As I'll be starting my renovations soon, I would like to get some advice on what to watch out for.

What are the usual issues that arise and how to deal with it?

What to be aware of, things that the contractor may do to cut cost?

Also, any ideas to cost cutting?

First, get approval from the authority.

yeah....
Majlis Bandaran etc....
ensure all the renovation works especially those big2 one that require architet drawing etc...got approval from the authority...
even like myself in Kajang...things like installing grill...changing tiles for porch and installing awning also need to get approval from Majlis Perbandaran Kajang....
if not....dende lorrr....

ensure that if you go thru loan and lawyers....
ensure that the contractor can provide Letter of Undertaking...
to assure you that they will finish their job as per requested...
and will not run away half way....

get some time survey tiles price....
grill price...
so that u know whether the price quoted for u is too much markup or what.....

you are over cautious.

get a right reasonable price, regarding approval, ur contractor knows more than you. make the payment accordingly to the stages of work completed.

do not pay one lump sum. once the job done, reserve a 10% as a defect coverage for few weeks. check the defect, such as for tiles.

hehehe
if u r too much depends on ur contractor...
that will be the loophole for those who wants to take advantage....
especially for so called as "miscellaneous charges"
hahahaha

I don't see how they can fine you for changing tiles, awning and grill... unless you exceed your house boundary and tile or grill public roads/land.

Usually non-structural renovations don't require approvals... you'll probably only need it for extensions, structural changes or additions/removal of beams and structural walls.

It's best to check and verify with your contractor and local town council.

During renovation please supervise and make sure they do things properly.

The contractors may have a general idea of what to do but placements and where to install everything might not have been clearly defined. You have to give your input otherwise they might just install the lights or fixtures according to their whims and fancy

You can save cost by shopping around for your materials and bargain. Also at the same time pickup the brands of paint or tiles that your prefer.

If you leave it to your contractor they'll just but whatever is handy or convenient

This post has been edited by aaronpang: Aug 28 2008, 06:59 PM

sorry tumpang thread...

can wall paper apply on plywood wall? will the end results looks different than wall paper apply on brick wall?

thanks.

Good leads guys, thx.

I've started comparing prices for certain items and already can see areas where I can easily save a bit.

I'm hoping to start in 2 weeks, should I get a deadline for the project from the contractor.

How long does it usually take to say 'rebuilt' a house?

Some council may require u to pay a deposit before starting ur reno.

Yup for garbage collection... if your contractor toss construction debris all over or damage public property they will forfeit the deposit.

For my reno after I'm done and no one complain they return the deposit. I have to wait 6months

ive just engaged my contractor as well... and i would say things to be cautions on are the
- eletrical points
- piping
- re-touch up.

cos after surveying like 6 different contractors, i notice one thing. EEverything can be stated on the invoice when we sign up, except those 3. As in lets say now i extend my yard, i can have B&W on no of tiles, how high the wall... etc etc. BUt when it comes to those 3 things.. all said the same thing "after reno then can decide if you need more points, piping work and any touch up need to do <- due to reno process...

now, im going to get those permits myself as my contractor is asking for too much... hope i wont have too much prob..

Hi May,

I m going to renovate my house soon. Could u please share how you selected the contractor among so many of them? And did u hiring ID?

And in respect of 3 items u mentioned above, how they quote u if without details?