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. So, let's get started.

Compliance with Regulations

Small renovations, such as painting the house or installing new light fixtures, do not require permits. If you are a tenant, you need your landlord's permission before starting the renovations. If you are the landlord, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer, as the developer is 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 obtained approvals from the relevant authorities, 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 of a complete home renovation in Dubai can range from AED 50 to AED 200 per sq. ft., depending on the home's size, scope, materials, and finishes.

Understand the Scope of Work

Making small changes, or is it a complete remodel? You must have a clear picture of what needs to be done. Understanding the full scope of the project will help you explain it clearly to contractors and prevent things from getting out of hand.

Use Quality Materials

Choose high-quality materials that can handle extreme heat, humidity, and sandstorms. Use durable materials, such as 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, covering up to AED 1,000,000, and workers' 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, along with a penalty clause for late handover or if the finished work is not up to standard.

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 and fittings to be installed and check that 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 be paid 40% when you sign the contract, 50% when most of the work is complete (around 90%), and the final 10% after all final checks are completed. 

Home Renovation Dos and Don'ts

Renovations can 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 for its original purpose.
• Don’t spend too much on expensive landscaping, as it won’t increase your home’s value and may become a future maintenance 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.