Renovations: Here’s What No One Tells You 

Renovations are less instant makeovers and more test of patience—kind of like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture without instructions.  

There will be hiccups and setbacks, there will be dust, and at some point, you might even wonder why you started this whole thing. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the process, and the result. Worth it!!

The key? Be prepared for a few surprises, keep your sense of humour close, and have a solid plan in place.  

Here’s what you need to know before you enter the world of renovations—so you can come out the other side with a home that’s not only transformed but still feels like your own. 

The Budget (It’s Always More Than You Think) 

Setting a budget is one thing. Sticking to it? That’s another story. Renovations tend to come with a few surprises—think of them as little gifts that keep the project interesting.  

Maybe you’ll discover the plumbing is older than you thought, or that your dream countertop costs as much as a small vacation. 

A good rule of thumb? Set your budget, then add about 20% more as a cushion. It’ll help you sleep better at night when the inevitable moments show up. And trust us, they will. 

Timelines: Just Double It 

So, you’ve been told your renovation will take three months. Great! But here’s a little insider tip: renovations love to test your patience.  

There will be delays and maybe that perfect tile you chose is on backorder, or the weather decides to take a turn just when you don’t need it. Whatever the reason, expect things to take a bit longer than planned. 

The trick is to roll with it. Stay flexible and remind yourself that good things take time. And while you’re waiting, maybe brush up on your favourite takeout menus as you might be without a functional kitchen for a while. 

DIY or Not DIY: That is the Question 

We’ve all been there. You watch a few online tutorials and suddenly feel like you can tile a bathroom floor in a weekend.  

But when it comes to things like electrical work or major structural changes, it’s often best to leave it to the professionals. After all, you want to enjoy your new space—not spend more time (and money) fixing DIY mishaps. 

Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to call in the experts when needed. Sometimes, paying for a pro is cheaper than the cost of a DIY rescue mission. 

Permits: Not Exciting, But Oh-So Important 

Ah, permits. They’re not exactly the fun part of renovating, but they’re necessary. Think of them as the rules that keep your renovation safe and legal.  

Whether you’re adding a room or just moving some plumbing around, you’ll likely need a permit. 

Skipping this step might seem like a way to save time, but it could cost you in the long run. The last thing you want is for your fabulous new space to get flagged as not up to code.  

Plus, permits help ensure your work is done right so future buyers don’t raise any eyebrows. 

Dust: It’s Everywhere  

Here’s the part no one likes to talk about is – dust. It will find its way into every corner of your home, no matter how careful you are.  

You can put up all the plastic sheets and barriers you want, but dust is sneaky—it’ll show up in places you didn’t even think were connected to the work area. 

The best thing to do? Accept it. Cover your furniture, keep the vacuum handy, and remind yourself that this, too, shall pass.  

Once the renovation is done, you’ll have the cleanest (and most beautiful) house on the block. 

Measure Twice, Cut Once or Pay Twice 

You’d be surprised how many renovation nightmares start with measurements. That beautiful new fridge? It doesn’t fit through the kitchen door. Those gorgeous new shelves? They look amazing—except for the part where they block half the window. 

To avoid these headaches, make sure to measure everything carefully. 

 And then measure again. A little extra time spent upfront can save you a lot of frustration. 

It’s an Emotional Rollercoaster  

Renovating isn’t just about knocking down walls and putting up new ones, it’s an emotional ride. One day you’re excited to see progress, the next day you’re staring at a pile of debris wondering if you’ve made a terrible mistake. 

It’s okay. This is normal. Every renovation has its ups and downs, but in the end, when you’re standing in your freshly remodelled space, it’ll all feel worth it.  

Just remember to take things one step at a time and celebrate the little wins along the way. 

Renovating your home is not exactly like what you see on TV. There won’t be a dramatic reveal in 48 hours, and at some point, you might wonder why you ever thought ripping up your kitchen was a good idea.  

But don’t let that scare you! With a little planning and a lot of patience, you’ll get through it.  

Trust us, the result will make all the dust and delays worth it. So, before you start swinging that hammer, read this article again and you will know to keep things running smoothly. 

For anything else related to real estate in Dubai, contact Team Save Max.