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RenoKu presents Starting and Planning Your Renovation - Part 2, the sequel to the wildly popular (what else?) Part 1. Part 1 was previously the most popular RenoKu article and was read by approximately 9.5 people from around the world. This strange figure occurred because one person only managed to read half of the article before the computer suddenly went up in smoke in a mysterious X-Files-like fashion.
The title of the most popular post has since gone to the MML Tile Estimator. Apparently, there are a whole lot of people out there most interested in counting tiles (a very strange phenomenon).
Continuing where Part 1 left off, this edition of Starting and Planning Your Renovation brings three more useful tips. Without further ado, let's read on!
Summary:
- Consider waiting for defect works to be completed
- Wait for the property transaction to complete before renovating
- Find out the local town council's regulations
1. Consider waiting for defect works to be completed
Quite often, the state of the completed property (house, condo, etc.) leaves to be desired (as many buyers can testify). Malaysian developers appear to have a strange inability to build houses with zero defects. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that Malaysians can enjoy defect free houses in the future. Which complex calculations show this happening around the same time an efficient public transportation system in the Klang Valley becomes a reality.
Until that time comes, it is best not to take things for granted. Make a point to carefully inspect your new property. If there are defects to be rectified, it is important to begin your renovation ONLY after the developer has completed all defect works on your property. The reason is to avoid sticky situations like the below.
A defect is found. Your contractor tells you that this is the developer's fault. You go to the developer. The developer claims that the defect is caused by your renovation and they are not going to fix it.
Now there are two options. The first option is to calmly go to 7-11 and buy a box of Panadol for the headaches that are to come. The second option is to go to the developer's office and start screaming like a mad man (or a crazed lady). You may even jump up and down the sofa for added drama. Repeat this in front of your contractor. Eventually, one of them will give in and repair the defect.
2. Wait for transaction to complete before renovating
After signing the sale and purchase agreement, one might be tempted to immediately start renovating the property. Ah, but wait!
If the sale is aborted for any reason, one will incur losses on the renovation that has been done thus far. Besides that, one will not be insured for any damages to the renovation (theft, fire, etc.) as the property is not yet under the buyer's name. That is not all. As a buyer, it will not be easy to claim against the seller for the damages. And if one has really bad luck, the seller might even claim against the buyer for damages to the property.
With the possibility of such disastrous outcomes, it is a no brainer to take things nice and slow. Unless of course you plan to move in before Hari Raya/CNY/Deepavali/08-08-08 that is fast approaching and the only way is to force the workers to work 24 hours without toilet breaks. In this case, may God bless you.
3. Find out the local town council's regulations
Before starting on your renovation, it is advisable to learn about your local town council's regulations. The local authority has the right to inspect the completed renovation to make sure that the renovation complies with regulations. By knowing the regulations, one can avoid doing something that is illegal. Doing something illegal is not a good idea because Special Ops Units wearing balaclavas might come to arrest you and take your DNA. While no one in the country has ever been arrested by the Special Ops Units for having illegal renovations, it is better to be safe than sorry!
Get your renovation permit or else!
Source: Polis Diraja Malaysia
Illegal renovations also mean the risk of getting a fine and/or having the illegal renovation being torn down. And if one is really unlucky, a tractor would suddenly appear to tear down the illegal extension just as one is having their house warming celebration. This can be a frightening experience for the guests and they will never want to visit you again.
Not following the town council's renovation guidelines can affect your property in another way. Without proper approvals, it might be difficult to sell the house in the future. Buyers would be reluctant to buy a property that has illegal renovations. After all, most people have a strong dislike of Special Ops Units arresting them or tractors appearing out of the blue.
The best way to find out about the local regulations is to visit the local town council. Some town councils like MPSJ (Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya) have handbooks on home renovations and extensions. To contact the town council or find their address, you can look up your town council's website at RenoKu's Useful Links. In addition, RenoKu has listed down some home renovation guidelines from several local town councils for reference.
Normally, an approval is required when the renovation involves structural alteration. Examples of structural alteration include knocking down walls, doing a kitchen extension and turning a double storey house into a four storey house. I am not kidding. This has happened. Naturally, building a monster structure does not make one popular with the neighbours and there will be no hope of getting tasty cookies during festive seasons. Besides, if there are cookies offered, the cookies are most probably laced with laxatives.
If the renovation requires approval, remember to take into account the time duration for the approval to be obtained. By doing this, you can avoid delays in your renovation schedule.
Besides that, it is a good idea to monitor the renovation to make sure that the regulations are being followed. This is because if any faults are found, the owner (yes you) has to take responsibility, not the contractor. That is why knowing the regulations are important.
Lastly, some owners might leave the process of obtaining the approval to their renovation contractor. Just make sure that the contractor obtains the letter of approval and gives it to you in the end. Without any black and white approval, it is as good as no approval. And we all know what can happen to illegal renovations, right?
Also see:
Tips: Starting and Planning Your Renovation - Part 1
Common Mistakes in Renovation
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fyi, i'm indeed waiting for my dream 3 storey house to be handed over in dec 08 or jan 09 and by then, my desire of engaging an interior home designer will be there too