The Home That Can't Be Modified: How to Design Your House Today for Tomorrow's Needs? A Future-Proof Planning Guide According to Saudi Building Code 2026

Introduction: When Your Dream Home Becomes a Prison That Won't Accept Development

Imagine building your dream home with everything you have. Years pass, your family grows, or you get older and climbing stairs becomes exhausting, so you decide to install an elevator. You go to the engineer and receive a shock: your home's design doesn't allow for an elevator addition! There's no vertical space, the columns are in the wrong place, and any modification would require demolishing half the house.

This painful scenario repeats daily in thousands of Saudi homes. The reason? Designing with only today's mindset, without thinking about tomorrow's needs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll learn how to design our homes to be flexible and developable, and what engineering and regulatory constraints we must know before it's too late.

First: Why Do Some Homes Not Accept Modifications?

Before we talk about solutions, we must understand the problem. There are several reasons that make some homes "closed" to future modifications:

Structural Engineering Constraints

The structural elements in a building such as columns, beams, and foundations are the backbone of the home. Any modification to them threatens the safety of the entire building. When you want to add an elevator, for example, you need a vertical space that penetrates all floors, which is impossible if columns or beams cut across this path.

Lack of Pre-Planned Spaces

Many designers focus on utilizing every centimeter of space without leaving any voids for future expansion. The result: a tightly closed house that won't accept any addition without demolishing part of it.

Staircase Design in an Unsuitable Location

The staircase location is very critical. If the staircase is in a narrow corner or surrounded by rooms on all sides, it becomes impossible to add an elevator next to it or in its center later.

Pipes and Electrical Installations

Sometimes electrical installations and drainage pipes are buried in places that prevent any modification. Moving them costs enormous amounts and may be impossible in some cases.

Second: Home Elevator - The Biggest Challenge

The elevator is the clearest example of the importance of advance planning. Let's understand why:

Traditional Elevator Foundation Requirements

A traditional elevator requires several structural requirements: The elevator shaft, which is a vertical space penetrating all floors with dimensions of at least 1.5×1.5 meters. A pit below the elevator with a depth of 1-1.5 meters to absorb shocks. The machine room at the top or bottom. Door openings on each floor with specific height and width. Structural reinforcement for the walls surrounding the shaft.

Cost of Adding an Elevator to a Non-Founded Building

If the building wasn't designed from the beginning to accommodate an elevator, the cost rises significantly. The elevator itself costs between 35,000 to 90,000 SAR depending on type and specifications. But the cost of construction work to prepare the shaft in an existing building may reach double this amount or more, due to the need for demolition, reinforcement, and refinishing.

Smart Solution: Leave Elevator Space from the Beginning

Even if you're not planning to install an elevator now, leave a place for it in the design. The vertical space can be temporarily used as storage or closet on each floor, then converted to an elevator when needed at minimal cost. This proactive thinking may save you hundreds of thousands of riyals in the future.

Elevator Alternatives for Non-Founded Buildings

If your home already exists and wasn't designed for an elevator, there are modern alternatives: Pit-less elevator that doesn't need a pit or machine room and can be installed in a space starting from 90×90 cm. External elevator installed on the building's exterior facade. Vacuum elevator that works on air pressure and doesn't need a traditional shaft. Stair lift as an economical solution for the elderly.

Third: Prohibited Structural Modifications - Beware Before You Break!

Here we reach the critical point that many ignore. Not all modifications are allowed, and some modifications may expose you to huge fines or even demolition of what you built.

What Structural Elements Are Prohibited from Being Touched?

Concrete columns are the vertical elements that carry the building's weight, and they may not be removed, reduced, or drilled at all. Beams are the horizontal elements that distribute loads to the columns, and any cutting or drilling weakens the building. Concrete slabs - opening large openings in them requires structural study and a permit. Foundations - digging near them or affecting them is not allowed.

