My JB House Renovation: Progress? Expensive? Feedback Welcome!

[@chakradharmaddineni9103]

Congratulations and all the best. Looking nice the renovation work. Thanks for all your informative videos and honest sharing.

[@j4m35bond]

390k is quite reasonable price consider so much hacking and extension work. Welcome to settle down in JB! Greetings from a Johorean who stay in Adda Heights 😊

[@Mike-e1n]

Next is mine coming

[@wchingfong]

17:20 Singapore do have dense forest reserve and well planted road side big trees so the temperature is few degree lower in micro climate.

[@SamjunK]

happy to see good things are happening for your family.

[@wailingyeoh6882]

You can consider false grass for your front yard. It's beautiful, doesn't need maintenance and green is refreshing to the eye.

[@1m65]

Good idea

[@alanlee2703]

If you are Malaysian, congratulation! Well done! dude.

[@colinquekking9033]

Hey man, very happy for u for the progress. Can tell u enjoying the process :D

[@1m65]

Thank u very much ! Yes!

[@tg988]

Big renovation. As good as getting a new house. Can fit in 3 generations. Trackless folding autogate with silent motor would look cool. If retire permanently, having a Japanese/Zen garden with a koi pond in front of the house would look serene and the house will feel a little cooler.

[@1m65]

Is this type of auto gate lasting?

[@1m65]

Not a big fan of ponds …

[@tg988]

@@1m65 Premium high quality aluminium folding auto gates that are sturdy can last 2-3 decades and even longer if seldom use but it can be very expensive and can cost up to RM14K. Many types of design and some even with LED lighting on the panels.

[@YewhuiHong]

Remove the gate. You no need it

[@akeetew9706]

Follow up reno work regularly and frequently and correct any slight diversion promptly to avoid big diversion from plan later. Slight diversion is easy to correct and no extra cost incurred. A big diversion will involve serious cost to correct and difficult for both parties to accept.

[@1m65]

Good point

[@lamweikoonmike6056]

Wow, so interesting to hear about your renovations! Kate is gifted! You are blessed with a lovely family! Hey, if u r not home everyday, overgrown grass will be a signal to invite burglars. Choose a safer option bah.

[@DenHeart]

Is hotter than SG is because there are not enough trees / plants to soak up the heat. That what i feel. JB everywhere concrete...

[@1m65]

That’s true!

[@ylein6508]

Yeah Singapore government always plant lot of trees everywhere. Malaysia not so bothered with that

[@musico3415]

For your garden space, you may grow self watering plants and self maintaining water fountain, and add soft padding floor materials like those open playgrounds in hdb estates. Sandy ground may attract pests into your home.

[@judetan4774]

So much excitement!! Cant wait to see the end results!!!

[@kcchiew4247]

Currently we need to spend around sgd 40k on simple renovation for our downgraded 4 room bto. Yet don't have plan to stay at JB, cost too much for couple near 60 yo. 😄

[@allenyew750]

Hi, Why do you use cement bricks instead of red clay bricks for your walls?

[@1m65]

It is a special type of light bricks so that the balcony can withstand the weight of

[@SunshineShine-t9t]

No sea near the house to fish got swimming pool also good. Congrats to the Loo family!👍

[@1m65]

Thank u very much

[@MatildaPang]

Best is cement it n put artificial grass over then separately grow potted plants. Real grass super hard to maintain n will have more insects.

[@tanlh1291]

Use bigger pots for plants that provide shades. Grow grapes also can

[@normanwee678]

One thing I dislike about landed property is the insects. Eg. Ants/termites, lizard (& droppings), centipede, etc. Cement it will be a better option.

[@bgees]

@@tanlh1291what is grow graph means?

[@tanlh1291]

@@bgees typo: grapes

[@138cnchng]

Basic feng shui. Make sure your toilets are not above your kitchen stove, dinner table, beds... etc. If not, once leak, sewage waste water will drip onto your foods while cooking, dining and sleeping?!! 😂

[@1m65]

Thanks for the tips!

[@pxiao1]

Hi Mr Loo, can you share how to buy JB house as a Singaporean?

[@ryanyoutube7315]

Should ask id to design with natural air ventilation etc.. ref stack homes or grand designs

[@ClementLee2000]

Good to have some plants. But if you are not plant lover, then don't. Plus if you don't stay there often, then will be tiring to keep trimming. Since you don't like plants, you won't feel good clearing them. Have a sand playground will be nice. Plus for the roof, do install solar panel. But since you don't stay there often, it may become just end up a electricity farm. Installing solar panel is a good move as it hedge against any potential increase in tariff charges. Last but not least, Kate Loo's voice is so nice.

