10 Popular Questions About IBS House Construction in Malaysia

1. What are the pros and cons of IBS construction for houses in Malaysia?
2. How much does it cost to build an IBS house in Malaysia compared to conventional construction?
3. What are the common IBS systems used for house construction in Malaysia?
4. What is the process for getting approval to build an IBS house in Malaysia?
5. How long does it take to construct an IBS house in Malaysia compared to conventional methods?
6. What are the main differences when it comes to design and layout of an IBS versus conventional house?
7. Are IBS houses in Malaysia more environmentally friendly compared to conventional houses?
8. How easy or difficult is it to get financing for an IBS house in Malaysia?
9. What are the maintenance requirements for an IBS house compared to a conventional house?
10. What are the top things to look for when selecting an IBS builder for a house in Malaysia?



What are the pros and cons of IBS construction for houses in Malaysia?

Industrialized Building System (IBS) construction has become increasingly popular for house building in Malaysia over the past decade. IBS utilizes prefabricated components manufactured in a controlled factory setting, which offers a number of pros and cons compared to conventional construction methods.

Pros of IBS Construction

Some of the key benefits of IBS construction for houses include:

• Faster construction – IBS components are prefabricated offsite concurrently with site preparation, enabling faster completion. Total construction time can be reduced by 20-50% compared to conventional building.
• Lower labor requirements – As parts are pre-assembled in a factory, less workers are needed on site. Dependency on foreign labor is also reduced.
• Enhanced quality – Precise machine manufacturing in a controlled environment leads to more standardized building components with less defects and wastage.
• Cleaner and safer – With prefab components, assembly on site is faster and simpler with less health hazards from dust, noise and pollution.
• Cost efficiency – IBS can achieve savings of 5-10% in overall construction costs compared to conventional methods.
• Sustainability – Prefab components promote construction waste reduction, energy efficiency, and green building materials.

Cons of IBS Construction

Despite its advantages, IBS also comes with some drawbacks:

• Higher initial investment – IBS requires investment into machinery, molds and training for offsite prefabrication. This leads to higher upfront costs.
• Lack of flexibility – Design modifications onsite are restricted once prefab components are manufactured. Changes need to be finalized earlier in design stage.
• Proprietary systems – IBS contractors often use patented building systems, making it hard to change contractors mid-project without compatibility issues.
• Transportation logistics – Delivery of large prefab components from factory to site can add to transport costs if location is distant.
• Skills training – IBS requires contractors to retrain workforce in specialization of utilizing prefab systems and integration of onsite assembly.

In summary, IBS construction enables faster, more consistent and environmentally friendly house building, but involves tradeoffs like higher initial investment and less flexibility. Overall, IBS has demonstrated great potential for addressing housing shortage in Malaysia and improving productivity, quality and sustainability of the construction industry.

How much does it cost to build an IBS house in Malaysia compared to conventional construction?

The cost of building a house in Malaysia using Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) compared to conventional construction methods is influenced by several factors. However, on average, an IBS house will cost 5-15% more upfront. Here is a more detailed overview of the IBS house cost differences in Malaysia.

Land acquisition costs

Land cost is identical for an IBS or conventional build. Location, size and title will determine overall land acquisition cost. As a benchmark, land for a simple terraced house in a suburb of Kuala Lumpur may range from RM150,000 to RM300,000.

Compliance and approval costs

IBS and conventional homes have similar compliance costs including architectural drawings, engineer assessments, submissions for building plan approvals and technical reviews. These may amount to around RM15,000 to RM25,000.

Raw construction costs

This is where the main cost difference lies. Raw construction costs for a modest 1,000 sqft IBS terrace home would typically be RM170,000 to RM220,000. The same conventional brick and mortar house would cost RM140,000 to RM180,000 for raw construction.

Key contributors to higher IBS construction costs:

• Prefab component moulds and factory setup
• Specialized IBS building systems
• Transport of prefab parts to site

However, as technology improves and economies of scale kick in, the raw construction cost difference is narrowing.

Interior fit-out

Interior fitments like flooring, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures and optional extras are similar between IBS and conventional homes, coming in around RM70,000 to RM150,000 depending on specifications.

Professional and authority fees

Professional consultancy fees for architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and project managers are comparable for IBS and conventional homes, costing RM20,000 to RM35,000. The same goes for authority fees to secure approvals and services, utilities connection and occupancy certification (CCC) totalling RM5,000 to RM10,000.

Total cost summary

In total, a modest 1,000 sqft IBS terrace house in a Kuala Lumpur suburb would likely cost RM430,000 to RM540,000 all inclusive.

The equivalent conventional brick and mortar build would be RM380,000 to RM490,000.

So the IBS home comes in 5-15% higher in overall cost. However, construction is faster so owners can move in sooner. Cost savings also arise in the long run due to lower maintenance needs.

What are the common IBS systems used for house construction in Malaysia?

