  3. Damp weather

The furniture could grow moldy easily under damp weather and had a chance for the bugs to breed. If that happens, Design Information Centre could provide a paid service for customers and find a professional pest control company to kill the bugs. To provide best service for our customers, Design Information Centre would arrange pest control company to exterminate the bugs one or two days before the hand-over date for all renovation, furniture and renovation with furniture projects during the rainy season. The chance of bug issue could be minimized.

It should be noted that although formaldehyde carries bug repellent function, it could be harmful to human body at the same time.

23. I have employed another renovation company to renovate before and the height of the bath cubicle shower sprinkler is totally unfit. Is this a design problem?

Most of the bath cubicle shower sprinklers of the market are designed for houses overseas with higher ceiling height. As the ceiling height of Hong Kong flats are relatively lower, with the addition of the false ceiling, the height of the shower sprinkler may become too low without careful calculation during design stage. Clients may either need to bend down to turn on the water switch, or the water sprinkler becomes too high and pushes towards the ceiling.

Design Information Centre would pay extra attention on the above issue when we purchase bath cubicle water sprinkler for our clients to avoid these problems from happening. Moreover, all our design drawings have to be approved by our senior designers, therefore, it is very rare for the above case to happen.

24. I like to have a sofa with more flexibility, but my home isn't big so what designs can I choose?

Space, is a common issue for many Hong Kong families. When a dining table is placed, there will be probably no more space for the cabinet. Again, families might have to give up on a coffee table when a cabinet is placed. Hong Kong families are always facing with the same or similar problems. Sofa is considered an essential, thus cannot be eliminated. In order to increase spaciousness, you can consider using Japanese mat (Tatami), no leg or hand rest style sofa to decrease the body. Another option is to think about multifunctional styles like ones that can turn into a combination of sofa and table. Sofas made from different shapes to allow the design to be more creative is also a good choice. At the same time, you can consider carefully using the sofa and think of how to turn it to have various functions. You can consult with a designer first and purchase a suitable sofa according to the floor plan of the home.

25. How to choose a sofa that makes the house look more elegant?

To make the house more elegant, you can choose gold or silver painted wood bordered sofa. You can also consider gluing on crystals or sticking gold paper on it to increase elegance. There are some new and related sofa designs in the market today. If interested, consult with a designer first.

26. If I want the sofa to be comfortable as well as appealing on the outside, what should I take into consideration?

There are two major points when selecting a sofa that is appealing on the outside as well as being comfortable. Consider your own personal style first when looking at the appearance. If you like the edgy and modern style, you can choose steel frame and patent leather sofas or similar ones. You should also pay attention to the leg as various heights will create a different feeling for the room. There are many choices to select from cushions. For example, you can choose ones that are simple when you want designs that can be matched with anything easily. Polyurethane foam and high resilient polyurethane foam are the usual cushions and there's a selection between soft and hard foam material so you can choose according to your needs. If more support is desired, you can choose sofas that have head support cushion or recliner. Moreover, you can select sofas in which you can change the seat pad. This enables the sofa to have a new appearance regularly and be convenient for cleaning. Also, these types of sofa are custom made according to client's desire. Of course, understand what your needs and desires first before deciding.

27. With the many choices on the market today, how can I choose a sofa design that can be matched with my home?

You first have to decide whether you want the sofa to be the main focus or do you want everything to be in harmony. If you want the sofa to be the main focus, you can select one that you like the best and work on decorations revolving the sofa like simple ones that can put more emphasis on the sofa. If you want everything to work in harmony, you will have to work on color balance. For example, you can choose decorations and furniture made out of the same or similar material. But if there are children in the family, you might need to choose a colorful and fun sofa to prevent any damage caused by the child. However, the most important thing is to match you own personal style. You can consult with a designer first.

28. How do I increase the platform's functionality?

What do I need to be aware off when designing, selecting material and cleaning? Hydraulic boards or similar installations are ways in which you can increase functionality. The platform's position is an important issue and need to take in a few points into consideration: the ceiling has to be tall to ensure there's enough space after installation and if the width and layout can support weight. Also, you have to consider rounding off the sides of the staircase and hiding the handle the prevent any accidents. You have to look at the material and not only the appearance. The best material is light weight wood and refrain from using too much strength and causing injuries. Do not place miscellaneous items on top of the platforms which requires opening from the top. These designs require much more skill to install; thus should find an experienced company to do it.

29. How to design a flexible storage space?

How do I make use of space in Hong Kong? This is one issue designers have to consider when designing. Many designers will add a platform or hydraulic bed to allow the user to place last season's clothing and put the in season ones in the closet. This can prevent “ clogging” of the closet. However there's one point you have to think about when storing materials in Hong Kong's humid environment. To prevent corrosion, you can install dehumidifier or venting machines to prevent corrosion. When designing, you can consult with a designer about your personal needs to create the ideal flexible storage space.

30. What do I need to take into caution to minimize storage and mismatch of electrical cord problems when designing a media storage or bookcase?

