There is a chance that house owners in Kuala Lumpur may soon be able to renovate their homes to maximum available space.
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is looking into the possibility of allowing this — with clear guidelines — as escalating property prices make it difficult for those with growing families to upgrade to larger houses.
For now, only houses with a width of 5.5m and below are allowed extensions to maximum available space.
“Some houses were built with only 3.7m width and were meant for small families. The owners may not be able to afford to buy another house but may be able to renovate their present unit to accommodate their bigger families,” DBKL Building Control Department director Alias Marjoh told The Star Online’s Vijenthi Nair.
“We recognise that land in the city is scarce and properties have become very expensive. Many have renovated their houses to add floor space without our approval,”Alias was quoted as saying.
Owners of these houses, Alias told the portal, could add an extra floor from the original design in order to create more floor space and increase the value of the property.
“….which means a single-storey can become double-storey and a double-storey can become triple-storey. The house can be extended fully to the back on all floors,” Alias said.
He told The Star that the leeway given to smaller houses have caused those with houses above the 5.5-meter width limit to feel short-changed.
“I understand their situation. So we are looking at ways to help them too,” he was quoted as saying.
There are, however, exceptions. Earlier this month, Alias was quoted n a report by Bernama as saying that DBKL would start a programme to clamp down on property owners who make illegal renovation and extension.
“Extension work should be undertaken by a contractor registered with the Occupational Safety and Health Department to ensure safety of the building. If the extension collapses, the owner can refer to the contractor as it is his responsibility,” he said.