Various proprietary Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) have been developed and utilized for house construction projects across Malaysia. Here are some of the most common prefabricated IBS options:

Precast Concrete Framing

This involves precast reinforced concrete columns, beams, floor slabs and walls being manufactured offsite and then assembled on site into a structural frame. Steel bars are cast into the concrete for strength. Lightweight precast concrete wall panels as thin as 50mm can be integrated as partition and external walls.

Some leading providers of precast concrete solutions for Malaysian houses include Gamuda, Besraya, IBS Precast and CIDB Precast.

Light Steel Framing (LSF)

LSF utilizes prefabricated galvanized steel frames made of cold formed steel sections for the structural skeleton. These are lighter than concrete and allow for larger spans. The frames can rapidly be joined together on site using steel brackets and bolts.

Prefabricated wall panels, floors and roof trusses are then integrated to complete the shell. These can have insultation and services pre-installed.

LSF providers in Malaysia include Weaver, Framecad and IBS Builder.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

These consist of an insulating foam or solid wood core sandwiched between two structural facings, usually oriented strand board (OSB). The result is a lightweight rigid building panel that provides insulation, racking strength and shear resistance.

SIPs can be used for walls, floors and roofs. Panels are cut using CNC machines and rapidly erected on site like an oversized jigsaw puzzle using splines and adhesive.

Leading SIP brands in Malaysia are IBS Wall System and LS Mtron.

Modular Box Systems

This involves completely finished modular units being manufactured offsite in a factory, including internal fit-out, electrics, plumbing, fixtures, finishes and sometimes furniture too. Units are transported to site and stacked or joined together into a house structure.

Modular houses can be 50% faster to assemble onsite and allow for flexible expansion or relocation. Main providers in Malaysia are IBMSYSTEMS and Kris Modular.

Mat/Panel Systems

These systems utilize interlocking, permanent polymer formwork mats or boards that are assembled on site and filled with in-situ reinforced concrete to form the walls. Components include wall mats, slabs, beams, columns and staircase elements.

Popular mat/panel brands used include Pumpcrete (by Bina Puri), i-Form (by IBS Alpha Concrete), MTech (by WCT) and IBS Wall Systems.

In summary, these are among the most established and proven IBS technologies used for constructing cost-effective, sustainable and good quality homes across Malaysia. The right system can be selected to suit the architectural design, budget and location.

What is the process for getting approval to build an IBS house in Malaysia?

The approval process for building a house in Malaysia using Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) follows similar stages and procedures as conventional construction. Here are the key steps involved:

Appoint Professional Consultants

Engage qualified architects, engineers and other specialists like quantity surveyors early on. They will help with design, compliance, submissions, certificates, etc. This may cost 1-2% of total construction value.

Site Evaluation

Conduct soil tests, contour surveys and site assessments to determine design parameters and foundations needed.

Architectural and Engineering Design

Work with consultants to complete IBS architectural plans, structural engineering drawings, M&E schematics, etc.

Town Planning Approval

Submit drawings to local council or city hall to get planning permission. This confirms zoning and plot ratios are met. Approval timeline is 30-60 days.

Technical Agency Approval

Various technical departments need to review and approve aspects like civil & structural engineering, fire safety, power supply, sewerage, telecommunications, etc.

Developer Approval

For properties within a housing estate, approval from the developer is also required to ensure conformity with estate layout and design guidelines.

Building Plan Approval

The detailed architectural drawings need to be submitted to Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS) for approval. This takes 45-60 days.

IBS Manufacturer Approval

Proprietary IBS systems require approval from the IBS manufacturer that their products meet Standards compliance for usage safety.

Pre-Construction Compliance

Documents needed at this stage: earthworks or building permit, contractor’s all risk insurance, performance bond, letter of award to builder.

Commence IBS Construction

Once all approvals and compliance are obtained, construction can commence. Authorities will conduct progress inspections until completion.

Completion and Compliance

Secure a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) upon finishing the house to legally occupy it. Water and power meters can then be installed.

In summary, IBS homes in Malaysia need to follow a rigorous design compliance and approval track similar to conventional projects before qualified contractors can begin quality, safe construction with oversight by authorities.

How long does it take to construct an IBS house in Malaysia compared to conventional methods?

