Are you planning to renovate your home but are unsure how much money you should keep aside? Knowing the home renovation cost in Dubai helps you avoid budget shocks later. Many homeowners start work with rough ideas, then expenses slowly grow because they did not plan properly.
At Skybeams Renovations, our prices are based on apartment size, villa layout, materials, and labor. If you understand the cost early, you can set a realistic budget, compare contractor quotes, and avoid last-minute compromises. Simply put, clear cost planning saves money, time, and stress.
How Much Does Home Renovation Cost in Dubai?
On average, renovation prices are calculated per square foot. A light or cosmetic renovation usually costs between AED 300 and AED 500 per sq.ft. This covers painting, basic flooring, and small repairs. A medium renovation ranges from AED 500 to AED 800 per sq. ft., which includes kitchen upgrades, bathroom improvements, and better finishes. Luxury renovation starts from AED 900 and can go up to AED 1,500 per sq. ft., covering custom interiors, premium materials, and full layout changes.
These figures are general estimates. Your final Home Renovation Cost in Dubai depends on your property size, design choices, and how much work is involved.
Light Renovation Cost
At this level, the Home Renovation Cost in Dubai stays lower because work is mostly cosmetic. It usually includes wall painting, simple flooring replacement, lighting changes, and minor carpentry. Many apartment owners choose this option when preparing a property for rent or resale. It’s affordable and usually finishes within a few weeks.
Medium Renovation Cost in Dubai
Here, the Home Renovation Cost in Dubai covers kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, improved electrical points, and better-quality finishes. You may also update wardrobes or adjust small layouts. This option is popular with families who plan to live in the home long-term and want comfort without luxury-level spending.
Luxury Renovation Cost in Dubai
At this level, the cost includes custom cabinets, premium tiles, designer bathrooms, smart lighting, and sometimes structural changes. Villas usually fall into this category because they involve outdoor areas and multiple rooms. This type of renovation takes longer but gives a complete upgrade in lifestyle and property value.
Factors of Home Renovation Cost in Dubai
Many people ask why renovation quotes change so much from one home to another. The truth is, your renovation cost depends on several real factors.
Scope of Work
If you only repaint walls or change flooring, your budget stays low. But if you move walls, change layouts, or add rooms, costs rise fast. Structural changes need more labor, engineering, and approvals. Simple upgrades cost less. Full remodeling costs more. Always decide early how much work you really need.
Type of Property
Villas often need outdoor work, roofing checks, landscaping, and sometimes swimming pool repairs. Apartments are smaller and easier to manage. So naturally, home renovation costs in Dubai are higher for villas, especially in areas like Arabian Ranches or Dubai Hills Estate.
Materials Requirements
Local tiles, standard cabinets, and basic fittings help control your budget. Imported tiles, natural stone, and custom furniture increase costs. Kitchens and bathrooms need moisture-resistant materials because of the UAE weather. Many homeowners buy supplies from Dragon Mart or Al Quoz to save money.
Tip: Use premium materials only in visible areas like living rooms and kitchens.
Designs
If your layout stays the same, labor stays lower. Custom ceilings, feature walls, or designer bathrooms add extra work hours. Interior designers help avoid mistakes, but their fees also become part of your renovation cost. Clear drawings before work starts can save you from expensive changes later.
Contractor and Professional Services
Licensed contractors charge more than unlicensed workers, but they follow safety rules and proper standards. Cheap quotes often lead to poor finishing or delays. Good contractors manage plumbers, electricians, and carpenters under one plan, which keeps your project smooth and your budget controlled.
Regulatory and Permits
Most renovations need permission from the Dubai Municipality. Electrical and water changes usually need clearance from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. These approvals cost money and take time, but skipping them can stop your project or cause fines.
Location for Accessibility
High-rise buildings, gated communities, and busy areas need special access permissions and limited work hours. This increases labor time and transport costs. Easy-access homes cost less to renovate. Restricted locations take longer, which raises your overall renovation bill.
Average Cost of Home Renovation in Dubai
Your Home Renovation Cost in Dubai depends on which part of the house you upgrade and how deep the work goes. Some people only repaint. Others change kitchens, bathrooms, or even outdoor areas. Below are average price ranges to help you plan better.
Kitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai
A basic kitchen renovation usually starts around AED 15,000. This covers repainting cabinets, simple countertops, and basic lighting.
A medium kitchen renovation costs about AED 25,000, including modular cabinets and better fittings.
High-end kitchens reach AED 40,000 or more with custom cabinets, built-in appliances, and premium finishes. Kitchens cost more because plumbing, electrical, and carpentry all happen in one space.
Bathroom Renovation Cost in Dubai
Basic bathroom work starts near AED 5,000. This includes fixture replacement and light tiling.
