Property Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners in Dubai
The real estate market of Dubai is one of the most lucrative ones in the world, grabbing the attention of local and foreign investors alike. The unparalleled opportunities that the city offers for real estate investments are a guaranteed formula for short-term as well as long-term profitability. Not to mention, the ease of buying property and the favourable capital appreciation aspect further draw people to its market.
However, buying a property and maintaining it are two different ball games. Home ownership comes with a variety of responsibilities, primary among which is maintenance. No matter how well-equipped your property is, if you don’t take care of it regularly and leave it unattended, it is bound to become vulnerable to mould, pests, and structural damage.
This is why, as homeowners, it is paramount to get acquainted with the fundamental techniques of the property maintenance process, as this will help keep your unit in perfect shape. In this guide, we are going to run you through some pivotal recommendations that will assist you in taking proper care of your property, with respect to the conditions in Dubai.
Dubai’s Climate and Its Impact
Before we dive into the property maintenance tips for new homeowners in Dubai, we believe it is a wise idea to have an in-depth understanding of the climate of the surroundings of your property and what impact it may have on it.
The dry and hot environment of Dubai is one of its most defining traits, and it inadvertently impacts property upkeep. Continuous and prolonged exposure to dry weather, high temperatures, humidity, and occasional sandstorms can take a toll on the condition of your property if you don’t take care of it well enough.
This is why regular checking and assessments for signs of wear and tear caused by these elements are paramount. Let us take a closer look at understanding these elements.
Heat and Humidity
Start by investing in a high-quality Air Conditioning (AC) system and ensure you arrange regular maintenance for it. Since AC units work long hours in the city, you must be cautious of their energy expenses. Inefficient systems and clogged filters will definitely push up energy bills.
In poorly ventilated locations, humidity can cause mildew and moisture. This is why getting a dehumidifier is a smart idea. Regularly examine your kitchen and bathrooms for signs of moisture accumulation. Keep an eye on your ceilings and external walls for any damage, especially cracks, caused by temperature swings. This will help you avoid long-term structural problems.
Sandstorms
Sandstorms are a common occurrence in Dubai, and they leave microscopic dust particles in every nook and corner of your property. As such, sealing your doors and windows with weatherstripping can go a long way in minimising dust ingress.
Furthermore, it is a wise move to invest in double-glazed, high-quality windows that offer superior insulation against both dust and heat. This helps make your house not only more pleasant to live in but also energy-efficient. After every storm, we recommend you clean the outside area thoroughly and examine your home for any sand accumulation in the drainage or vent systems.
10 Tips for Property Maintenance in Dubai
A well-maintained property is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also saves energy, money, and your health in the long run. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, regularly maintaining your property and assessing its condition will add longevity to its well-being.
While some of the maintenance you can do by yourself, some requires professional expertise. If you are a tenant, you can get in touch with your landlord to ensure they maintain the upkeep of the property. Understanding service charges, taking proactive measures, and timely communicating the issue to the concerned management can help prevent any long-term issues in the future.
Just as you follow a checklist before taking possession of a property, it is equally important to give attention to maintaining it after possession. For your convenience, we have put together these 10 tips that will save you a fortune in the future and will maintain not only the condition of your property but also your safety.
Test Fire and Smoke Detectors
Without a shadow of doubt, the first order of business in property maintenance is checking the fire and smoke detectors. Generally, these detectors can function adequately for 5-10 years. However, if you regularly test them, you will be well aware of whether they are in proper working condition or not.
As these detectors feature a test button that sounds an alarm when pressed, you need to hold down the button every few weeks to find if they are ringing properly. If not, you need to replace the batteries or install a new set of detectors. If they can’t perform their primary function of detecting smoke, gas leaks, or fire, then your life can be put in jeopardy.
You can reach out to a home maintenance company in Dubai to get the help you need. Properly maintaining them can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire outbreak or carbon monoxide leak.
Clean the Air Conditioning Filters
A property maintenance checklist in Dubai is incomplete without cleaning the AC filter. As AC units are an integral part of a property in the city owing to the soaring temperatures, getting your aircon filters cleaned and treated every six months or so will ensure it is cooling properly.
Your AC is your lifeline in Dubai as it saves you from the soaring temperatures of the city. Since it experiences a heavy load during summer, it requires regular cleaning. Otherwise, it won’t be able to cool your rooms and will experience a power failure.
