I am writing a review for Lemonfridge Studio as a neighbour (living a floor below) of one of their clients. As a relatively new homeowner myself, I understand that people would like to proceed with their renovations, even during Phase 2 Heightened Alert when almost everybody has to work or study at home. That being said, during this period, it is probably more important than ever before that Project Managers ensure that work is carried out within the stipulated approved period.
In this case, my neighbour's unit was approved for renovations between 20 May 2021 to 18 Jun 2021, with demolition works to be carried out on 20 May 2021, 21 May 2021, and 24 May 2021.
On 20 May 2021, after enduring an entire day of demolition works (again, as a neighbour, understanding that work needed to be done, also understanding that it would be done in three days), I messaged Jacinda the Project Manager to ask her about the demolition works scheduled to be carried out the next day, informing her that I had an online work meeting (it was actually a presentation) where I would be required to speak, informing her of the time that I would be done, which was 1030am, giving her the option of informing her personnel on site to perhaps work around this. I was prepared to make the necessary arrangements and even told her as such "Would be great if you could let me know and I can see if I can make some arrangements if needed."
She proceeded to confirm that which was stated in the notice- "Hi! Sorry for the late reply. Didn’t see my working phone at night. Yes tomorrow will still have demolition works, after tomorrow will be on Monday, so sorry for the inconvenience ??" I proceeded to acknowledge her response and thank her, and made work and home arrangements in light of this. Even though it was too late to reschedule my meeting the next morning, I got through it apologising to the meeting whenever I could not be heard over the demolition, explaining to my boss that it would be over by the 24th of May.
To her credit, on the 24th of May (final day of approved day for demolition), the demolition works were carried out past the approved 5pm. When I messaged her at 530pm to inform her, she did get her personnel on site to stop work.
Following this, there were still noisy works carried out throughout the week, albeit at a diminished intensity. However, today (31 May 2021), demolition works were practically ongoing throughout the day, one week after the last approved day of 24 May 2021. Once again, I reached out to Jacinda in the middle of the day (again in the spirit of compromise, etc), to see if she could do anything to assist. She then apologised for the inconvenience, and informed me that because there were parts that were not hacked (and I assume not checked) last week, there was now a need to carry out demolition works outside the approved days, without approval or prior notice for the neighbours, who would largely be stuck working and studying at home. (Gratefully, I am not a student, I can only imagine trying to listen to my teacher while my desk is shaking.)
At this point, I was left with no choice but to report this to the HDB (which I had been refraining from doing up till this point, in the spirit of compromise and such), and also leave a review here. I have nothing against Jacinda personally, and certainly nothing against my neighbours. However, I am writing here as an unofficial way to hold project managers of all renovation projects accountable during this particularly difficult time, and apologise to Jacinda for any inconvenience this review might cause her.
DesignNot Applicable, will leave a neutral score to be fair.
WorkmanshipAccording to the ID/Project Manager, the reason why demolition works had to be carried out outside the approved demolition dates were because there were "a small balance of part that werent (sic) hacked properly last week such as this 3 areas". I suppose that constitutes disappointing workmanship.
Customer ServicePutting aside the fact that perhaps an application for an extension of the approval (so that other residents can make the necessary plans if possible), even after having a direct line access to me, including the option to come to a compromise on a solution (checking schedule, giving advance notice, etc?), there was complete and utter disrespect and disregard for firstly the regulations, and also all neighbours who have to work and study from home (no option to even go to cafes) proceeding to carry out demolition works outside the approved window.
Value for MoneyUnable to comment, since I have no idea how much my neighbours' paid. That said, if I were them, I would not be too happy if my ID/PM did not check within the approved demolition dates that the demolition works were carried out correctly.