For tiling, u estimate all in cost of RM10 psf. If u get cheaper tiles (Grade 1, obsolete colors) the cost psf can go lower to even RM8 psf. Shld u want to splash for more expensive tiles, of say RM30 per pc, the cost psf will be RM15 or more. Floorings are very important, so if u are particular, shld not stinge. Go to MML gallery, guocera or Niro showroom.... u get good ideas there and if u give them time, they also provide free design service I think.

I am doing timber flooring for my house. I chose the 18mm (T) 90mm (W) merbau, laid with cengal battens underneath. Cost is about RM15 psf (incl cost of skirtings & bona coating) for lengths varying from 1 feet to 6 feet. It is nice to walk on, though I don know if it is easy to maintain long term. But if u choose the 18mm thick planks, u can always polish it in future to give it a fresh look. Planks of 11mm or less may not so good I was told.

Rule of thumb, to redo one bathroom, replacing all fittings n tiling, wld cost around RM5k per room.

If u are doing extensive reno, esp if extend sideways, make sure u get a good draftsman or archtect to draw the plans. Some MPPJ draftsman simply draw and the beams and columns will not show up in their plans. The discovery of these columns will upset your plans n may delay construction work and give rise to VOs.

Double storey to change the roof using clay tiles, will cost easily RM30k to RM40k.

Using Indo contractors to do the work can save cost, but agree, u need to spend more time to specify and supervise.

I find useful, is to snap all the pictures of the homes u like to show the features to the contractor, that helps.

Plaster ceiling, plain boards u budget RM3 max psf. But L box and cove lights are more expensive, can be RM20 per foot run. These cost dont include painting, and cutting holes. A good plaster ceiling guy shld be able to give u a sketch n show u what he plans to do. I once met a contractor, who just tell me, cover here, cover there...cannot even draw me anything!!

Another important thing to look for wrought iron gate. I recently had to return my gate to the contractor. Thank God I have not paid for it, so it was easy for me. I requested for the gate to have hot dip galvanise for rust proofing. Alas, just 1 mth after installation, signs of rusts appeared. It is not easy to tell, but go with a trusted contractor or one with good reference wld be helpful.

To shop for lights, it may be worthwhile to look around. There are many light shops in Bdr baru Puchong, and their prices are competitive. I got some LED lights (small round plastic ones) from a shop in tmn midah, costing me RM55 per piece. I just saw the same thing in Uptown PJ and the list price was a whopping RM195. A philips wall light for bathroom that was supposed to be a control price item at RM185 was nicely marked up to RM250 or more in another shop just a few steps away.

My plumber charged around RM7k to redo the plumbing for the entire house. The house has 2 kitchens, 1 outside wash area, tap points in balcony and car porch, water filter point (both point of use n point of entry) 3 bathrooms, of which 1 has copper piping for hot water supply to shower n wash basin.

I think this is not expensive, becuz an Indon quoted me 8k for a slighly smaller scope of work.

I have only done step 1 and 2 so far.

My timber floor installer advise is:
1. Polish the floor (yes alot of dusst!)
2. Paint (if u want, can have painting done - but top 2 final coats must do after 1)
3. All build in to be installed
4. final buffing and last coating to apply, plus install skirtings. Apparently, this can be completed within 1 day. Few hours time already can move in!!!

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Added on August 19, 2010, 11:11 pmThe hole cut thru the beam looks very big.... hope the beam is not weakened... (must say I am not an expert in these things...)

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Added on August 19, 2010, 11:17 pmU can get better prices if u buy from dealers or distributors or at sale. If go to the showroom, only get 10% discount. If u buy big qty, eg, i needed more than 1 pallet of 1x1 hom tiles, the rec retail price of RM3.60 can come down to as low as RM2.90.

Buildrers Mart in Section 13 (next to better lving) specialise in second grades and bulk orders. Prices can be affordable.

Yes, go to the showrooms to get a visual idea of what u want.... I find collecting brochures also help with ideas. But simplest way is still to go to the showroom, see whcih one u like and just do the same!!! Not too original but at least less hassle.




This post has been edited by lizziewong: Aug 19 2010, 11:17 PM

Let me guess...

Plaster ceiling whole house (a bit of design) - 15k (incl painting n opening holes for lights)
Kitchen - 10k to 20k (depends on a. material b. accessories (if use blum accessories can cost a few thousand)) As I recall the Peak has a big kitchen....
Bathroom - RM1k minimum each (instant heater n bath accessories) If want to use branded nice things, will be more.
Grille - if wrought iron budget 8k to 10k
Autogate - new wrought iron gate 5k
Autogate motor - 2k
Alarm n CCTV - supply n instal incl cabling 5k
Wardrobe - Minimum 2k each (readymake). Custom budget RM300 - RM500 per foot run
Lights - min 2k. If want nice lights, chandeliers, 5k wld be nice
Fans - budget RM300 to RM500 each for KDK fans with remote control
Curtains - minimum 3k. (this is for nagoya curtains)