Construction of a house using Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) is generally 20% to 50% faster compared to using conventional methods in Malaysia. Here is a more detailed look at the construction durations:

IBS House Construction Timeline

For a modest sized 2-storey terraced IBS house of around 1,500 sqft built using precast concrete frames, wall panels and slab systems, a typical timeline would be:

• Onsite foundation works – 3 to 4 weeks
• Prefab component manufacturing – 4 to 8 weeks concurrently
• Delivery of components to site – 1 week
• Erection of building structure – 2 to 4 weeks
• Enclosure of building (windows, walls, roofing) – 1 to 2 weeks
• Internal M&E works – 6 to 8 weeks
• Internal fit out and finishes – 6 to 8 weeks

Total construction timeframe: 4.5 to 6 months

Conventional House Construction Timeline

For the equivalent conventional house built using in-situ reinforced concrete, brickwalls and timber roofing, the typical timeline is:

• Prepare foundation – 2 to 3 weeks
• Cast groundbeam and first floor – 4 to 6 weeks
• Brickwall construction – 8 to 12 weeks
• Timber roof trusses – 2 to 3 weeks
• Roofing – 1 to 2 weeks
• M&E works – 6 to 8 weeks
• Internal finishing – 6 to 8 weeks

Total construction timeframe: 6 to 9 months

Key Time Savings with IBS

Industrialized Building Systems allow for accelerated construction due to:

• Concurrency – components prefabbed offsite while site prepared
• Just-in-time delivery – no material inventory needed on site
• Rapid assembly of lego-like parts
• Less dependency on labor skills and weather conditions

Overall, IBS enables total construction time savings of 20% to 50% compared to conventional building. Homeowners can move in much faster.

For high-rise projects, overall completion time savings of 30% to 40% have been demonstrated using IBS techniques compared to conventional construction.

What are the main differences when it comes to design and layout of an IBS versus conventional house?

Constructing a house using Industrialized Building Systems (IBS) versus conventional methods does impose some differences in how the architectural design is approached and how layouts are configured. Here are some of the key aspects that designers need to consider:

Dimensional Coordination

IBS utilizes standardized prefab components like columns, beams, slabs, walls and trusses. These are manufactured based on optimized dimensions and sizes. Design dimensions need to match these standardized prefab elements.

Conventional methods are more flexible – bricks, mortar, timber and other materials can be cut, joined and configured in any size on site during construction.

Grid Modularity

For ease of assembly, IBS structures work well on a modular grid. Horizontal dimensions and layouts like column centers, room sizes, door placements may need to follow a set grid module, say 1.2m or 1.5m increments.

Conventional construction does not impose such restrictions on horizontal dimensions. Layouts can be customized.

Vertical Dimensions

Due to standardized slab and beam prefab heights, floor-to-floor heights for IBS structures need to be carefully designed, say at 3.2m increments. This impacts overall building height.

Conventional methods allow more flexibility in vertical dimensions like floor-to-floor distances.

Wall Placements

IBS wall panels are prefab and thus need to be precisely positioned. This restricts longer wall lengths and some openings. Conventional brickwalls can be positioned and sized anywhere.

Openings and Cantilevers

Large openings like combined kitchen and living layouts need workarounds like using IBS columns and beams to frame the openings. Cantilevers also need to be pre-designed.

For conventional methods, large openings and cantilevers are readily achievable on site by adjusting brickwork and supports.

Finishes and Fixtures

Finishes like tiling and paintwork may need adjustments at interfacing areas between prefab components. Fixtures need to be pre-determined to cater for panel openings and embedment.

Conventional construction allows flexibility in applying finishes and installing fixtures on site.

In summary, IBS introduces some restrictions but also possibilities when it comes to home design. Close collaboration is key between architects, engineers and IBS manufacturers.

Are IBS houses in Malaysia more environmentally friendly compared to conventional houses?

Industrialized Building System (IBS) houses are typically more environmentally friendly compared to conventionally built homes in Malaysia due to the following aspects:

1. Less Construction Waste

Prefabricated components like columns, beams, walls and slabs are precut and sized precisely using computer-controlled machines in factory conditions. This results in up to 90% less waste during the manufacturing process compared to cutting and shaping materials onsite.

Waste disposal is better managed in a factory setting as well. Overall construction waste generation is reduced by 50% to 80% with IBS.

2. Energy Efficient Materials

Materials like light steel framing and light-weight wall panels used in IBS housing have higher strength-to-weight ratios. This allows for lighter and slimmer building envelope designs that require less embodied energy to produce, transport and assemble.

3. Enhanced Thermal Performance

The prefabrication approach allows insulation materials like polystyrene foam to be incorporated into wall and roof panels to achieve higher thermal performance and energy efficiency. Tests show IBS walls have U-values 15% to 30% lower than conventional brick walls.

4. Improved Air-tightness

IBS panel-based envelopes achieve higher precision and enhanced air-tightness. Effective sealing strips, gaskets and connections further minimize air leakage. This enhances indoor comfort and reduces energy consumption.

5. Smart Building Integration

It is easier to integrate building technology systems like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and smart automation in a prefabricated house compared to retrofitting a conventional house.

6. Recycled Materials

Some IBS systems utilize recycled materials like fly ash in concrete and incorporate recycled plastic, wood and steel content within prefab components. This reduces the carbon footprint.

7. Less Site Disturbance

With faster construction using prefab, less time is needed on site. This leads to reduced site run-off, soil erosion and disturbance to surrounding flora or fauna especially when building near forestedareas.