Renovation Contractor in HK

Posted by HOLIDAY 2 3 yrs ago

https://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/hong-kong-property-finance/threads/DC69D0F3-AC62-45F5-8AC6-BA1F71BD64D5/looking-for-a-good-contractor/

hannahBB 3 yrs ago

Hi

Are you currently looking for the good renovation contractor? I cant find your original post.. But seems like archiparti is pretty good. Haven't got the reviews from asiaxpat but I just find it pretty decent. You can check their website (archiparti.co) and i'll tell you when i get any reply from asiaxpat :)

Have a nice day!

HOLIDAY 2 3 yrs ago

Hi there,

I have a very reliable contractor with reasonable price as he is a local (called CK), his quotation will be less than a design firm a lot, also never mark up the price because you are the expatriate. He can speak fluent English and quotation is free of charge.

I posted a similar topic before, unfortunately was deleted by the forum. Apparently, I can’t post his full name & phone no. here, but if you need more details, let me know, I will PM you! (Or try to search it from the above old thread)

Hope this can help!

marcusboy 3 yrs ago

Hello,

I am interested in getting details of your contractor too. Please can you PM me his details. Thank you.

Divia 3 yrs ago

Hi,
CK’s contact details
+852 9682 1422

marcusboy 3 yrs ago

Thank you.

Craig000 3 yrs ago

Hi,

CK has been working as our regular contractor for our shops and offices renovations and renewals for years. He's offering so far reasonable prices to us, delivering on time with quality.

My boss is an Aussie who owns couple brands of cafe and bar. His apartment in island south was just fully renovated by CK and he commented CK was attentive and responsible.

Getting a responsible renovation contractor in hk is pretty difficult I know, especially for expats. CK is no doubt a good helper!

Ed 3 yrs ago

Avoid Wolfgang Derler:

https://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/living-in-or-moving-to-hong-kong/threads/7082bf20-2c95-41ef-bbdc-d6d6493f63ca/warning-crank-calls-from-wolfgang-derler/

Ronaldkkk 3 yrs ago

Hi everyone,

I followed old posts here and found CK for our florist shop renovation in Sai Ying Pun. Our place was very old with a dingy shabby basement, so we gotta have a complete renovation.

Within 2 months (even faster than our agreed contract period), CK has turned our old place into a brand new shop, with not only a clean and ventilated basement and also a comfortable office space at 2/F.

He's really amazing as he achieved, without errors, our design thoughts on shop front and inside, perfect lighting and very practical plumbing and drainage system. He has a strong technical team to build a complicated but decent freezer (made of double insulated glass walls) for us, which is no doubt the highlight of our shop.

We'll definitely call him again for any future works, and would like to share with anyone who gonna do renovation.

XuMinji 3 yrs ago

I would like to second this post thread: I am so pleased to have Creative Health Renovation Contractor working on my flat. My flat was renovated ten years ago so I was looking for a reliable partner to do it up. The challenge was that I am not living in Hong Kong and Cantonese is not my first language. Mr. CK or Karl is such a life saver. He is a good communicator in written and oral English.

For the whole week of the project, while I was still away, he managed the project very well and provided me updates every day via WhatsApp. It is just so refreshing to work with a contractor who is reliable and a good communicator. When I got to HK eventually to check the flat, I am very satisfied with the job done.

jemtomfrance 3 yrs ago

I need a contractor too. Please share CK's contact details. Thank you.

HOLIDAY 2 3 yrs ago

CK’s contact details
+852 9682 1422

snaker 2 yrs ago

We just used Ck and creative health renovation to completely redo our old walkup apartment. He and his team were great in providing quality work at a good cost. We did some work ourselves and ck was very helpful in advising us in ways to reduce costs. Very happy with the end results and agree with all the previous reviews. Ck speaks perfect English which was crucial to avoid confusion and we highly recommend anyone looking for a good, honest contractor to contact Ck.

