Short answer: the cost of a home renovation in Johor Bahru depends mainly on four things: the size of the space, how much you are changing (cosmetic refresh or full renovation), how much built-in carpentry you want, and the materials you choose. [Client to add: ES Studio’s typical ranges, for example a condo refresh, a full condo renovation and a landed home renovation.] The only way to get a reliable figure for your home is an itemised quotation after a site visit.
By Edmund Ting, co-founder of ES Studio. ES Studio has designed and renovated homes and commercial spaces in Johor Bahru since 2005.
What drives the cost of a renovation in JB?
1. Size and type of property
A 900 sq ft condo and a double-storey terrace are very different jobs. Landed homes usually involve more work on floors, roofs, plumbing and the outside of the house, while condo renovations are more about the interior, carpentry and finishes.
2. Scope of work
A cosmetic refresh (paint, lighting, some loose furniture) costs far less than a full renovation that moves walls, rewires the house, replaces flooring and builds a new kitchen. Hacking and rebuilding is where budgets grow fastest, so decide early what really needs to change.
3. Built-in carpentry
Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV feature walls and storage are often the biggest single part of a JB renovation budget. Cost depends on the length of the carpentry, the board and laminate you choose, and the fittings (hinges, drawer runners, handles).
4. Materials and finishes
Tiles, vinyl or timber flooring, quartz or solid surface tops, sanitary ware and lighting all come in very wide price ranges. Choosing finishes before the quotation is final avoids surprises halfway through the job.
5. Design, approvals and project management
Design fees, renovation deposits for condos, local council permits for structural work on landed homes, and site supervision all belong in the budget. A design-and-build firm handles these as one package, so you deal with one team instead of several contractors.
Typical renovation budget by property type
| Property type | Light refresh | Full renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Condo / apartment | [Client to add] | [Client to add] |
| Terrace / cluster home | [Client to add] | [Client to add] |
| Semi-D / bungalow | [Client to add] | [Client to add] |
These are guide ranges only. Your quotation depends on your layout, the condition of the property and the finishes you choose.
How to plan your renovation budget
- Write down what must change and what is nice to have.
- Set a total budget and keep 10% aside for things you only discover once work starts.
- Ask for an itemised quotation so you can compare like for like.
- Choose your main finishes (flooring, kitchen top, cabinet laminate) before work begins.
- Agree the payment schedule and timeline in writing.
Design only or design and build?
With design only, you get drawings and 3D views, then hire your own contractors. With design and build, one team designs, renovates, builds the carpentry and manages the site until handover. Most ES Studio clients choose design and build because there is one person responsible for the whole job and the final cost is clearer from the start.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an interior designer cost in Johor Bahru?
It depends on the size of the space and the scope. Some firms charge a separate design fee, others include design in a design-and-build package. [Client to add: how ES Studio charges for design.] ES Studio gives an itemised quotation after a site visit.
Is it cheaper to renovate a condo or a landed house in JB?
A condo renovation is usually smaller in scope because there is no roof, outside wall or garden work, so it often costs less overall. Cost per square foot can still be similar if you want a lot of carpentry and premium finishes.
Do I need approval to renovate in JB?
Condo renovations usually need approval from the building management and a renovation deposit. Structural work on landed homes, such as extensions, may need a permit from the local council. Your designer should tell you what applies before work starts.
Planning a renovation in JB? Send us your floor plan and a few photos, and our designers will tell you what to expect.
