Lowyat.NET: Latest topics in Home Renovations and Interior Design

For kitchen area extension, architect MUST?,

AgentVIDIC — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:34:30 +0800

Hi all, just wanted to ask some questions based on your experience. If I were to extend my kitchen at the back yard, must I engage architect to draw the blueprints? This is with MBSJ. I read from several sources and seems like the information is pretty divided. Some said can just buy the standard templates but some said must engage architect. In fact the MBSJ officer also said need to engage architect. The cost for drawings and approvals are more than 10k. May I know if there's really standard template that we can purchase? Thanks in advance.

Stainless steel bathroom accessories,

blue litmus — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:16:06 +0800

What brands do you recommend while buying stainless steel bathroom accessories like towel rail/ toilet roll holder etc. Mine at home lasted for 20+ years without rusting but I hv no idea what brand is that 🥲
Please recommend me/ tell which brand to avoid..better to buy once and use for a lifetime. Tia
Scare kena tipu...my budget can be up to max 150? The most important is quality. Chrome/ matte is ok 🥹🥹

Reasonable range of relative costs for reno, Between ID/architect, wet works etc

LostAndFound — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:49:49 +0800

Planning extension front/back (2 floor terrace house) - already got one contractor quote for wetworks + plumbing.

What's the general ratio between costs for wet work, plumbing, electricity and ID/cabinetry etc? So I know whether I need to cut back (and how much) plans.

Led Ceiling Lights, gud ma?

keny0ng — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:09:34 +0800

Hello!

Wanna ask anybody did these type of led ceiling lights like fake plaster ceiling

I saw these videos from facebook but they're from China.... anyone local doing it?

I think led lights last longer.... but if need to change that time maybe a bit headache

What do you guys think?

Q on kitchen sink edge "wideness".,

mushigen — Sat, 30 May 2026 15:49:40 +0800

Dear all, some sinks have 25mm width. The Livinox sink I am interested in has just 18mm width. Does it matter when it comes to strength or sturdiness after installation?
Any advice will be appreciated. TQ.

Edit: looking to undermount the new sink.

apply 2cm thickness plywood on certain window?, best way to do it

ilovestitch — Sun, 24 May 2026 18:31:23 +0800

Hi guys, i need to stick plywood with 2cm thickness to a few windows in my room (fengshui reason)? May i know what is the best way to do it considering it will not fall off easily and can be removed easily in the future without leaving any print on the window. Or anyone has experience to this can let me know, i might consider to get someone to help. Thanks

DB Replacement,

LDP — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:26:53 +0800

Starting to replace my old DB after 15 years. Bought certain materials by myself like Hager MCB, Hager RCCB and Hager Metal Enclosure .. also going to change my 63A cut out fuse. Total damage is around 1300…Lolllll..Let me upload some of the photos later as I am lazi to do it now…Wiremen at my place changing it ..

Mega Cable 2.5 mm2,

LDP — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:49:47 +0800

Wanna buy Megah cable 2.5 mm2 by metre. Where can I buy it by metre as almost all sell by rolls ?

Renovation and interior design services, Renovation Services

Azeem ali — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:51:48 +0800

Renovation Services

I provide home and apartment renovation services, including tile installation, bathroom remodeling, painting, flooring, drywall, partitions, plumbing, window and door installation, and more.

Over 15 years of renovation experience.

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I complete projects of any complexity.

High quality workmanship is my top priority. Competitive prices and fast project completion
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AFDD Breaker in Malaysia, Arc Fault Detection Device

sadlyfalways — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:10:05 +0800

Hi All,

I am thinking on installed induction for my house to make use of excess export to solar.

Last time I had induction, there was an issue with install, they just used normal electrical tape to join the wires. This lead to a lot of sparking and arcing one day.

Now I am trying to get AFDDs for induction hob, oven and bedroom sockets.

I can't find any supplier here in Malaysia, and even Singapore.

I am going to the UK soon, wondering if I can buy myself and bring it back, will it be an issue at the airport? It will not have any sirim certification, is it something i can just pay a fee and import?