Furthermore, make sure ventilation is adequately maintained as it will help preserve air quality and prevent moisture buildup. Every single area, especially the kitchen and bathrooms, must be well-ventilated. If you notice persistent odours or stale air, then know that it is time to clean out air ducts or improve circulation with more fans or vents.
Deep Cleaning Your House
Deep cleaning your house is a comprehensive process that takes care of a multitude of aspects related to property maintenance. Ideally, we recommend you get your home deep-cleaned by a professional cleaning service company at least once a year. You will be surprised to see the amount of dust and grime that builds up in the nooks and corners of your home, which daily surface-level cleaning can’t take care of.
These cleaning services use varied methods to provide in-depth care for your home, including the use of UV light exposure, which helps kill harmful pathogens. It essentially tackles hidden dirt, bacteria, and allergens from your property. In the process, it promotes better air quality and maintains the hygiene of the place and increases the lifespan of your belongings.
A clean environment is a vital contributor to your mental well-being and helps in reducing stress. By aiding your respiratory health, peace of mind, and protecting your expensive furniture and appliances, they add to overall positivity and ensure your belongings and property maintain their rental and resale value.
Pest Control
Pest infestation can be a huge nuisance for any property owner. Hiring a licensed professional to perform a scheduled pest control inspection at your home is mandatory, especially in Dubai, where the hot and humid climate can allow plenty of pests to breathe and multiply.
Simple habits can help cultivate an environment to keep pests such as cockroaches, ants, and mosquitoes, among others, away. This includes storing food in sealed containers, disposing of food waste immediately, sealing gaps and cracks around doors and windows, regularly cleaning kitchen surfaces, and most importantly, scheduling professional pest control treatments annually.
If you want to enjoy air circulation while keeping insects out, you can install mesh screens on your windows and doors. Make sure to regularly clean outside rubbish areas and the drainage system, as it will help lower pest attraction. Remember, a preventative strategy is always going to help you deal with infestations down the road better.
Landscape Maintenance
A visually appealing outdoor space paves the way for aesthetically pleasing indoor areas and enhances the overall living experience. Outdoor property maintenance requires you to clear up any moss, shrubs, or dead plants that may be growing near the edges of your house, especially for those who own a villa.
These plants can make their way into the tiny cracks in the exterior of your home if not trimmed regularly. In the future, they may cause foundational damage to your property. Positive outdoor maintenance practices, such as landscaping with native plants and proper irrigation, can lead to a healthier ecosystem. Opt for drought-resistant plants as they are ideal for outdoor spaces since they can survive in high temperatures and require less water.
In addition, try and repaint the exterior of your house every few years with a UV-resistant paint to protect your property from the harsh environment of Dubai. From a profitable standpoint, a well-maintained outdoor lawn can create a positive first impression on tenants or buyers, if you choose to rent out or resell your property. Complying with safety regulations and building codes is paramount for the safety of the occupants and the neighbours. You can seek professional help to take care of your outdoor or landscaping needs.
Pool Maintenance
Pools offer the much-needed respite from Dubai’s harsh weather, especially during the summer season. Since a lot of time is spent on the residential pools, it is crucial to maintain their safety and sanitation. Methodical maintenance helps prevent bacterial growth, which keeps your skin, hair, and eyes healthy. In addition, it reduces the number of repairs down the road.
Regular pool maintenance not only ensures a healthy, enjoyable, and safe swimming experience but also adds to the longevity of the pool and its equipment. Most luxury residential developments, such as penthouses and villas in Dubai, including the highly anticipated Esplora, feature outdoor swimming pools. Seeking the help of professional pool cleaners twice a year is recommended to maintain the upkeep of the pools.
From using high-quality pool covers to regularly cleaning the filters, from balancing pool chemicals to thoroughly inspecting the pumps, every little step goes a long way in improving and maintaining the health of your pool. If it is a private pool, it behoves you even more to take care of it. If it is a societal pool that you are sharing with other occupants of the same building, you need to timely remind the management to ensure the pool is regularly maintained.
Check Plumbing Systems
Although tap water is safe to drink in Dubai, you can’t always trust the plumbing system and water storage tanks of your building, as you are not completely in control of how frequently and thoroughly they are cleaned, especially when you are living in a society complex. Over time, significant amounts of mineral content can lead to limescale accumulation in the plumbing system, appliances, and fixtures.
