Embarking on your home renovation journey can be daunting, especially for first-time homeowners. The key to a successful project lies in meticulous planning and budgeting. Understanding potential house renovation costs upfront is crucial to avoid financial pitfalls down the road.
As you dive into your home renovation, take the time to assess and plan every aspect of the project. Consider engaging with contractors to get accurate estimates on house renovation costs. This step not only helps you set a realistic budget but also ensures that you’re financially prepared for the journey ahead.
Remember, a well-thought-out plan not only enhances the overall success of your home renovation but also helps manage and control house renovation costs. So, whether it’s sourcing the right materials or finding a reliable contractor, careful preparation is your key to a smooth and cost-effective home improvement experience.
To assist you in your home renovation journey, we present to you a comprehensive home renovation checklist. Whether you’re revamping a landed house or a condominium, this checklist will enhance your planning process.
For a better understanding of budgeting, we recommend exploring our informative post on home renovation costs in Malaysia.
Now, without further ado, let’s delve into the checklist. Here are the 8 essential items to address when renovating your house.
- Exterior & Outside Space
- Floor Plan & Layout
- Flooring
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Living Room
1. Enhancing Your Home’s Exterior and Outdoor Space
Initiating your home makeover from the outside is highly recommended as a strategic approach. By commencing with the exterior, you can seamlessly progress towards the interior.
Start with the roof.
Given Malaysia’s tropical weather, characterized by year-round sun and rain, it is crucial to prioritize the assessment of your roof during the home makeover process. Are there any signs of leaks? Are there any faulty installations or components such as gutters, downpipes, or roof tiles that require replacement?
Neglecting to address roof issues can jeopardize the success of your interior makeover, as leaks may arise in the future and potentially damage your newly renovated space.
Move on to windows & doors.
When renovating a sub-sale house, it is worth considering the preservation of existing windows and doors. Wooden doors, in particular, can often be repaired instead of being completely replaced.
Carefully assess the condition of these elements to determine if they require replacement or if repair work would be sufficient. By preserving and fixing them when possible, you can maintain the original charm of the house while still giving them a refreshed and revitalized appearance.
Move on to windows & doors.
In a home renovation project, it is essential to prioritize wet works, such as plumbing and waterproofing, before proceeding to finishings. However, it is crucial to plan your garden and curb decorations in advance.
Consider the desired layout you aim to achieve and evaluate if the design is practical and functional for your outdoor space. By working with the end in mind, you can ensure a cohesive and well-executed outdoor renovation.
Remember, careful planning and envisioning the final result will contribute to a successful outdoor transformation that aligns with your overall vision for the project.
What if I’m renovating a new condominium?
That’s a great point to consider!
Before diving into your renovation plans, familiarize yourself with an important term – the defect liability period (DLP). This period is a mandatory warranty period of 24 months that starts after you take possession of your property. During this time, the developer is responsible for rectifying any defects, shrinkage, or faults in the property.
It’s crucial to note that the warranty period only begins when you receive the key to your property and take possession. As the first step on your renovation checklist, thoroughly inspect your condo for any defects. Take note of any issues you spot and promptly report them to the condo management. While 24 months may seem like a long duration, it’s important to expedite the process early on to ensure timely rectification of any identified defects.
2. Overall floor plan and layout.
Once you have noted down any necessary changes for your home exterior or identified any defects in your condo, it’s time to shift your focus indoors to your home layout.
Familiarizing yourself with your home layout is crucial, especially if you intend to add additional space to the existing layout. Understanding the current floor plan will help you assess the feasibility of your renovation ideas and determine the best approach for incorporating any desired changes.
Consider factors such as the location of load-bearing walls, existing plumbing and electrical systems, and the overall flow and functionality of the space. This knowledge will guide your decision-making process and ensure that your renovation plans align with the existing structure of your home.
By being well-acquainted with your home layout, you can effectively plan and execute any modifications or additions, resulting in a harmonious and well-designed living space.
Indeed, your contractor or interior designer can assist in creating a house layout plan for you. Some interior designers may offer this service for a fee, while certain contractors include it as part of their renovation package.
However, it’s important to note that when it comes to extensions or additional rooms, you may need to seek permission from your developers if you are renovating a condominium. For landed houses, unless the changes impact the structural integrity of the house, you can proceed without requiring an approved plan from the state government.
