Whether you are extending the backyard of your house or turning the balcony into a room, property extension and renovations in Malaysia aren’t as simple as knocking down a wall. Without proper approval, it’s considered illegal—even if you’re unaware of it. Before the hammers start swinging, understanding the importance of extension permits for your new home is crucial.
What Is Considered an Illegal Extension?
Any structural modification, extension, or renovation that is carried out without proper approval from the local authority (e.g. MBPP, MBSA, DBKL) and not endorsement by certified professionals is considered illegal. Even seemingly “small” changes will result in a penalties.
Common Examples of Illegal Extensions in Malaysia:
- Converting balcony into indoor room
- Extending a kitchen or bathroom
- Adding a new floor level
- Breaking load-bearing walls
- Hiring non-CIDB-registered contractors
When the safety standards are not met, these modifications can be dangerous and risk lifes. An interior design company should understand and is critical to submit proposals with structural descriptions to the respective local council. The local council will deny permission if the particular design is unsafe. They also have to dismantle or destroy if your house gets caught for any illegal, unauthorized extension and building on someone else’s property is also strictly prohibited.
How Do You Make Your Extension Legal?
Before beginning any extension or renovation work, consult with your local building inspector to discuss whether your property falls under any restrictions and approval plan. Once understood, hire a licensed architect to draft your extension plan. You can request a list of registered architects at your local council’s Building Information Desk. Finally, you (or your architect) must submit the building extension plan approval by submitting the extension plan to the local council along with any necessary documents.
Here are the following documents that you might need for the permit requirements:
- Extension/Renovation design
- A copy of sales and purchase agreement (SPA) or proof of ownership
- A copy of Certificate of Completion & Compliance (Job suitability certificate)
- Property owner’s Information & Signature
- Building plan approval by technical departments
- Temporary land title copy
- Processing fees under 1984 Uniform Building Ordinance (UUKBS)
- Proof of the latest property tax receipt
- 5 copies of certified building plans (signed by the owner, architect or draughtsman)
Reminder: Exact requirements vary by council, property type, and project scope. Always consult your interior design company for accurate guidance
CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) Malaysia
CIDB is the national body that governs the construction industry in Malaysia, ensuring all work meets legal and safety standards.This registration is categorized into Grades G1 to G7, based on a contractor’s financial capacity and project handling ability
| Grade | Maximum Project Value |
| G1 | Not exceeding RM200,000 |
| G2 | Not exceeding RM500,000 |
| G3 | Not exceeding RM1 million |
| G4 | Not exceeding RM3 million |
| G5 | Not exceeding RM5 million |
| G6 | Not exceeding RM10 million |
| G7 | No Limit |
Once a project crosses a certain value threshold or involves civil works, it must be registered.
Why CIDB Certification Matters for an Interior Design Company?
Under CIDB Act 520, anyone performing construction work will be required to apply for the CIDB License to operate legally.This includes property extension, renovation and structural modifications. Due to CIDB ensure the contractor adheres to national construction standards and protects you as the homeowner if anything goes wrong.
They are classified into seven categories, based on the value of projects they’re allowed to handle. Ranging from G1, with the tendering limit of RM200k all the way to G6 with a RM10 million tendering limit and G7 with no limit tender.
LEGNO ID & Construction is a real example of a professional interior design company under CIDB G5 . We can legally manage your home extension, structural renovation and any full-scale design-build projects up to RM 5 Million. With us, you will get both creative design and technical execution under one roof. So don’t take risks with unlicensed contractors. We build your dream space the right way —— safely, aesthetically and legally.
