There is no single "price per square foot" for renovation in Malaysia — cost depends on the type of space, its size, the specification you choose and the condition you are starting from. The only accurate figure is an itemised quotation for your specific project. This guide explains what drives the number and shares indicative market ranges so you can plan realistically.
What drives renovation cost?
- Space type — an F&B outlet with heavy kitchen and M&E works costs very differently from a simple office refresh.
- Size — larger areas cost more in total, though the rate per square foot often falls with scale.
- Specification & finishes — materials and finishes are one of the biggest swing factors; the same layout can vary widely by finish level.
- Condition & scope — stripping out and reworking an old space costs more than fitting out a clean shell.
- M&E and specialist works — electrical capacity, air-conditioning, plumbing and ventilation add cost, especially for F&B and industrial.
- Custom joinery — built-in carpentry is made to measure and priced accordingly.
- Site constraints — building rules, restricted working hours and difficult access all affect labour and programme.
What are the indicative market ranges?
As general market guidance only — not a Wiz Works quote — industry sources commonly cite the following starting references:
| Space type | Indicative market range | Main cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Office fit-out | ~RM50–RM250 / sq ft | Spec, partitioning, M&E, meeting rooms |
| Retail / showroom | Varies widely by brand & display | Shopfront, lighting, display joinery |
| F&B / restaurant | Higher — kitchen-driven | Kitchen, exhaust, grease, heavy M&E |
| Residential | Depends on extent & finishes | Scope, wet works, joinery, materials |
| Industrial | Function-driven | Floor area, M&E loads, compliance |
Use these only as a planning starting point. A like-for-like comparison between quotations matters more than the headline rate — a cheap per-square-foot number often excludes works that reappear later as variations. For wider sector context, the Department of Statistics Malaysia publishes construction cost and output data.
How do you compare quotes properly?
Before you sign
- Make sure each quote is itemised, not a single lump sum.
- Check what is excluded — exclusions are where the surprises hide.
- Confirm the specification and finishes match across quotes.
- Ask how variations are priced if the scope changes.
- Look for a realistic timeline, not just the lowest number.
How do you get a real number?
The fastest way to a meaningful figure is to tell us about your space. Message us on WhatsApp with the type, size and location, and what you want to achieve — we will come back with honest guidance and an itemised quotation. For context on the process, see the design & build guide and the FAQs.
Why is the cheapest quote rarely the cheapest?
A headline price that looks unusually low is often low because it leaves things out — works that reappear as variations once the project is underway, when you have little choice but to agree. A clear, itemised quotation that genuinely covers the scope can total more on paper yet cost you less by the end, with far less stress. When you compare quotes, compare what is included, not just the bottom line.