Is it permissible to recover money spent on renovations in the deceased father's house, with the intention of starting an uncompleted business, from the heirs' inheritance?
Your renovations to your father's house fall into three categories:
1. You agree with your father or the heirs that these renovations are in exchange for your commercial use of the house, provided that the duration and amount are specified. If you are unable to complete the renovations, the matter reverts to your agreement with them.
2. You agree with your father or the heirs that this is a gift from you. In this case, you have no right to compensation for these renovations or to benefit from them, except with the consent of those who have the right.
3. There is no agreement. In this case, you are considered a volunteer, and you are not entitled to anything from the heirs except with their consent. However, if it is known that you regularly undertake such work for a fee, then according to the majority of scholars, you are entitled to a customary wage. The Shafi'i school of thought holds that you are a volunteer and are entitled to nothing.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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