[@weesonteh8751]

Wah…your daughter sings very well…and pretty too!

[@1m65]

Thank you so much

[@Mike-e1n]

Sweet Kate Loo

[@ianyuen7987]

I replaced the developer's metal gate with an aluminum gate from EvoGate more than 5 years ago. EvoGate is popular with my fellow neighbors. There are many designs including how the way the gate folds of your choice. The gate works with a popular autogate machine (i cannot remember off hand because i am now not in JB but you can ask EvoGate) which is popular with my fellow neighbors. So far the gate buka without any problem.

[@1m65]

Thanks for the info!

[@chairman-meow]

Soundproof the pipes in the toilet n bathroom so that the rooms beside can’t hear them, especially at night.

[@JZoooZ]

ground floor = playground. level = living room. see this concept at a house in Bedok. very very nice

[@1m65]

Interesting!

[@erictayverystrongimaginati1662]

Good luck to you and your family. 👍✌️🙏

[@lpfong2538]

The good thing about Malaysia, getting alcohol and beer beverages at convenient shops or restaurants is difficulty. Singapore, very bad you can get them everywhere, that's not good. Especially those who are religious. I dislike living in a sinful country even though l am not ISLAM..

[@eemingtoh972]

Hi Mr Loo, have you ever thought of installing solar panels for your house and sell back to the grid? Since you won’t be there everyday, those days that you are not there can use to generate some cash to offset your usage? Maybe you can even generate a profit?

[@eemingtoh972]

I assumed that since it is so hot there, maybe the sun is also good there for solar panels. Just a thought.

[@bgees]

Hi are you Malaysian and familiar with solar panel? I heard it is quite pricy for that and the procedure to apply for buy back by TNB is difficult

[@cryptot8531]

What is the tenure of the house?

[@1m65]

Freehold

[@O-OZ-Z]

Looks good. Thanks for sharing. Aren't you worried you show so much? Also with your many overseas trips and when you get back to JB... Aren't you informing the criminals when you're not there for them to break in? You're like LKY, plan a generation ahead with the playroom for your future grandkids... Unless your playroom is where you put your xbox, etc? Criminals are happy to hear where to target. Don't depend on your security cameras and nosy neighbors. And don't tell people how much money you have... You're opening yourself up for criminals. Just my 5 Sen.

[@stephenang499]

Suggest you do a Japanese garden in front with white pebbles and tiles and have bonsai tree in front, you may put a water feature as well

[@1m65]

Too elaborate for me.

[@bgees]

White pebble will be mossy for the weather of Jb

[@oliverjohnlim6873]

For that small space next to your carport, you can build a simple shed with a ceiling fan, and place a some deck chairs and table, and get a bbq grill. Otherwise, you can place wooden swing seats to relax at night

[@1m65]

Good idea!

[@Star-008]

The amount is very fair. I would even say it's on the low side because the contractor is honest and didn't play tricks in the mark-up. I'm surprised there's no mic and accompanying music but singing was so nice!!

[@1m65]

Great points and Thank u very much for your affirmation!

[@joannayoong9370]

​@@1m65My friend's renovation for her landed property (3 or 4 levels) in SG costs her sgd250k++, with a lot of hacking & interior designs from SG contractor. Yr contractor is very honest & quoted you very reasonable price😮😮😮.

[@timothylee4727]

For your bathroom, consider looking into showerguard glass, its worth for long term maintainance and asethetics

[@AngelNCC]

When was the last termite treatment?

[@1m65]

This place not a termite prone area.

[@joannayoong9370]

Mr Loo, bananas are rich in potassium. Good for health. So, be grateful the tree grew back again😂. I have to buy every week & it is not cheap nowdays.😂

[@sonnykhoo7236]

Be thankful for the banana tree🙏😁 meanwhile nice house😁

[@Kotak8]

May I know where is the location in Johore Bahru?

[@gohippo]

Her singing is to bless the room

[@dorisalim8626]

what is the contact for the contractor?

[@wchingfong]

Looking forward to have you staying in Austin Heights, welcome~! I hope you don't mind we visit you as a neighbor.

[@乐在毅起]

I think 391k is quite reasonable comparing to my neighbors (also semi-d around Austin). I heard 300k, 500k and even 1mil for extensions, make over etc. Kate looks sweet and her singing is really good, probably another national singer got hold up by whatever thing she doing now 😂. One thing that I not so keen on sand pit, I worried that the sands may get over many places in the house and that would be another chore 😅

[@1m65]

Good feedback! Thank u very much

[@rakyatprihatin]

Why you Singaporeans like to stay in JB. Come Melakalah. I am Malaysian previously working in Singapore now staying Malacca in the suburb. Beautiful, peaceful, good food, friendlier, lots of activities, CNY the best, cheap, really enjoy your life. Like HEAVEN! Live in the bungalow some more. Best of all, you get real freedom here. Actually, Malacca is so near to Singapore. The most 2 hours journey when you travel during non-peak hours.

