Winter is hosting season in Dubai. Family flies in from abroad, friends visit for the holidays, and UAE National Day on 2 December starts a month of gatherings. It is also the season when every handyman's diary fills up fast, so the homes that are ready on time are the ones that planned in November.
Here is how to get the rooms your guests will use ready, step by step.
The Majlis and Living Room
This is the room guests see first and spend the most time in.
Curtains and Lighting
- Check that heavy curtains hang straight and that the brackets are firm. Sagging rods are a sign the fixings are pulling out of the wall. See curtain installation.
- Clean chandeliers and replace any missing or blown bulbs. A clean chandelier changes the whole room. See chandelier cleaning.
- Add a lamp or two for softer evening light if the room relies on bright ceiling lights.
Walls and Woodwork
- Touch up scuffs on walls and skirting, especially around seating.
- Tighten loose cabinet doors and handles.
- Re-hang any pictures or mirrors that have slipped. See picture hanging.
The TV Wall
If the family will watch matches or films together, check the TV is at a comfortable height for the seating and that cables are tidy. See our TV mounting height guide.
The Guest Room
A guest room often sits unused for months, so problems go unnoticed.
- Run the AC for an hour and listen for rattles or drips. Clean the filter.
- Check the bed frame for loose bolts and squeaks.
- Make sure blackout curtains close fully. Jet-lagged guests will thank you.
- Clear a shelf and a few hangers in the wardrobe, and fix any sticking drawers.
- Put a bedside lamp and a working socket near the bed for phone charging.
Guest Bathrooms
Bathrooms are where small problems become embarrassing ones.
- Replace stained or black silicone around the bath and basin.
- Fix dripping taps and running toilets.
- Check the shower head flow and clean limescale.
- Make sure towel rails and toilet roll holders are firmly fixed.
Most of these are quick jobs on a plumbing repair visit.
Safety When Children Visit
Visiting grandchildren may not be used to your home.
- Anchor tall furniture and TVs to the wall.
- Fit a gate at the top of the stairs if toddlers are coming.
- Add window restrictors upstairs and lock cupboards with cleaning products.
See baby proofing for a full visit.
A Simple Timeline
- Early November: walk through the home and make a list.
- Mid November: book the handyman visit for everything on the list.
- Late November: deep clean, set up the guest room and do a final check.
- December: enjoy your guests.
The Kitchen and Dining Area
Guests gather in the kitchen as much as the living room, and a full house puts extra load on it.
- Tighten loose cabinet hinges and drawer runners so doors close cleanly.
- Replace the stained silicone along the worktop and around the sink.
- Check that the extractor hood light and fan both work.
- Make sure the dining table and chairs are steady. Wobbly chairs are usually just loose bolts.
- If you are adding extra seating, assemble it a few days early so there is time to fix anything missing.
Lights and Decorations for National Day and the Holidays
Flags, string lights and festive decorations make the home feel ready, but they need to go up safely.
- Use proper hooks and fixings rather than nails in gypsum walls, which crumble and leave large holes.
- Do not overload a single socket with extension leads and adaptors.
- Keep outdoor lights rated for outdoor use, and keep plugs off wet floors and terraces.
- Plan where the lights will hang before drilling, so the fixings are useful again next year.
If you want permanent hooks or a power point added for seasonal lights, it is a quick job to do at the same time as the rest of your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Ahead Should I Book Before the Holidays?
Book in November if you can. December fills up quickly with homes preparing for National Day, the holidays and visiting family.
Can You Do All the Guest Preparation Jobs in One Visit?
Usually, yes. Curtains, chandeliers, silicone, small plumbing fixes and furniture checks fit into one or two visits for most homes. Send us your list and we will plan it.
How Much Does a Pre-Guest Handyman Visit Cost?
It depends on the list. Small jobs start from AED 150*, and several jobs in one visit cost less than booking them separately. We confirm the price before we start.
Do You Work on Weekends Before National Day?
We work every day from 8am to 10pm. Weekend slots before holidays go first, so book early.