Renovating in Malaysia: Where to Spend VS What to Save

Spend smart, save wisely.

When it comes to renovating your home – two extremes often exist. On one hand, there’s the urge to splurge every penny on creating the ultimate home you’ve always dreamed of. On the other, do you really need to? Sure, call it a long-term investment (after all, you’re probably going to stay in it for years to come) – but some things aren’t necessarily important or worth the extra splurge.

To save yourself the potential regret (and to help you save up), we rank which of these 7 popular, big-ticket works are worth the spend, and which are not…

1. Mixed Tiles: SAVE

Yes, they do look eye-catching, but fancy tiles in general are pretty costly. Let’s just say they should be at the bottom of your list if your renovation budget is a concern. Unless you’re an eclectic soul who has always been in love with this sort of mismatched thing, stick with timeless, classic tile colours that you know you won’t cringe about after 10 years.

2. Kitchen Backsplash: SPEND

A kitchen backsplash is definitely worth the investment because it’s practical, stylish, and will definitely see a lot of action if you cook often. It protects your walls from water, grease, and food splashes, making cleaning a breeze and preventing costly damage especially when you opt for a single-slab backsplash with minimal or no grout lines. Beyond functionality, a well-chosen backsplash can also become the focal point of the kitchen, adding character, texture, or a subtle pop of colour that elevates the whole space.

3. Wall Hack: SPEND

Okay, hacking can be an expensive endeavour, but worth it as it can totally open up a cramped room or change the way a space functions (like an all-in-one open concept). They can also greatly improve the way we live and enable the space to fit into our lifestyles better. Just remember to think in the long run. Will your lifestyle needs change in the future?

4. Platform Bed: SAVE

As a space maximizer, platform beds might be heaven sent solutions for hoarders. Plus, they give off that zen-like, minimalist look, but they have their downsides too. We won’t recommend having them if you’re living there for the long haul, as a platform bed can prove inconvenient to get out of as you age (or if you get pregnant).

5. Walk-In Wardrobe: SPEND

If you’re talking about having enough storage space – spend those pennies on a solid, walk-in wardrobe instead. Got an extra room at home to spare? Walk-in wardrobes are a worthy addition that not only helps you stow away your ever-increasing collection of clothes, but can even double as a mini-storeroom of sorts for other stuff. Consider customizing compartments for storing items like your vacuum cleaner, luggage, ironing board or any odd-shaped knick-knacks to fully utilize this space!

6. Bathtubs: SAVE

A long, leisurely soak in a luxurious tub sounds like the ultimate indulgence – because it is. To be honest, most of us probably wouldn’t make full use of a bathtub on a daily basis; instead we’d grab a shower head to get the job over and done with! Not only are bathtubs a hassle to install, they can consume more water – and are chore to clean. So unless soaking in the tub is a regular ritual you truly enjoy, it might be better to save that dreamy bathtub for your next staycation instead.

7. Skylight: SPEND

If you live in a landed home, adding a skylight is honestly such a game-changer. It instantly brightens up your space, makes rooms feel more open, and gives you that lovely connection to the outdoors, all while cutting down on the need for artificial lighting and saving energy. Pop one in your bathroom or kitchen, and it can even help with moisture, keeping mold and mildew at bay. On top of that, skylights just make your home feel happier and more inviting, and they can even boost its value. So yes, it’s definitely one of those upgrades worth splurging on!

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Renovating a home may be a pricey affair - so make the most of your budget by working smart! An experienced interior designer can help come up with a suitable design, based on your available budget, and advise you on the best areas to cut costs from. That's where we can help - simply request for a quote below, and we can match you up with 5 interior firms - for free.

All recommendations made by Qanvast will be protected under the Qanvast Guarantee scheme that covers 50% of your contract value, up to RM50,000, in the case that the recommended Contracting Service Provider becomes insolvent.