Keep in mind that any changes made during the renovation process will be permanent, so thorough pre-planning is crucial. By consulting professionals and obtaining the necessary permissions, you can ensure that your renovation project aligns with regulations and achieves your desired outcomes.
3. House flooring
Once you have noted down any necessary changes for your home exterior or identified any defects in your condo, it’s time to shift your focus indoors to your home layout.
Familiarizing yourself with your home layout is crucial, especially if you intend to add additional space to the existing layout. Understanding the current floor plan will help you assess the feasibility of your renovation ideas and determine the best approach for incorporating any desired changes.
Consider factors such as the location of load-bearing walls, existing plumbing and electrical systems, and the overall flow and functionality of the space. This knowledge will guide your decision-making process and ensure that your renovation plans align with the existing structure of your home.
By being well-acquainted with your home layout, you can effectively plan and execute any modifications or additions, resulting in a harmonious and well-designed living space.
Tiles are a common and cost-effective option for homeowners seeking beautiful flooring solutions. Therefore, it is crucial to proactively contemplate the tile choices for each room and space within your home.
While solid timber flooring may be perceived as expensive and demanding in terms of maintenance, laminate flooring serves as a viable alternative for homeowners.
It is essential to have a clear understanding of your preferred flooring choice. To assist you in making an informed decision, consider the following additional questions when exploring various flooring options:
- Will you be adorning the rooms with carpet? If so, how can you seamlessly harmonize the carpeting with your existing floor and the overall aesthetic of your home?
- Do you have intentions of replacing the floor tiles?
- Alternatively, are you intrigued by the allure of laminate flooring?
4. Electrical wiring
Consider the age of the house you’re renovating, as it may require rewiring for the electrical cables.
Regardless of the quality of the initial electrical cable installation, degradation over time is inevitable. This poses potential hazards, including the risk of house fires.
Interestingly, this crucial aspect is often overlooked by most homeowners.
Begin by inspecting the main power distribution MCB (miniature circuit breakers) board. Determine whether it operates on a single-phase or three-phase power supply. Considering the rising demand for electrical appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and water heaters, and the size of your house, opting for a three-phase power supply might be a wiser choice.
Since the wiring and power distribution box differ between single-phase and three-phase systems, it is essential to make this decision early on. Consult your contractor to explore available options and make an informed choice.
Pro tip: Within the panel, you’ll find a collection of circuit breakers that can be controlled using a lever (ON or OFF), with each breaker clearly labeled to indicate its corresponding area.
TNB Malaysia provides guidelines for navigating the circuit breakers in your home. Prior to attempting any adjustments or modifications to the power distribution board or circuit breaker, ensure you review the guide thoroughly.
Subsequently, if you plan on reusing the electrical sockets, it’s important to verify their proper functionality. If you possess some technical know-how, you can perform a simple check using a test pen. Just insert the test pen into the live point of the socket and place your thumb over the touch pole.
Furthermore, don’t forget to inspect all existing light fixtures and fittings, evaluating their adequacy for your home while keeping an eye out for any potential defects.
Lastly, determine whether there is a necessity to incorporate supplementary electrical sources and sockets throughout your house. Early planning for electrical wiring is essential, particularly if you desire concealed wires within the walls before commencing the finishing touches.
It is crucial to emphasize that electrical work can be intricate. When in doubt, seek guidance from your contractor or consider hiring a skilled technician for the task at hand.
5. Wet works and plumbing
When it comes to plumbing works, unless you are renovating an older house, typically, simple maintenance checks suffice, especially in areas such as your bathroom and kitchen.
Areas to look out for:
- Inspect for any old or deteriorated pipes, and promptly replace them if necessary.
- Consider replacing fixtures like taps if they show signs of wear or need an upgrade.
- Thoroughly examine areas that are more susceptible to leaks, such as the bathroom, sinks, and toilets.
Finally, if your budget permits, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional to inspect and address any cleaning, clogging, or maintenance requirements within your sewer system.
Now that we have covered the essential aspects, let’s shift our focus to your living space.
6. Bathroom floors and sanitary wares
To kick things off, let’s delve into the realm of your bathroom space.
Assess the condition of your bathroom floor, water closet, shower area, and other sanitary ware-related items to ensure they are in optimal condition.
