How to Plan a Renovation Budget for New Condos in Malaysia

(Without Getting Scammed or Overspending)

If you’re renovating a new VP unit in Malaysia, here’s the truth:

Most owners mess up their renovation budget because they:

  • underestimate real costs
  • believe “cheap contractor = same results”
  • make emotional decisions
  • or worse — fall for sweet promises that collapse halfway

You don’t need another “inspiration article.”
You need the real numbers and the real pitfalls.

Let’s get into it.

1. Understand Where Your Money Actually Goes

Renovation spending isn’t random. It falls into 4 major categories, and if you can’t identify these clearly, you’re already setting yourself up for trouble.

A) Built-ins

  • kitchen cabinets
  • wardrobes
  • TV panel
  • shoe cabinets
    This is 35%–50% of your total budget. No way around it.

B) Loose Furniture

  • sofa
  • bedframe
  • dining set
  • coffee table
    This is 15%–25%.

C) Electrical & Lighting

  • wiring
  • additional plug points
  • water heater wiring
  • smart lock installation
    This is where “hidden charges” usually appear.

D) Miscellaneous

  • paint
  • plumbing
  • minor hackings
  • curtain rods
  • bathroom fittings

 

If your contractor can’t break these down, that’s your first red flag.

2. The REAL Renovation Cost for Condos in Malaysia

Forget what your friend’s cousin’s contractor said.
Here’s the actual, current, industry range for FULL renovation (bare unit → fully furnished):

Studio / 450–500 sqft: RM35k–RM65k

2-bedroom / 650–850 sqft: RM50k–RM90k

3-bedroom / 900–1200 sqft: RM70k–RM120k

If someone quotes half of this, they’re either:

  1. cutting corners,
  2. using the cheapest materials available, or
  3. planning to upsell you halfway (the usual game).

 

Good contractors don’t play those games.

3. Where Owners Bleed Money (Common Budget Explosions)

– Extra wiring points

A lot of “contractors” purposely leave this vague so they can charge add-ons later.

– Rework from poor planning

Changing your mind halfway = double cost.

– Cheap cabinetry

You save RM800 today and spend RM2,000 repairing it in a year.

– Last-minute furniture buying

 

Buying too early → wrong sizes
Buying too late → panic buying
Either way, you lose.

4. How to Build a Renovation Budget That Doesn’t Blow Up

Step 1: Lock in your design direction first

If you mix 10 styles from Pinterest, your costs will be a disaster.

Step 2: Identify your must-have items

Don’t confuse wants vs needs.
Investors especially — ROI first, aesthetics second.

Step 3: Add a 10–15% buffer

Always.

Step 4: Don’t shop for materials alone

You’re not a contractor.
You will get:

  • wrong measurements
  • wrong specs
  • overpriced items
    Let your consultant buy for you.

Step 5: Get a fixed-price, itemized quotation

If your contractor refuses — walk away

5. A Realistic RM60,000 Budget Breakdown (Example)

Here’s what a sensible breakdown looks like:

  • Cabinetry: RM18,000
  • Kitchen: RM10,000
  • Furniture: RM8,000
  • Appliances: RM5,000
  • Electrical + Lighting: RM5,000
  • Painting: RM3,000
  • Other Works: RM6,000
  • Project Management: RM5,000

This is what a proper, well-managed renovation actually costs.

6. The Pixel Pro Reno Difference

We don’t do sweet talk.
We do:

  • fixed price
  • fixed timeline
  • no hidden charges
  • clear documentation
  • 12-month warranty
  • full furnishing, delivered fast
Contemporary wooden shelves with plants and decor, illuminated by hanging lights.

Final Word

Renovation is simple — IF you plan properly and hire the right people.
If not, it becomes a money pit.

If you want a free, accurate budget breakdown for your unit, just reach out.

Talk to us

Have any questions? We are always open to talk about your condo unit, new projects, creative opportunities and how we can help you.

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