Saudi Building Code Violation Fines

The Saudi Building Code is clear and strict in this regard. Fines for building without a permit reach up to 500,000 Saudi Riyals. Immediate stoppage of construction work until obtaining a permit. Removal of the violating construction at the owner's expense if it doesn't comply with requirements. Designer and executor responsibility for 10 years for any hidden defects threatening building safety.

Fourth: Renovation Permit - When Do You Need It and How Do You Get It?

Any modification in your building needs an official permit. This isn't bureaucracy, but protection for you and the building.

What Is a Renovation Permit?

According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs definition, a renovation permit is an official authorization that allows restoring the building to its previous good condition through technical repair to address one or more defects, without adding a new component or changing structural elements.

When Do You Need a Renovation Permit?

You need a permit in the following cases: Repairing cracks in walls or ceilings. Changing exterior facades. Repairing water or thermal insulation. Renewing electrical or plumbing installations. Repairing damage resulting from fire or disasters.

When Do You Need a Component Addition and Modification Permit?

If the modification includes adding a new component such as an elevator or changing structural elements, you need a building component addition and modification permit, not a renovation permit. This permit requires a structural study and plans approved by an engineering office.

Steps to Obtain a Renovation Permit Through Balady Platform

The process is completely electronic through the Balady platform: Log in via the National Single Sign-On. Choose construction permit services then issue renovation permit. Enter building data and original building permit number. Choose the supervising engineering office. Attach required documents which are title deed, facade photo, and original building permit. Pay fees ranging from 500 to 2,000 SAR depending on renovation type.

Required Documents

Make sure to prepare the following documents: Updated electronic title deed. Original building permit. Current facade photo from reality. Contract with an approved engineering office. Detailed plans for required work.

Fifth: Future Planning Guide - Design Today for Tomorrow's Needs

Now we reach the practical part. How do you design your home to be flexible and developable?

Golden Rule: Think 20 Years Ahead

When designing, ask yourself: What will my life be like in 20 years? Will I need an elevator when I get older? Will my children get married and need separate apartments? Might I need a room for a housekeeper or nurse? Might I want to convert part of the house into an office or clinic?

Elements That Must Be Pre-Planned

Elevator space: Leave a vertical void of at least 1.5×1.5 meters penetrating all floors, which can be used as storage until you need the elevator. Ventilation and air conditioning openings: Design wide paths for central air conditioning even if you'll use split units now. Electrical installations: Leave empty pipes in walls for adding wires in the future. Floor separation: Design each floor to be separable as an independent unit in the future with separate entrance and services.

Optimal Staircase Location

Place the staircase in a central location that allows adding an elevator next to it or in its center. Avoid placing the staircase in a corner surrounded by rooms on all sides. Spiral or square staircases allow installing an elevator in their core later.

Room Flexibility

Design rooms with flexible areas that allow dividing or merging them. Avoid load-bearing walls as much as possible within floors. Use gypsum partitions that are easy to remove or move.

Foundation for the Future at Low Cost

These are simple additions during construction that save you a lot later: Strengthening the roof to bear an additional future floor at a slight additional cost during the pouring phase. Leaving an opening in the roof covered with a removable concrete cover for the elevator shaft. Extending electricity and water pipes to locations you may need in the future. Designing stairs wide enough to install a stair lift if necessary.

Sixth: Common Design Mistakes That Prevent Future Modifications

Mistake One: Utilizing Every Centimeter

The desire to utilize all space may come at the expense of flexibility. Leave some reserve spaces - they're an investment, not waste.

Mistake Two: Neglecting Staircase Location

The staircase in a narrow corner seems space-saving, but it prevents adding an elevator in the future. A central location is better in the long run.

Mistake Three: Load-Bearing Walls Everywhere

Using load-bearing walls extensively within floors makes any modification impossible. Use a skeletal frame of columns and beams with light partitions.

Mistake Four: Ignoring People with Special Needs

The Saudi Building Code requires preparing at least one bathroom in each residential unit to be suitable for people with special needs. This is not only a regulatory requirement but preparation for any health emergency in the family.