[@bgees]

Melaka is traffic jam dungeon and not liveable during holidays , better go East Malaysia Borneo

[@YewhuiHong]

All these don’t include the wardrobe, aircon fitting right? Share your decision on these with us if possible. Your lobang is good.

[@JH-kq2it]

For your banana tree, you can try to pour a few cups of salt solution on the roots. One part salt to two parts water. Repeat every few days. Salting the Earth.

[@1m65]

Will it spoil the soil quality after that?

[@JH-kq2it]

You are just doing spot treatment on your unwanted tree. Don't do it for your whole garden. Afterwards you can dig up the dead tree. You can replace some soil there if you want but I would just probably flush the soil with lots of clean water and top-up with a bag or two of new soil.

[@pgfoodchannel]

Lovely! Has it been occupied before you purchase it?

[@1m65]

Yes

[@JWS367]

390k included all materials(tiles and etc) and built in furniture?

[@1m65]

Yes

[@ymun6686]

Mr Loo, banana tree must dig all the way down and remove all the roots.

[@1m65]

I heard it from experts. So that’s what I asked the contractor to do

[@dolphinloo9810]

for interior design pls draw out properly, then no miscommunication.

[@ysgu5799]

Just to clarify, be aware of extra hidden cost. Hope the total cost is the finalize cost

[@1m65]

I am sure as our requirements go up , cost will increase

[@aikvc]

Mr loo why is ur contractor using batagor bricks? Mbjb approval use runner or not? Parquet flooring kena termite kong ka kiao liao. Ur tangki use pu foam to waterproof

[@1m65]

Too heavy to use red bricks. Runner didn’t work. PU foam?

[@lim5959]

Landed property is hotter than high rise condo.

[@bgees]

How to solve this?

[@lim5959]

@@bgees no way to resolve it, unless switch on the air cond… the lower floor still ok, but upper floor is like a sauna.

[@bgees]

@@lim5959 I thought you have other suggestion like building material or certain type of tree that may helps, or ceiling fans?

[@johntoh7946]

Mr loo, bath tub is no use unless you are newly wedded. Hack it and just use a standing hand shower cubicle. 👍

[@alexlong3714]

It's cheaper and easier to buy a ready move in house and start one's retirement and enjoy life. Keep it simple and no stress. No?

[@sychoxxxx]

Your daughter sing very well

[@marthomaboy7246]

not bad actually

[@lohfk2172]

Envy! Home sweet home

[@jgoh4105]

Mr Loo, can you recommend the JB contractor? Thanks!

[@1m65]

Sure! Email me! [e-mail]

[@shinovasion6826]

Aiya Mr Loo,big bath tub can 2 person together mah! 😂😂

[@patricklee2799]

Don't put sand in the garden. Weeds will still grow. And sand will be dirty & may be blown by strong rain over the porch. Maybe can put artificial grass but of course grass is the best. Otw tile it up if don't want the hassle of maintaining the grass. If not hire a landscape company to take care of it.

[@1m65]

Good points!

[@wongtt6712]

Is Mr Loo's new house near Aeon Mall Tebrau?

[@88_JJW_88]

got engaged fengshui master to review the prty and reno boh? especially if u r doing biz and have impacts!

[@1m65]

Complicated topic

[@lohfk2172]

External wall using light weight blocks as walls is not very practical. Future moisture problem unless water proof agent is applied to wall

[@aylf47]

Did he just say that the previous owner used cheapo laminate on the stairscase 😢

[@wuqs5458]

How big is the land? Mr loo

[@1m65]

50x70

[@wuqs5458]

@@1m65 big house, nice

[@jeffkum422]

Can recommend your JB contractor to me ? Thank you in advance

[@bgees]

Do you engaged any Interior Designer?

[@1m65]

Yes.

[@bgees]

may I know how much is the fees and any rebates? Furthermore, did the contractor said the light brick is soundproofing?

