How to Start a Home Renovation Project: A Reno Guide

Renovating can be one of the most rewarding projects you'll ever take on, but it can also be overwhelming. There are many potential issues in the renovation process, like missed updates, delayed approvals, and unclear costs.

RENO is a renovation management platform that gives you full control, flexibility, and visibility. Your contractor handles the physical work. We supervise the project to ensure everything is done to code and on time.

And we keep you informed every step of the way, with an app that provides you with documents, photos, milestones, and real-time communication with your dedicated project manager.

With the RENO app, every part of your renovation journey becomes organized, trackable, and stress-free

How to Plan a Major Home Renovation in Dubai

Step 1: Define Your Renovation Goals

Planning a home renovation in Dubai? Whether your goal is to improve functionality, upgrade finishes, increase resale value - or all of the above - defining your priorities early gives you a clear direction.

If you're not sure where to start home renovation planning, begin with a simple list of what’s working and what isn’t in your current space.

Focus first on essential improvements: fixing structural issues, ensuring code compliance, or adding smart storage solutions. These add real value and long-term comfort. Once the essentials are covered, you can shift to cosmetic upgrades like paint, flooring, and finishes.

Need inspiration? Browse Dubai home renovation blogs, interior design magazines, or save ideas on Instagram. Noting the styles, materials, or features you love will help guide the design phase and keep your renovation aligned with your goals.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget and Plan How to Pay for It

Your budget will vary depending on the scope and quality of materials. This initial budget will give you a ballpark figure of the expected costs.

Your actual costs might be lower or higher, but it’s good to have a rough idea of the scale. Once you set a budget, pad it by 10-15% for unexpected expenses. In renovations, surprises can pop up

Figure out how to pay for a home renovation: Will you use savings, take a loan, or utilize a payment plan? You can explore home improvement loans from banks or even tap into your mortgage.

To learn more about your financing options, check out our article on how to finance home renovation in Dubai. Allocate approximate amounts for major categories like design/fees, permits, construction, materials, furniture, and a reserve for contingencies.

Make sure to account for temporary living costs if you're dealing with major renovations, as you may need to live elsewhere for a bit until the job is completed.

Step 3: Design and Plan the Details (Layout, Style, and Scope)

In this step, you turn your vision into a concrete plan. For renovations like moving walls or redoing plumbing/electrical layouts, an architect or interior designer can create detailed drawings and ensure everything is safe and up to code

A good designer will refine your ideas, suggest solutions you might have missed, and prepare the drawings needed for contractors and permits. If you’re using RENO’s platform, our one-stop app covers all aspects of your renovation journey, including design.

Work out your space's new layout if you’re making structural changes. Ensure the design suits your lifestyle. Open plans look great, but do you really want an open kitchen if you do heavy cooking?

In Dubai’s climate, choose high-quality materials that can withstand extreme heat and humidity. Opt for durable exterior paints, and avoid cheap metals that might corrode in salty air​.

Outline what work will be done in each area of your home. Decide if you’ll renovate room by room or all at once.

Step 4: Handle Permits and Approvals

Dubai has strict regulations to ensure renovations are safe and compliant. What permits you need depends on the extent of your renovation:

• Building Management Approval (NOC): 

  If you live in an apartment or a community with a developer, you'll usually need a No Objection Certificate from the building or community management before renovating.
• DEWA Approval: 

  For any major changes to electrical or plumbing systems, you may need approval from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). 

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• Structural Changes Permit: 

  If you plan to alter structural elements (knock down a load-bearing wall, change layouts, etc.), you need to submit renovation plans to Dubai Municipality for approval​

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• Specialty Approvals: 

  In some cases, other authorities might be involved – for instance, civil defense approval for fire safety if it’s a commercial renovation, or RERA guidelines if it’s a rental property (landlords need to follow RERA rules for tenant-related renovations).

Step 5: Find Reliable Contractors and Compare Bids

Start by gathering recommendations and reading reviews. A good place to start is our Contractor List, which only features vetted contractors with a solid track record. Interview at least two or three contractors, get site visits, and request detailed quotes outlining costs, timelines, and materials.

Don’t just go with the lowest price, as going with a subpar contractor is likely to end up costing you more than you saved at the beginning. Prioritize reputation, communication, and experience with similar project

Verify your contractor's trade license and registration with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and ensure they are approved by Dubai Municipality for renovation works.

Once selected, sign a clear contract that covers scope, payment terms, timelines, and milestones. If you use RENO, you can track all of this-including budget and progress-inside the app, keeping the whole bidding process organized and transparent from start to finish.

Step 6: Source Materials and Finishes

If you're wondering where to buy home renovation materials, you have lots of choices. You can source items like tiles, fixtures, cabinetry, and lighting from Dubai’s many showrooms, such as those in Al Quoz or Dragon Mart, or look in home improvement stores like ACE Hardware.

If you want to use specialized imported materials, factor a wait into your timeline. And if you're buying materials ahead of time, make sure you have a secure and weather-tight place to store them. Your architect or contractor will have experience with local conditions and suppliers and can provide invaluable advice on the best materials for your specific project and budget.

When you purchase supplies, keep the UAE's heat, humidity, and occasional sandstorms in mind. Opt for mold-resistant paint, anti-slip tiles, and durable fixtures suitable for the climate.

