A Breakdown of Home Renovation Costs in Malaysia

January 2, 2018

Whether you are dreaming up a cosy Scandinavian abode, an industrial loft or perhaps a stylish modern crib, renovation will help you create a space you’ll love. However, the big question, that lingers on our mind is – how much does renovating cost, exactly?

Fret not, we’ve compiled a list of estimated costs for the various renovation works you may do. Pair this up with the listed prices of Qanvast home projects to get a rough gauge of how much you’ll need, and start planning your budget!

The average cost of renovating in Malaysia

Interior Designer: Core Design Workshop

With a range of property types in varying sizes, it doesn’t come as a surprise that there isn’t a fixed figure for this – a large part of it boils down to how much work you intend to do. If we assume the inclusion of carpentry, electrical wiring, plastering, painting and wet works, here’s what we get, by property type.

1. Condominium: RM40,000 to RM150,000

Interior Designer: Amorphous Design

2. Terrace: RM60,000 to RM250,000

Interior Designer: Core Design Workshop

Although both terrace and semi-detached properties are similar in concept (a shared adjoining wall with your neighbours), the latter comes with slightly more land, and hence, a higher price tag.

3. Semi-Detached: RM100,000 to RM300,000

Interior Designer: Q1 Interior Concept Sdn Bhd

4. Bungalow: RM150,000 to RM600,000

Interior Designer: Terra Interior Sdn Bhd

Flooring

Interior Designer: Hoe & Yin Design Studio

A must-have, flooring takes a significant portion of your renovation budget. And with the labour needed to set a foundation and to lay tiles, you’re looking at a minimum of a few thousand Ringgit.

Of course, the materials you choose will affect the costs – here’s a simple breakdown.

1. Parquet (e.g. Merbau Wood): RM10 – RM30 per square feet

Interior Designer: Morse Interior Design

2. Vinyl: RM4.5 – RM12 per square feet

Interior Designer: Pocket Square

3. Carpet: RM4.5 – RM15 per square feet

Interior Designer: Dsgnpholio Consultancy Sdn Bhd

4. Tiles: RM9 – RM60 per square feet

Interior Design: M Innovative Builders

Plumbing

Interior Designer: Paperwork Design Studio

You’ll definitely need proper sanitary fittings to fuel water to your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry yards and even outdoor spaces. Here’s a general estimate that can serve as a guideline when buying and installing the following key plumbing accessories.

1. Installing Water Heater: Around RM250

2. Installing Sink and Tap: Around RM300

Interior Designer: Deseo Creativo

3. Installing Toilet Bowl: Around RM400

Note: Prices may vary from brand to brand.

Electrical Works

Interior Designer: EDI: Essential Design Integrated

Overlooked by many, you’ll need to set aside a sum for electrical wiring, which includes lighting, power and cable points. Do note that costs differ from electrician to electrician.

1. Power Point (Single): RM70 – RM100

2. Lighting Point: RM40 – RM90

Interior Designer: Sachi Interiors

3. Telephone Point: RM100 – RM120

4. Two-Way Switch: About RM180

Installing your wires will require hacking – that means concealment and plastering work, which will add on to your costs! Check with your ID or electrician if these are included in the quote given.

Feature Walls

Interior Designer: Archiplan Interior Design

Every home needs a statement piece providing a focal point and a visually interesting feature, often achieved by incorporating a feature wall! The options are really limitless when it comes to dressing your walls – industrial looking exposed bricks, or artistic glass tiles, you name it. That said, here are some pricing guidelines for popular feature wall works and materials.

1. Painting: Around RM40 per square feet

Interior Designer: Yong Studio

2. Plywood Laminate: Around RM80 per square feet

Interior Designer: Quest Designs

3. Decorative Stone Veneers (brick effect): RM10 – RM30 per square feet (without installation)

Interior Designer: Alpex Design

Carpentry Work

Interior Designer: Pocket Square

From kitchen countertops to wardrobes and study tables, carpentry is an inescapable part of a renovation that can really transform your home. Prices also depend on the complexity of your designs.

1. TV Console: RM150 – RM300 per foot run

Interior Designer: Golden Carpentry & Reno Sdn Bhd

2. Shoe Cabinet: RM300 – RM500 per foot run

3. Kitchen Cabinet (Base/Wall): RM100 – RM300 per foot run

Interior Designer: Icon Factory

4. Kitchen Countertop:

– Solid: RM150 – RM200 per foot run
– Granite: RM250 – RM400 per foot run
– Quartz: RM150 – RM400 per foot run
– Wood: From RM200 per foot run
– Wardrobe: RM350 – RM600 per foot run