What Your ID Won't Help With When Renovating

Getting your home renovated can be a highly stressful time, not only are there tons of decisions to be made – there’s also a lot of money being spent.

So there’s no doubt that you’ll want everything running smoothly and efficiently, with as little hassle as possible – and who could blame you!

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Now if you’ve hired a full service interior designer or contractors, you may be hoping to sit back and let them do all the work. But…chances are there will still be at least some prep work that only you can take on!

Here’s a list of renovation prep that is typically the responsibility of the homeowner:

Before the renovation begins:

1. Inform your neighbours and get permission, if necessary

If the construction works to be carried out on your home is going to be extensive or take up a lot of time, be a good neighbour and inform yours.

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Also, if you live in a high-rise or gated/guarded home with a neighbourhood association, you may need to apply for permission and to formally inform them of your intent to renovate.

You may also require separate permissions e.g. for the placement of construction debris bins from your municipal council, but the specifics of application vary by district.

Generally, making extensive structural changes or others that involve, plumbing and wiring, etc. may require special permissions with a sign-off from an architect.

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Thus, these types of permissions may be the responsibility of the contractor. Do check with yours to confirm the duties of each party in advance.

2. Pack up

Next up, you’ll have to pack up your belongings in affected spaces.

A contractor or ID may help supply a professional mover to help you pack, but this usually incurs extra costs, so most homeowners DIY this task.

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Be sure to remove all items that’ll get in the way or possibly get damaged in the process.

Be mindful that theft during construction does happen. Do store valuables and personal documents in a safe and secure place, or take it with you if possible.

Also, if you are concerned about the safety of your belongings, consider a renovation insurance plan.

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If renovation works are minor and confined to just a few areas of the home, you can move your belongings/furniture into a spare room, if you have one. Your contractor may also advise you to simply protect your larger furniture with sheeting and move it to another part of the house.

If this is not possible, you may need to look at temporary storage solutions like extra space or StorageBloc or the numerous other services available online in Malaysia.

3. Arrange for temporary accommodation

You are most likely going to need a place to stay while your home is being renovated. It is not recommended that you live in the house when construction takes place, especially for major projects.

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The home may not be structurally safe. Also, large amounts of dust and construction debris are likely to be present, and could certainly be a hazard to health. Thus, be sure to make temporary living arrangements for all in the home, including pets; if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them either.

While the renovation is in progress:

4. Checking in

Yes, you do need to make an appearance every now and again to make sure that your renovations are being carried out. Still, even with a timeline; delays are almost always expected (typically from up to 10 to 14 days), so do account for them.

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It’s best to check in before each progressive payment is made, to ensure that the works are running up to schedule. As you inspect the works in progress, be sure to bring up any issues you may have with the quality of the construction as soon as you can. Also, do inquire if the general project is running on schedule and if there is a new timeline; do ask for confirmation in writing.

After the renovation is complete:

5. Inspect the work

Once you’re home is ready, be sure to view and inspect the finished work in person.Test all appliances, socket switches, handles, knobs, etc. to confirm that everything is in good, working condition and to your satisfaction.

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It may not be obvious to you if something is not up to par at first glance, that’s why it’s important to consider the warranty on parts as well as workmanship.

6. Hire a cleaning crew

The dust and dirt that builds up over the course of a renovation can be rather extensive and difficult to clean, thus it’s best to get help. Regular house cleaners are cheaper, costing about RM60 per session (three to four hours) but they may not be as apt for the job as a professional crew.