If any of you know a supplier here, please do let me know. I am fine with Fusebox, Schneider, ABB and Hager.

Rating should be 40A as hob can draw 7KW

Thank you.

Major rehabilitative renovation in Penang,

Hatikva — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:39:08 +0800

Hello all. I have taken charge of a landed property in Penang (mainland) that requires major rehabilitation works. Some details on the property:

Type: Landed, terraced, double storey end lot with no land
Land area: 127 sqm
Build up: 1,400 sqft
Tenure: Freehold
Room: 4 bed, 2 baths
Condition: Rundown - not maintained for about 30 years

To start the ball rolling, I am looking for contractors. I am hoping all the experienced sifus in here from Penang can help me out with contact details of contractors who are honest, reliable and can do reasonably good work at reasonable rates. Thank you.

Solar panel DIY,

bani_prime — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:10:35 +0800

Now with chatgpt, easy to look for item and component required for solar panel.

I have the component, but now the issue is to install it.

If i want to call someone to install, who to call? Wireman can do it?

balcony railing,

pisces88 — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 01:27:34 +0800

Anyone has done this ? any good contractor to recommend?

Only the railling (alluminium)

[attachmentid=11526449]

Contractor to recommend to waterproof wall?,

subaiku — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:16:36 +0800

Hi guys, can anybody recommend a contractor in KL/Selangor who can do waterproofing for a wall? Attached ref of what I'm talking about. I want to replace the current brick wall, which isn't waterproofed. The waterproofing specialists I've looked up online all seem to do only roofs and maybe not suitable for something like this.

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Granite Effect Spray Coating, for Exterior walls

overfloe — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:51:35 +0800

Hi all,

Anybody got experience with granite textured coating?
I want to know the maintenance and resilience - how long can it last?

Something like this: https://www.myrevo.work/showproducts/produc...-magic-granite/

I know for sure, it will be more costly compared to normal paint.

Thanks.

Info on Trackless Gate Suppliers,

vostro — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:38:02 +0800

Hi, I am renovating my car porch and looking into a trackless gate.

I took a look a few and want to know if anyone have experience with these suppliers below.

DG Desgin
Xtrack Auto
Reinzo
ArmyGrade

If anyone has used these suppliers before, can share your feedback and experience.
Thank you.

spc floor, which brand higher quality,

bani_prime — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:43:40 +0800

there are too many spc floor brand that are currenly in market.

question is : which brand has good high durable quality

shower glass door hinge,

Rudd San — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:56:13 +0800

Hi everyone,

In my unit, the shower glass door hinge in the main bathroom is not working properly.

Can anyone recommend a repair person who can fix or replace the hinge, and give an estimated price for the work?

Thanks

Master Bathroom renovation works Damansara SS21, Intermediate unit master bathroom

ArchId — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:30:50 +0800

Just want to share this master bathroom layout that completed last year. Actually the project is full complete scope from architecture and interior but don't have much time editing to show all.. Just bit and pieces from the overall project..

cheers mate
Izwan
www.archidstudio.com

[YOUTUBE]gFQZDvpdYfQ[/YOUTUBE]

Opinions needed please. Water pump installation.,

mushigen — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:56:39 +0800

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Dear sifus, would like to have your input on how to install water pump.
New house comes with poly tank on first floor, serving only first floor toilets. This tank is located at an inaccessible area.

Proposal A (install Groundfos pump at the existing tank):

Q1) will there be water flow to the toilets in 1F during electricity outage, as in, water just flows down by gravity through the non-running pump? Water tank area is too high to reach by house occupants to bypass the pump.

Q2) if the tank becomes empty and pump runs till it loses flow during main water supply disruption, will I need to bleed off (vent) the pump or press the reset button to get it started and pumping again once water supply resumes?

Q3) for just 3 toilets (in 1F) usage, is a 0.5HP pump sufficient? Most importantly, can it run on 13A socket (easier to tap from another 13A SSO) instead of having to pull a 4mm² cable from DB?

Alternatively, I can install a new tank + new pump in the car porch (Proposals B and C). Appreciate any help and feedback. TQ.