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Usually, you will expect visitors from Singapore/Malaysia ...
The Pros
- Singaporeans are quite fun to observe when they are overseas
- You have the advantage of 1 or more maids helping you tend the veggie patch, garden or household chores
The Cons
- They get into the way, esp the elderly ones who love your kitchen so much that it becomes their day room
- The rest will chop your TV, and powerpoints
- The whole house will be turned upside down.
- They love to keep the flick taps centred (instead of right for cold water) - and they complain the water is a bit hot.
- They occupied all the furnitures
Things to consider ...
1. If possible, create a kitchette upstairs for the kitchen lovers - don't use flick taps please, they waste hot water. (esp If you do not use solar HWS)
2. Have a bedroom downstairs for the elderly, the ski accident crippled chap (excuse the upper class term, I usu use 'bloke')
3. At least 2 WCs, and 2 Shower facilities
4. Common areas, try to use separate hot/cold water taps instead of flick taps.
5. Have ready a British multi-powerpoint sockets board
6. Create a separate living area (eg activity room) for the visitors. So you still have your own privacy when the quarrels start. If possible, have a TV room.
7. Cover the alfresco to keep the flies out and the people away from the elements. More people in the house means a good time for the good old Aussie Barbie. It is also a good living space when it gets too crowded. Always have a wok burner, not a "side" burner (no good for asian cooking) You can also install an outdoor kitchen.
8. Put a coffee table and comfy chairs at the balcony - complete with flower vase. This is another living space. Have an outdoor powerpoint install in case you need to put a coffee maker here, or the kids want to play videos, etc
9. Portable clothlines, extra rugs for dirty feet.
10. Set the house rules Eg closing the flyscreen door at all times !!! Do not touch the evaporative air-con (if you have one and do not have a pressure vent) because Singapore don't use one - the whole country is an evaporative air-con. Do not let the visitors use the ducted reverse cycle air-con. Ask them to close the windows&doors if too hot/cold.
11. Actvitiy room may use a sofa bed, for the maids.
12. Alfresco area need to have outdoor power and water, best if it is connected to WC. You do not want oily hands touching the sliding doors. My Alfresco area is covered so I have a separate reversee cycle air-con unit installed for comfort.
13. I found out that it save power if you have separate air-con unit install for your own master bedroom instead of running off the ducted one even in your zone.


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