Jonasjonas 24 mths ago

We’ve searched and tried many contractors for our previous home renovations, and finally got a right one who can be bookmarked in our phone list!
We appointed CK to remodel our apartment in Hill Road , it’s finished in early September and the result is so refreshing! With budget concern, we could only renew our kitchen and bathroom, repaint built-in cabinet and wall and ceiling, grind and polish timber flooring, and make a set of wardrobe. Though CK was not the cheapest quote, he made perfect workmanship on all these works and completed the project earlier than our expectations.
We enjoy our brand new place so much now and would recommend CK to anyone looking for a good contractor.

BChristy 18 mths ago

We got the contact of CK from here and used him and his team to renovate our existing flat.
We didn't have a designer for our project, just gave CK some hand sketches and reference pictures for our ideas, together with couple of model numbers of appliances. Surprisingly he worked them out very well.
From design briefing, taking care of management office and insurance, or material purchases and deliveries, we didn't need to bother at all, CK took very good care on them.
We went to Mong Kok with him once for materials selection and that's it. He got the best prices from his regular vendors and arranged deliveries to site on his own.
In 4 months, our 1200sq. ft. apartment was totally refreshed. I’m really happy with his work, he did live up to his reviews!!

Tommychung 14 mths ago

Thanks Asiaexpat! I came back from Canada 6 months ago and looked for some good contractors to renew my old office. This forum is so valuable for those not familiar with HK renovation market, just like me!
I found CK's contact and we did some video chats. After site inspection and measurements, he gave me many inspiring design ideas and some very practical suggestions.
My office is about 1,700 sq ft located in western district. CK and his team renovated and furnished it within 2 calendar months, even faster than my expectation!

Katieeee 10 mths ago

I got a wonderful one stop service by Creative Health Renovation!

I live in Canada and have a rental apartment in HK which needed renewal after my 10 years tenant left :( CK sent his foreman to check up all defects and impaired fittings, and I was on a video call with them throughout the inspection. It's so satisfying that I could see every corner of my place without getting back to HK under pandemic. CK even recorded a short video to my renewed apartment, so I could forward to rental agencies.

My renovation project was so enjoyable and smooth, it was a really good value for money. Here's his fb page, maybe a good reference to anyone who's looking for a good contractor. (Tips: I gave it a like and CK offered me some special discounts ^.^)

https://www.facebook.com/ck.karlchiu/

Shauncres 6 mths ago

By referencing previous threads here, I hired CK for my apartment renovation starting at early April. Feeling excited and I will post my experience after completion!

ecanza 4 mths ago

Karl and Creative Health Solutions has been a nightmare to work with. We saw several good reviews for their services so decided to give them a try, but they have been a disappointment every step of the way. We had a simple job to tear down old shelving in a bathroom and install new shelving. Not only does Karl not communicate anything with his suppliers (all of them came up and had no idea what they were supposed to do), but he was disrespectful when speaking to my wife and has left the job incomplete and our home bathroom a complete mess.

During the teardown, he damaged a lot of the surrounding tiles and did not provide any feasible solution to fix it. Every appointment he's made with us for his suppliers to come up was delayed or completely missed which makes me wonder if he even communicates with his team. Worst of all, our bathroom has been left a mess for more than a month while we wait for him to deliver the shelving units. The materials for the units was finally delivered, but he neglected to instruct his team to fill all the holes and gaps before installing the units. We communicated clear instructions every step of the way, but he has the audacity to shout back at my wife and proceeded to just leave all the materials in our home and tell us he won't complete the job.

Karl has been rude and dismissive this entire time. Just want to share my experience and make sure everyone is aware of this company's irresponsible actions.

Shauncres 4 mths ago

Ecanza, I feel sympathy for your experience with Karl, maybe there were come confusions between you and him, or particular reasons led you guys could not work it out.