Your contractor might handle purchasing materials at contractor rates, or you can pick them out yourself if you want more control.

Step 7: Start the Renovation Work

Cover furniture and floors and move valuable and delicate items to off-site storage or an unaffected area of your home. Inform your neighbors about the planned renovation, give them with a general timeline and apologizing in advance for any noise or disruption.

With the RENO app, you can get real-time updates, view photos and track milestones to ensure the project aligns with your vision and schedule. While some dust and noise is unavoidable, maintaining communication with your contractor can help manage expectations.  

It's not uncommon for unforeseen issues to arise, such as the need for electrical upgrades to meet DEWA standards or the discovery of hidden water damage behind walls. Have a contingency in your budget and be ready to address these by approving any necessary changes through a formal change order.

Staying engaged will help ensure your Dubai home renovation stays on track and ultimately transforms your space as envisioned.

Step 8: Inspect, Finish, and Walk Through

YSchedule a walkthrough with your contractor or RENO project manager. Create a "snag list," a documented inventory of any items that need correction, adjustment, or completion.

This could range from minor paint touch-ups to ensuring all fixtures are perfectly aligned. A thorough snagging process ensures all workmanship meets the agreed-upon standards before final sign-off.

Test all plumbing fixtures, ensuring there are no leaks and that water pressure is adequate. Flick every light switch, test all power outlets, and run any newly installed appliances through their cycles.

This lets you catch any operational issues before you settle back in. Following these checks, and once all construction work is truly finished, schedule a professional deep clean.

Finally, you can embark on the most rewarding part: furnishing and styling your newly transformed space.

How Reno Streamline Renovation Projects

Reno Packages:
Renovation Planning Made EasY

Not sure where to start? RENO offers pre-built packages tailored for popular renovation goals.

Each package includes:

• Curated layouts and design themes
• A full Bill of Quantities (BOQ)
• Transparent pricing and a clear installation timeline
• Flexibility to adjust or upgrade components
• Access to your full plan and progress in the RENO App

• Full Airbnb Fit-Out Package

  Ideal for short-term rental hosts. 

  Includes:
  • Room-by-room furniture layout
  • Kitchenette setup
  • Bathroom essentials
  • Lighting, curtains, appliances & styling accents
  • Timeline and materials, bundled into one neat offer

    Explore the Airbnb Package

• Kitchen Package

  Transform your kitchen.
  Includes:
  
  • Modular cabinets, backsplashes, countertops, lighting
  • Appliances to match your layout and lifestyle
  • Built-in plumbing and electrical adjustments
  • Choice of design themes: modern, classic, minimalist
    Explore the Kitchen Package
• Bathroom Package

  For guest bath upgrades or ensuite transformations.
  Includes:
  
  • Stylish vanity, mirror, and sink set
  • Tiling, lighting, and a new shower or tub
  • Toilet and accessories
  • Waterproofing and installation built in

    Explore the Bathroom Package

All-in-One Dashboard: 
Everything In One Place

The RENO App lets you follow your project anywhere. 



You can:

• Track daily and weekly updates
• Approve tasks and payments
• Manage change requests
• Monitor timelines
• Access BOQs, invoices, and chat history

Daily Updates: 

Know What’s Happening Every Day

RENO gives you time-stamped daily logs straight from your project manager with:

• Tasks completed
• Site photos
• Comments or notes from your contractor
• Any blockers or items needing your attention

Weekly Reports: 

Your Renovation at a Glance


RENO compiles a comprehensive summary report weekly. It includes:

• Work completed vs. planned
• Any delays or issues
• Cost-to-date and upcoming payments
• Progress toward each milestone

Client Approvals: 
Stay in Control Without Holding Up Progress

Our app notifies you when something requires sign-off. You approve:

• Material selections
• Scope of work
• Bill of Quantities (BOQ)
• Price changes
• Milestone completions

You can also enable auto-approval.

Easy Payments: 

Flexible, Secure, Transparent

No chasing receipts or worrying about unclear charges. 
With a few taps you can:

• Pay per milestone or in full
• View past payments and upcoming invoices
• Transactions documented and verified instantly

Changing Requests: Make Adjustments Without Derailing Your Project

Our app makes change requests simple and trackable:

Submit change requests
Get updated timelines and estimates
Approve or reject changes

All requests are documented so nothing gets lost.

Parting Words: Ready to Renovate Smarter?

RENO is the solution for stressful renovations. We bring structure, transparency, peace of mind, and order to a sprawling process with lots of moving parts.

We don’t just step in once construction begins. We guide you from your first ideas all the way through to the final touches on your project.

And after that, we give you a quality guarantee so you know we'll make sure the job is done to your satisfaction. With RENO you get:

• Full-service renovation: 

  We work with top designers and vetted contractors. All our partners have a long track record for client satisfaction.
• No micromanaging: 

  Updates and approvals come to you. You get full control with a dedicated property manager who handles the details for you.
• No surprises: 

  We give you clear budgets and timelines, and keep you informed throughout the project.
• No friction: 

  With the RENO app you get fast communication and in-app payments.
• No chaos: 

  Instead of uncertainty and stress, you get a process you can actually follow and trust.