Inside a Full Villa Renovation in Dubai Hills (Sidra): A Case Study of Design, Execution & ROI

By Haifa RENOV8 | Real Projects. Real Impact.

Introduction

Dubai Hills Estate is one of the city’s most sought-after villa communities—but even premium spaces evolve. For this family in Sidra, the original handover layout no longer fit their lifestyle: enclosed kitchen, dark finishes, and inefficient outdoor zones.

What they needed was not just an upgrade—but a transformation.

Part 1: The Client and the Brief

The Family:

• European expat couple with two kids
• Relocated to Dubai Hills from Downtown
• Prioritized modern, natural, family-friendly design

The Villa:

• Sidra 3 Type E3
• 5 bedrooms, 3,757 sq.ft BUA
• Handover condition with basic tile, brown joinery, closed kitchen

The Brief:

• Open up kitchen to living/dining
• Upgrade all bathrooms with hotel-style finish
• Add pergola + BBQ island in garden
• Reconfigure maid’s room to utility + pantry combo

Part 2: Design Direction & Authority Scope

What We Proposed:

• Full-height kitchen wall removed + island introduced
• Double vanity for master bathroom + mirror lighting
• Natural palette: wood, concrete textures, matte black fixtures
• Garden zoned into seating + play + cooking

Authority Approvals:

• Submitted through DDA (Dubai Development Authority)
• Included NOC for kitchen wall knockdown, pergola, and MEP update
• Process took 3.5 weeks, no objections with detailed drawings

Tip: Sidra’s slab and layout drawings are usually available on handover CD from Emaar.

Part 3: Week-by-Week Transformation (Summary View)

Progress images available on request. Case video available on Haifa Instagram.

Part 4: Before & After – Aesthetic and Functional Wins

Kitchen:

• Closed kitchen turned into centerpiece island
• White quartz counters, oak laminate, black mixer

Bathrooms:

• Master bath converted to spa suite with bench + rain shower
• Kids’ bathroom given fun terrazzo + recessed LED mirror

Living Room:

• Cove ceiling lighting added
• Wall-hung joinery for media unit

Garden:

• 6x3m pergola with fan, BBQ island, planter wall
• Astro turf for play area

Function improved in every zone. Light and airflow drastically increased.

Part 5: ROI and Client Outcome

• Original Market Value: AED 6.25M
• Post-Renovation Valuation: AED 6.95M (bank revaluation)
• Renovation Cost: AED 550K
• ROI: Estimated 18–22%
• Market Appeal: Rented in under 3 weeks to corporate tenant

Client feedback: “We didn’t think it would feel this premium. It’s not just a home, it’s a lifestyle upgrade.”

Part 6: Lessons for Renovators in Dubai Hills

1. Don’t accept developer defaults—layouts can evolve dramatically
2. Pair design with engineering early (especially for walls)
3. Submit detailed DDA drawings for faster permits
4. Maximize garden ROI—BBQs and pergolas are winners
5. Stick to timelines post-design freeze to maintain budget

Haifa’s team works across Maple, Sidra, and Golf Grove with tailored renovation strategies.

Final Thoughts

This Sidra villa didn’t just get upgraded—it was reimagined. With thoughtful planning, detailed engineering, and creative execution, even a ready-to-move villa in Dubai Hills can become a bold, high-value family residence.

At Haifa RENOV8, we turn vision into lifestyle value.

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