Thanks mainly to the climate, Abu Dhabi homes can need a fair bit of maintenance; from servicing of air conditioning units and getting rid of unwelcome creepy crawlies, to fixing haywire electrics or sorting out the all-too-common plumbing issues. If you’re in rented accommodation check whether the development company responsible for your accommodation already employs a maintenance company. You may find that maintenance is included in your rental fee and if not, it’s worth checking with the development company whether they offer the service, as many have diversified into the area. If the maintenance is down to you then there are two main options; employ maintenance services on an annual contract or get issues fixed as they crop up.

Annual contracts
Annual contracts are not cheap at between Dhs.7,000 to Dhs.11,000 per year, but they cover most things you’ll need; regular air conditioning servicing, seasonal pest control, basic masonry work and 24 hour emergency call out services. Most companies offer extra services, such as swimming pool maintenance and gardening for an add-on fee.

DIY
Taking the approach of fixing problems as they happen means it’s a good bet to speak with colleagues and friends for recommended tradesmen. For A/C problems, try companies like York Air Conditioning or Prime Central Air; for pest problems try National Pest Control. There are dozens of options for each service you might need though, so it’s always prudent to do a bit of your own research first.

A fresh lick of paint in your new apartment or villa is always welcome and may be well needed. If renting, check with the landlord that decorating is allowed as they don’t need much excuse to keep hold of your security deposit when it’s time to move out. An excellent range of paints and associated implements can be found at Jotun Paints and Ace Hardware. Companies like Evershine offer painting services. The cost of internally painting a whole villa can vary between Dhs.3,000 and Dhs.8,000, depending on size, materials and contractor.