Renovation Checklist For your Home

When renovating your house, it’s important to consider various aspects to ensure a successful project. Here are eight items you should focus on:

1. Exterior & Outside Space: Assess the condition of your home’s exterior and any outdoor areas that may need improvement or maintenance.
2. Floor Plan & Layout: Determine if any changes to the floor plan or layout are necessary to optimize space and functionality.
3. Flooring: Decide on the type of flooring you want, whether it’s hardwood, tiles, or other options, and plan for the installation process.
4. Electrical: Evaluate your electrical system and ensure it meets your needs. Consider adding or upgrading outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures if necessary.
5. Plumbing: Check your plumbing system for any leaks or issues. If needed, plan for repairs or upgrades to enhance water efficiency.
6. Bathroom: Assess the condition of your bathroom(s) and plan for any necessary renovations, such as replacing fixtures, updating tiles, or improving ventilation.
7. Kitchen: Evaluate your kitchen’s layout, cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Determine if any upgrades or modifications are required.
8. Living Room: Consider the design and functionality of your living room. Plan for furniture arrangement, lighting, and any desired renovations or decor changes.

Your home exterior and outdoor space

It is always recommended to start planning your home makeover from the outside. From there, you work your way inside. 

Start with the roof.

In Malaysia’s tropical climate, it’s crucial to prioritise the condition of your roof during home renovations. Begin by assessing if there are any existing leaks or signs of damage. Pay attention to potential issues with installations or components such as gutters, downpipes, and roof tiles that may require replacement.

Neglecting roof maintenance poses a risk to your interior makeover, as leaks can cause significant damage later on. By addressing any roofing issues early on, you can safeguard your home’s interior and ensure a successful renovation project.

Move on to windows & doors

When renovating a sub-sale house, it’s worth considering whether you can retain the existing windows and doors. Wooden doors, in particular, can often be repaired instead of completely replaced.

Take the time to assess the condition of the windows and doors and determine if they require replacement. By opting to fix rather than replace them, you can potentially save on costs while maintaining the original charm and character of your home.

Garden and curb decorations

When undertaking a home renovation project, it’s essential to give priority to wet works, such as plumbing and structural modifications, before moving on to finishings. However, it’s crucial to plan your garden and curb decorations in advance.

Consider the desired layout you aim to achieve and evaluate the practicality of the design. When working outdoors, always keep the final result in mind. Visualise how you want your garden and curb to look once the project is complete. This approach ensures that your outdoor spaces are thoughtfully coordinated with the overall design of your home, resulting in a harmonious and well-planned outcome.

What if I’m renovating a new condominium? 

When renovating a new condominium, it’s important to be aware of the defect liability period (DLP).

The DLP is a mandatory warranty period of 24 months after taking possession of the property, during which the developer is responsible for addressing any defects, shrinkage, or faults.

It’s crucial to inspect your condo for any defects as the first step on your renovation checklist. Make a note of any issues you observe and promptly report them to the condo management. While the 24-month period may seem lengthy, it’s advisable to expedite the defect rectification process early on to ensure a smooth renovation experience.

Overall floor plan and layout.

Once you have taken note of any necessary changes to your home’s exterior or identified defects in your condominium, it’s time to shift your focus to the interior layout.

Familiarizing yourself with the existing layout is crucial, especially if you intend to add extra space or make significant modifications. You can seek assistance from a contractor or interior designer who can provide a house layout plan for a fee or as part of their renovation services.

Keep in mind that when renovating a condominium, obtaining permission from the developers may be necessary for extensions or additional rooms. In the case of landed houses, unless the changes affect the structure, you can proceed without an approved plan from the state government.

Remember, the changes you make will have a lasting impact, so careful pre-planning is essential before embarking on any modifications.

House flooring

After addressing the exterior, layout, and defects, it’s time to focus on the flooring of your home. The choice of flooring is crucial as it significantly impacts the overall style and ambiance of your living space.

Flooring decisions should be prioritised on your checklist, as they will influence your home decor choices. Tiles are a popular and affordable option for many homeowners, offering a wide range of styles and designs. Consider the type of tiles to use in different rooms and spaces in your home.

While solid timber flooring can be expensive and require extensive maintenance, an alternative option to consider is laminate flooring. Laminate flooring offers a cost-effective solution that replicates the appearance of natural wood while being more durable and easier to maintain.

