From rising repair bills to recurring household issues, Malaysian homeowners are facing mounting pressure in keeping their homes in good shape. A nationwide survey by Nippon Paint, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Property & Facility Managers (MIPFM), highlights how maintenance problems are taking both an emotional and financial toll on families, with many feeling that repairs never seem to last.

Recurring issues undermine property value

The study found that more than 87 percent of homeowners have faced waterproofing issues, with 65 percent experiencing them within the past two years. The most common problems are damp walls at 59 percent, visible leaks at 56 percent, and ceiling & wall cracks at 43 percent, disproportionately affecting roofs and bathrooms, areas critical to both safety and property value.

Despite spending between RM20 and RM99 per square foot on repairs, only 45 percent of homeowners said professional fixes solved the problem permanently. The rest experienced partial or temporary relief, eroding trust and putting long-term property value at risk.

The majority of respondents were homeowners aged 35 to 44 years old, about 29 percent, with women making up 60 percent of participants. This suggests that recurring issues often affect working families juggling careers, children, and household responsibilities, amplifying the stress when maintenance fails.

Beyond cost: Emotional and economic strain

The emotional toll is clear. About fifty-seven percent, which is more than half of respondents admitted to feeling anxious or worried about their homes, while others described feelings of frustration at fifty-one percent, stress at thirty-five percent, and even embarrassment at twenty-six percent when guests visited.

“Homeowners want peace of mind, but recurring issues are robbing them of that security. By working closely with Nippon Paint on this joint survey, we are shining a spotlight on the urgent need to raise standards and accountability in home maintenance, so families can finally have solutions they can trust,” said Ishak Ismail, President of MIPFM. 

Awareness gap on long-term importance

Interestingly, while most homeowners recognise waterproofing as a critical part of maintenance, many remain unclear about its long-term value. The survey revealed that nearly one in three homeowners, twenty-nine percent, are unsure or not very aware of why waterproofing matters, even though it is at the root of many recurring household issues such as dampness, leaks, and cracks.

This lack of awareness means problems are often underestimated or delayed until they become severe and costly. It also highlights the need for greater education on why preventive protection, rather than reactive patchwork, is essential to preserve both home comfort and asset value.

Even professional fixes often fall short

Although most homeowners turn to professionals, the survey shows that not all repairs deliver lasting results. Nearly half of the respondents said professional work only reduced problems temporarily or partially, which leaves many homeowners disillusioned and frustrated when issues resurface.

The findings suggest that price alone is not enough to win consumer trust. Instead, homeowners place greater value on:

  • High quality materials and workmanship with sixty-three point four percent, over affordability at sixty-three percent, indicating that families are willing to pay more if they believe the job will be done correctly the first time.

  • Clear and long-term warranties with fifty-eight percent, showing that homeowners want assurance that if something goes wrong, they will not be left to pay again for the same fix.

  • Transparent pricing at fifty-five percent, reflecting how unexpected add-ons and hidden costs remain a common pain point that erodes trust in service providers.

  • Experienced applicators at fifty-four percent, underscoring that skill and proper training matter because poor application of even the best waterproofing systems can lead to failures within a short period of time.

In short, the survey shows that homeowners are not just buying a repair; they are buying peace of mind. They want accountability, durability, and transparency, qualities they feel are missing in many of their past experiences with contractors.

“Hopefully, these survey findings will guide industry stakeholders to strengthen professional practices and ensure homeowners across Malaysia can maintain the value of their property and the well-being of their families,” said Ishak.

Nippon Paint: From Repairs to Prevention

According to Tay Sze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia, homeowners are increasingly frustrated by recurring issues such as roof and wall seepages, as well as bathroom and balcony leaks. He noted that the survey findings further show many remain unclear about the importance of proper waterproofing in preventing these problems before they escalate.

“At Nippon Paint, we see our role not only in providing trusted solutions, but also in raising awareness that effective waterproofing is the first line of defence for a safe, lasting home. That’s why we offer a full suite of homeowner-focused waterproofing systems, from NippoSEAL Flex 100 and Flex 200 for slab and flat roof protection, to NippoCEM Standard 701 and NippoCEM Flex 901 for bathroom, balcony, podium, and kitchen, and no-hacking solutions such as NippoSEAL Spartic Clear and NippoSEAL Anti-Leak Waterproof Clear. These products are designed to give families durable protection that delivers long-term peace of mind,” he added.

For further information about Nippon Paint’s Waterproofing Solutions, please visit www.nipponpaint.com.my

This content is provided by Nippon Paint.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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