Planning a renovation budget in Dubai requires more than just getting a quotation and approving the total. Many clients underestimate costs because they focus only on the contractor’s quotation and forget about materials, appliances, additional services, and essential contingency allowances.
This guide by ASM Interiors by Asfar Majeed Technical Services LLC explains how to build a comprehensive renovation budget in Dubai — covering all cost categories, common exclusions, and practical planning advice.
1. Understand the Full Cost Structure of a Dubai Renovation
A renovation budget in Dubai must account for more than just labour and basic materials. The full cost structure includes:
Category 1: Construction Works
- Demolition (tile removal, wall demolition, ceiling removal)
- Waterproofing (two-coat system with flood test)
- Screed and levelling
- Tiling (floor and wall)
- False ceiling installation
- Painting (walls, ceilings, trims)
- Site protection and waste disposal
Category 2: MEP Works (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
- Plumbing connections and re-routing
- Electrical works (rewiring, new circuits, DB changes)
- AC duct modifications or new units
- Lighting circuit installation
Category 3: Custom Joinery
- Kitchen cabinets (carcass, doors, hardware, countertop)
- Wardrobes and walk-in closets
- TV walls and media units
- Bathroom vanities
- Built-in storage
Category 4: Materials (Client-Supplied or Contractor-Supplied)
- Tiles and flooring
- Sanitaryware (toilet, basin, shower enclosure)
- Mixers, taps, and fittings
- Kitchen appliances (oven, hob, rangehood, dishwasher)
- Lighting fixtures
- Switches, sockets, and faceplates
- Mirrors and accessories
Category 5: Professional Services
- Interior design or layout drawing fees (if applicable)
- Building management NOC application fees
- Dubai Municipality or Trakhees permit fees (for structural works)
- Structural engineer fees (if structural changes required)
Category 6: Contingency
- 10–15% of the approved BOQ total as contingency for unforeseen works
- Common unforeseen items: rotten screed discovered under old tiles, old plumbing requiring replacement, structural crack repairs, mould remediation
2. Budget Planning by Renovation Type
The following are general budget planning ranges for common renovation types in Dubai. These are guideline ranges — actual costs depend on material grade, scope, and project specific conditions:
| Renovation Type | Budget Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen renovation (standard) | AED 35,000 – 80,000 |
| Kitchen renovation (premium) | AED 80,000 – 200,000+ |
| Bathroom renovation (standard) | AED 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Bathroom renovation (premium) | AED 50,000 – 120,000 |
| Full 1-bed apartment | AED 80,000 – 200,000 |
| Full 2-bed apartment | AED 120,000 – 350,000 |
| Full 3-bed apartment | AED 180,000 – 500,000+ |
| Custom wardrobe (per unit) | AED 8,000 – 35,000+ |
| TV wall | AED 12,000 – 80,000+ |
Note: These are indicative ranges only. Get a detailed BOQ from a qualified contractor for accurate pricing based on your specific property and scope.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see our cost guides: kitchen renovation cost Dubai, bathroom renovation cost Dubai, apartment renovation cost Dubai, villa renovation cost Dubai.
3. Common Budget Planning Mistakes to Avoid
- Only budgeting for the contractor’s quote: Forgetting appliances, lighting fixtures, sanitaryware, and other client-supplied items increases actual costs significantly
- No contingency: Projects almost always encounter unforeseen conditions during demolition
- Comparing lump-sum quotes: Only BOQ-to-BOQ comparisons with identical scope and materials are meaningful
- Delaying material decisions: Price increases and stock availability issues can affect costs if materials are not ordered promptly
- Underestimating joinery costs: Custom kitchens, wardrobes, and TV walls represent a significant portion of any renovation budget and require early planning
4. Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Approving the Budget
- Is the BOQ fully itemised with all scope items listed?
- What is explicitly excluded from this quotation?
- What materials are included vs what do I need to supply?
- What are the payment milestones?
- How are scope changes handled and priced?
- What is the contingency recommendation for my project?
Frequently Asked Questions — Renovation Budget Dubai
Q1. How much should I budget for a full Dubai apartment renovation?
Budget varies significantly by apartment size, finish grade, and scope. A 1-bedroom apartment full renovation typically ranges from AED 80,000–200,000 inclusive of construction, joinery, materials, and MEP works. A 2-bedroom apartment: AED 120,000–350,000. Always add 10–15% contingency.
Q2. What is usually excluded from a renovation quote in Dubai?
Common exclusions include kitchen appliances, bathroom sanitaryware, tile supply, lighting fixtures, switches and sockets, building management approval fees, furniture, and contingency works discovered during demolition. Always check the BOQ exclusions list carefully before approving.
Get an Accurate Renovation Budget from ASM Interiors
ASM Interiors provides detailed renovation BOQs with full itemisation, material specifications, and clearly stated inclusions and exclusions. We visit the site, measure the space, and provide accurate pricing based on your actual scope — not a generic estimate.
Contact us to schedule a site visit and get a detailed renovation BOQ for your Dubai property.