The position of the media storage and bookcase will effect providing power for the television, computer, etc. If you don't consider this first, it can result to a lot of electric cords in the house that may cause accidents. If you position the media storage in a suitable area,it can dramatically minimize the exposure of electrical cords, chances of mismatching and accidents. There are a lot of electrical installations out in the market to reduce the number of electrical cords used. Therefore, it is very useful for home designing. If the designer places more time, they can eliminate all the problems instantly. You must consult with a designer first regarding about the position of furniture and discuss with them more!

31. How can I keep both the appearance and safety of the balcony or platform when using it as storage?
The balcony and platform of the home is considered to be a dangerous area; therefore, you should think about whether the area is suitable for storage. For example, if the apace is too narrow or short. Anti-UV installation must be installed inside to prevent corrosion and damage due to the weather. If a boost in the appearance section is desired, you can use a storage with an unique design, try decorating it and etc. However, the practical use of it is most important, therefore, you should look for a company with good reputation to ensure the quality.
32. How can I arrange the lighting and storage in the master bedroom to ensure both the husband and wife have their own space as well as shared space?
You can have personal and shared space, when lighting and storage space is arranged properly. You can put table lamps on both sides of the bed to prevent disturbing each other when resting. It is ideal to place bigger lamps on dressing and office table. Installing a full wardrobe with be a good way to increase storage space and you can implement an organizational system according to the needs of husband and wife. Moreover, the husband and wife must come to an agreement and discuss about dividing of space beforehand. This allows the design work to flow more smoothly. Designers must give their patience and creativity; thus it is important to select an experienced company.
33. Limited master bedroom space, about 100 square foot to a few 100 square foot, how can I still create an unique atmosphere?
You may want to consider using only one series of colors as the theme. Of course if space permits you can easily create an unique atmosphere. Firstly, you have to confirm on a theme. After you have decided on a theme, you can choose furniture, decorations and home ware to go with it with an addition of lighting, you can easily create a personalized style. At the same time, if you want to, you can use personal pictures as decoration, this will create a bedroom that is custom made for you. Before anything, research and look at designer's work for reference to find your personal style.
34. What do I have to be in caution about safety and design of a senior's bedroom?
It is most ideal to give the biggest room to the senior as their bedroom if situation permits. This can minimize chances of them being injured by furniture. The safety caution of a child room and a senior room is about the same and should emphasize on protection. The corners should be rounded off and install suitable protection like handles. Refrain from placing furniture that requires the senior to go up and down like a tall cabinet or bunk-bed. You should consult with the senior first about design to allow them to express their opinions to ensure the room is perfect to them.
35. If single, how can I incorporate independent media and office space in the bedroom?
A bedroom is not only a place to rest. It is everyone's wish to merge media and office space when space is a problem. Users may want to start with furniture; selecting multifunctional furniture might not be a bad choice. You can select interior design companies with their own furniture factory so that they can design personalized furniture. Moreover, you can use different color lights and/or intensity to create two unique atmospheres.
36. Should I state my budget when consulting with a designer?
You should because they will enable the designer to know what they need to do to ensure the design plan, quality and price matches with the client. Owners should state an approximate budget to allow the designer to have more freedom to create a plan. A good interior designer will control the price and utilize their abilities to satisfy the client's requests and develop good communication. For example, the designer will state which areas needs to be changed in pricing and which are the lowest price. With what is stated, the client will have to choose themselves and this enables the work flow to be more smooth and allow both sides to come to an conclusion.
37. How much is a reasonable budget for renovation?
A reasonable budget is priced according to what the client requests. For example, the budget for only custom making furniture will be lower than kitchen/bathroom renovation. A good company will be able to do a lot of things if the client's budget is reasonable.
38. How do I express what I like and my style to the designer?
The owner should directly express what they like and their style to the designer. For example, if you like “simple” then you should directly say that you want “simple” as the theme. This enables the designer to acknowledge what the client wants and can work from there. A good interior design company will offer many design cases for the client as reference and can allow the client to express what they want.
39. How do you tell the designer if you don't like their design plan?
If you do not like the design plan given by the designer, the best way is to directly say your problems and worries. A professional interior designer will carefully listen to the clients requests and satisfy them. Do not wait till the last minute (talking about the details, terms, etc) to say that you do not like the plan. This will waste time and effort. So remember, communication is very important and keep in touch with the designer will allow the project to be more complete and perfect.
40. How is the construction fee calculated?
The construction fee is based on the how many individual construction works are going to happen. It is hard to calculate directly; the main point is if the construction fee is within the clients budget and is that if the quality of the complete work match with the price. A good interior design company will offer many design cases as reference. Owners should evaluate whether the reputation matches with the construction fee.
41. Should I allow a professional interior designer to arrange the furniture?
In majority situations, you should allow a professional designer to arrange the furniture. A professional interior designer will select furniture that is most suitable for the owner. In typical circumstances, the designer's furniture arrangement will being out the entire design style. A good designer will accompany the clients when purchasing furniture. It's not a problem if the owner wants to arrange themselves. However, you might want to consult with the designer for professional advice before purchasing. The advice might assist you to choose the right furniture.
42. What attitude should I have when talking to a designer?
You, as client, should have a respect attitude when talking to a designer. The most important aspect in relationships is respect. If a property owner does not respect the designer, then how can they have good communication and talk about a design plan?

