Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia’s vibrant capital, is a hotspot for renovation projects, driven by urban growth, aging infrastructure, and demand for modern, sustainable living spaces. In 2025, renovation contractors in KL cater to diverse needs, from residential makeovers to commercial refurbishments, with costs varying based on project scope, property type, materials, and labor. Governed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and local authorities, such as Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), contractors must comply with regulations including the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 and the Environmental Quality Act 1974. This article explores the typical charges for different types of renovations by renovation contractor kuala lumpur, using data from 2025, and includes five frequently asked questions to guide homeowners and businesses in budgeting effectively.

Factors Influencing Renovation Costs in Kuala Lumpur

Renovation costs in KL depend on several factors:

• Project Scope: Minor updates (e.g., painting) cost less than structural changes (e.g., extensions).
• Property Type: Condominiums, terrace houses, bungalows, and commercial spaces have different cost structures.
• Materials: Premium materials like granite or smart home systems increase costs by 20–30%.
• Labor: Skilled tradespeople charge RM50–RM100 per hour, with KL rates 10–20% higher than smaller cities.
• Permits: Structural renovations require DBKL approvals (RM1,000–RM5,000).
• Contractor Fees: General contractor markups of 10–15% cover project management.

The renovation market in KL, valued at over RM2 billion in 2025, reflects high demand for quality craftsmanship. Below, we detail costs for five common renovation types, based on an average-sized property (1,000–1,500 sq ft), such as a condominium or terrace house, with data from sources like AW Builders Malaysia and Design Bliss.

Types of Renovation and Their Costs in Kuala Lumpur

1. Kitchen Renovation

Overview: Kitchen renovations are popular in KL due to their impact on home functionality and value. Projects range from basic upgrades to full remodels with wet and dry kitchen setups.

Scope: Includes cabinetry, countertops, appliances, tiling, plumbing, and electrical work. Extensions may add 100–200 sq ft.

Cost Breakdown:

• Low-End (RM20,000–RM30,000): Basic upgrades like painting, new cabinets (plywood), quartz countertops, and standard appliances (stove, sink). Suitable for small condos.
• Mid-Range (RM31,000–RM60,000): Includes custom cabinets, laminate flooring, built-in oven, and hood. May involve minor wet works like tiling or plumbing upgrades.
• High-End (RM60,000–RM100,000): Luxury finishes like granite countertops, premium appliances, and kitchen extensions (RM20,000 extra for 100 sq ft). Common in Mont Kiara condos.

Example: My Renovation Contractor in KL offers mid-range kitchen remodels with modern cabinetry and quartz countertops for RM40,000, including DBKL permits for minor structural changes.

Additional Costs: DBKL permits (RM1,000–RM2,000), electrical/plumbing (RM3,000–RM10,000), contractor fees (10–15%).

2. Bathroom Renovation

Overview: Bathroom renovations focus on functionality and aesthetics, upgrading fixtures, tiles, and plumbing for modern comfort.

Scope: Includes new tiles, sanitaryware (toilet, shower), vanities, and waterproofing. Structural changes may involve layout reconfiguration.

Cost Breakdown:

• Low-End (RM10,000–RM20,000): Basic tiles, standard fixtures, and repainting for a 50–80 sq ft bathroom.
• Mid-Range (RM21,000–RM40,000): Premium tiles, rain showers, custom vanities, and waterproofing. Common for terrace houses in Cheras.
• High-End (RM41,000–RM70,000): Luxury fixtures, glass enclosures, and smart toilets. May include layout changes requiring DBKL approval (RM1,000–RM3,000).

Example: Hin Group in KL charges RM25,000 for a mid-range bathroom remodel in Bangi, including ceramic tiles and modern fixtures, with CIDB compliance.

Additional Costs: Plumbing upgrades (RM2,000–RM5,000), permits (RM1,000–RM3,000), contractor fees (10–15%).

3. Living Room Renovation

Overview: Living room renovations enhance aesthetics and functionality, focusing on flooring, lighting, and built-in furniture.

Scope: Includes laminate/vinyl flooring, plaster ceilings, downlights, and custom cabinets. Minimal structural work.

Cost Breakdown:

• Low-End (RM10,000–RM20,000): Painting, plaster ceiling, and basic lighting for a 200–300 sq ft space.
• Mid-Range (RM21,000–RM40,000): Laminate flooring, custom TV cabinets, and smart lighting systems. Common in Setapak condos.
• High-End (RM41,000–RM80,000): Engineered wood flooring, bespoke furniture, and IoT-integrated lighting for luxury condos in Bukit Bintang.

Example: Ting Fung Renovation offers mid-range living room upgrades in KL for RM30,000, including plaster ceilings and smart lighting, with a 4-week timeline.

Additional Costs: Electrical work (RM2,000–RM5,000), contractor fees (10–15%). Permits are rarely needed for cosmetic upgrades.

4. Office Renovation

Overview: Commercial office renovations in KL focus on productivity and branding, upgrading workspaces in areas like KLCC and Mont Kiara.