He just finished up my apartment renovation in 2 months nicely and 2 weeks ahead our scheduled date. My project was not a significant one though, just kitchen and bathrooms remodeling, CK has performed professionally in the sense of programming and workmanship. He was patient to listen to my requests and humble to tell me every detail of the works. We had no problem in communication and I did not get any hassle throughout the project. I am glad to share my project photos here but I cannot figure out how to make it in this forum.

Milan G 3 mths ago

Well with curiocity through all these good recommendation i also contacted Karl but found out his service is too much expensive like double figure comparing to other quatations i have found around with similar decoration. Or maybe you guys can afford such amount which i can not. Still i believe there are more such service provider much in cheaper and the same service quality to your expected budget & quality. Hope i will pick one of those soon for my new flat.
ECANZA sorry to hear you had to experinece such, take it easy.

ecanza 3 mths ago

Thanks for the responses. Karls fees are definitely on the higher end given his standard of service and materials. I think he takes advantage of the fact that he speaks English and hopes that potential clients don't cost compare with other contractors.

Just so people are aware, I also saw a lot of good reviews about Karl on the Geoexpat forum, but it's a scam. I tried to post my honest negative experience, but they took it down right away. They only approve positive experiences, hence why it seems like there are so many positive reviews and no negative reviews. I'm glad that Asiaxpat doesn't do this and allows true feedback from customers and clients.

Shauncres 3 mths ago

Having said that I got a good experience with Karl on my project, I like to share that he is not the highest quote that I received, not the cheapest though. He has been in renovation filed for so long (at least with records in this forum), I reckon it somewhat recognised his profession. Anyway, it is really rare to have English speaking contractors in HK and most of them are quite busy in general. I am not rich but do not mind to pay a bit more to make sure my contractor understand my requirement and get the work done correctly.

No matter which contractors you are considering, try to be open to talk to them more about our feelings, I reckon this will help understand which make you feel comfortable to go with. It is important if they are open to discuss and negotiate.

Luna86 2 mths ago

Hi Ecanza, I hope you're doing well. Renovation is supposed to be a joyful experience, and I'm sorry to hear that Karl has ruined that for you.

I was in the process of looking for contractors a couple of months ago, and I saw the overwhelming (and now suspiciously positive) reviews for Karl here and on other forums. I contacted Karl and eventually got a quote. The first major red flag appeared when I asked Karl for a copy of his HKID before beginning work, he dodged the question and brought up other renovation-related questions. The next time I asked, he refused to do so and did not state a reason. Upon request, contractors are obliged to give a copy of any document which verifies their identity. Otherwise, the contractor will be effectively free of any liabilities and/or wrongdoings. I had to learn this the hard way.

Besides trying to rid himself of liabilities, Karl's quote is another major issue. He's significantly overcharging for his services to the point where they can be borderline considered a scam. I got four quotes in total, and the following illustration will be of Karl's quote compared to the second most expensive quote for different types of work:
1. Gutting and removal works: Slightly more than 1.5 times the cost
2. Plumbing (with new pipes): Slightly more than 2 times the cost
3. Wall and floor tile plastering (labor only): Slightly more than 2 times the cost
4. Furniture building and installation: Slightly more than 2 times the cost
5. Painting: Nearly 3 times the cost
6. Floor polishing: Slightly more than 3 times the cost

When I confronted Karl about the quote, he shrugged it off and kept throwing the word "workmanship" around. There's not much workmanship required in painting and floor polishing of all things to the point where you have to charge 3 times the price of your competitor. There's no doubt the guy needs a reality check. An interesting observation I've made is that the longer you're committed to Karl (from 1. Gutting and removal works to 6. Floor polishing), the more he's going to charge you.

I chose the second most expensive quote since I was willing to spend slightly more. I finished renovating my home a few weeks ago and I'm not only glad that I went with this contractor instead (who did a great job; I couldn't be happier with the quality of work done), but I'm also glad I didn't give away my money to Karl.

