Buying a home is only half the spend for many buyers. The renovation that follows can be a major cost, and it’s often planned far less carefully than the loan itself. A little structure early on saves a lot of stress later.

Separate the Must-Haves From the Nice-to-Haves

Start with what the home needs to be liveable: wiring, plumbing, waterproofing, kitchen and bathrooms. Decorative items come after. Fixing a leak after a feature wall has gone up is always more expensive.

Plan a Contingency

Older properties especially can hide problems behind walls and under floors. Setting aside a contingency of around 10 to 15 percent of the renovation budget is a sensible buffer.

Design and Build Can Reduce Risk

One of the biggest risks in renovation is the gap between the designer’s drawings and the contractor’s work. When different companies handle each part, problems can fall between them. A design-and-build firm that handles drawings, construction and joinery under one roof gives you one party to hold accountable.

In southern Malaysia, for example, one interior designer Johor firm runs its own architectural team, a CIDB G6 graded construction team and a joinery workshop, covering Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri and Kulai.

Check Credentials Before You Sign

• Is the contractor registered with CIDB, and at what grade?
• Is the design practice recognised by a professional body?
• Are payment milestones tied to completed work?
• Is the scope written down in detail?

Timing Your Spending

Align renovation payments with your cash flow after settlement. Staged payments linked to milestones protect you and keep the project moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much contingency should I set aside for a renovation?

A buffer of around 10 to 15 percent of the renovation budget is sensible, especially for older properties.

What is a design-and-build firm?

It’s a company that handles design, construction and often joinery in-house, so one party is accountable for the whole project.

What does CIDB G6 mean?

It’s a contractor grade issued by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia that reflects the size of projects a contractor is licensed to take on.

Should renovation payments be staged?

Yes. Linking payments to completed milestones protects the homeowner and keeps work on schedule.