The property owner must express their ideas to the designer and have trust in their ability. A good interior designer will be proactive and work on your ideas and allow dreams to come true. Therefore, it is very important for both sides to respect each other when communicating.
43. An open kitchen requires erection of walls. When do I need to take in special consideration before erecting a wall?
If erection a wall(s) for an open kitchen is required, consider if the wall can be taken down. You can get the information from the architecture blue print or floor plan. If the wall is not a load-bearing wall, then it can be erected in most situations. However, if you have any questions about it, you can consult with a small building works licensed interior design company. By doing this, you can understand everything. You also have to take the overall of the interior and appearance in consideration before erecting a wall. If the kitchen has more miscellaneous items then you have to think about do you have space to place those items. Moreover fire safety is something to take care of because some home insurance lists in the terms and conditions that they do not compensate of any fires caused by open kitchens.
44. What do I do if the erection of the wall for open kitchen is right where the meter is?
The meter is always in the way during erection of the wall for an open kitchen. This is actually not a big problem. The re-installation of the meter is a method to solve it however you have to consider the safety problem of installing it and the planning of electrical cords. It would be best to consult with a professional interior designer and let them plan where the meter is going to be and solve the safety problems.

If its a complete home renovation, then this problem would be more easy to solve as every electrical cord will require re installation; therefore, any wall that has the meter can be erected so that you don't have to give up on a open kitchen because the meter in in the way.
45. What furniture has formaldehyde? What are its negative effects? What do I have to be in caution before renovation?
There are a lot of furniture that contains formaldehyde like wood furniture and paint. Formaldehyde is a chemical glass, it has the ability to damage human liver, kidney, brain and nervous sensory system. When it is inhaled for an extended periods of time, you can cause cancer; thus should pay extra attention before renovation. When selecting furniture, especially wood furniture, you can ask the construction company to move the furniture to a well ventilated area so that the formaldehyde can evaporate. Another point is when selecting pain, request the use of environmental friendly or low formaldehyde paint. This can reduce the health damage.
46. Must wall cupboards be installed with anchor bolts?
If the wall is strong enough, you can use anchor bolts. But the distribution of the bolts has to be certain distance, or else the bolts will destroy the wall. Under normal circumstances, regular wooden or plastic bolts are good enough.
47. What materials are the best for wall cupboards?
The materials inside the cupboards should be strong materials. You can choose light-weight plywood to ensure the strength and safety of the material.
48. Is it not a good idea for a wall cupboard to be too big?
Incorrect. The bigger the wall cupboard the safer it is. Whether the cupboard is secure or not depends on how much surfaces are in contact. The less surface in contact with the wall the more insecure it is. Therefore, the shorter the length of the back of the cupboard, or the deeper the cupboard is, the higher the chance of falling.
49. Is it enough to install bolts just on the back?
Usually, besides the back of the cupboard that needs to have enough bolts and balance, you also need to inspect the two sides of the cupboard to make sure they are tightly in contact with the wall and install two horizontal bolts for security to prevent the cupboard to leaning forward in order to reduce the chance of an accident.
50. Will the quality of the wall affect the installation of wall cupboards?
Definitely. If the quality of the wall is bad, it may not be able to support the weight of the wall cupboard. Therefore, do not attempt to install wall cupboards just anywhere. Also, the back of the cupboard should stay straight with the wall. You should not install a wall cupboard on a wall that has something bulged out on the surface. It is best to have specialists inspect the wall and consult their suggestion before installation to ensure the safety of the cupboards.
51. After correct installation, does it mean the wall cupboard will definitely be safe?
Inspection and maintenance after installation are also very important. Small nails may fall due to wear and tear of the metal. You should also note if the bolts in the cupboards are falling loose, and if the cupboard is in tight contact with the wall surface. If you notice any bolts going loose or if there is any cracks between the cupboard and the wall, you should contact a specialist for maintenance immediately.
52. What would result if you let company designers privately take on your project？
Customers should note that the small cost saving resulted in engaging in such unfair practices with a design company’s employees can compromise the quality of the outcome and may even result in an unfinished project, offsetting any of the saving’s benefit. This is due to the fact that those employees are not able to provide a complete service, which would include, amongst others, engineering support and a channel for feedback and complaints. Often the customer is left with a mess to sort out when a problem arises out of cases of this nature. We have seen many of these cases and we understand the customer is one of the victims of such unfair industry practices. We are willing to follow up the project if you do find yourself in a situation like that. The cost will depend of the state of the unfinished project.

We encourage anyone to provide information on any known unfair industry practices. Report hotline 9698 8869 Kevin Chan