When we collected our keys in November 2024, we were excited to start the renovation journey for our new place in Johor Bahru. Like most new homeowners, we dreamed of a smooth process — fix the defects, do the renovations, and move in within the agreed timeline. Unfortunately, the reality turned into a months-long headache and a valuable lesson I wish I had learned earlier.
The Red Flags Started Early
We engaged a renovation firm that advertised itself as a “one-stop service” and had a polished profile on Google with seemingly good reviews. Their boss spoke confidently, promising that everything would be done quickly and to our satisfaction.
By June 2025 — seven months later — the work is barely 50% complete, despite us having already paid about 80% of the total cost. Whenever we followed up, the boss would avoid giving concrete answers or come up with excuses. Every meeting ended with assurances that the work would be completed soon — but these promises have proven to be empty.
What We Discovered Along the Way
Over time, we realised:
-
Many of the workers were unskilled.
-
The boss outsourced most of the work to other contractors instead of using an in-house team based on my facebook research.
-
Quality control was poor — with defects either left untouched or patched badly.
-
The project timeline kept shifting without real reasons, just vague explanations.
The electrical cables used were of inferior quality — something that could potentially cause serious safety hazards like short circuits or even fire.
It became clear that they were good at selling dreams but terrible at delivering results.
Why You Should Be Careful With “One-Stop” and Online Reviews
Looking back, I now see how we were swayed by their online presence and “all-in-one” convenience. But good photos and high Google ratings can be misleading — they might be boosted by fake reviews or only reflect a handful of good jobs, not the full picture.
If you’re planning to renovate in JB, do not rely solely on Google reviews or glossy social media posts. Instead:
-
Get recommendations from friends or relatives who have completed their renovations successfully.
-
Ask for referrals from trusted electronics or furniture shops — they often know which contractors deliver.
-
Visit actual completed projects before signing anything.
-
Make payment only in stages tied to real progress, and never pay too much upfront.
Final Thoughts
Renovation should be exciting, not a nightmare. If my experience can help even one person avoid falling into the same trap, it will be worth sharing. Johor Bahru has many reliable contractors — but there are also some who overpromise, underdeliver, and drain your budget. Choose wisely, and remember: a fancy Google review score doesn’t guarantee honesty or skill.
Please be extra careful the Renovation firm is "To*o Design & Buil*"
