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

WaterProofing,

LDP — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 20:02:39 +0800

Hi experts,

Can someone tell me how to use this for roof repair ?

Bathroom ground floor Waterproofing,

adrive — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:13:17 +0800

Is ground floor bathroom waterproofing necessary for landed house? Or can it be skipped?

Renovation cost 2026, Renovation cost

CSin — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:09:12 +0800

Hi, anyone here can share how much is the renovation cost for landed terrace house now?

Like wet works, plumbing, electrical rewiring, and etc

Thanks 🙏

3 things I wish I knew before starting my reno (sh,

WID_Kash — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:08:04 +0800

Went through a renovation recently and picked up a few things the hard way. Posting in case it saves someone else the headache.

1. Get the scope in writing — not just the quote total.

A quote that just says "kitchen renovation — RM18,000" doesn't tell you what's actually included. Ask them to write it out properly: what materials, what brand or type where it matters, and what's NOT included. If it's not written down, it's not agreed — and you have nothing to point back to later if something's different from what you expected.

2. Pay in stages tied to progress, not one big amount upfront.

Most disputes I've heard about (and read here) don't come from bad contractors — they come from no plan. Paying 50% upfront with nothing tying the next payment to actual progress means you have nothing to fall back on if things slow down or go sideways — you've already paid, so there's no pressure on them to keep moving. Instead, stage it: a deposit first, then payments only after you've seen each stage actually completed.

3. Have a checklist for what to inspect before each payment.

Things like electrical points, waterproofing before tiling, alignment before final finishes — small stuff that's expensive to fix after the fact. A 10-minute check before you release payment saves a lot of pain later.

None of this is about "bad contractors" — most are just working without a system, and homeowners don't know what to ask for either. Written scope + staged payments fixes most of it.

If anyone wants a ready-made version of this (checklist + payment plan template), I found WID's Essential Renovation Kit (RM99, Condo or Landed version) — useful starting point if you don't want to build one from scratch: wisdintel.com

Happy to answer questions if anyone's mid-reno and wants a second opinion on their quote structure.

Subang Jaya Facade and Porch Reno works, Home Renovations and Interior Design

ArchId — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:50:54 +0800

Simple Facade and carporch renovation works at subang jaya. 80% progress . Skip few construction progress images. Will do full video once everything complete and handover.

Cheers mate
Izwan
www.archidstudio.com

Single Storey Reno Works., Home Renovations and Interior Design

ArchId — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:34:10 +0800

Single Storey architecture renovation works under MPAJ council (ampang Jaya). 1302 Sqft land area with total built up area of 865 Sqft.
Works not include soft furnishing and excluding built in carpentry works.

Cheers Mate
Izwan
www.archidstudio.com

ERV system in the house, Energy Recovery Ventilation

mingyew — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:04:59 +0800

Anyone house have installed this?

Can anyone share the expeirience?

Like pro and cons, cost, etc.

thanks

Functional TV wall renovation idea, TV wall, custom TV cabinet, carpenter re

william3188 — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:56:52 +0800

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice before I spend any money on my living room.

I live in a 990 sq ft condo and I'm planning to redo my TV wall. I don't have a storeroom, so hidden storage is quite important.

My priorities are:
1. Timeless design (don't want something that looks outdated in 5–10 years)
2. Functional with plenty of hidden storage
3. Easy to clean
4. Suitable for a family with 2 young kids
5. Wall-mounted 50" TV with concealed cables

I'm still deciding whether to:
- Buy a ready-made floating TV console and add a feature wall, or
- Get a carpenter to build the whole TV wall.

Questions:
1. If you've done something similar recently, roughly how much did it cost?
2. Was it worth going custom, or would you buy a ready-made console instead?
3. Any carpenter/contractor recommendations around Klang Valley?
4. If you don't mind sharing, could you post photos of your TV wall?

Thanks in advance

Anyone looking for window by Window Elements?,

Denise_D — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:19:58 +0800

hi...

long cut story...way back March 2025, i started the process of refurbishing my whole house

and i had paid booking/DP for the windows and sliding/folding door with 20% discount ( min RM 40k) ( during the homedec KLCC )

The company is window Elements. ( www.window-elements.com )

Now...there is some issue with my old house now which need to delay further more on the architecture and ID.

i want to cancel this order with Window element, however refundable is not an option. the order can be only transfer to another person.

so if you are renovating your house and need to change windows and door and you looking for window elements....do PM me.

Thanks

How to extend powercord for kicthen use?,

Jibanyan — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:08:34 +0800

Recently bought some eletrical items including eletric jug kettle the wiring so short not even 1 meter in length.

Is there any way to extend wiring like cut open the wire and merge with another long wire etc for kitchen use? The method must be waterproof since I am using in the kictchen.

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.

I can work as a subcontractor or as a general contractor.

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.