A medium bathroom renovation is around AED 15,000, with new tiles, vanity, and lighting.
High-end bathrooms cost about AED 20,000+ for walk-in showers, luxury fittings, and custom storage. Waterproofing and plumbing make bathrooms technical, even though they look small.
Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai
Small apartment upgrades begin at AED 10,000, usually for paint and minor repairs.
Medium apartment renovations average AED 40,000, covering flooring, kitchen updates, and bathrooms.
High-end apartment projects can go up to AED 80,000+, especially if layouts change. Your Home Renovation Cost in Dubai rises when electrical points or walls are moved.
Villa Renovation Cost in Dubai
Basic villa renovation starts from AED 60,000. This often includes painting and interior upgrades.
Medium villa projects cost about AED 100,000, adding kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring.
High-end villa renovation reaches AED 150,000 or more, especially with outdoor work, roofing checks, or full interior redesign.
Swimming Pool Maintenance Cost in Dubai
Basic swimming pool maintenance in Dubai is around AED 1,200 for cleaning and chemical balancing.
Medium service costs about AED 2,500, including filter checks and minor repairs.
High-end pool maintenance reaches AED 4,000, covering tile repair, pump service, and deep cleaning. Pools need regular care due to the Dubai heat.
Landscape Renovation Cost in Dubai
Simple garden upgrades start near AED 25,000, like grass replacement or small planting.
Medium landscaping costs around AED 100,000, including pathways and lighting.
High-end outdoor renovation can reach AED 125,000+ with pergolas, seating areas, and full garden redesign. Outdoor spaces add value but increase your Home Renovation Cost in Dubai.
Painting Service Cost in Dubai
Studio apartment painting starts from AED 500.
Villa painting usually ranges between AED 2,000 and AED 5,000, depending on size and paint quality.
Repainting is the cheapest way to refresh your home and often gives the biggest visual change for the lowest cost.
How to Estimate Renovation Budget in the UAE?
To estimate your home renovation cost in Dubai, start by measuring your home’s size in square feet. This gives you a clear base number. After that, choose your renovation level: light, medium, or luxury. Light work usually costs less, while full renovation costs more.
Now multiply your home size by the average price per square foot. For example, if your apartment is 1,000 sq. ft. and a medium renovation is AED 600 per sq. ft., your rough budget becomes AED 600,000.
Always add 15 to 20 percent extra as contingency. Hidden wiring issues, old plumbing, or last-minute changes can increase cost. This extra amount protects your budget from stress later.
Also, remember to include approval fees from Dubai Municipality and utility changes from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority if your renovation involves plumbing or electrical work.
A simple formula:
Home size × renovation level cost + 15% buffer = safe renovation budget
How to Reduce Renovation Cost in Dubai?
You can control your renovation cost in Dubai if you plan smartly from day one.
Hire a professional contractor
A licensed contractor helps you avoid mistakes, rework, and delays. Cheap contractors often cause double expenses later.
Use premium material on visible areas
Spend more on places people see, like kitchen counters and living room floors. Use standard material in hidden areas to save money.
Consider repaint and refurbishment
Instead of changing cabinets or doors, repaint or polish them. This refreshes your home at a much lower cost.
Avoid mid-project changes
Changing design during work increases labor and material costs. Finalize everything before work starts. Small planning steps like these can easily save 10 to 25 percent of your total renovation budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home Renovation Cost in Dubai usually starts from around AED 300 per sq. ft. for light work and can go up to AED 1,500 per sq. ft. for luxury renovation. The final price depends on your home size, materials, and how much work you need. That’s why two homes in the same area can have very different budgets.
The kitchen and bathroom usually cost the most. These areas need plumbing, electrical work, cabinets, tiles, and fittings all in one place, which increases labor and material costs. Villas also become expensive because of outdoor areas and structural changes.
On average, you can expect:
Light renovation: AED 300 to 500 per sq. ft.
Medium renovation: AED 500 to 800 per sq. ft.
Luxury renovation: AED 900 to 1,500 per sq. ft.
These are rough planning numbers. Your actual cost may change after site inspection and design approval.
A small apartment renovation may start from AED 40,000, while a full villa renovation can reach AED 150,000 or more. Most homeowners spend between AED 80,000 and AED 300,000 for medium-level renovation, depending on layout and finishes.
Yes, many people use personal bank loans for renovation. Some UAE banks also offer home improvement loans. You can also ask your contractor about staged payments. For structural work, approvals from Dubai Municipality are required, which should be included in your budget planning.
Plan everything before work starts and avoid changing designs mid-project. Use premium materials only in visible areas, repaint cabinets instead of replacing them, and always hire a licensed contractor. You can save a big amount without lowering quality.