What Services Should You Book After Buying a Home?

You just bought your new home and don’t know what to do next? Buying a house is a thrilling milestone, but it comes with responsibilities that can’t be ignored.

There are several services you must book after purchasing a home, or they could cause you trouble or become more costly later if neglected.

In this guide, we’ve outlined the essential services every new homeowner should prioritize to protect their investment, ensure comfort, and make their house truly feel like home.

Essential Services to Book After Buying a Home

1. Hire an Electrician

Hire a DEWA-approved electrician to check your home’s wiring, switches, and circuit breakers. Make sure everything follows UAE safety rules and can handle the power needed for ACs. If you’re in a new development, confirm all installations meet developer promises.

Why It’s Necessary: Bad wiring or old systems can cause power cuts or fires. It can also lead to fines or insurance issues. A good system saves you money on your DEWA bills and keeps your home safe.

2. Book a Plumber

Hire a licensed plumber to inspect your home’s plumbing, including pipes, water heaters, and irrigation systems (common in UAE villas). Ask them to check for leaks, test water pressure, and ensure compliance with municipality standards. In coastal areas like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, request a salinity check to prevent corrosion from salty groundwater.

Why It’s Necessary: Leaks or poor plumbing can lead to water damage, mold, or high water bills, especially in the UAE’s humid climate. Older properties in areas like Al Barsha or Deira may have aging pipes, while new builds can suffer from rushed installations. Fixing issues early avoids repair costs, which can exceed AED 10,000 for water damage.

3. Invest in Waterproofing

Contact a waterproofing specialist to assess your home for water intrusion risks, particularly in basements, balconies, or flat roofs common in UAE properties. They’ll check for cracks, poor drainage, or inadequate sealants and may recommend solutions like membrane coatings or improved external drainage. In flood-prone areas like Sharjah, prioritize this service.

Why It’s Necessary: The UAE’s occasional heavy rains and high humidity can cause water damage, mold, or foundation issues, with repairs costing AED 15,000 or more. Poor waterproofing also devalues properties, a concern in the UAE’s competitive real estate market. Developers may cut corners, so an independent check is crucial.

4. Engage a Handyperson, Contractor, or Designer

Hire a handyperson for minor fixes (like repairing tiles or AC vents), a contractor for renovations (such as kitchen upgrades), or an interior designer to tailor your space to UAE’s luxury aesthetic. Ensure they’re registered with the municipality and familiar with local regulations. Discuss your budget and vision, especially for expat-friendly customizations like smart home systems.

Why It’s Necessary: UAE homes, especially in new communities like Dubai Hills or Yas Island, often need tweaks to meet personal or cultural preferences. A handyperson prevents small issues from escalating, while contractors ensure renovations comply with RERA and municipality rules. Designers can optimize space for the UAE’s indoor-centric lifestyle due to heat.

5. Change the Locks

Hire a locksmith to rekey or replace all exterior locks on doors, gates, and maid’s entrances. Opt for high-security locks or smart systems compatible with UAE’s tech-savvy market. If you’re in a rented or strata-titled property, check with your developer or community management for approval.

Why It’s Necessary: Previous owners, tenants, or contractors may retain keys, posing a security risk in a transient market like the UAE. Enhanced security protects your family and assets, while modern locks add convenience and appeal to tech-forward buyers or tenants.

6. Create a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Set up a maintenance plan with a facility management company or DIY for tasks like AC servicing (every 3–6 months), pool cleaning (common in villas), and pest control. Register with your community’s maintenance team for shared facilities.

Why It’s Necessary: The UAE’s extreme heat and dust strain systems like ACs and pools, leading to breakdowns if neglected. Unmaintained properties risk fines from community management or lower resale value. Regular upkeep also ensures compliance with developer warranties, which often require documented maintenance

7. Replace HVAC Filters

Locate your AC unit’s filters and replace them with UAE-compatible ones. Hire an AC technician if unsure, as UAE homes rely heavily on cooling systems. Plan to clean or replace filters every 1–2 months due to dust and sand.

