Interior Design & Renovation Glossary (Malaysia)

In short

This glossary defines the terms used in Malaysian interior design and renovation contracts, from CIDB contractor grades and JIDA registration to variation orders, defect liability periods and waterproofing membranes. Each definition is written for property owners rather than for the trade.

Terms33 entries

Bill of quantities: An itemised schedule of the materials, parts and labour required for a project, used to price and compare works consistently.
Carcass: The structural box of a cabinet or built-in unit, before doors, drawer fronts and finishes are fitted. In a humid climate the carcass material determines how long the joinery lasts. Materials for Johor’s climate
CIDB: The Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia, the statutory body that registers and grades construction contractors. Our credentials
CIDB grade (G1–G7): The classification issued by CIDB indicating the scale of building works a contractor is registered to undertake, with G7 the highest. Grades are verifiable on the public register. How to choose an interior designer
Defect liability period (DLP): A defined period after handover during which the contractor returns to rectify defects at no charge to the owner. Duration varies with the scope of works. Our process
Design and build: A procurement route in which one contract covers both the design and the construction of a project, so a single firm is accountable for the result. Design and build
Dry works: Construction activities that do not involve water, cement or wet trades — carpentry, partitioning, ceiling installation, painting and fit-out.
Hacking: The demolition of existing masonry, tiling or concrete elements, typically the first physical stage of a renovation.
Handover: The point at which completed works are formally passed to the owner, usually accompanied by a joint inspection and a recorded defects list.
JIDA: The Johor Interior Designers Association, the state professional body that registers and recognises interior design practices operating in Johor. Our credentials
JMB: Joint Management Body — the body that manages a strata development before a management corporation is formed, and whose consent is required for renovation works affecting common property. Renovation permits in Johor Bahru
Laminate: A thin decorative surface material bonded to a substrate. Hard-wearing and consistent, but the substrate beneath it determines durability in humid conditions.
MBIP: Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri, the local authority covering Iskandar Puteri including Nusajaya and Gelang Patah. Renovation permits in Johor Bahru
MBJB: Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru, the local authority covering Johor Bahru city and surrounding areas. Renovation permits in Johor Bahru
Management corporation (MC): The body corporate formed by parcel owners in a strata development, responsible for common property and for consenting to renovation works.
M&E: Mechanical and electrical — the services layer of a building, covering electrical distribution, lighting circuits, air conditioning, ventilation and plumbing.
MIID: The Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers, the national professional institute for interior designers in Malaysia. Our credentials
Method statement: A written description of how a particular work activity will be carried out, commonly required as part of a renovation permit application.
Moisture-resistant board: Sheet material manufactured to resist swelling on contact with moisture. Not a regulated term — ask what the board actually is rather than what it is called. Materials for Johor’s climate
Permit kerja ubahsuai kecil: The minor renovation permit issued by Malaysian local councils for alteration works that do not amount to a full development submission. Renovation permits in Johor Bahru
Plywood: Sheet material formed from bonded timber veneers in alternating grain directions. Marine and WBP grades use adhesives that hold under sustained humidity.
Quotation: A fixed offer to carry out defined works, as distinct from an estimate, which is an indication only. The distinction matters contractually.
Scope of works: The written definition of what a contract includes and excludes. Reading the exclusions is how two apparently comparable proposals are told apart.
Setting out: Marking the position of walls, fittings and tiling on site before work proceeds. Errors caught at setting out are trivial; errors caught afterwards are not.
Strata: A form of title for individually owned parcels within a shared development, such as a condominium, where common property is jointly owned and managed. Renovation permits in Johor Bahru
Strata Management Act 2013: The Malaysian legislation governing the management of strata developments, including the consent required for renovation works affecting common property.
Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974: The Malaysian legislation requiring local authority approval before erecting, altering or adding to a building. Section 70 is the provision most relevant to renovation.
Submitting person: The qualified professional who prepares and endorses plans lodged with a local authority, and who is accountable for their technical content.
Substrate: The base material beneath a visible finish. In tropical interiors the substrate, not the finish, usually determines how long an element lasts. Materials for Johor’s climate
Variation order (VO): A formal written instruction changing the agreed scope of works. Variations should be instructed and recorded in writing before work proceeds, never verbally on site. How to choose an interior designer
Veneer: A thin layer of real timber bonded to a substrate, giving a natural grain. Requires more careful sealing than laminate in humid conditions.
Waterproofing membrane: A continuous barrier applied in wet areas, lapped and turned up at walls, that keeps water within the wet zone. A system, not a single product. Materials for Johor’s climate
Wet works: Construction activities involving water, cement or plaster — screeding, tiling, plastering and waterproofing. Wet works must be complete and dry before joinery is installed.