Buying a home is already a big undertaking, but just when you think that’s complex enough, starting a house renovation project can be an exciting journey that quickly turns into a nightmare without proper planning.
Renovating isn’t just about picking tiles and colour swatches. It’s a full-blown construction project that requires planning, vigilance, and a whole lot of patience.
Whether you’re dealing with a new house or an old house, here are 5 things you must know before you get started renovating!
Essentials to know before starting the handiworks!
Set a Clear Timeline
The first and most essential step is to have a realistic and detailed schedule in place.
Renovation projects can sometimes take longer than expected due to weather, supply delays, or unforeseen structural issues, but that doesn’t mean your building process should run endlessly.
Before any work begins, sit down with your contractor or architect to clearly outline the project schedule, including when each stage is expected to begin and end.
Having these checkpoints not only helps you track progress but also keeps everyone accountable.
It’s also easier to spot red flags when things start falling behind without clear explanation.
Having a timeline gives you the structure to address delays early instead of being caught off guard halfway through.
Sign a Contract with a Payment Timetable and Budget
Never begin a renovation without a proper contract that includes a payment timetable and a clearly defined renovation budget.
The contract should cover all aspects of the project: scope of work, itemised renovation costs, types of materials, labour, services, and terms for dealing with delays or defects.
The payment schedule should be milestone-based—for example, a portion paid upon completion, another at the halfway point, and the rest only after final inspection.
This protects you from potential abandonment or subpar workmanship.
Paying everything upfront is not advisable, no matter how friendly or convincing the contractor may seem.
It’s also highly recommended to save some extra money in advance to cover unexpected costs.
Hire a Reputable and Certified Contractor
Choosing the right contractor goes far beyond a few social media reviews or a friend’s recommendation.
Always hire a contractor registered with both the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM).
CIDB registration ensures the contractor has met national standards and is legally allowed to perform renovation works in Malaysia.
One of the most important things to check is their CIDB grade, which determines the maximum value of the project they’re authorised to undertake.
For example, a Grade G1 contractor is only allowed to take on projects valued up to RM200,000, while a Grade G7 contractor has no tender limit and can handle projects of any scale.
Here’s a breakdown of the CIDB grades and their tender limits:
| CIDB Grade | Tender Limit |
|---|---|
| G1 | Not more than RM200,000 |
| G2 | Not more than RM500,000 |
| G3 | Not more than RM1 million |
| G4 | Not more than RM3 million |
| G5 | Not more than RM5 million |
| G6 | Not more than RM10 million |
| G7 | No limit |
Always ensure that the contractor’s CIDB grade matches the scale of your renovation.
A contractor with a lower grade taking on a larger job than they’re certified for is a red flag.
In addition to registration, review their past projects, visit their website, and speak to previous clients if possible.
A well-established contractor should have no problem providing references or a portfolio.
Monitor Renovation Progress Closely
Once the project is underway, your involvement doesn’t stop there.
Closely supervising the renovation process is crucial to ensuring the work reflects what was agreed upon.
Visit the site regularly, take photos, and keep an open channel of communication with your contractor and renovation team.
It also shows your contractor that you’re paying attention, which tends to keep standards higher. Using tools like a browser-based project tracker can also help.
You’ll also want to focus on key areas like bathrooms, bedrooms, room layouts, door fittings, and the placement of windows.
Determining your preferred interior style and how to create a comfortable space is something best done in advance.
Having a designer on board can help you visualise your dream home and decide on the right furnishings and furniture.
Inspect the Completed Work Before Final Payment
Once your house renovation is declared complete, resist the urge to rush in and sign off.
Take the time to thoroughly inspect all the work done.
Look for common issues like uneven finishes, hollow-sounding flooring tiles, faulty lighting, leaky plumbing, or electrical works that don’t match the specs.
If possible, get a second pair of eyes—either a friend with renovation experience or a professional inspector, to help identify flaws you may overlook.
Document everything through photos and video, and flag anything that needs rectification before making the final payment.
Once full payment is made, it’s significantly harder to get the contractor to return and fix outstanding issues.
Also, don’t forget to account for smaller details such as painting, tools left behind, or the need to rebuild or extend areas due to poor planning.
In conclusion, the more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll spend unnecessary money.
At the end of the day, every renovation comes with effort, cost, and emotional investment.
But with proper planning, the right team, a clear contract, and patience, you can complete the project with far less stress. After all, your dream home is worth it!
FAQs
What is the meaning of house renovation?
House renovation means improving or updating a home to make it look better, work better, or both. It can include things like repainting, replacing floors, or upgrading fixtures.
What is the difference between renovation and remodel?
Renovation is making something old look and feel new, while remodeling is creating something new from something old. If you’re just updating finishes and fixtures, you’re renovating. If you’re changing the layout or structure, you’re remodeling.
What is the point of renovation?
Renovation is done to improve how a space looks or works. The main goal is to update or refresh a home, often with a more modern design.
Every dream home starts with the right property. Whether you’re renovating an old house or buying one with endless potential, our trusted agents are here to help you find the perfect place to begin. Enquire below now to get started!
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