Why It’s Necessary: Clogged filters reduce AC efficiency, spiking DEWA bills and risking system failure, with replacements. Dust from the UAE’s desert environment clogs filters quickly, affecting air quality and triggering allergies. Regular filter changes are a low-cost fix (AED 50–200).

8. Schedule a Deep Clean

Book a professional cleaning service (e.g., Justmop or Hitches & Glitches) to deep clean your home before moving in. They’ll tackle floors, windows, AC vents, and bathrooms, removing construction dust or tenant residue. Specify eco-friendly products if preferred, and ensure they’re licensed by the municipality.

Why It’s Necessary: New or pre-owned UAE homes often have dust from construction or desert sand, especially in areas like Dubai Marina. A deep clean eliminates allergens and creates a healthy environment, critical for families or expats adjusting to the climate. It’s easier before furniture arrives.

9. Get a Pest Inspection

Hire a pest control company approved by Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer to inspect for cockroaches, ants, or rodents, common in the UAE’s warm climate. They’ll check kitchens, storage areas, and gardens, recommending treatments like baiting or sealing entry points. Schedule follow-ups every 6 months.

Why It’s Necessary: Pests thrive in the UAE’s heat and can damage wiring or contaminate food, posing health risks. Infestations also violate community rules, risking fines

10. Consult a Real Estate Attorney

Engage a lawyer specializing in UAE property law to review your sale agreement, title deed, and Oqood registration (for off-plan properties). Confirm compliance with RERA, DLD, or ADREB regulations and check for hidden fees like service charges or DEWA deposits. Expats should verify visa or residency implications.

Why It’s Necessary: The UAE’s real estate laws are complex, especially for freehold properties or off-plan purchases. Errors in paperwork or undisclosed liens can delay ownership or incur penalties. A lawyer ensures your transaction aligns with Federal Law No. 5 or local decrees, protecting your rights.

Things to Do After Buying a Home

These steps will help you settle in, follow UAE rules, and keep your home safe.

Set Up Utilities: Call DEWA or ADDC with your ID and home papers to start electricity, water, gas, and internet; pay a deposit and pick providers like du for Wi-Fi. UAE’s hot weather means you need AC and water, and no utilities can delay moving in or cause fines. You get power and internet fast, staying comfy and following UAE laws.
Update Your Address: Change your address on your Emirates ID at an Amer center and tell your bank, job, and apps like Talabat. Old addresses mess up visa papers or deliveries, and UAE laws require updates to avoid fines. Everything works smoothly, and you can use community perks like pools or gyms.
Check Your Home Inspection: Look at your home’s inspection report or hire a RERA-approved person to check for leaks or broken ACs; tell the developer about issues within a year. New UAE homes may have problems like bad tiles, and fixing them during warranty saves money. Your home stays safe, and you avoid paying for big repairs.
Get Home Insurance: Buy insurance for your home’s walls and pipes from companies like Oman Insurance to cover fires or floods. Loans require insurance, and UAE weather can cause damage. You save money on repairs and stay on the right side of UAE rules.
Meet Your Neighbors: Say hi to neighbors, join community WhatsApp groups, and share your phone number for emergencies. Neighbors share tips on local services and can watch your home when you travel, which is common in UAE. You feel safer and make friends, making life in the UAE more fun.
Keep Your Home Safe: Add cameras or smart systems from stores and sign up for Dubai Police’s free security checks. Even in a safe UAE, fancy areas need extra protection, and security makes your home worth more. Your family and belongings stay safe, matching UAE’s high-tech style.

By doing these tasks soon after buying your home, you’ll be all set to enjoy your new place in the UAE. Start now to make your home perfect!

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in the UAE is an exciting achievement, but it comes with important responsibilities that require prompt attention. Hiring a home maintenance company or booking essential services like electrical checks, plumbing inspections, waterproofing, and pest control not only protects your investment but also ensures safety, comfort, and long-term savings. Setting up utilities, updating your address, and reviewing legal and inspection documents help you stay compliant with UAE regulations and avoid unnecessary penalties. By taking these steps early, you can settle in with peace of mind, maintain your property’s value, and truly enjoy the comfort of your new home.