Home Renovation Cost In Dubai

Cost is the most important factor when renovating a home in Dubai, as prices vary for materials, labor, design, and permits. These costs can increase depending on the size and quality of the project. The most expensive part of a home renovation is usually the kitchen, but renovating bathrooms, adding extensions, or updating the exterior can also be quite costly. That’s why it is important to understand the cost breakdown and plan the budget carefully before starting home renovations.

Home Renovation Cost per Square Foot in Dubai

Per square foot cost means how much each square foot of your renovation project will cost.

Formula: Total area in sq. ft. × cost per sq. ft. = total renovation cost.

For example, if your house is 2,000 square feet and the cost per square foot is AED 500, the total cost will be AED 1,000,000.

Factors Affecting Cost

While renovating a home in Dubai, it is important to understand these factors in order to budget effectively.

1. Material Quality

Using high-quality materials increases cost, like: 

• Imported Tiles
• Marble
• Premium Wood 

2. Labor Costs

The demand, renovation complexity and availability of skilled workers charge more.

3. Scope of Work

Full renovations are charged at a high rate per square foot due to the increased labor and materials required.

4. Finishes

Luxury finishes increase cost, like: 

• Custom Cabinetry
• Designer Lighting
• High-End Fixtures

6. Home Age and Condition

An older home requires more work, which increase the cost, especially if it includes: 

• Structural changes
• custom design layouts
• Plumbing 
• Electrical system upgrades 

7. Location within Dubai

Renovation costs vary in different areas of  Dubai:

• Palm Jumeirah: AED 1,700 – AED 3,500 per sq. ft.

• Dubai Marina & JLT: AED 1,200 – AED 2,800 per sq. ft.
• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): AED 850 – AED 1,200 per sq. ft.

Check: Eco-Friendly Tile Materials for Dubai Homes

Average Cost of Home Renovation in Dubai

These average renovation costs include painting, flooring, tiling, minor repairs, and bathroom and kitchen upgrades, etc.

1. Minor Renovation: AED 10,000 – AED 50,000

2. Medium-Scale Renovation: AED 50,000 – AED 150,000

3. Full Home Renovation: AED 150,000 – AED 500,000+

Typical Average Cost Ranges

Here is the average cost range based on the property type.

Apartments:

• For a 1-bedroom apartment: costs between AED 30,000 and AED 80,000.
• For a 3-bedroom apartment: cost is AED 100,000 to AED 200,000.

Townhouses: 
Typical renovation costs range from AED 100,000 to AED 300,000, depending on the scope and finishes.

Villas:

• Full interior and exterior renovation can range from AED 500,000 to AED 1,000,000 or more. 
• Luxury makeovers may cost AED 1.5 million or higher.

Renovation Cost Breakdown for Dubai Houses

Every home’s renovation cost varies depending on interior, exterior, and hidden charges. Here, we’re sharing a detailed breakdown of these costs to help you plan your budget easily.

1. Interior Renovation Costs

Kitchen Renovation Costs: 

From a basic upgrade at around AED 20,000 to a luxury kitchen costing AED 250,000+.

Bathroom Renovation Costs: 

From a small bathroom at around AED 10,000 to high-end fixtures costing AED 150,000+.

Flooring Costs: 

From ceramic tiles at AED 50 per sq. m. to marble flooring at AED 700 per sq. m.

Painting & Wall Treatments: 

From basic painting at AED 5 per sq. ft. to premium textured walls at AED 80 per sq. ft.

Electrical and Plumbing Work: 

The costs range from basic electrical work at around AED 5,000 to pipe and drainage work at around AED 10,000.

Custom Interior Design & Decor:

Mainly, it starts from basic design costs of around AED 5,000 and can go up to AED 200,000+ for custom designs.

2. Exterior Renovation Costs

Facade & Exterior Finishing Cost

• Painting and basic finishing: AED 50,000 – AED 100,000 

Landscaping Work Cost

• Basic garden & lighting: AED 100,000 – AED 300,000
• Yard-level upgrades: AED 3,000 – AED 50,000+, depending on scale.

Swimming Pool Work Cost

• Basic concrete pool: AED 60,000 – AED 80,000
• Custom or luxury pools: AED 130,000 – AED 300,000  .
• Shell, excavation, decking, features, etc: AED 80,000 – AED 250,000+

3. Hidden Costs 

These are some hidden costs which you must need to know at the time of budgeting.

1. Project supervision fee:

• Villas: AED 25,000 per month
  
• Apartments: AED 10,000 per month

2. Municipal approval coordination: AED 3,000 to AED 10,000

3. Structural/Engineering Approvals

• Authority NOCs: AED 2,000 to AED 6,000
  
• Structural clearance: AED 1,500 to AED 4,000

As-built drawing/package: AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 total

4. DEWA reconnections, waste removal, utility upgrades: Additional charges apply.

• Permits: AED 500 to AED 2,000
• Waste disposal: AED 1,000 to AED 3,000
• VAT/import duties: Approximately 10–15%

How Long Does a Home Renovation Take in Dubai?

1. Small Projects: A small renovation, like a bathroom refresh or minor upgrades, typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

2. Medium Projects: If the project involves kitchen or bathroom overhauls or layout changes, it usually takes 2 to 4 months.

3. Large Projects: Structural renovations or full-scale villa remodeling usually take 4 to 6 months or sometimes more. For luxury projects, the duration can be 6 to 12 months.

Tips to Save Money on Home Renovation in Dubai

Follow these tips to save money when planning to renovate your home.

1. Choosing The Right Contractor

The first and most important step is to select a good contractor which is licensed, insured, and experienced. This helps avoid extra repairs and compliance fines. Check their portfolio, client references, and online reviews. Ensure the contract includes the scope, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty in writing.

2. Plan Ahead

Before starting the project, create a detailed plan: 

• what work will be done when, 
• material delivery schedules, and 
• required approvals from developers or municipalities. 

Good planning avoids delays from material lead times or site-access issues, making cost control easier.

3. Budgeting Properly

Make an itemized budget covering labor, materials, fittings, approvals, and a contingency fund at least 10–15% and 15–20% for older homes. Create a priority list and postpone unnecessary upgrades.

4. Compare Quotes

Get itemized quotes from contractors including unit rates, exclusions, and timelines. Compare quotes against the same scope of work and don’t just focus on the total amount. Check for hidden exclusions, warranty terms, and change-order policies.

5. Use Quality Yet Affordable Materials

Luxury imported items aren’t always necessary; engineered wood, porcelain tiles, and local-brand fixtures often provide good looks and durability at a lower cost. Check samples from suppliers, negotiate bulk purchase discounts, and use trade suppliers.

6. Refurbish Instead Of Replace

You don’t need to replace everything. Refacing cabinets, repainting, reglazing tiles, or replacing fixtures can save a lot of money.

7. Avoid Last-Minute Changes

Mid-project design changes cause delays, rework, and material waste. Finalize the design and fixtures upfront to avoid this. If changes are needed, assess their cost and delay impact beforehand and get a written change order.

FAQ

How much does it cost to renovate a house in Dubai?

The cost to renovate a house in Dubai is usually AED 50-200 per square foot, depending on some factors.

What is the most expensive thing when renovating a house?

The kitchen, because it involves costly cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. After that, bathrooms and structural changes increase the overall cost the most.

Final Thoughts

The home renovation cost per square foot in Dubai is not just a number but a planning tool that helps you create a realistic budget and make smart decisions. Whether it’s a basic update or a luxury makeover, with clear estimation and the right contractor, you can turn your home into a valuable space.