How to Choose a Renovation Contractor in Malaysia 2026

Before considering any contractor, verify their business registration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). A legitimate contractor should have:

Pro tip: Ask for the registration number and verify it yourself on the SSM website. Don't just accept a photocopy of the certificate – scammers can fake these.

A reputable contractor should have a portfolio of completed projects similar to yours. Look for:

Don't be impressed by stock photos from Pinterest or Instagram. Ask to see projects they've personally completed, and ideally, ask if you can visit a completed project site.

One of the biggest red flags in the Malaysian renovation industry is vague, lump-sum quotations. A professional contractor should provide:

Itemized Breakdown:

Beware of contractors who say "RM80,000 for everything" without details. You have the right to know exactly what you're paying for.

How a contractor communicates during the quotation phase is a preview of how they'll communicate during your project. Red flags include:

❌ Delayed responses (days to reply to WhatsApp/email)

❌ Evasive answers to direct questions

❌ Pressure tactics ("special discount if you sign today")

❌ Unavailable for site visits or meetings

✅ Green flags:

Ask for a detailed project timeline with milestones. For example:

Kitchen Renovation Timeline:

Be wary of contractors who promise unrealistically fast completion times. Quality work takes time, and rushing often leads to defects.

Never pay 100% upfront. A fair payment structure in Malaysia typically looks like this:

Standard Payment Schedule:

If a contractor demands 50%+ upfront, proceed with caution. This is often a sign of cash flow problems or potential abandonment.

Ensure the contractor has:

Ask for proof of insurance and verify the policy is active. If a worker gets injured on your property and the contractor isn't insured, you could be held liable.

A confident contractor offers warranties on their work:

Typical Warranty Terms:

Get the warranty terms in writing as part of your contract. Verbal promises don't hold up when defects appear 6 months later.

Ask for at least 3-5 references from recent clients (within the last 12 months). When calling references, ask:

If a contractor refuses to provide references or only offers one or two, that's a major red flag.

After all the due diligence, sometimes you just have a feeling about someone. If something feels off – pushy sales tactics, evasive answers, lack of professionalism – trust your instincts.

You're inviting this contractor into your home for weeks or months. You need someone you can trust and communicate with comfortably.

⚠️ Immediate Deal-Breakers:

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