Mistake Five: Not Keeping Plans

Keep a complete copy of all architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing plans. You'll need them for any future modification or when selling the property.

Seventh: Solutions for Existing Buildings - What to Do If It's Too Late?

If your home is already built and wasn't planned for future modifications, don't despair. There are solutions:

Pit-less Elevators

These modern elevators don't need a pit or machine room. They can be installed in a very small space starting from 90×90 cm. They work with hydraulic or gearless electric system. Their cost ranges from 35,000 to 60,000 SAR with installation.

External Elevators

If you can't find internal space, an elevator can be installed on the building's exterior facade. It needs a design that harmonizes with the facade and a permit from the municipality. Its cost is higher due to external construction work.

Stair Lift

An economical solution for the elderly, installed on the existing stairs. Its cost ranges from 15,000 to 40,000 SAR. Suitable for individual use, not for moving furniture.

Non-Structural Modifications

You can make many modifications without touching structural elements such as: Removing or moving non-load-bearing walls. Changing room distribution using partitions. Expanding openings in non-load-bearing walls. Adding bathrooms or kitchens in new locations.

Eighth: The Regulatory Aspect - What You Need to Know About the Saudi Code

Saudi Building Code Mandatory Compliance

The Saudi Building Code has been mandatory for all new residential buildings since 2021, and requirements were tightened in the 2024 edition. The code sets the minimum technical requirements that achieve building safety and life safety.

Building Code 2024 Updates

In January 2025, the National Committee for Saudi Building Code announced an update to the code system to include three new structural codes. The update comes every five years to keep pace with developments in the construction sector.

Designer and Executor Responsibility

According to the system, the supervising designer and executor are jointly responsible for compensating the owner for what happens within 10 years from the date of issuing the occupancy certificate from total or partial collapse, and for any hidden defect threatening building durability and safety.

Existing Buildings Code SBC 901

When carrying out renovation work, compliance with the Existing Buildings Code SBC 901 is required, which specifies special requirements for modifying and renovating existing buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an elevator to my villa built 10 years ago?

Yes, it's possible, but it depends on the building design. If there's suitable space, a traditional elevator can be installed. If not, pit-less elevators or external elevators can be used. Consult a specialized engineer to evaluate options.

How much does leaving space for an elevator during construction cost?

The additional cost is very minimal compared to adding it later. Leaving a vertical void during construction may cost an additional 10,000-20,000 SAR, while adding it to an existing building may cost 100,000-200,000 SAR.

Can I remove a concrete column to expand a room?

No, removing concrete columns is completely prohibited because it threatens building safety. Any touching of structural elements requires a study from a specialized engineering office and a permit, and the permit usually won't be granted for removing a column.

What's the difference between a renovation permit and a component addition permit?

A renovation permit is for repairs without changes to structural elements or adding new components. A building component addition and modification permit is for any modification that includes adding a new component like an elevator or changing structural elements.

How long does approval for a renovation permit take?

Usually 3 to 10 working days if documents are complete. The period may be longer if the application needs additional reviews or field inspection.

Are pit-less elevators safe?

Yes, modern pit-less elevators are equipped with advanced safety systems such as emergency brakes and smart sensors. Make sure to buy an elevator from an approved company that complies with Saudi specifications.

Conclusion: Invest in Planning Today to Save Millions Tomorrow

Building a home is not a project for today only, but an investment for decades to come. The decisions you make today in design will determine how flexible your home will be in the future. Leaving space for an elevator, designing flexible rooms, placing the staircase in a strategic location - all simple decisions today but they save you hundreds of thousands of riyals and years of frustration in the future.

If your home is already built, don't despair. Modern solutions like pit-less elevators provide excellent alternatives. The important thing is to consult a specialized engineer and obtain necessary permits before any modification.

Share this article with everyone planning to build their home - knowledge on this topic is worth gold.