I strongly suggest you to avoid Karl. Even if you have money to give away, you're not going to get anything special for the scam-like prices Karl charges. Instead, you could use that extra money you're willing to spend on better quality fixtures, tiles, and/or other materials. I have to admit Karl is great at marketing himself, especially since he speaks English quite well. However, I have no doubt he's aware of it and takes advantage of his clients to lure them into paying significantly more for his services.

Moving forward, I recommend avoid using online forums to find recommendations for home renovators due to the anonymity forums provide. The better choice would be to rely on word-of-mouth from people you know since they can vouch for the work done by their contractor. At this point, I'm convinced certain contractors are lingering on online forums to lure unsuspecting homeowners into using their services, and I wouldn't trust any positive reviews made about Karl.

ecanza 2 mths ago

Thanks for sharing your experience Luna86. It's clear that Karl and his company (Creative Health Solutions) do not act responsibly or in good faith. They definitely upcharge and I'm glad you noticed this too when comparing with other contractors. It's good that this forum is more transparent so that people can actually see how shady Karl is.

Luna86 2 mths ago

I posted my review on two threads with overwhelmingly positive reviews about Karl on GeoExpat. Surprisingly, they removed my review because they do not do "drive by negative reviews". No wonder I've only seen positive reviews about Karl over there. GeoExpat should be made accountable for misleading its users. Perhaps Karl and his buddies have noticed this for a long time and have been taking advantage of GeoExpat's flawed review guidelines.

Another thing I've noticed is that those two threads which I posted my review on have now been closed. I suspect they've somehow banned me from the threads, since I can't visit them while I'm logged onto my GeoExpat account, but can view them when I'm logged out. I'm never trusting anything on GeoExpat ever again.

ecanza 2 mths ago

Hi Luna86, yes this is what I discovered as well! I went to GeoExpat to post my experience on the thread where Karl got a lot of positive comments, and my post was deleted right away. GeoExpat is a total scam!

Aside from that thread, and this one...there really isn't much other feedback on Karl and Creative Health Solutions. Hopefully ppl will see more of the truth as at least this forum allows full transparency whether the review is good or bad.

Craig000 2 mths ago

After reading recent threads by Ecanza and Luna86, I cannot hold anymore but reply you guys.

Luna86, on what ground did you rectlessly slander a contractor? Asked for someone's ID? You know privacy? Are you sure you did not make this story up? How did you smear someone, who is just a contractor, that he knows so we'll about these forum and takes advantage from them? Maybe he have never surfed on these forum! Are you seriously a client? Or just another rivalry contractor misleading readers here!?

Ecanza, before your disrespectful abuse, are you sure we are on the same page? It should be Creative Health Renovation, not Solutions!

The fact will be alone sufficient to silence the tongues of malignant calumniators!

Luna86 2 mths ago

"On what ground did you rectlessly slander a contractor?"
I posted my personal experience about a contractor. Am I not allowed to do so just because it is contrary to the others posted here? Other people including myself wouldn't have to have shared our negative experiences or have them suppressed if we indeed did have a positive experience with the contractor. I have nothing to gain from slandering anyone, but to provide a more accurate picture for those looking to renovate as to what they may encounter based on our experiences. Isn't this the whole point of this forum? No one is forcing them to not choose CK as their contractor, so they are free to do so at their own discretion.

"Asked for someone's ID? You know privacy?"
To reiterate, it is highly encouraged for clients to ask their contractors to send a copy of their identity document for accountability and liability purposes. In fact, the contractor I finally decided to go with sent me a copy of their HKID before I even asked them. If a contractor steals your valuables or runs away with your money, how else can you know the identity of the person who did it? The contractor could've been using an alias and been working for a non-existing company. Why are you insinuating that I was in the wrong to protect myself?
Besides, you should know that you have to submit a copy of your identity document for any type of work you apply for in Hong Kong. I don't understand why you think certain contractors should receive preferential treatment to be excluded from this practice.

