The P.I.T.A of MPSJ Approval

In the absence of any progress today, just thought I'd document the pain one has to go through to get your permit to renovate by doing everything above-board.

1. Contractor goes to MPSJ to try get a pre-approved plan for our house reno, which is supposed to take just one day.
   
2. Alas, no pre-approved plans are available for how we want our house done (but all the neighbours have done it)
3. Next plan of action: have to go for the full architect/engineer's approval
4. Contractor recommends us to an architect
5. We go see the architect to get our plans drawn up.
6. Pay architect RM800 upfront
7. Architect says 1 week to draw up the plans.
8. Harass the architect every couple of days.
9. Plans eventually get drawn up... 2 weeks later.
10. I go see the architect to sign on the submission plans.
    Me: So can you submit the plans to MPSJ today?
    Her: After this I will get the architect to sign the plans today.
    Me: So when can you get it submitted?
    Her: Maybe on Thursday we will go to submit.
    Me: What happens between now and Thursday?
11. Pay architect a further RM2810 for the balance of the fees and MPSJ deposit and other costs.
12. The plans finally got submitted... on Thursday. Grrr..
13. Architect says *maybe* can get approval within 1 week. Oh well... fingers crossed.