Check our FAQs for quick answers to frequently asked questions we receive.
- How much does interior design or renovation cost in Malaysia?
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There's no fixed rate — cost depends on the scope of work, material grade, and level of customisation. As a general guide, interior design work in Malaysia typically ranges from roughly RM70 to RM150+ per square foot depending on finish quality. At Desbu KL, interior renovations start from RM50,000, major renovations start from RM100,000, and full design-and-build new house projects start from RM500,000. Your final figure depends on your property size, condition, and the finishes you choose.
- Why do quotes from different contractors vary so much for the same project?
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The biggest swing factors are material grade (standard vs premium vs luxury finishes), how much custom carpentry vs factory-made furniture is used, and whether the project involves structural work like hacking walls, moving plumbing, or re-wiring — all of which cost significantly more than surface-level finishing. A very low quote compared to others usually means one of these has been left out, not that you found a better deal.
- Does Desbu KL's price include everything, or are there hidden costs?
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Desbu KL works on transparent, no-hidden-cost pricing. If a Variation Order (VO) - any change or addition beyond the original agreed scope - comes up during the project, we inform you and get your approval before proceeding, so you're never charged for extra work without knowing in advance.
- How long does a renovation or build project take?
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Timelines vary by project type: interior renovation for a condo/apartment typically takes 6-8 weeks, a double-storey landed house renovation takes 8-10 weeks, a major renovation takes 4-6 months, and a full new house design-and-build project takes 8-12 months. Actual duration depends on scope, material availability, and approval timelines.
- What does the Desbu KL project process look like, from first meeting to handover?
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Every Desbu KL project follows the same 8 steps: (1) Contact Us - get in touch to start your transformation journey; (2) Site Visit / Meet Up - site inspection and requirements briefing to understand your needs and vision; (3) Proposal - a detailed proposal with design concepts, budget, and timelines; (4) Confirmation - finalize the project details and give the green light to begin; (5) Detail Drawings - our designers create precise drawings to bring your vision to life; (6) Project Started - construction and implementation begin with our expert team; (7) Handover - we ensure every detail is perfect before handing over the transformed space; (8) Support & Warranty - ongoing support and warranty for your peace of mind.
- How much deposit do I need to pay before work starts?
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Desbu KL only requires a 10% deposit upfront upon confirmation - the rest is paid according to project milestones, so you're never paying the bulk of the cost before work is underway.
- What is Desbu KL's payment schedule?
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Desbu KL's payment schedule is milestone-based: 10% deposit upon confirmation, 30% on material delivery / start of works, 30% at project midpoint, 20% near completion, and the final 10% on handover after inspection.
- Is there a written contract, and what does it cover?
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Yes - every Desbu KL project is confirmed in writing before work begins, covering scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. CIDB has flagged renovation fraud as a real problem in Malaysia - reported cases have run into millions of ringgit in losses - almost always tied to homeowners proceeding without a clear written agreement. A proper contract is your main protection, and Desbu KL provides one as standard.
- Is Desbu KL a CIDB-registered contractor?
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Yes - Desbu KL is a registered contractor, PPK Registration No. 0120250507-WP154578, Grade G5.
- Do I need a renovation permit for my project?
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It depends on the scope. Structural changes - adding or removing walls, partitions, or altering the layout - generally require council approval (DBKL, MBSA, MPS, or your local authority). Purely cosmetic work such as repainting or replacing flooring is often exempt, but even built-in items like wardrobes can require approval under Malaysia's Uniform Building By-Laws (JMB). We confirm permit requirements with you as part of project planning.
- What are the allowed renovation working hours in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor?
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Typical permitted hours are 9am-5pm or 6pm on weekdays, with Saturday often limited to a shorter window and Sundays/public holidays generally off-limits. Noisier work like hacking or drilling is usually restricted to a narrower daytime window. Exact rules vary by local council and, for condos, by your building's own house rules.
- Do I need approval from my JMB/MC before renovating my condo?
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Yes. Written approval from your Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC) is required before work starts, based on a renovation form outlining scope, contractor details, and dates. Most buildings respond within about a week. A refundable renovation deposit - commonly RM500 to RM3,000 depending on the building - is standard and returned after a final inspection confirms no damage to shared facilities.
- What renovation work is not allowed in a condo or apartment?
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You generally cannot alter structural elements (columns, beams, load-bearing walls), touch common property such as corridors, shared pipes, or the building facade, overload floor slabs, or relocate wet areas without a structural assessment. Non-structural work - flooring, cabinetry, non-load-bearing partitions, rewiring by a licensed electrician - is typically fine with JMB/MC approval.
- Does Desbu KL handle the JMB/MC approval paperwork for me?
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Yes - where the building's JMB/MC allows third-party (contractor) submission, Desbu KL helps process the renovation application on the owner's behalf. If a particular JMB/MC requires the application to come directly from the unit owner, we'll guide you through exactly what's needed, but you'll need to submit it yourself in that case.
- What warranty does Desbu KL provide?
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Desbu KL provides up to a 10-year warranty, along with 3 months of on-site follow-up visits and free lifetime online support after your project is handed over. This is significantly beyond the 12-24 month workmanship warranty that's typical in the Malaysian renovation industry.
- What happens if something goes wrong after the project is completed?
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If an issue comes up after handover, simply report it via WhatsApp or a call, and we'll arrange a fixing date as soon as possible.
- Why choose Desbu KL over another renovation contractor?
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Desbu KL is a CIDB-registered, one-stop interior design and build company with 9 years of hands-on experience across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor homes. Design and construction are handled under one roof rather than split between a separate designer and contractor, which removes a common source of miscommunication and delay. Pricing is transparent with no hidden costs, and every project comes with up to a 10-year warranty plus lifetime after-sales support.
- Which areas does Desbu KL serve?
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Desbu KL serves Kuala Lumpur and Selangor fully, and also takes on projects in certain area in Negeri Sembilan.