My Studio Unit's Overhaul Cost :)

How I turned my studio unit from this:

to this:

dining set from Homeworks the Home Center, wall stickers from Japan Home  Center

Here is the complete list of furnitures and appliances I bought for my studio unit: (Prices in Philippine Peso)

SM:
Bed                                  10,869.19  (Salem Bed w/ pull-out original price 15-16k)
Side Table                            600.00
Closet                                3,995.00
Curtains                                799.30
Bed Sheet                             855.00
Clock                                    199.00
Plate Rack                            199.00
Flowers                                 200.00
LCD TV                            10,605.00
Vase                                     149.75
2 Pillows                               350.00
Mirror                                   400.00

** TIP: When buying things from SM, try to wait for their 3-day sale. You can score really great deals. Plus, the best time to shop during the sale period is the first day (always a Friday) From opening time to 12 noon, everything will get an additional 10% off!

Japan Home Center:
Shower Curtain                        88.00
Hooks                                     88.00
Cushion Sticker                       88.00
Wall Stickers                         440.00
Placemat                                88.00
Clothes Hanger                       88.00
Hooks Small                           66.00

Abenson:
Electrolux Refrigerator        9,995.00

Shopwise:
2 Wooden Shelf 4-layer         599.00   (buy 1 take 1 promo!)
Plates                                  119.00
Spoon & Fork Holder              39.75
                         
From: (Appliance Center in Yuchengco St. Binondo) - name to follow :)
Samsung Aircon                13,900.00
Rice Cooker                           700.00
Floor Fan                             1,098.00
Electric Stove                         820.00

Robinson's Dept. Store
Decorative Cork Board           549.00
Blanket                                 384.00
2 Throw Pillows                     178.00
Wall Painting                         399.75

Homeworks the Home Center
4-Seater Dining Table           3,999.00

From: (Bathroom Accessories Store in T. Alonzo Street, Sta. Cruz)
Heater                                  2,900.00

A&S Lamps
Ceiling Light                            540.00

Handyman
2 DIY Wooden Shelving           739.00

168 Mall, Divisoria
Bedside Lamp                         250.00
Bed Sheet w/ 2 Pillow Cases   140.00
Floor Mat                                100.00
Pen Holder (Decor)                  100.00

Other Costs:
Delivery Costs                        480.00
Key Duplication                       90.00
Carpentry Works                 1,000.00

TOTAL COST:        69,286.74

CONDO REVIEW: The Grand Towers Manila

The Grand Towers Manila is a 47-level twin tower development by Moldex Realty, Inc.

Location  *****

Located in Pablo Ocampo Street (formerly Vito Cruz Street), TGT is conveniently near to several schools and universities in the area. (St. Scholastica, De La Salle University, St. Benilde, etc.) Vito Cruz LRT Station is literally a few steps away, and coffee shops, restaurants, laundry shops, convenience stores are all within walking distance.

Amenities ****

Outdoor Swimming Pool, Kid's Pool, Jacuzzi, Gazebo, Jogging Path, Fitness CEnter, Game Room, Wifi-enabled Study Area

Investment ****

This is a great investment since the area is surrounded by students. Rent income is continuous. In my case, a fully furnished studio unit has an asking price of P18,000 monthly rent. (I posted online ads, and receive an average of 1-2 inquiries a week.) The area is also flood-free.

Security ****

Each tower's lobby has guards and would require visitors to log in. Occupants are mostly students and working people. Area is relatively safe.

Others **

There are no intercom system and doorbells in the units. Quite inconvenient if you need to contact the guard.

Construction Quality ****

The overall quality of construction is good. Tower seems sturdy enough. All units are covered with ordinary 12x12 tiles.

Aesthetics and Design ***

Lobby and amenities area are high-end looking, but the corridors which are painted with pale yellow color, lacks the wow factor. The development alloted an ample space for the amenities area, making it spacious and relaxing.

Units with windows facing Pablo Ocampo Street are blessed with great views of Rizal Memorial Stadium's olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, football field and also the Manila Bay sunset.

Photos:





lobby area



 

3 high speed elevators per tower



fitness room



outdoor pool and the building exterior

 

wifi-enabled study area





the corridor





kitchen counter and main entrance



 



my small studio unit



view from the window. very nice :)



To see how my bare studio unit turned out, click here.