Ching Ching > new flats are smaller so maybe less area to clean... LOL. now are you staying with in-laws?
Like what Blur_btb said, take your time to find reno contractor since you are not in a hurry to move. Must find someone you are comfortable to talk to... Best is by recommendation from frens/relatives for someone that is responsible.
EL > yea lor those express train will skip station one... Shinkansen is worse... there was one train that i took b4, halfway through the journey, the train will split into half and head to 2 different directions... can you imagine if you board the wrong car... LOL
Blur_btb > Japan is do-able by F&E... in fact i just had my F&E honeymoon in Hokkaido
my colleague who doesn't know Japanese just had her F&E in Tokyo & Kyoto yoo.
if you're going Tokyo, you really can't have colour blind cos need to read the multi-colour train map LOL. anyway, now they have maps and train timetables in English and Chinese at their tourist centre, shouldn't be a big problem
Though i feel that Osaka/Kyoto area is easier to navigate compared to Tokyo.
actually hor, hotels in Tokyo can be cheaper than those in Singapore.......... -_-"