Congratulations on your journey. I used to live around that area just opposite end side away from the hospital but nearer the mall if I'm guessing it right. This house has character esp upper floors.

A few things to share from what I learnt w double story landed.
1. Tiles for living looks nice but is the main enemy in terms of creature comfort requiring AC to cool during the weekends or early evening unless there's a garden with trees. Broken marble is better for climate control purposes. Look up the thread on Venetian plaster wall by Hachilifestyle. I'm broken marble convert and have used it in my new place. Even in the heat of the afternoon and evening sun, it stays cool and somewhat dryer (less humid) because of what it does by nature (absorb excess humidity) which tiles cannot do.

Yes, I agree and with personal experience too. Marble / terrazo is definitely more cooling than tiles. To save cost, I am requesting samples from contractors to see just how different / off colour they will be compared with current. If acceptable, I'll maintain the terrazo. Otherwise, hard to match tiles (new extension area) with terrazo.


2. If you're where I think you are, you're in luck. The best roof insulation guys is one taman away. When I moved in 7 years ago, my roof started creaking at night when there's strong wind. Next day went to the back and saw that there are roof turbine ventilators. Found out that the guys one Taman away doesn't just sell roof vent solutions, they insulate also and with one of the best. Install a combo of both and you won't regret. They can advise you on how to do. Even better to have them in before installing solar if that's the plan.

Would you mind sharing their details? My house is at an angle to the afternoon sun, eventhough not directly, I think it's gonna get warm.


3. Bathroom tiles must be rough. If you have kids or elderlies in the household, this point cannot be emphasised enough. Heard and know of cases involving ppl, friends or relatives and a couple were tragically fatal. Cotto from jubin BMS is my preferred. Simple test is to ask for cup of plain water and pour over the tile sample. Put your bare foot on it and drag along the length of it. If it feels slippery even if there's grip, it's not up to task. Rough means rough.

Agreed - no debate here.

4.Dark areas can be addressed with natural tubular lighting. They are already available locally. Areas like toilets, walk in wardrobe, stairwell. I was tempted to do one for the kitchen which was always in perpetual darkness.

I have trouble picturing what "natural tubular lighting" is. Not sure if the google images are showing the ones you mean as well. My kitchen, even during daytime is almost pitch black.

5. Mechanical ventilation at strategic places produces cross ventilation ie front-back and bottom-up. Use it to good effect esp by timing it to run early in the am when it's cooler. At night, esp when outside temperature is cooler, it helps by bringing the cool in faster. Remember that a dwelling place is a structure that potentially stores heat. Heat expands outwards e.g. oven. Mechanical ventilation by using extractor fans is fit for purpose. Even clothes dry faster (esp if front load washed). Only time when it's not to be used is when AC is turned on.

I might install a few in the toilets. Will definitely consider if budget allows.

6. Flexible partitioning helps esp dining living. Adds character to those spaces too.

No comment for now.

7. Louvre windows ventilates best. There are styles that allows 4 bottom panes to be close whilst the upper 4 can be open. Separate action.

House comes with the usual push out / pull in windows. Actually prefer these due to less dust gathering on the louvres - not my priority to change

8. Parquet if still in good condition can be polished matte. I've seen it done before to good effect.

Torn on this. I don't really like parquet. Plus, after a while, it starts coming loose especially if you always mop the floor. If cost allows, I prefer laminate for the wooden feel.

9. Vent ground floor toilet, to the back roof using extractor fan and cap. That will draw air in from the yard space rather then it venting out to the yard.

Agreed. The yard is actually awesome, now that I've visited my house a few times. Natural lighting, and a good breeze occasionally. It's the reason why I've decided not to extend the room above it - to avoid losing the airwell. Save some money too.

First floor extension is easier to do in the next Taman than yours. Think you'll have a serious challenge with the local council. Next Taman is FT.

This is the next part I'm worried about. In terms of time, and potential grease money. I suspect that's how things work as the normal proper way will probably leave my application permanently at the bottom of the pile. I plan to ask the contractor to do it for me since this is a major renovation. They might have more experience. And yes, mine is in Selangor.

1. I will extend the groundfloor toilet to the wash area and vent to backlane. Access utility from the dinning. Ill even consider to access toilet from dinning> utility > toilet.

Have considered changing location of groundfloor toilet to the back. Not main concern now, only if budget allows. Otherwise will leave as is.

Knock the kitchen dinning wall to make one open space with island/peninsula in btw.

Exactly what I'm doing. It will really open up the space, just picturing it makes me feel happy already

2. I will remodel the masterbedroom toilet to the side. Not hard as you are already doing a whole new room above your porch. the existing toilet will be a good spot for walking closet. Also, brand new toilet in your master will be a highlight

Doing this as well.

3. for the 2 smaller bathroom remodelling, I will hesitate to touch cause U are gaining only little usable squarefoot but the work will be huge. I will leave it and spend the money just on re-tiling, changing the vanity and toilet bowl. give them refresh but not total remodel.
Upstairs toilet might extend together with the room. Original plan wanted to make 2 bathrooms out of it, now I think I'm just going to make it bigger and leave it as sharing to save cost.

By the way, nice house! do update us on the progress
Definitely will share on the progress. Now planning phase, nothing much to show yet.

Where do you stay bro? Are you based in KL? I am looking for contractor as well but mine is 22 x 70. My ideal renovation looks similar to yours. Mind to share you contacts?

Have you got a "theme" for your house yet ?
I started my Reno with a theme first and take it from there.
It is easier to design once you have a theme in mind.
For eg whether you want a modern look or a minimalist look or traditional, hotel look, etc.
For eg if you want modern or minimalist, you would want to change the staircase railing to glass.
If you want traditional, you might use leave the wood banister and just revarnish.

I wouldn't bother much if it was electrical appliances eg. dyer or washing machine etc...because there's always gonna be newer models coming out and the older models will always be discounted.

Agree. the old parquet is totally incomparable in quality vs the ones nowadays.

i just finished renovating my house, and my one piece of advice is plan ahead what you want for your raw materials and finishing ( stuff like fixtures, tiles, etc. ). there are warehouse sales once or twice a year that make some things a steal vs what you would actually pay but they are never on when you are available. if you have your concept early, then plan ahead and take advantage of these.

If the parquet can be salvaged, and you can get a contractor to do a good job to grind and refinish it properly, go for it.  Otherwise change to solid timber.  Don't waste your money on laminate.  Changing to solid timber is a major job that will take a couple of months, so if you're going to do it, do it now.

Overall the quotation is not expensive. Is reasonable. If can get 5% discount will be just nice

Wow, do u really need that studio room? can play music without noise disturbing ur neighbours? personally i think it would be nicer to have a mini herb garden there, with outdoor storage cabinet to put your penyapu, mop, maybe power tools & car accessories etc. just my 2 cents lah

you don't need space to park your car?