Scope: Includes partitioning, flooring, electrical wiring, and custom furniture. May involve minor structural changes.

Cost Breakdown:

• Low-End (RM30,000–RM50,000): Painting, carpet flooring, and basic lighting for a 500–800 sq ft office.
• Mid-Range (RM51,000–RM100,000): Vinyl flooring, glass partitions, and ergonomic furniture. Common for SMEs in Damansara.
• High-End (RM100,000–RM200,000): Premium materials, smart office systems, and structural changes (e.g., open-plan layouts) requiring DBKL permits (RM2,000–RM5,000).

Example: My Office Renovation in KL charges RM80,000 for a mid-range office fit-out in Jalan Ampang, including glass partitions and CIDB-compliant wiring.

Additional Costs: Permits (RM2,000–RM5,000), M&E works (RM5,000–RM15,000), contractor fees (10–15%).

5. Terrace House Extension

Overview: Terrace house extensions, popular in KL suburbs like Cheras, add space for kitchens, living areas, or extra rooms.

Scope: Involves wet works (foundation, walls, roofing), plumbing, and electrical upgrades. Requires DBKL approval for structural changes.

Cost Breakdown:

• Low-End (RM20,000–RM40,000): Basic 100 sq ft extension with standard roofing and concrete flooring.
• Mid-Range (RM41,000–RM80,000): 100–200 sq ft extension with tiles, windows, and basic plumbing/electrical work.
• High-End (RM80,000–RM150,000): 200+ sq ft extension with premium materials and smart home integrations. Common in Bangsar.

Example: House Renovations Malaysia charges RM60,000 for a mid-range 150 sq ft kitchen extension in Cheras, including DBKL permits and CIDB compliance.

Additional Costs: DBKL permits (RM2,000–RM5,000), wet works (RM10,000–RM20,000), contractor fees (10–15%).

Why Costs Are Higher in Kuala Lumpur

• Urban Demand: KL’s 2.1 million population drives higher labor rates (RM50–RM100/hour vs. RM40–RM80 in smaller cities).
• Material Costs: Premium materials like granite are 10–20% costlier in KL due to logistics.
• Regulations: DBKL’s stringent guidelines increase permit costs (RM1,000–RM5,000) compared to rural councils.
• Competition: Over 500 contractors in KL ensure quality but raise prices due to demand.

Budgeting Tips

• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three contractors to save 10–20%.
• Use Pre-Made Materials: Avoid custom designs to reduce costs by 30%.
• Set Contingency Funds: Allocate 10–20% for unexpected repairs.
• Hire CIDB-Certified Contractors: Ensure quality and compliance to avoid fines (RM1,000–RM10,000).

FAQs

1. How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Kuala Lumpur in 2025?
   Kitchen renovations range from RM20,000–RM30,000 (basic, plywood cabinets), RM31,000–RM60,000 (mid-range, custom cabinets), to RM60,000–RM100,000 (high-end, granite countertops and extensions). Costs include permits (RM1,000–RM2,000) and contractor fees (10–15%).
2. What are the charges for a bathroom renovation in KL?
   Bathroom renovations cost RM10,000–RM20,000 (basic tiles), RM21,000–RM40,000 (premium fixtures), or RM41,000–RM70,000 (luxury with smart toilets). Plumbing (RM2,000–RM5,000) and permits (RM1,000–RM3,000) add to costs.
3. How much is a living room renovation in KL?
   Living room renovations range from RM10,000–RM20,000 (basic painting), RM21,000–RM40,000 (laminate flooring, smart lighting), to RM41,000–RM80,000 (engineered wood, bespoke furniture). Electrical work adds RM2,000–RM5,000.
4. What do office renovations cost in Kuala Lumpur?
   Office renovations cost RM30,000–RM50,000 (basic), RM51,000–RM100,000 (mid-range with glass partitions), or RM100,000–RM200,000 (high-end with smart systems). Permits (RM2,000–RM5,000) and M&E works (RM5,000–RM15,000) apply.
5. How much does a terrace house extension cost in KL?
   Terrace house extensions cost RM20,000–RM40,000 (100 sq ft basic), RM41,000–RM80,000 (mid-range with tiles), or RM80,000–RM150,000 (high-end with smart features). Wet works (RM10,000–RM20,000) and DBKL permits (RM2,000–RM5,000) are additional.

Conclusion

Renovation contractors in Kuala Lumpur charge RM10,000–RM200,000 depending on the project type, scope, and materials, with kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, and terrace house extensions being the most common. KL’s higher costs, driven by urban demand, premium materials, and strict DBKL regulations, range 10–20% above smaller cities. By obtaining multiple quotes, using pre-made materials, and hiring CIDB-certified contractors like My Renovation Contractor or Hin Group, clients can manage budgets effectively. In 2025, KL’s renovation market, valued at over RM2 billion, offers opportunities for transformative projects, provided homeowners and businesses plan wisely and leverage professional expertise.