"Are you sure you did not make this story up?"
110% sure. If I had a positive experience, I would have countered Ecanza's experience instead of empathizing with them. Besides, using your own logic, who is to say the positive reviews are not made up? This is precisely why I suggest avoiding using online forums for contractor recommendations since positive reviews can be easily and anonymously made up and be difficult to verify.

"Maybe he have never surfed on these forum!"
It's possible, that's why I said 'perhaps'. I've never said he definitely surfs forums. Perhaps you overlooked this.

"Are you seriously a client? Or just another rivalry contractor"
I have been careful not to mention which contractor I finally went with. Besides, I have suggested people to depend on word-of-mouth recommendations instead of those made anonymously on online forums. So please tell me which rival contractor exactly is benefitting in this case?

"The fact will be alone sufficient to silence the tongues of malignant calumniators!"
Please, calm down. In my humble opinion, I do not think you are a client, since no client or independent person typically becomes this upset and offended by a few honest (and might I add thorough) reviews. Perhaps I'm wrong. and you are a client who is now upset after realizing you have overspent, and are looking for validation. Or perhaps you have vested interests with the subject in discussion.

"It should be Creative Health Renovation, not Solutions!"
Yes, you're right. It is with Creative Health Renovation which clients like Ecanza seemed to have had a dreadful experience.

LUNA000 2 mths ago

[I am replying on a new account since my response has been held for review. I realize that AsiaXPAT may have vested interests in protecting businesses that advertise on their website. I hope this is not the case for holding my response like GeoExpat has done, and I hope we can encourage transparency on these forums.]

"On what ground did you rectlessly slander a contractor?"
I posted my personal experience about a contractor. Am I not allowed to do so just because it is contrary to the others posted here? Other people including myself wouldn't have to have shared our negative experiences or have them suppressed if we indeed did have a positive experience with the contractor. I have nothing to gain from slandering anyone, but to provide a more accurate picture for those looking to renovate as to what they may encounter based on our experiences. Isn't this the whole point of this forum? No one is forcing them to not choose CK as their contractor, so they are free to do so at their own discretion.

"Asked for someone's ID? You know privacy?"
To reiterate, it is highly encouraged for clients to ask their contractors to send a copy of their identity document for accountability and liability purposes. In fact, the contractor I finally decided to go with sent me a copy of their HKID before I even asked them. If a contractor steals your valuables or runs away with your money, how else can you know the identity of the person who did it? The contractor could've been using an alias and been working for a non-existing company. Why are you insinuating that I was in the wrong to protect myself?
Besides, you should know that you have to submit a copy of your identity document for any type of work you apply for in Hong Kong. I don't understand why you think certain contractors should receive preferential treatment to be excluded from this practice.

"Are you sure you did not make this story up?"
110% sure. If I had a positive experience, I would have countered Ecanza's experience instead of empathizing with them. Besides, using your own logic, who is to say the positive reviews are not made up? This is precisely why I suggest avoiding using online forums for contractor recommendations since positive reviews can be easily and anonymously made up and be difficult to verify.

"Maybe he have never surfed on these forum!"
It's possible, that's why I said 'perhaps'. I've never said he definitely surfs forums. Perhaps you overlooked this.

"Are you seriously a client? Or just another rivalry contractor"
I have been careful not to mention which contractor I finally went with. Besides, I have suggested people to depend on word-of-mouth recommendations instead of those made anonymously on online forums. So please tell me which rival contractor exactly is benefitting in this case?

"The fact will be alone sufficient to silence the tongues of malignant calumniators!"
Please, calm down. In my humble opinion, I do not think you are a client, since no client or independent person typically becomes this upset and offended by a few honest (and might I add thorough) reviews. Perhaps I'm wrong. and you are a client who is now upset after realizing you have overspent, and are looking for validation. Or perhaps you have vested interests with the subject in discussion.

