AD
Embarking on a home renovation in Malaysia can feel overwhelming. A clear plan and knowing what to expect are your best tools for a smooth process. This guide helps you navigate from dream to reality, avoiding common pitfalls.
1. Plan & Budget: The Foundation of Success Start with a clear vision. Collect inspiration photos and create a "must-have" list. Get quotes from at least 3 different contractors. Remember to allocate 10-20% of your total budget for unexpected costs—they almost always arise.
2. Find the Right Contractor: Vetting is Key A good contractor is everything. Ask for recommendations from friends and check online reviews. Ensure they are licensed and insured. Meet them in person and ask to see a portfolio of their past work. Trust your gut feeling about their professionalism and communication.
3. The Legalities: Do You Need Approval? Not all renovations require approval, but major structural changes, external work, or work on landed property often do. Your contractor should advise you on this, but it's your responsibility to ensure all necessary permits from the local council (e.g., MBPJ, DBKL) are obtained to avoid fines.
4. Manage the Process: Communication is Key Once work begins, maintain regular communication. A weekly site visit is ideal to monitor progress and address issues immediately. Keep a file of all contracts, receipts, and correspondence. Always get any changes to the original plan in writing to prevent disputes.
A successful renovation is a marathon. With careful planning, a trusted partner, and clear communication, you can transform your space with minimal stress.
The Home Buyer's Checklist for Malaysia
Buying a property is a major milestone. In Malaysia's market, being prepared and informed makes all the difference. Follow this essential checklist to navigate your purchase with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Is 2026 the year crypto finally moves from speculation to structural maturity?
For many people, 2025 felt like a year the crypto market should have soared and didn’t. Markets lagged, prices disappointed and we started to rethink once sacred rhythms like the four year cycle. Some analysts suggested a 5.4 year pattern (with hope for a final run at the bull market after all), while others argued cycles might be replaced altogether by a market shaped more by institutions than solo traders. At the same time, by the end of the year my social media feeds were filled with people talking about how 2025 was the year of the snake in Chinese zodiac, and that in February, we pass into the year of the Fire Horse. So what if 2025 was an important transition year, where crypto shed its Wild West reputation like a snake sheds its skin, in the direction of structural maturity and widespread adoption, under the auspices of the Fire Horse’s energy, enthusiasm and speed? Either way, markets are up despite geopolitical uncertainty, an interesting development, considering the impact of incidents in the past. And 2026 is shaping up to be very interesting indeed. Here are six things I’m looking forward to:
A look inside the UAE's new 'Longevity Residences'
Billionaire entrepreneurs’ interest in staying young has been well chronicled. Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Peter Thiel of PayPal and Sam Altman of OpenAI have all been reported to have invested millions of dollars in anti-ageing companies to fund longevity research. ‘Immortality’ seems to be topmost on everyone’s minds these days—last month, even Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were caught discussing how human organs could be repeatedly transplanted to maintain one’s youth and the possibility of living until 150, in a ‘hot mic’ moment when they met in Beijing. But who wouldn’t want to live forever? We all try, with varying degrees of success, by eating well and exercising.
Parenting in the age of TikTok: How to get your teenager to actually listen
Being a parent today can feel more complicated than ever before. Like every generation, we have grown up in a world very different from the one our children inherit. But the pace of change has never been this fast, nor its impact this profound. The rise of AI, the spread of technology, and social media have transformed how young people connect, learn, and see themselves.
Abu Dhabi: Meet the woman who became India's voice in F1
How often do you see a storyteller become the story? It’s as rare as spotting a globetrotting Formula One journalist from a cricket-obsessed South Asian country in the giant media centre of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And if the journalist happens to be a female, it only adds an element of mystique.For Niharika Ghorpade, it was love at first sight with motorsport when her father, a Formula One enthusiast, took her to a karting track many moons ago. Despite coming from a family of car enthusiasts,
Dubai’s new wellness trend: luxury cars with built-in spa features
Golden Globes 2026: 'The Pitt' and 'The Studio' win top TV honours
HBO Max’s The Pitt, a medical drama which puts a spotlight on America’s strained emergency rooms, won best drama series at the Golden Globes on Sunday, while The Studio, a Hollywood satire from Apple TV, earned the award for best comedy. The Pitt follows Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, who works at the often-daunting Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center's emergency room."We live in a very divided country in the world right now, but I think cinema brings us all together not only
Amazon Acquires Globalstar to Enhance Satellite Internet Network
Amazon announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to purchase the US telecommunications satellite company Globalstar, aiming to expand its space-based internet infrastructure and compete with Elon Musk's Starlink.
Carlos Alcaraz Awaits Injury Test Results Before French Open Decision
Carlos Alcaraz is currently waiting for the results of tests on his injured wrist before deciding whether to defend his French Open title next month, according to the world number two.
What is a Duplex? Pros & Considerations in the UAE
Duplex properties have steadily grown into one of the most attractive residential options in the UAE, especially for families and residents who want a spacious lifestyle without the higher costs of a standalone villa. With their generous layouts, multi-level design, and a living experience that feels both private and contemporary, duplexes blend the best of apartment convenience with the openness of a villa-style home.In Dubai and neighbouring emirates, duplex homes continue to draw interest fro
How Much Is My Car Worth in Dubai? 7 Key Factors That Move Used Car Prices
Selling a car in Dubai often feels unpredictable. One week, similar listings are moving fast. The next, prices soften without warning. With a market driven by expats, frequent relocations, and fast-changing preferences, understanding what truly affects your car’s value can make a major difference to your final deal. The good news is that Dubai’s automotive market follows clear patterns, and once you know them, you can price your car with far more confidence.Dubai benefits from relatively low imp
What does the New Year have in store for us: 10 predictions for life in 2026
As the new year begins, cultural shifts, technology trends, and social curiosities are set to make 2026 an interesting year. From lifestyle changes to entertainment innovations, here’s a look at some of the developments that could impact daily life and popular culture.A Shift in Technology UseAs people become increasingly aware of smartphone overload, simpler “dumb” phones are gaining popularity. These devices promise fewer distractions and a break from constant notifications, but they may also