By carefully considering your flooring options, you can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home while staying within your budget.

When considering flooring options, it’s essential to have clarity on your preferences. Here are some additional questions to help guide your decision-making:

• If you’re carpeting the rooms, how can you complement the carpet with the existing floor and maintain a cohesive aesthetic throughout your home?
• Are you planning to change the tiles on your floors? If so, what type of tiles would best suit your desired style and functionality?
• Alternatively, are you leaning towards laminate flooring? Explore the various options available in laminate flooring that can mimic the appearance of natural materials while offering durability and easier maintenance.

By addressing these questions, you can narrow down your choices and make an informed decision that aligns with your desired aesthetic and practical needs for your home’s flooring.

Electrical cabling and wiring

Depending on the age of the house you’re renovating, it may be necessary to consider re-wiring the electric cables. Over time, the quality of the cables degrades, which can pose risks such as electrical hazards and house fires.

Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked by homeowners. Start by checking the main power distribution MCB (miniature circuit breakers) board. Determine whether it is a single-phase or three-phase power supply. Considering the increasing electrical consumption from appliances like air-conditioners, refrigerators, and water heaters, opting for a three-phase power supply may be more advisable for larger houses.

Keep in mind that wiring for single-phase and three-phase, including the power distribution box, differs. Therefore, it’s important to make this decision early in the renovation process. Consult your contractor to explore your options and ensure a safe and efficient electrical system for your home.

Protip: Inside the panel, you’ll have access to all the circuit breakers and they can be controlled by a lever (ON or OFF). Each breaker will be labeled. The labeling will tell you which area the circuit breaker is serving. 

TNB Malaysia has guidelines when it comes to navigating the circuit breakers at home. Be sure to go through the guide before attempting to navigate the power distribution board or circuit breaker at home.

If you intend to reuse the existing electric sockets during your renovation, it’s crucial to ensure they are in proper working condition. If you have some technical knowledge, you can perform a simple test using a test pen.

To do so, plug the test pen into the live point of the socket and place your thumb over the touch pole while taking necessary safety precautions. This will allow you to check if the socket is receiving power and functioning correctly.

However, please exercise caution when working with electricity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this test, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified electrician to ensure the safety and functionality of your electrical sockets.

In addition to checking the electric sockets, it’s important to assess all existing light fixtures and fittings in your home. Determine if they are adequate and free from any defects that may need attention.

Furthermore, consider if there is a need to install additional electrical sources and sockets throughout your house. Planning for electrical wiring early on is crucial, especially if you prefer to conceal wires within your walls before proceeding with finishing touches.

It’s important to note that electrical work can be technical and should be approached with caution. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s always advisable to consult your contractor or hire a qualified technician to ensure the safety and proper execution of the job.

Plumbing works

When it comes to plumbing works, unless you are renovating an older house, you typically only need to perform simple maintenance checks. Pay particular attention to areas such as your bathroom and kitchen.

Inspect the plumbing fixtures, pipes, and connections for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. Check the functionality of faucets, showers, toilets, and drains to ensure they are working properly. It’s also a good idea to inspect under sinks and cabinets for any hidden leaks or water damage.

If your budget permits, it is advisable to have a professional inspect your sewer system and perform any necessary cleaning, unclogging, or maintenance work. This will help ensure the proper functioning of your plumbing system and prevent any potential issues in the future.

Now that we have covered the essential aspects of your home renovation checklist, let’s shift our focus to your living space. It’s time to delve into the specific considerations and enhancements you can make to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in your home.

The throne of the home

When focusing on the bathroom area during your renovation, it’s essential to assess the condition of the floor, water closet, shower area, and other sanitary ware-related items. Consider the following checklist items:

1. Ventilation: Determine if the existing ventilation in the bathroom is adequate. Assess whether installing an extra ceiling fan or improving ventilation is necessary.
2. Storage Space: Evaluate the availability of storage space for toiletries. Consider if the existing storage is sufficient or if an additional built-in wall shelf (wall nook) is needed.
3. Bathroom Countertop: Decide whether you will be reusing the existing bathroom countertop or installing a new one.
4. Bathroom Tiles Design: Assess whether the current bathroom tiles need replacement or if updating the design or grout can significantly enhance the overall appearance.

