Embarking on a home renovation is an exhilarating prospect, but it’s often accompanied by one daunting question: “How much is this actually going to cost?” The fear of hidden fees, budget overruns, and unclear pricing can turn an exciting project into a stressful ordeal. In Malaysia, where renovation costs can range from RM20,000 for a simple refresh to over RM200,000 for a full overhaul, clarity is not just helpful—it’s essential.
At iDFAC Engineering Solutions, we believe in building trust through transparency. This guide is designed to demystify renovation costs in Malaysia for 2025. We will provide you with a detailed, itemized breakdown of what you can expect to pay for everything from structural works to custom carpentry. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to create a realistic budget, understand your contractor’s quotation, and begin your renovation journey with confidence.
Before diving into specific numbers, it’s crucial to understand the factors that influence the final price of your renovation :
Property Type and Size: Renovating a 4,000 sq ft bungalow will naturally cost more in absolute terms than a 1,000 sq ft condominium.
Scope of Work: A light cosmetic refurbishment (painting, new fixtures) is significantly cheaper than a major renovation involving structural changes like hacking walls or extending your kitchen.
Material Choices: The materials you select have a huge impact. Premium finishes like natural stone countertops and solid wood cabinets will cost more than standard options like laminate or melamine.
Location: Labor and logistics costs can be higher in prime urban centers like Kuala Lumpur compared to other areas.
Here is a comprehensive, line-by-line guide to average renovation costs in Malaysia. Use this as a powerful tool for your initial budget planning.
Table 1: Itemized Renovation Price List
| Work Category | Item / Task | Estimated Cost Range (RM) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Wet Works | Hacking Wall / Floor Tiles | 2,000 – 3,000 | Per Area |
| Demolition & Wet Works | Hacking & Rebuilding Walls | 50 – 80 | Per sq ft |
| Demolition & Wet Works | Concrete Kitchen Countertop | 220 – 250 | Per foot run |
| Demolition & Wet Works | Bathroom Waterproofing | 1,500 – 2,000 | Per Bathroom |
| Tiling | Standard Ceramic/Porcelain Tiles (Supply & Install) | 11 – 15 | Per sq ft |
| Electrical (M&E) | Lighting Point (Casing) | 65 – 90 | Per Point |
| Electrical (M&E) | 13A Power Point (Casing) | 100 – 150 | Per Point |
| Electrical (M&E) | Water Heater / Aircond Point | 200 – 280 | Per Point |
| Electrical (M&E) | Full House Rewiring | 3,500 – 10,000+ | Per Project |
| Plumbing (M&E) | New Piping (Inlet/Outlet) | 350 – 550 | Per Point |
| Plumbing (M&E) | Sink / Basin Installation | 160 – 550 | Per Unit |
| Ceilings & Painting | Plaster Ceiling (Flat) | 5 – 7 | Per sq ft |
| Ceilings & Painting | Interior Painting (2 Coats) | 2 – 4 | Per sq ft |
| Custom Carpentry | Kitchen Cabinet (Base, Melamine) | 200 – 450 | Per foot run |
| Custom Carpentry | Kitchen Cabinet (Wall, Melamine) | 200 – 380 | Per foot run |
| Custom Carpentry | Wardrobe (Swing Door, Melamine) | 550 – 650 | Per foot run |
To make planning easier, here are typical budget ranges for renovating specific areas of your home:
Kitchen Renovation: Often the most significant investment, a full kitchen renovation in Malaysia typically costs between RM15,000 and RM50,000. This can go up to RM100,000 for luxury properties with high-end appliances and custom finishes.
Bathroom Renovation: A basic bathroom upgrade can start from RM5,000 to RM15,000, while a mid-range remodel with better fixtures and tiling usually falls between RM22,000 and RM67,000.
House Extension: Structural work is a major cost driver. A simple, single-storey kitchen extension might cost between RM20,000 and RM50,000. In general, expect to budget around RM150 to RM300 per square foot for new built-up areas.
No matter how meticulously you plan, unforeseen issues can arise during a renovation. This is why every seasoned professional will advise you to allocate a contingency fund of at least 10-20% of your total project cost. This fund is your safety net for unexpected problems, ensuring your project can proceed without financial stress.
Understanding costs is the first step toward a successful renovation. The next is choosing a partner who values transparency as much as you do. At iDFAC, we provide detailed, itemized quotations and maintain open communication throughout the project, ensuring there are no surprises.
Ready to create a realistic budget for your dream renovation? Contact iDFAC today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