Let’s review some items on the checklist below:
- Assess the ventilation inside your bathroom. Is an additional ceiling fan necessary for improved airflow?
- Evaluate the storage capacity for toiletries. Is the current space adequate, or would an extra built-in wall shelf (known as a wall nook) be beneficial?
- Consider the bathroom countertop. Will you be reusing the existing one or opting for a new installation?
- Examine the design of your bathroom tiles. Is it time to replace them with fresh, new tiles?
Please be aware that any modifications made to the grout details or overall design of the bathroom can significantly impact your renovation budget.
7. Your home kitchen design.
Moving on to kitchen renovation, it’s crucial to recognize that this area has the potential to consume a substantial portion of your budget.
When it comes to transforming your kitchen space, consider aspects such as kitchen cabinets, cooking facilities, and utensils. It is essential to carefully plan and determine how you intend to renovate the space, particularly if you anticipate doing a significant amount of cooking.
Here are some key points to consider when planning your kitchen renovation:
- Determine the primary purpose of your kitchen. Will it primarily be used for heavy cooking?
- Assess whether the kitchen will serve solely as a cooking area or if it will also be utilized for seating and entertaining.
- Ensure proper ventilation is in place to address fumes and smoke generated during cooking.
- Contemplate the choice of a kitchen backsplash, with subway tiles being a popular and stylish option.
- Plan for designated locations to house fire extinguishers in case of a kitchen fire.
Renovating a kitchen is undoubtedly a significant undertaking. Just like any other home renovation, it all begins with establishing a well-defined budget. By having a budget in place, you can effectively plan and make informed decisions regarding various aspects of your kitchen, such as the materials for your backsplash and countertops, as well as the selection of kitchen appliances.
8. Your living room
Finally, we arrive at the living room, which serves as the heart of every home. It’s no surprise that many homeowners allocate a significant portion of their renovation budget to this area, as it is the first space they and their guests encounter upon entering the house.
Ideally, the design of a living room revolves around the arrangement and placement of furniture. Key elements such as the sofa, television, and coffee table play a crucial role in defining the main activities and functionality of the space. By carefully considering the layout and positioning of these furniture pieces, you can create a harmonious and functional living room design.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning a living room remodel:
- Layout plan – Where is the main activity in the room?
- Furniture – Start with looking at the furniture that you are planning to place in the living room. Design the room around the furniture.
- Walls and ceilings – The height of the ceiling and surrounding wall plays a huge role on the feel and function of a living room. Adding more walls brings the feeling of an enclosed space in the living room.
- Windows & lighting – Your living room is the best place to allow large windows to have natural sunlight coming in. Plan an appropriate location for the windows, while making sure the sunlight does not compete with the main activity areas.
- Media & entertainment – Most houses in Malaysia will feature a television in the living room. Think about the potential media and entertainment systems you’ll have in the living room. For example, if you plan to install a surround sound system, you could plan ahead to have the running wires concealed.
When planning the living room layout, it’s crucial to consider the structure before purchasing furniture. While furniture can be replaced, changing the room’s structure is more challenging.
Pro tip: If you desire a spacious living room, consider pushing your large furniture against the wall to allow for easier movement. However, if you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, pull the furniture away from the wall to create a cozy space for conversation.
What about bedrooms?
Similar to the living room, the checklist for the bedroom is quite similar, with the exclusion of the entertainment system. Additionally, don’t forget to include bedding essentials in your list. For added variation, you can even consider purchasing bean bags to diversify your furniture options.
Conclusion
Once you have gone through the checklist, it is crucial to set a budget for the entire renovation project. This will provide a clear framework for your expenses and help you stay on track.
Next, approach an experienced interior designer or contractor who can assist you throughout the renovation process. Having a well-defined plan, checklist, and budget will make it much easier to collaborate with your contractor and ensure a smoother workflow.
We sincerely hope that this concise checklist proves valuable in your preparations for the upcoming renovation project. At Rekareno, we are dedicated to helping homeowners save on renovation costs by offering overstocked construction materials. These materials are not old or unwanted but rather new tiles, ventilation blocks, and sanitary wares that we have sourced from completed or surplus construction projects.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Our team is more than happy to support you. Best of luck with your renovation journey!