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How Much Does It Cost To Renovate In Malaysia?

April 21, 2017

A renovation takes two hands to clap.

On one hand, renovating a home is about designing a gorgeous space that you'll love. On the other, it's also about being practical - is your home able to accommodate your ideas? How long does it take, and the big question - how much will it cost?

Not sure how much you should set aside for your new home? Don't worry - we've got the answers! Here, we have a compiled list of estimated costs for various renovation works in Malaysia. Pair this up with the listed prices on Qanvast home projects to get a rough gauge and plan better - you'll be a savvy renovator in no time!


1. Average Renovation Cost In Malaysia

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Interior Designer: Core Design Workshop

Homes come in all shapes and sizes - which can translate to different costs. So, there isn't one fixed figure - it really depends on the amount of works you would like to do. For a complete renovation that includes carpentry, electrical wiring, plastering, painting and wet works, here's an estimated cost range for each property type.

1. Condominium: RM40,000 to RM150,000

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Interior Designer: Amorphous Design

2. Terrace: RM60,000 to RM250,000

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Interior Designer: Core Design Workshop

While terraces and semi-detached homes may be similar in concept (both have an adjoining wall, shared with a neighbour) the latter usually costs more to renovate, due to a slightly larger land space.

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

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Interior Designer: Q1 Interior Concept Sdn Bhd

Bungalow: RM150,000 to RM600,000

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate In Malaysia?
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Interior Designer: Terra Interior Sdn Bhd


2. Flooring

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Interior Designer: Hoe & Yin Design Studio

An utmost essential in every home, flooring can take up a huge chunk in one's renovation budget. Not forgetting the labour needed to set a foundation and laying of tiles, an average cost for flooring can set you back upwards from a couple thousand RM.

Of course, this amount varies depending on the type of material or finish that you use. Let's take a look at the costs for different flooring materials.

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

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Interior Designer: Morse Interior Design

Vinyl: RM4.5 - RM12 per square feet

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate In Malaysia?
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Interior Designer: Pocket Square

Carpet: RM4.5 - RM15 per square feet

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Interior Designer: Dsgnpholio Consultancy Sdn Bhd

Tiles: RM9 - RM60 per square feet

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Interior Design: M Innovative Builders


3. Plumbing

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Interior Designer: Paperwork Design Studio

Another must-have in every renovation, you'll need proper sanitary fittings to fuel water to various parts of your home; your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry yards and even your outdoor spaces. Here's a general estimate to look at when buying and installing some key plumbing accessories.

Installing Water Heater: Around RM250

Installing Sink and Tap: Around RM300

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Interior Designer: Deseo Creativo

Installing Toilet Bowl: Around RM400

Note: Prices may vary according to the brand of sanitary fittings you select.


4. Electrical Works

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Interior Designer: EDI: Essential Design Integrated

Just because it's hidden within your walls, doesn't mean it isn't there! Many of us might tend to overlook setting a sum for electrical wiring - and that includes power, lighting and cable points. Prices may differ from electrician to electrician, so here is an estimated cost for each type of electrical work.

Power Point (Single): RM70 - RM100

Lighting Point: RM40 - RM90

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Interior Designer: Sachi Interiors

Telephone Point: RM100 - RM120

Two-Way Switch: About RM180

Note: Installing your wires will require you to hack and make good certain parts of your house (like your walls). Usually, concealment and plastering work will add on to your costs! Do confirm with your ID or electrician if these are included in your quote.


5. Feature Walls

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Interior Designer: Archiplan Interior Design

Every home needs a statement piece to provide a focal point for the rest of its interiors, and this is often achieved with the help of a fancy feature wall! Of course, the options are limitless when it comes to dressing your walls - think industrial looking exposed bricks, or artistic glass tiles. Nevertheless, here are some pricing guidelines for some popular feature wall works or materials.

Painting: Around RM40 per square feet

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Interior Designer: Yong Studio

Plywood Laminate: Around RM80 per square feet

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Interior Designer: Quest Designs

Decorative Stone Veneers (Brick Effect): RM10 - RM30 per square feet (Without installation).

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate In Malaysia?
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Interior Designer: Alpex Design


6. Carpentry Work

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Interior Designer: Pocket Square

Whether you prefer more sleek built-ins or having loose furniture to populate your space - carpentry work will always be an inescapable part of a renovation. From kitchen countertops to wardrobes and study tables, how much does it roughly cost to construct each? Again, do note that prices also depend on the design difficulty.

TV Console: RM150 - RM300 per foot run

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Interior Designer: Golden Carpentry & Reno Sdn Bhd

Shoe Cabinet: RM300 - RM500 per foot run

Kitchen Cabinet (Base/Wall): RM100 - RM300 per foot run

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Interior Designer: Icon Factory

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

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Interior Designer: Archiplan Interior Design

Study Table: RM200 - RM300 per foot run


7. False Ceiling

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Interior Designer: Zeng Interior Design Space

Especially with exceptionally high ceilings, false ceilings are a great way to add dimension, and provide a seamless platform to install any recessed lighting. They also serve a practical purpose, helping to conceal any stray electrical wires, service lines or cables.

Plaster Ceiling: RM2 - RM5 per square feet

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Interior Designer: Desigva Interior

Light Trough: RM7 - RM30 per foot run


8. Wall Hacking

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Interior Designer: Senterior Design

Be it opening up a space, combining two rooms or reshaping your home's layout, hacking is a common component in a renovation. Likewise, hacking works will need to be done if you're looking to build a partition or half wall.

Hacking: RM20 per square feet


Disclaimer: Costs listed are estimates from various sources and interior designers. Prices may differ depending on brand, quality and type of work required.


Have a better idea of how much to spend for your renovation? Now is time to find an interior designer that would suit your budget and style - and we can help! Simply drop in a quote request, and we will match you up with 5 interior designers, for free.

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