We're excited to share our renovation journey with you! We chose a unit that was renovated four years ago, which allowed us to save money by retaining many of the existing features we liked. Removing unnecessary elements helped reduce overall renovation costs.
Top Priorities for the Renovation
Our primary focus for this renovation was ease of cleaning. I'm not great at household chores, so a design that's easy to clean means I can contribute more. Our previous home had many nooks and crannies that were difficult to maintain, which we wanted to avoid this time.
Easy to Clean Sinks
One of my non-negotiables was having toilet and kitchen sinks that are very easy to clean. From our previous renovation, I learned that I disliked sinks where dust and fur accumulated, especially when moist. Undermount sinks were a must. We also learned that those bowl-shaped sinks that sit on top of the cabinet are aesthetically pleasing but a cleaning nightmare, especially with pets.
Investing in Quality Appliances
We also learned the hard way that "you get what you pay for," especially with appliances. We bought two air fryers of the same brand, and both broke down within a week due to poor design. While they were cute and aesthetic, they were a waste of money. It's better to invest in good quality appliances that will last, especially those that are difficult to dispose of.
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Prioritize quality: For items like fans, air conditioners, refrigerators, and TVs, invest in better quality for longevity.
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Don't be fooled by cheap prices: A cheap appliance that breaks down quickly is a false economy.
Ventilation is Key
Besides ease of cleaning, ventilation was another top priority. Our previous home lacked ceiling fans, and we had to use stand-up fans, which were difficult to clean around. Also, not opening windows frequently led to mold, mites, and dust mites. We also noticed those black spots on the ceiling. This time, we wanted to ensure better ventilation in every room, especially in the toilet area to prevent mold growth.
Aesthetic Considerations
Ease of cleaning and ventilation came first, followed by aesthetics. We wanted practical and beautiful space.
Sticking to a Budget
Another key priority was staying as close to our budget as possible. We decided to scrap anything that was more of an aesthetic "nice-to-have" than a necessity if it would significantly increase costs. We wanted to avoid financial stress after moving in.
Budget Planning
Our budget included carpentry, renovation, and appliances. Having gone through several renovations before, we knew that costs usually creep up at the end.
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Be strict at the start: To avoid blowing the budget by too much, we were very strict with ourselves early in the process.
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Create a buffer: We aimed to spend only 80% of our total budget, leaving 20% as a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Finding the Right ID (Interior Designer)
We were cautious in our search for an ID, especially as foreigners relocating to Malaysia. In Singapore, we were fortunate to have a friend handle our renovations, avoiding issues of IDs running away with deposits.
The Power of Word of Mouth
Word of mouth was crucial. A business mentor recommended "The Makeover Guys," and we had also seen them featured in videos by Youtuber Yi Heng.
Showroom Experience
Visiting their showroom was a game-changer. We could visualize our desired features and see the quality of their work.
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Hidden and practical designs: We were impressed by their hidden robot vacuum storage and concealed handheld vacuum cabinet with a power plug.
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All-inclusive service: In Malaysia, IDs often source appliances, making the move-in process easier.
Setting Up Utilities
Before renovations could begin, we needed to set up electricity and water.
Water Supply
We used the app to sign up and transferred the account using the previous owner’s information.
Electricity Supply
We had to visit the TNG office to create a new account and pay a deposit (RM1,200 for foreigners). We were lucky to have enough cash on hand, as they only accept cash or local cards. Recurring bills can be paid through the IA Selangor and TNG apps.
The First Night In Our New Home
While waiting for electricity and water approval, we hung out in the unit during the daytime. Once the utilities were connected, we brought sleeping bags and spent our first night there.
A Memorable First Meal
We ordered Grab food and had our first dinner in an empty living room, but I forgot to request cutlery! We ended up eating mala mian with our hands.
The Importance of Visualization
Hanging out in the empty unit helped us communicate our needs to the ID. We imagined our daily routines and used Post-it notes to plan the placement of items. We took photos and shared them with the ID to show how we wanted the cupboards organized.
Using a Dream Home Google Doc
We've kept a "Dream Home" Google Doc for years, detailing our ideal features and improvements. We shared this document with the ID to discuss what was feasible and within budget. This helped us create a renovation tailored to our lifestyle, incorporating lessons learned from our previous home. By doing this we hope to have no renovation regrets.
We're grateful for our brightly lit home and excited to share more of our renovation journey. Subscribe for updates! Thanks for watching!
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