"It should be Creative Health Renovation, not Solutions!"
Yes, you're right. It is with Creative Health Renovation which clients like Ecanza seemed to have had a dreadful experience.

ecanza 2 mths ago

@CRAIG000 There is no slander, I was simply sharing the fact in hopes that other people won't be left with the same $#itty situation like I was thanks to Karl. Just like LUNA stated, at the end of the day people can make their own decisions, but they should know the facts both good and bad. For you to get so heated, seems you might have some association with Karl and his company? Anyways, it doesn't matter. People can read this thread and judge for themselves.

genuinebuyer 2 mths ago

Hi Luna, please PM your contractor's contact. I am looking to repair my chipped countertop and Wooden flooring. Thx

LUNA0000 2 mths ago

Hi GENUINEBUYER,

I wish I could help you out, but that would undermine the credibility of my review on CK. To elaborate, passing onto you my contractor's contact would be smearing one contractor to benefit another, which is evidently not my intention. If it has not been made clear, my intention is to provide a more accurate picture of CK's services, to encourage transparency on this forum, and to scrutinize the credibility of the (in my opinion) suspicious, positive reviews posted here and on other channels. Besides, I suggested people not to look for contractor recommendations online, so doing that would contradict my statement.

Instead, I could offer you some advice as to how you could choose a contractor for your renovation.
- Ask friends and colleagues if they have used anyone for their renovation, and if the associated costs and quality of work done were reasonable.
- If your building has a managing body, it is likely that they may also have contacts of renovation contractors.
- If you have a good relationship with your property agent, you may also ask them for contacts of renovation contractors.
- Try to get at least three quotes before you decide to choose a contractor. Some may charge you before you receive a quote (like CK) which may be a disincentive to choose another contractor (and certain contractors may be exploiting this behavior), but you are still very likely to save money if you finally go ahead with the contractor offering the more reasonable quote.
- If a language barrier exists between you and the contractor, like in my experience, I strongly suggest you ask your friend, colleague, or agent to help with the communication. You could save tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars simply by not going for contractors who charge unreasonable premiums just because they speak your language.
- Ask your contractor to list in writing everything that they are going to provide and do for your renovation. I have noticed that certain contractors leave out some items from the quote, likely in the hopes of surprising clients with extra costs further down the renovation work.
- And finally, please, please, please, for your own safety, insist that your contractor give you a copy of their HKID or passport before they begin work. If they refuse, do NOT work with them as they may have other intentions.

I hope this helps you. I wish you a smooth and pleasant renovation experience.

Ed 59 days ago

Sorry for the delay ... it's approved an up now

Edys 39 days ago

Hi
If you need home renovation or plumbing or electrical problems feel free to contact 6875 0680 for more inquiries the name of the company

Splendid electrical and plumbing engineering limited

Specific Advice

Regionally Shared Advice

Looking for a Good Renovation Contractor

Posted by HOLIDAY 2 3 yrs ago

hannahBB 3 yrs ago

HOLIDAY 2 3 yrs ago

marcusboy 3 yrs ago

Divia 3 yrs ago

marcusboy 3 yrs ago

Craig000 3 yrs ago

Ed 3 yrs ago

Ronaldkkk 3 yrs ago

XuMinji 3 yrs ago

jemtomfrance 3 yrs ago

HOLIDAY 2 3 yrs ago

snaker 2 yrs ago

Jonasjonas 24 mths ago

BChristy 18 mths ago

Tommychung 14 mths ago

Katieeee 10 mths ago

Shauncres 6 mths ago

ecanza 4 mths ago

Shauncres 4 mths ago

Milan G 3 mths ago

ecanza 3 mths ago

Shauncres 3 mths ago

Luna86 2 mths ago

ecanza 2 mths ago

Luna86 2 mths ago

ecanza 2 mths ago

Craig000 2 mths ago

Luna86 2 mths ago

LUNA000 2 mths ago

ecanza 2 mths ago

genuinebuyer 2 mths ago

LUNA0000 2 mths ago

Ed 59 days ago

Edys 39 days ago

Support Hong Kong Business!

OTHER ASIAXPAT SITES: