Renovation & Extensions: When the House Starts to Feel Small
More children, parents moving in, a kitchen that is no longer big enough. Renovation work is different from a new build — its cost depends on what is already on site — so we start with a free visit before giving any price.
We do not publish a per-square-foot rate for renovation, and that is a deliberate decision. For a new build on an empty site, a flat rate works because every project starts from the same point. For renovation, the cost is dominated by what is already standing: the type of foundation, whether that wall is load-bearing, where the pipes and wiring run, and how much room there is to work.
So the process is: a free site visit first, then a quotation based on what we see. There is no charge for the visit and no obligation afterwards.
The kinds of work we do
Extra ground-floor rooms
Needs council approval
The most common and the simplest. Involves new foundations, a roof extension and opening up existing walls. Needs plan approval if it changes the building footprint.
Adding an upper floor
Needs council approval & a structural check
Needs an engineer to check the existing foundations and structure. Not every single-storey house can carry a second floor without strengthening work.
Kitchen & dining area
Usually needs approval
Extending to the back of the house, usually with a light roof. Drainage and ventilation need attention.
An extra bathroom
Depends on scope
The plumbing and waterproofing are what count. A waterproofing failure is the most expensive renovation defect to fix later.
Full finish upgrade
Usually no approval
Tiles, kitchen, bathrooms, wiring and paint without changing the structure. No plan approval is needed if there is no structural or footprint change.
Structural repairs
Depends on the cause
Cracks, foundation movement, a roof that needs replacing. Needs a diagnosis before a price — the cause of the problem decides the cost, not its symptoms.
Three things you should know first
1. Unapproved extensions reduce value
An unapproved extension does not appear on the approved plans, so it can block a charge and complicate a sale. A careful buyer will notice, and a bank valuer certainly will. If you already have an unapproved extension, it can sometimes be regularised — ask us.
2. Not every single-storey house can take another floor
Foundations and columns are designed for the loads expected when the house was built. Adding a second floor adds a large load, and an engineer has to check whether the existing structure can carry it. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes yes with strengthening work. This is the first check, not the final surprise.
3. Waterproofing is the cost most worth paying
A waterproofing failure in an extra bathroom or roof is the most expensive renovation defect to fix later, because the repair means breaking finishes that have only just been completed. Do not compromise here to save a few hundred ringgit.
Frequently asked
Why don't you give a per-square-foot rate for renovation?
Do I need council approval for a renovation?
What is LPPSA renovation financing?
Can extensions be done while the house is lived in?
How long does a renovation take?
Free site visit
Send photos of your house and the area you want to change on WhatsApp. We give you a first opinion for free, and schedule a visit if it is worth it.