Timely cleaning with descaling solutions can help counteract the limescale buildup. Try and install water softeners or filters to improve water quality. In addition, make sure the outside watering system is operated efficiently to minimise wastage of water. At regular intervals, don’t forget to inspect pipelines, showerheads, and taps for leaks.
Pipes are vulnerable to corrosion and rust. Leaks can lead to mould growth. Water heaters, water closets, wash basins, and your faucets need regular check-ups. Keeping the plumbing system in check not only ensures smooth water flow but also helps reduce expensive water damage in the long run.
Inspect Electrical Systems
Make sure that electrical safety is never disregarded. In a city like Dubai, where energy usage is rampant, you need to be mindful of the electrical system of your property. Ensure that you test your appliances, circuit breakers, and outlets to verify that everything is operating safely. You need to prevent overloading sockets and check that all wiring is intact to prevent faulty wiring.
Outdated panels have the tendency to heat up and cause sparks, which leads to devastating house fires. Dust accumulation and high temperatures can cause overheating, leading to short circuits. In addition, an inconsistent power supply can damage your electrical appliances.
Regularly checking the overall electrical system will enhance the longevity and efficiency of your electrical system and prevent fatal hazards such as shocks and fires. Buildings in Dubai need to require certification from DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) and must comply with the safety standards. When it comes to the electrical system, don’t take it upon yourselves to fix the situation. Take professional help from a reputable company.
Prioritise Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency practices not only help benefit the environment but also manage household bills. In the summers, the soaring temperatures in Dubai result in ghastly bills to keep your rooms cool. Therefore, embodying simple strategies can go a long way in enhancing the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Consider opting for thermal blinds or blackout curtains to lower heat leakage through windows. Install energy-efficient LED lights. Choose cost-effective and sustainable solutions such as solar water heaters. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances that use less power is also a smart move.
To minimise energy waste, you can even opt for smart home gadgets such as motion-sensor lights or automatic thermostats. These systems adapt to your needs, behaviour, and requirements, thereby guaranteeing efficient energy utilisation with minimal to no effort from your end. Not to forget, simple positive habits of turning off lights, fans, A/C, and appliances when not in use can make a considerable positive impact over time.
Prepare for Seasonal Changes
Generally, the climate of Dubai is scorching hot. However, the city gets occasional rains and lower temperatures as well. You need to prepare your property for seasonal changes so that it can adapt well to the changing weather. Seasonal upkeeps minimise damage and ensure the foundation of your property is robust from within and outside.
Ahead of the winter season, start cleaning up the drainage system and gutters. During the rainy season, make sure most of the outdoor furniture is either stored under shade or covered with water-resistant fabrics. Keep the blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day during the summer season. Make sure your AC is working properly, and if possible, opt for thermostat settings for increased efficiency.
Check for any signs of damage in your decks and patios during summer. Resealing wooden surfaces can help avoid warping and cracking. Irrespective of whether it is summer or winter, make sure your property is well insulated so that it can maintain a comfortable temperature without relying too much on a cooling or heating system, respectively.
To Conclude
The real estate market of Dubai runs under precise criteria that homeowners across the emirate must follow to avoid disputes and penalties. Regular upkeep and renovations will add years to your property and can lead to capital appreciation.
Not to forget, it will also save a huge fortune as it will help prevent foundational damage. Follow the aforementioned tips and bring a major change to the ambience of your treasured home because your investment is worth it.
FAQs
Commonly Asked Questions about Property Maintenance
What maintenance should I be doing on my house?
It is recommended to have a monthly, biannual, and annual maintenance task for every household. While monthly tasks can involve inspecting the plumbing system, drains, and fire extinguishers, biannual tasks are focused on a thorough cleaning and garden maintenance. Annual tasks should focus on inspecting roofs and gutters, sweeping the chimney, and servicing your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.
How can I calculate property maintenance?
An ideal way to calculate property maintenance is using the 1% rule, under which maintenance costs are estimated to be roughly 1% of the property value annually. However, this is just a starting point as the actual cost can vary depending on local climate, property age, how well the property is maintained, and other allied factors.
How do I organise my home maintenance?
A smart way to organise home maintenance is to create a checklist of tasks and prioritise them using a planner or calendar. You can schedule them accordingly. Grouping similar tasks together lowers the burden. In addition, keep track of when you completed your last task, as it will help you stay on top of regular maintenance.