It’s important to note that changes made to the details of the grout or the design of the bathroom can have a substantial impact on your renovation budget. Careful consideration of these factors will help you achieve the desired outcome while managing your costs effectively.

The kitchen design

When undertaking a kitchen renovation, it’s important to plan carefully, as it can consume a significant portion of your budget. Whether you’re a frequent cook or an avid entertainer, proper planning is crucial. Consider the following aspects when renovating your kitchen:

1. Define the end goal of your kitchen: Determine the purpose of your kitchen and whether it will be used for heavy cooking or additional activities like sitting and entertaining.
2. Ensure proper ventilation: Check if there is adequate ventilation in place to handle fumes and smoke produced during cooking.
3. Plan the kitchen backsplash: Choose a stylish option like subway tiles for your kitchen backsplash to add aesthetic appeal.
4. Safety measures: Allocate an area for fire extinguishers in case of a kitchen fire to ensure safety.

Remember that kitchen renovations are substantial projects. Begin by establishing a budget that will guide your material choices, including countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. By planning carefully and considering your specific needs, you can create a functional and visually appealing kitchen within your desired budget.

The living room

The living room is often the focal point of a home, and it’s common for homeowners to allocate a significant portion of their renovation budget to this space. When planning a living room remodel, consider the following essential aspects:

1. Layout Plan: Determine the main activity area in the room and design the layout accordingly. The placement of furniture, such as the sofa, television, and coffee table, will determine the flow and functionality of the space.
2. Furniture: Start by considering the furniture you plan to place in the living room and design the room around it. This ensures that the furniture fits well and complements the overall design.
3. Walls and Ceilings: The height of the ceiling and the surrounding walls significantly impact the feel and function of the living room. Adding or modifying walls can create a sense of enclosure or openness.
4. Windows and Lighting: Maximise natural sunlight by strategically placing windows in the living room. Consider the location of windows to ensure they don’t compete with the main activity areas. Plan for suitable lighting options to create the desired ambiance.
5. Media and Entertainment: If you plan to incorporate media and entertainment systems, such as a television or surround sound, plan ahead to conceal running wires and ensure proper placement for optimal viewing and sound experience.

Remember, when designing the living room, it’s important to structure the space before purchasing furniture. While furniture can be replaced relatively easily, altering the structure of the living room can be more challenging.

Pro tip: For a spacious living room, consider pushing larger furniture against the walls to allow for convenient movement. If you prefer a more intimate setting, pull the furniture away from the walls to create a cozier space for conversations.

By considering these factors, you can create a well-designed and functional living room that suits your preferences and enhances the overall atmosphere of your home.

What about bedrooms?

When it comes to bedrooms, the checklist for renovation is similar to the living room, with a few adjustments:

1. Layout Plan: Determine the main activities and functionality of the bedroom. Design the layout based on the placement of the bed, storage furniture, and any additional seating areas.
2. Walls and Ceilings: Consider the height and design of the walls and ceiling to create the desired atmosphere in the bedroom. Paint colours, wallpapers, or textured finishes can add character and enhance the overall ambiance.
3. Windows and Lighting: Plan for appropriate window treatments that provide privacy and control the amount of natural light entering the room. Consider different lighting options, such as overhead lights, bedside lamps, or wall sconces, to create a cozy and relaxing environment.
4. Furniture: Select bedroom furniture that complements the overall style and meets your needs. Besides the bed, consider storage furniture like wardrobes, dressers, and nightstands. For added variety, you can even consider incorporating bean bags as alternative seating options.
5. Bedding: Choose comfortable and suitable bedding, including mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets. These elements contribute to a cozy and restful sleep environment.

Remember to personalise the bedroom with decor, such as artwork, rugs, curtains, or accent pieces, to reflect your style and create a soothing retreat.

While bedrooms typically do not require an entertainment system, you can consider adding other elements like a reading nook, a small desk for work, or a vanity area depending on your preferences and needs.

By considering these factors, you can transform your bedroom into a relaxing and personalised space that promotes restful sleep and reflects your style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, once you have gone through the renovation checklist, it’s important to set a budget for the entire project. With a budget in place, you can approach an interior designer or contractor to help execute your renovation plan more smoothly.

Working with professionals becomes easier when you have a clear plan, checklist, and budget in mind. They can assist in sourcing the necessary materials and provide valuable guidance throughout the process.