If you’re planning a renovation but are not sure where to start, we’re here to help. As leading fit-out experts in Dubai we’ve got the inside scoop on everything you need to know.
Here at Smart Renovations, we believe that the benefit of a (well executed) renovation is to your health. Creating a home that’s in line with your lifestyle will ensure a positive impact on your day-to-day existence. You can also add value to your property when you come to sell.
So, before you pick up a hammer, read our guide below:
Choose the right company
Start by finding the right fit-out company, deciding which renovation will make the most difference to your life and establishing your budget. Find a company that understands your vision for the home. Then check their portfolio of work to see if they produce results. Be aware, that the right contractors are the ones who focus on the ‘invisible’ tasks as well as the superficial changes. Tiles, waterproofing, piping, plumbing, electrical works all take years of experience in the UAE market to get right.
Budget
The amount of money you need to spend will largely depend on the size, style, and idea. If it’s just a makeover you’re looking for, this can be done relatively inexpensively by changing the flooring, lighting, paint. But if you’re going to be making structural changes, we advise you to pick a reasonable budget that doesn’t make you cringe, because there will likely be extra costs that will extend your budget.
Approvals
You only need permission if you’re making structural changes to your property and your fit-out company will handle this process. If you’re changing the Affection Plan, then you need permission from the developer, municipality, and in some cases, the civil defence. You’ll need a certificate of approval from Dubai municipality before starting on building work.
Length
For a two-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment it should take around two to four months, whereas a villa can average at four to eight months depending on the scope of work. A structurally well-executed renovation takes time, so be careful about trusting someone who says they can do it quickly.
Potential problems
The most common issue you might face is resistance from your neighbours. As many people are still working from home the noise pollution sometimes upsets those living close by. But also, if you haven’t chosen the right contractor and they don’t do the work properly, things can go wrong. Always get a professional to check your quote, the cheapest is not usually the best and you could encounter problems down the line. Always opt for a turnkey project, so that all the charges are included.
