For many Malaysian families, the terrace house is the cornerstone of community living. But as families grow and needs change, the desire for more space becomes a common dream. A house extension—particularly for the kitchen or a new bedroom—is one of the most popular and high-value renovation projects you can undertake. However, it is also one of the riskiest.
For many Malaysian families, the terrace house is the cornerstone of community living. But as families grow and needs change, the desire for more space becomes a common dream. A house extension—particularly for the kitchen or a new bedroom—is one of the most popular and high-value renovation projects you can undertake. However, it is also one of the riskiest.
Unlike a cosmetic makeover, an extension involves complex structural work that, if done incorrectly, can compromise the safety and integrity of your entire home. At iDFAC Engineering Solutions, our foundation is in engineering. We approach every extension project with a level of technical rigor that ensures your new space is not only beautiful but also structurally sound and fully compliant. This guide will walk you through the critical requirements for a successful terrace house extension.
Before any design work begins, a professional assessment of your home’s existing structure is non-negotiable. This is not a step to be skipped or left to an unqualified handyman.
Foundation Check: Your contractor must assess whether your existing foundation can support the additional weight of an extension. In many cases, a new, independent foundation will need to be constructed for the extended portion.
Identifying Load-Bearing Walls: It is absolutely critical to identify which walls are “load-bearing”—meaning they support the weight of the upper floor or the roof. These walls cannot be removed without installing proper structural supports, such as steel beams, as designed by a qualified engineer.
Single-Storey vs. Double-Storey: The complexity increases significantly for a double-storey extension. The new structure must be engineered to safely transfer its load all the way down to the foundation, requiring careful calculations and a more robust design.
In Malaysia, you cannot legally build a house extension without first obtaining a renovation permit from your local council (PBT). This is a mandatory requirement for any work that alters the structure of your home.
The process involves hiring a registered architect or draughtsman to prepare official plans and submit them for approval. This ensures your extension complies with local regulations, including setback requirements (how close you can build to your property line). Attempting to build without a permit can lead to fines and demolition orders.
The cost of an extension is best calculated on a per-square-foot (psf) basis for the new built-up area.
Average Cost: In Malaysia, you can expect the cost for structural extension work to range from RM150 to RM300 per square foot.
Example Project: A modest, single-storey kitchen extension of around 100-150 sq ft might cost between RM20,000 and RM50,000 for the structural shell and basic finishes. This cost does not include high-end items like custom cabinets, appliances, or extensive M&E work.
A successful extension should feel like a natural part of your home, not an awkward add-on.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Use features like large sliding doors or bi-fold doors to create a seamless connection between your new interior space and your garden or backyard.
Natural Light: Incorporate skylights or large windows to ensure your new space is bright and airy, which can also help the adjoining original rooms feel less dark.
Waterproofing and Drainage: This is a critical technical detail. Your contractor must ensure that the point where the new roof joins the existing wall is perfectly waterproofed to prevent leaks in the future.
A house extension is fundamentally an engineering project. Choosing a partner with deep structural expertise is the most important decision you will make. At iDFAC, our in-house engineering team oversees every extension project, giving you the peace of mind that your home is in the safest possible hands.
Planning to extend your home? Contact iDFAC today for an expert consultation and ensure your project is built right, from the foundation up.
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From building a dream home on your own land (bina rumah atas tanah sendiri) to complex house extensions and renovations, our certified team manages the entire process.
As a leading solar panel installation company in Malaysia, we design and install high-ROI grid-tied solar systems. Reduce your electricity costs by up to 75% and increase your property's value
We provide comprehensive M&E services in Kuala Lumpur, from complete system design and electrical wiring to critical troubleshooting for commercial facilities.
An integrated contractor like iDFAC manages all key services—building, civil, M&E, solar, and interiors—with our own in-house teams. This provides you with one point of contact, eliminating the risks, delays, and communication gaps common when juggling multiple companies. It’s a turnkey construction service designed for efficiency and peace of mind.
Absolutely. iDFAC Engineering Solutions is a registered company and holds a Grade G3 license from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for Building (B04), Civil Engineering (CE21), and Mechanical & Electrical (ME) works. This ensures our operations meet strict national standards for quality and safety.
Our primary operational areas are Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (KL), including key locations like Shah Alam, Klang Valley, Putrajaya, and Ampang. We have also completed projects across Peninsular Malaysia, including in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Perak.
Our clients have seen their monthly TNB bills reduced by as much as 75%. For instance, a 9 kWp system we installed in Bukit Jalil took a client's bill from RM600 down to just RM150 per month. We provide a detailed ROI calculation as part of our free solar consultation.
The process generally involves design and planning, submission for local council (PBT) approval, financing, construction, and obtaining the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). Our integrated service is designed to guide you through every step, making the journey clear and manageable.
