I am trynig to start the process of renovating. The first thing needs to be done, except for the fact that you know what you want to renovate, is to obtain permitting to start the renovation.

Went to the Majlis Perbandaran to seek assistance. Some findings:

1. There are existing "pre-approved" floor plan that you can buy, if you follow the specs of the design.
2. Any other non-existance of "pre-approved" floor plan, you need to have an architect to draw and certify for you.

Question raised are:

1. The so-call pre-approved floor plan are generic and most of the time inconsistent with the original design of the floor plan. According to the helpful personnel there, its ok to use it, but still raise a doubt as its not the specification. Will I then be charge of constructing something illegal?
2. The pre-approved floor plan are made available only for the back and side extension. For front extension, there is non-existence, or at least that is what made known to me by them. That goes to the case, if you want to closeup your balcony, (>2 storey teres houses). Hence, then in any case I would need to do #2 as listed above.

I would like to seek your thoughts as if "question raised" in #2, then all renovation works will required new architecture floor plan. Then why the existance of the "pre-approved" floor plan?