So we’ve all watched Property Ladder, House Doctor, Sarah Beany and a plethora of home improvement programmes in the UK, but what’s involved in doing up a house in Dubai? Permission, permission, permission for a start! Having helped a friend go through the process recently we have learnt that many changes you may like to make to a villa need to pass planning permission.
For Emaar properties this means you having to draw out plans of the potential changes, submitting the technical drawings (you can ask Emaar for a CD of your villa plans) and writing out a simple scope of works document. You’ll also have to submit your title deed to prove ownership, passport and visa details, as well as a license copy of the contractor you are using to carry out your work. Don’t forget the Dhs 5000 (refundable) cash deposit as well, this will be returned on completion of your work when they come and inspect your changes. Emaar offices are located in Emaar Square in Downtown and are VERY BUSY at the moment.
Examples of things that need permission are extending a patio (terrace), adding a canvas sail for shade, removing pillars from inside and even straightening an arch or removing a door. The work involved is also much more arduous than you think. Pictures speak a thousand words so see for yourself.
Some unforeseen problems my friend had were obviously underestimating costs involved as situations unraveled, but not by too much thankfully, a more difficult aspect was how ensure the different workmen got on with each other, her property had over 40 dreaded damas trees that had to be removed, so a separate gardening company was needed as well.
A further gardening company was signed up to do the general maintenance of the garden. In Dubai’s summer temperatures, she supplied ice cold drinks or ice creams every day (usually 12 each provided in a cool box with ice), these really helped in keeping tempers from flaring. And is all the hard work worth it? Absolutely, the results speak for themselves.
Speaking Hindi was also a big plus as so many of the workers themselves are from the Asian subcontinent.
It is extraordinary how much less it costs here in Dubai to have major renovations completed, compared to the UK or Europe and how quickly work gets done, six days a week, so we’re lucky in that respect, but don’t get me started on how estate agents earn their fees ! Enough said.
If you manage the planning application and contractors yourself, you save even more money.
If you’re thinking about office furniture here in the UAE then you may like to check out Urban 411 who specialise in providing modern office furniture quickly.
If you have any questions about improving your property in Dubai, then leave me a comment and I’ll try and answer, thanks for sharing the post on Facebook.
Monica
17 thoughts on “DOING UP A HOUSE IN DUBAI”
These are problems that we all face. Thank you to the author for an interesting article
Hi Zaheer,
so glad you’re enjoying the website! Sorry don’t know about any planning regs in Green Community, but I’ll email my builder’s details to you now!
Warmest regards
Monica
Thanks Zaheer and thanks for subscribing as well, will send you the email of the contractors we used tomorrow,
warmest regards
Monica
Hi just came across your website – its fantastic!
I need some help with contractors for a possible extension to our villa.
Also any indication on planning regulations in Green Community Motor City
Thanks
Zaheer
Hi,
I’ve recently just come across your page and was intrigued about the planning system in Dubai. Am i right to believe that Dubai doesn’t really have a planing system (as appose to the UK). For example if i wanted to build a house (or several) this would not be possible as only certain developers have the right? As a citizen you are only able to make minor adjustments to you house, which still requires planning permission? If so, What is the process and timescale?
I know here in the UK we have Law, National Frameworks and Local Policies. How Does Dubai Operate?
Sorry with all the questions, i am trying to do a study on the planning system.
Thank You,
Hanan
Hi Leena,
really sorry for the delay in replying to this comment but if you still need someone, I can give you my gardeners details, he would be able to do it, just let me know,
Kindest reagards,
Monica
Hi there, I was wondering whether you could recommend companies to remove damas trees? Thanks.
Hi there,
I can give you a contact for a carpenter but you need to subscribe to the blog first for free email updates. Re the cost, that really depends on so many things like the size of door, type of wood you use, how much work is involved in removing the door frame as is etc, best to get a couple of quotes before you go ahead, but do bear in mind this is a small job!
Kind regards, Monica
Hi Monica, just came across your post, we are thinking about adding a door to our study room, do you know a reliable carpenter, by any chance? Also, what do you think would be a reasonable budget for this in Dubai? Many thanks
Hi Zahira,
I’ll send you a private mail later today, have you subscribed to the blog and liked it on facebook ?
Thanks,
Monica.
Hi Monica
I still have not received any details? Is it possible to send these to me? Thank you!!
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Monica,
Nice article!
Would it be possible for you to post/share your answers? I had the same questions as Meghan’s and Kelli’s and it’ll be nice to have your input on them.
Thanks!
Thank you Monica for getting back to me! I look forward to speaking to these companies!
Thanks for that, I will send you some details by mail, Monica
Thanks, I will send you a private reply later today, Monica
Hi Monica
The transformation is amazing. I have often thought about doing up our kitchen, but I am unsure about what it would entail. The white looks so nice and light and refreshing.
I was wondering if you had to redo the whole kitchen, or if you could just get the cupboards coated in white somehow?? Do you have any good contacts your would recommend?
Thanks!
Hi Monica..thanks for your post. I am going to do some major renovations in several areas of the home- do you have any recommendations of the best companies that are priced within reason to use? I have sent you my email for a private reply.