Revamping a villa to elevate its look is a task that is not for the weak-hearted. It might seem straightforward, but much must be considered and planned to achieve your dreams. Thankfully, everything you need to know is summarised here, so let’s jump in!

Knowing the difference between what you want and what everyone else is doing is the key to making your property stand out. Creating the fanciest, most luxurious living space does not always mean renovating the villa with the most expensive products. Rather, go for tasteful options that complement the history and enrich the property, creating the ultimate high-end experience.

Various details need to be considered before embarking on the renovation journey. The tiniest details – ones you had not even thought of – end up making or breaking the desired goal. The following list provides a detailed breakdown of all that you need to consider, plan, and thus execute in order to complete your renovations and achieve the villa of your dreams.

There is an extremely high probability that your villa has a culturally rich background and the structure is full of details pointing to its history. Your goal is to preserve the true essence but enhance it with features to make it time-appropriate. The historical elements shining through are going to make your home stand out and create an experience that is unique to your space.

Securing building permits is necessary for your villa’s renovation to avoid unnecessary obstacles. This will make this legal and therefore easier for you to proceed, in adherence to the rules and regulations. If your building is culturally and historically enriched, you might have to get more approvals. However, obtaining the No Objection Certificates (NOC) is vital before proceeding with other allowances.

Setting a budget can be a daunting task, especially if you do not have an estimate of the ongoing rates in the market. The best way to proceed is to seek estimated quotes from two to three different sources and finalise an amount that is ideal for your vision regarding the villa renovation. Keep in mind that there is a high chance you might end up going above the budget you have set. So, make sure to keep some room for cushion in case things go above and beyond.

Villa renovation in Dubai is a vast business, which is why countless companies are dealing in this niche. You must scout your local contractors and set a meeting with them to find the one you best connect with. Therefore, it is crucial that your builder understands your vision for the place and respects the decisions you make. An additional tip is to go for the licensed contractors only to avoid any unnecessary proceedings in the future if things are to go wrong.

Here comes my favourite part of the entire renovation process: designing!

Both the interior and exterior of your villa need to make an impact, a statement. And the ideal way to do that is to mix the modern elements with the old-school charm. I suggest maintaining the character through the characteristic wood or stonework, intricate patterns, and paintings attributed to the Islamic culture (these are especially common within older villas in Dubai), or the unique moldings and framework. Refurbish these elements to give an overall elevated look to your villa.

You want to achieve a very open, airy ambiance in your space, so an open plan with characteristic arches, columns, and large, dramatic entrances is a way to enhance your space. Adding large windows and mirrors is an excellent way to open a room. Furthermore, preserving a custom-built stairway or adding a new one is an excellent way to turn any ordinary villa into a high-end one.

Similarly, the exterior needs to be planned out following the interior for a well-blended and complete finished look. Lighting plays a significant role in enhancing any space. Investing in good, automated, well-placed lighting will elevate the look of your villa.

There are so many details that you will have to get into, including choosing the right fabrics, tiles, moldings, faucets, doors, and so much more. However, identifying the styles of architecture you want to combine might streamline things for you and make these slightly easier. Among the classic and contemporary categories, you can choose to go for a bohemian-meets-Islamic architecture style to obtain a distinct and eclectic interior.

Moreover, the color palette greatly influences the user experience. You could allocate a different ambiance for different portions of the villa!

But before you make any of these choices, you are going to have to make a few informed decisions with your contractor regarding the raw material you want for the planned renovations.

Overseeing and being actively involved in the refurbishment is crucial as it will help you see your vision come to life. But if something does not feel right to you, hold on and reconsider your decisions. At the end of the day, the final product is what matters.

With all the fancy changes that are taking place, it is imperative to secure your building. Installing hidden cameras is important for surveillance and to maintain the luxurious feel. Moreover, putting in elaborate alarm systems, along with pins and face-recognising devices for accessing the building, is of utmost importance.

As times progress, so does the need for sustainability. Investing in energy-efficient methods can be costly, but worth the investment in the long run. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also contribute to long-term savings. So make sure to add solar panels, use recyclable materials, and play your part in making the environment.

With all the investments you have made, maintaining the villa is not a matter of want but a need. You must initiate daily cleaning and maintenance to stay up-to-date and avoid any hefty losses. Every aspect of the building needs to be kept, and investing promptly is the smart decision to make.

And thus, we reach the end of all that you need to know about renovating your old-school villa into a modern, luxurious one. Advice to all homeowners is to be bold and not be afraid to take risks. Step out of your comfort zone and let the ideas flow to make your vision into reality.

So, go ahead and add that spa you always wanted, or a private gym, or even a cinema, if your budget allows for it. You could even add an infinity pool! These aspects are what truly make your experience worthwhile and unique.