Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai: What Really Drives the Budget

"How much will it cost?" is the first question every client asks — and the one most contractors answer too quickly. Two quotations for the same apartment can differ by 100% and both be "right," because they describe different projects. This article explains what really drives renovation cost in Dubai and how to make sure you are comparing like with like.

The five factors that decide your budget

1. Scope depth

A cosmetic refresh — paint, lighting, new flooring, refreshed joinery fronts — is a different project from a full renovation that moves walls, replaces MEP and rebuilds kitchen and bathrooms. Most budgets are decided here, not by square footage.

2. Condition of the existing MEP

Older apartments often hide corroded pipes, undersized wiring or tired AC units. Replacing them during the renovation is the right call — walls and ceilings are only open once — but it must be in the budget from the start.

3. Kitchens and bathrooms

These are the most expensive rooms per square metre because they combine plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, stone, tiles, appliances and joinery. An apartment with three bathrooms costs noticeably more to renovate than one with two, even at the same size.

4. Finish level

Natural marble versus porcelain, solid oak versus veneer, imported sanitary ware versus standard ranges — finish choices can multiply the cost of a room. Decide where finish matters most (usually kitchen island, primary bathroom, living-room feature wall) and invest there.

5. Custom joinery and furnishing

Bespoke wardrobes, TV walls, headboards and integrated lighting are what make an interior feel high-end. They are also labour-intensive. Furniture packages add a separate line if you want the apartment ready to live in or rent.

How to read a quotation

A professional quotation should list, room by room:

• Demolition and disposal
• Civil works, partitions and ceilings
• Electrical, plumbing and AC works
• Waterproofing and testing
• Flooring, wall finishes and stone
• Joinery with materials and hardware specified
• Sanitary ware, appliances and lighting (supply and install)
• Approvals, insurance, deposits, protection and final cleaning

If any of these are missing, ask whether they are excluded. Exclusions are where "cheap" quotes become expensive projects.

Costs owners often forget

• Building-management requirements: refundable deposits, insurance certificates, lift bookings and protection of corridors.
• Working-hour restrictions: many towers limit noisy work to set hours, which affects programme and cost.
• Temporary accommodation: if you live in the apartment, factor in where you'll stay during the noisy phases.
• Contingency: we recommend 10% for apartments over ten years old.

How to protect your budget

1. Survey before you design. Know the MEP condition before choosing finishes.
2. Freeze selections early. Every change after work starts costs time and money.
3. Choose a fixed-scope, itemised contract. You'll know exactly what is included.
4. Spend on what you touch and see daily. Kitchen surfaces, bathroom fittings and lighting deliver the most value per dirham.
5. Use one turnkey team. Coordination gaps between separate trades are the most common source of variations.

For investors

If you are renovating to sell or rent, the goal is different: maximum appeal per dirham. Neutral, durable finishes, efficient storage, a well-lit kitchen and two excellent bathrooms usually outperform bold, personal design. Our team tailors the specification to the target buyer or tenant — and tells you where not to spend.

The bottom line

There is no honest "price per square foot" for renovation without seeing the property. What you can expect is a transparent, itemised quotation after a site visit — and a contractor who explains every line. That is how we work at Heritage Turnkey — because a budget you understand is a budget you can control.

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