I've been following this renovation section for a half a year or so and have been planning my own home renovation for 3-4 months.
It finally started last week and I'll be sharing the progress here as many have shared.
It is not a major renovation, no structural changes except the backyard extension.

Problem I'm having is the house was not built very nicely, with some of the walls not straight.
Also, with it being a rather old house, the bathrooms were not designed to have a separate shower area.

Anyway, here are some pictures taken.

The mess in the living room after the floor was hacked


and with the messed cleared.


The dining looking out


The kitchen


and tiles off too


The staircase, steps hacked.


And the 1st floor common bath, raw. I really like this, maybe should just keep it this way.

I bought it pretty cheap at RM630K.
My original renovation budget was around RM120K, but it has since ballooned up to RM150K. Without furnitures yet.

I'm not an expert, can you point out to me the bad workmanship?
You budget estimation is right on though

Mine is priced cheaper because it's facing a road. Bad Feng Shui.
But since I don't believe, the cheaper price is good.
If I'm not mistaken, same row of houses, the price is about RM700K.

Where are you looking for?

Houses in Penang Island are expensive. So no, I can't get a new house at that price, unless it's at some remote places.

If you don't mind leasehold house, there's plenty to go around in Bayan Baru. For much lower than 600K.
If you want to consider Sungai Ara, there's a bunch of narrow houses (16x80) selling for about 600K. Problem is that they're narrow, not much parking space, but some of them do come with excellent view.

But honestly, if you are really looking to buy subsale house, get an agent. They can really offer you more options.
I spent a lot of my time pouring over the online ads like Mudah, PenangProperties and such.... but in the end, even from there, I have to go through an agent.

Thanks.
About the sloped flooring in bathroom, I've been reminding my ID and the contractor even before I got the keys to my house.
But seriously, I don't think much of it stays in their head.
As you said, have to catch them and nag again when they are actually doing it.

Sungai Ara.
Like I said to another guy, if you are really looking for a subsale house, agent is the best way. But I really hate dealing witht them.

Ah sorry.... been watching breaking bad non stop.
Got pictures in the camera, but not downloaded.

The extension is up, most of the plaster ceilings are ready.

The marimos are doing fine
I'm looking for some nice glassware to display them in my new house.

Thanks!
Check out the pictures below to see how my contractors did it.

What are the problems? Bad smell?

Logically, my ID shouldn't mind me sharing her contact, as it's free ad, but I'll ask her first before doing so.
Will PM you.

Not really major
Many of the guys here did ever more

The water-proofing being checked.

The bathroom on groundfloor


The wirings

The plaster ceiling, holes for downlight and the round "crevice" (don't know what's the proper term for this) for ceiling fan.


The backyard extension

That was the outlet for the upstairs' bathroom. And yes, it was covered. Taken off for the renovation.

Your's could very well be the same.
I don't see water stains very often, but I would guess that it would normally be much bigger stain than what I see in your picture. They look like spots.
I'm no expert, so maybe others can chime in.

I got an ID who managed most of the stuffs for me, so no contact from me.

I hired an ID to manage everything for me. Don't have the time to source and supervise the renovation myself.
I've used her service before and was satisfied with the result. Not perfect, but good.
Anyway, congratulations to you on your new house.



One of my bathrooms

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Added on January 3, 2012, 11:39 amShit happened, someone broke into my under renovation house and stole the wirings, the aircon from previous owner (also tore open the compressor for whatever copper he can get inside), uninstalled drainhole cover, and the contractor's table fan.

Biggest problem is I have to redo the wiring.

It happened on Christmas eve.
Damnit Santa, you are supposed to leave gifts, not steal things!!

This post has been edited by xecton: Jan 3 2012, 11:39 AM