[@stephenang499]

Great nice update

[@DoGoh-l4s]

391k is what they tell u now. Along the way alot of misc stuff to add on. Not surprise tat it will go up or slightly over 500k

[@露茜追漫]

As you mentioned that the weather in JB is very hot, have you considered installing a solar system that can also connect to an EV charger at your car porch? Many Malaysians living in landed properties are recognizing the benefits of solar systems (Solar System contractors will offer installment plan) to reduce their home electrical bills. Some residents claim they can run their air conditioning all day long thanks to the savings from their solar systems. Additionally, surplus solar energy can be accumulated and used to offset subsequent bills. I thought to bring this up in case you're interested in having a self-reliant energy source, which also serves as an alternative solution during power outages. Watching you and your family discuss renovation plans with your contractor got me excited, almost as if I were renovating my own house!😁 Congratulations on your new home renovation! Wishing you a smooth process and a beautiful transformation. May your new space bring you endless joy and comfort👏

[@limliza992]

Does the contractor do any renovation work in Singapore?

[@1m65]

I don’t think they do

[@jamesee3929]

Huh… no layout plan before start of renovations?? Looking for troubles, sure kenna kutuk, at mercy of contractors 😂

[@jamesee3929]

Good luck.

[@CK-pv5yq]

Mr Loo, why are you and your family standing at the edge on the 2nd floor ? It’s dangerous. Be careful and stay safe.

[@1m65]

Yes we just realised it

[@ylein6508]

I do artificial turf. It helps somewhat

[@yongdesmond5412]

A bit strange, with renovation of this scale, why no design plan or 3D drawing and sign off? Verba confirmation like this will lead to many unhapiness later unless Mr.Loo is very chin chai 😅

[@amyooi884]

Stay safe always 🙏

[@chairman-meow]

The urban areas does not have as much greenery like Singapore.

[@limliza992]

Short grass will look good. Sand pit will cause sand to get into the house unless it is closed all the time.

[@1m65]

Good point

[@49jg]

Cats poop in the playground sand near my former place. Fyi.

[@138cnchng]

You should consider building a strong room in your JB house?! Security is a big concern in Malaysia?! 😄

[@1m65]

Not at my place. Security super tight

[@blackknightbatman2636]

Mr loo big family definitely gotta extend back yard (sheltered) into open kitchen for tzechar+bbq... SG playgrounds all converted to No Sand already😂bad for kid's eyes.. Enjoy ur new Villa 👍

[@blackknightbatman2636]

Ohhh btw ..pls do consult a Heavy Duty Gate specialist instead 👌

[@1m65]

@@blackknightbatman2636Thank u very much for your advice

[@huss3287]

This what happens when you choose the wrong house 😊 sorry Loo I am joking congrats 🎉 BTW that girl has a beautiful voice 😮

[@georgetang3489]

RM 391k ...good deal ..for such a big size house:)

[@1m65]

Indeed!

[@MasterLeong888]

Kat sing very well got potential to become celebrity kekeke

[@1m65]

Thank u very much !

[@1m65]

We were testing out the acoustics of the Room, asking the renovators to preserve the sound quality of it

[@rabbiter-v8b]

let us buy their properties before their state government decided to impose a premium even if it does not reap a profit in the future.

[@vincensiaxiuqingwu4126]

You went to JB yesterday Mr Loo? We went to JB too yesterday

[@1m65]

Oh nice!

[@Zenus21]

Alternatively do track rubber padding like our HDB playground - but it hardens as time goes

[@ryanyoutube7315]

Actually no.. our hdb rubber pad actually quite dangerous.. cos the support deteriorates. Becomes uneven ground. Why is it dangerous vs sand then? Because it looks stable but its not.. sand you can see the undulations .

[@1m65]

Sand might be better then

[@bgees]

What is HDB means ?

[@ryanyoutube7315]

Whoa.. the id never do space planning with you. No 3d drawing?

[@1m65]

There was a computer one

[@karebu2]

You sure your extension will be sturdy? Be careful.

[@ivansoh6101]

Its called Light Weight Cement Block

[@aloysiusleong7007]

Kate sings well 👍🏻

[@bigfathairywookie]

Sand pit might not be a good idea as cats like to use sand to poop.

[@Ymusputhandle]

Mr Loo, can i hv the contact of the contractor?

[@1m65]

[e-mail] email me

[@YewhuiHong]

Wow. It’s a great deal

[@1m65]

Thank u very much

[@ongth601]

Add a PowerPoint for future EV charger

[@1m65]

I did!

[@kahfong3204]

ENVY!

[@psylak-py9qv]

all the best

[@petiachoo1615]

MBJB = city council (like our town council but do more municipal work)

[@Happy-v3f5d]

Mr Loo. Remember not to spray any uB40 or lubricant at the auto gate arm….

[@1m65]

Oh really?

[@Happy-v3f5d]

@@1m65 u can check with the installer

[@xiaomashitu]

👍👍👍

[@h2ocean]

Office and live cast studio outside toilet. Maybe when doing video cannot use toilet.

[@1m65]

Good point

[@Zenus21]

keep the last room for Kat Singing Room

[@1m65]

That’s the intention