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 per cent of homeowners have faced waterproofing issues, with 65 per cent experiencing them within the past two years. The most common problems are damp walls (59 per cent), visible leaks (56 per cent), and ceiling & wall cracks (43 per cent), disproportionately affecting roofs, and bathrooms, areas critical to both safety and property value.
Despite spending between MYR 20 and MYR 99 per square foot on repairs, only 45 per cent 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 35–44 (29 per cent), with women making up 60 per cent 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. More than half of respondents admitted to feeling anxious or worried (57 per cent) about their homes, while others described feelings of frustration (51 per cent), stress (35 per cent), and even embarrassment (26 per cent) when guests visited.
“Homeowners want peace of mind, but recurring issues are robbing them of that security,” said Haji Ishak bin Ismail, President of MIPFM. “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.”
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 (29 per cent) 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 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 (63.4 per cent) over affordability (63 per cent) – Families are willing to pay more if they believe the job will be done correctly the first time.
- Clear and long-term warranties (58 per cent) – Homeowners want assurance that if something goes wrong, they will not be left to pay again for the same fix.
- Transparent pricing (55 per cent) – Unexpected add-ons and hidden costs are a common pain point that erodes trust in service providers.
- Experienced applicators (54 per cent) – Skill and training matter. Poor application of even the best waterproofing systems can cause 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
Mr. Tay Sze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia, said, “We understand the frustration homeowners feel when issues keep recurring, from roof and wall seepages to bathroom and balcony leaks. The survey findings also reveal that many are still unclear about why proper waterproofing is critical to 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.”
Source: Nippon Paint Malaysia Group