Renovation Cost
Per Square Foot (2026)

Indicative Klang Valley ranges — get an exact quote on WhatsApp.

“Cost per square foot” (RM/sq ft) is the quickest way to turn a floor area into a ballpark budget — and to spot a quote that is suspiciously high or low. It is a starting point, not a final figure: the rate depends entirely on scope and finish. This guide breaks down the numbers room by room and scope by scope so you can build a realistic estimate before you contact a single contractor.

Renovation cost per sq ft by scope

Cost per sq ft by type of work

See the related room guides: painting cost → · carpentry cost →

Cost per sq ft by property type

The type of property affects the blended rate: condos have management and working-hour constraints; landed homes may have structural work; older properties need more prep work. Here is a practical guide:

How to use the rate to budget

The formula is simple:

Built-up area (sq ft) × RM/sq ft rate = ballpark budget

For example, a 1,000 sq ft condo at a mid-range RM120/sq ft ≈ RM120,000. Use the lower end of the band if you are keeping the existing layout and standard finishes, and the upper end for designer materials or structural changes.

For a condo, multiply only the internal built-up area (the area inside your unit walls), not the strata area. For a terrace house, multiply the built-up floor area of all levels you are renovating.

What the per-sq-ft rate usually includes

A whole-home RM/sq ft rate normally bundles hacking, flooring, ceiling, painting, basic electrical and labour. It usually excludes: loose furniture, appliances, curtains, air-conditioning units, and high-end feature items. Always confirm the inclusion list in writing. The biggest source of budget surprises is assuming a rate includes items that the contractor treats as optional or separately quoted.

Worked example: 1,400 sq ft terrace house

Compare with our full house renovation cost guide →

What moves the rate up or down

• Material grade — quartz vs laminate tops, imported porcelain vs local ceramic tiles, solid-surface vs melamine carpentry.
• Layout changes — moving kitchens/bathrooms adds new plumbing risers and waterproofing, pushing the rate up significantly.
• Carpentry volume — built-ins are priced per linear foot, so a full set of wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, TV console and study desk pushes the blended rate up fast.
• Property type and age — an older home may need full rewiring or pipe replacement after hacking; a landed home may have structural work that a condo cosmetic refresh does not.
• Number of wet areas — bathrooms and kitchens cost far more per sq ft than bedrooms or living rooms. More wet areas = higher blended rate.

Condo vs landed: rate comparison

When per-sq-ft pricing breaks down

Kitchens and bathrooms cost far more per sq ft than bedrooms, so a small unit with two bathrooms will have a higher blended rate than its size suggests. Similarly, a large open-plan home with minimal wet areas will have a lower rate than a compact unit with two bathrooms. The RM/sq ft rule works best as a sanity check, not a final number. Any quote that comes in dramatically below the expected range warrants scrutiny — it probably excludes things you expect to be included.

Getting an accurate itemised quote

Once you have a ballpark from the RM/sq ft calculation, the next step is an itemised quote broken down by room and trade. This is the only reliable way to compare two contractors or lock a budget before signing a contract. For an accurate figure, get an itemised quote — WhatsApp us your floor plan and we will break it down room by room. See also the pre-renovation checklist → and how to compare quotes →.