Things You Should Know Before Renovating Your Home

Residential properties in Dubai occasionally require renovations to adapt to the changing needs of the tenants and increase the property value. However, it is not as simple a task as it seems. As the saying goes, "The devil is in the details'', The same is true for renovating an apartment or villa in Dubai. But don't worry. This blog has all the details you need to know before renovating your home.

Compliance with Regulations

Small renovations like painting the house or installing new light fixtures do not require permits. If you are a tenant, you need permission from the landlord before starting the renovations. If you are the landlord, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer, as the developers are accountable for imperfect architectural changes. Renovations which require approvals are:

• Breaking down walls to make a bigger kitchen or bathroom
• Adding a new floor or changing tiles
• Adding a connection for a washing machine
• Extending a balcony
• Adding an extra room
• Constructing a rooftop patio

Some important bodies to receive a permit or approvals for renovation in Dubai are:

• If you live in an apartment, you will need approval from the building's management company.
• If the renovation involves plumbing or electrical work, you will need approval from DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority).

• A Land Demarcation Certificate from the Dubai Land Department (for the villa) to ensure your maintenance work doesn't interfere with your neighbour's land.

   

Once you have approvals from the relevant authorities, you must submit the renovation plan to the Dubai Municipality. A certified engineer or architect usually prepares the renovation plan, which must include detailed drawings of the proposed changes. Your approved renovation must follow the Dubai Municipality's construction safety rules. Contractors and workers must follow safety guidelines, work only during allowed hours, and avoid disturbing the neighbours.

Cost of Renovations in Dubai

Here are some cost estimates for renovating a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai:

Minor repairs and basic upgrades | AED 15,000 to AED 30,000

Flooring, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom fixtures | AED 30,000 to AED 70,000

High-quality materials, custom features, and luxury fixtures | AED 150,000 or more

The average cost for a complete home renovation in Dubai could range from AED 50 to 200 per sq.ft., depending on the home's size, scope, materials, and finishes.

Use Quality Materials

Choose high-quality materials that can handle extreme heat, humidity, and sandstorms. Use durable materials like weather-resistant finishes, corrosion-resistant metals, and UV-stable coatings. They will make your renovations last longer and need less maintenance, save you time and money in the long run, and ensure your home stays durable despite the harsh conditions.

Choose the Right Contractor

Contractors know their business well and offer suggestions based on similar projects they have done before. It shows they are considering potential issues to achieve the result you want. Good contractors have public liability insurance, typically covering AED 1,000,000, and workman compensation insurance. So, they are covered for any damage to the client's property and any injuries that workers might sustain on the job site. Some important questions to ask your contractor are:

How long will the project take?

Ask for an honest time frame and get it in writing. The contract should include the project delivery date plus a penalty clause for late handover or if the finished work is not up to mark.

How much will the project cost?

If you have a project in mind, that's a good starting point. Make sure you get the full cost upfront. Ask to see samples of the materials/fittings to be installed to check the quality is in line with your brief and the cost. The contract should include a Make-Good Defect Liability Period, usually lasting 12 months. This period requires the contractor to fix any issues that arise during this time at no extra cost to the homeowner.

What are the payment terms?

Usually, contractors ask to pay 40% when you sign the contract, 50% when most of the work is done (about 90%), and the final 10% after final checks are completed. 

Home Renovation Dos and Don'ts

Renovations can potentially increase a property's value, but not carrying them out properly can be costly in the long run. Here are some dos and don'ts of renovations:

Dos

• Upgrade a standard door with one that has side windows and a window above it.
• Install hardwood floors instead of carpets, as they can increase your home’s value by up to 2.5%.
• An expensive kitchen renovation might not give you back what you spent, so focus on updating only the parts of your kitchen that are old or worn out.

Don'ts

• You might want to remove closets to make more space in a bedroom, but doing so can lower your home's value.
• Don’t turn a bedroom into a permanent home office, as the cost of adding outlets and new hardware may not be worth it if a future buyer prefers the room as a bedroom.
• Don’t spend too much on expensive landscaping, as it won’t increase your home’s value and may make future maintenance a concern.

Conclusion

Increasing your home's value is easier than you might think. To get the most value, plan your changes carefully rather than making decisions on a whim. Take time with the renovations; remember, it's a gradual process, not a race. With thoughtful planning, you will see the best results and maximise your home's worth.