DIY path & budget guide
Finally I plugged in the second-last contractor into line yesterday (last is curtain – anyone has recommendation pls share). I am not recommending quality of work yet because work starts next week only.
To recap, I reported in Main Page, from the October Persada where I secured some good deals.
What I have learned since is that there are two ways to go about it.
1) Engage an Interior Designer. Expect that they might markup up to 50% for each item of work (in a case, I found out markup of 1200%) even before counting their project management fees. This should be for people who do not mind paying more, for convenience and outsource everything. No wrong or right, just a matter of preference and affordability.
2) Do It Yourself. I chose this and this post is for those considering taking this path. Have to deal with more contractors and vendors but you feel better to ensure you have got the best prices within your time limit.
The thing I did not expect was the length of time to do defects rectification by the developer from date of vacant possession. This has been the most frustrating so far but it has now reached a level ready to start my renovations. Allow at least 2 months for this, unless you are not fussy.
Is important to start a philosophy of what you want to achieve given the budget you have as it will sharpen your prioritisation. I started with a Budget of RM80k, and it easily ballooned to RM150k when I added on many ‘would-like-to-have s’. It was a challenge to bring it down to RM95k where it stands now, but have achieved it thus far by sacrificing some items by deciding to delay things like wooden dining set by settling for plastic foldable tables & chairs as my priority is a place ready to stay and a kitchen to cook. It is important to set minimal standards of acceptance in case I have to rent out. Hope to still find ways to cut to RM80k but I am lucky my kitchen contractor can give good credit terms so can hope to count on some 13 month salary...
Once the budget has been done, you need to first engage your kitchen contractor because the kitchen is probably the most complicated as it involves electrician (hood, hob, electrical points relative to kitchen design and placing), even developer (eg tiles model) and in some cases the plumber (for those wanting extensive sink renovations or those wanting to accentuate the functionality of a kitchen island).
This means the first to start work is the electrician. In my case my developer did not provide enough hot water and electrical points. Lesson is not to hold high expectations from the developer, no matter your development.
You have to think about the sequence. After electrician, I plan grille contractor before kitchen contractor. Thinking is to secure the stuff like appliances and furnishings that will come in. Also curtain contractor should be not far in sequence, to keep house from prying eyes.
Electrical appliances & furnishings should come in last in terms of installation.
There are two things that I had to postpone till I can get save enough bullets – wooden dining table as said above, and maybe 10 years later; wooden flooring as is quite expensive and autogate as is not high priority.
Budget as follows is just for a guide only because it will always depend on size of your house, philosophy & priority you want and what quality you want:
Electrician-RM3k
Grille-RM6k
Kitchen (Dry and Wet) & hoods, hobs, oven – RM30k – I sacrificed others to splurge on this
TV, DVD, Antenna – RM3k
Instant hot water units & washing machine & fridge – RM5k
Shower glass slides – RM5k
Lights – RM10k
Fans & Ac – RM12k
Wardrobes, beds, mattresses – RM16k
Sofa set – RM5k
Curtains – unknown yet…(appreciate recommendations)
I hope this has helped you. Is my way of saying thank you for those who have shared in this forum and to pay it forward to those who will benefit from this.
Hoping all to be completed before end of the year but mentally getting ready for delays. I am sure many people can get better prices than here for some items, but do bear in mind hard to compare apple to apple as there are just too many variables depending on quality, material, specs, etc. All the best !
But the person come to approach us is guy.. very talk-active person.. Somemore, he also very close with other contractor...
But still thinking whether can get more options..
