Home renovation cost is usually the first thing people wonder about the moment they start imagining a better home.
Maybe it begins with a small thought — “What if we refreshed the kitchen?” Or maybe it’s bigger — “Should we finally renovate the whole place?” Very quickly, inspiration turns into questions, and the biggest one is always the same: How much is this actually going to cost in the UAE?
The tricky part is that renovation prices aren’t written anywhere clearly. One person says it’s affordable, another says it doubled their budget, and online numbers rarely match real-life quotes. Between apartments and villas, basic upgrades and luxury finishes, the range can feel confusing — even overwhelming.
That’s exactly why this guide exists. Instead of vague estimates or unrealistic promises, we’ll walk through real renovation costs in the UAE, room by room and project by project. From kitchen renovation costs and the average cost to remodel a bathroom to full house renovation costs and home addition cost, this article helps you understand what to expect before you speak to a contractor.
Estimated cost of renovation of a home in the UAE (At a glance)
To begin with, the overall prices that most contracting companies and designers use in the UAE are as follows:
- Light/ Cosmetic Renovation: AED 300 to 600 per sq.ft.
(painting, floor replacement, and small carpentry).
- Med level renovation: AED 600-900 per sq.ft.
( renovations in the kitchens and bathrooms, better finishing, and minor layout modifications).
- Full or Luxury renovation: 900-1,300+ per sq.ft.
(Incorporates design, quality materials, custom-made cabinets, and designer features).
These figures are averages and should be treated as planning benchmarks rather than fixed prices.
What influences home renovation cost in the UAE?
The total renovation costs are dependent on various Factors, and they include:
- Scope of Work
Compared to structural change, cosmetic changes are relatively cheap. This is because any movement of the wall, change of layout, and additions would involve increased labor cost, approval cost, and material cost.
- Type of Property
The normal price of renovating apartments is cheaper as compared to renovating villas. The reason behind this is normally due to the fact that the villa might need renovation jobs on the exterior, roofing, landscape, and structural parts. All these factors make the remodeling of the entire house more expensive.
- Materials and finishes
Local materials, modular kitchens, and standard tiles are cost-effective. The budget will be significantly raised with foreign finishes, natural stones, custom furniture, and foreign brands.
- Design and professional services
Interior designers and architects play a key role in renovation projects, especially when layouts, finishes, or structural elements are involved. Their involvement helps streamline decision-making, coordinate trades efficiently, and ensure the renovation aligns with both functional and aesthetic goals.
- Location & Accessibility
High-rise apartments, restricted-access sites, and lifestyle communities may increase labor and logistics costs.
kitchen renovation cost in the UAE
The kitchen is typically the costliest area of the house to renovate. It involves electrical installation, plumbing, cabinets, appliances, and other finishing touches-all occurring in the same area.
Average kitchen remodeling prices:
- Basic kitchen makeover cost: AED 15,000–40,000
(Reface or repaint the cabinet, New countertop, backsplash, Lighting advancements)
- Kitchen renovation – mid-range 40,000
(New modular kitchen, Enhanced layout design, Built-in appliances)
- High-end kitchen renovation: AED 85,000–120,000+
(Custom cabinetry, High-quality appliances, luxury finishes)
If you’re upgrading for lifestyle rather than resale, mid-range kitchens offer the best value.
Average Bathroom Remodeling Costs in the UAE
Bathrooms are relatively small spaces, but they are often technically complex due to plumbing and waterproofing requirements.
Bathroom renovation cost varies enormously depending.
- Basic bathroom renovation: AED 8,000
(fixtures replacement, repainting, simple tiles)
- Bathroom Renovation (Standard): AED 15,000–35,000
(New tiles, vanity, sanitary ware, lighting)
- Redesign of a high-end bathroom: AED 35000.
(walk-in shower, luxurious, custom vanity)
Remodeling a bathroom per family unit in the UAE would cost an average of AED 18,000 and AED 30,000, depending on the size of the bathroom and the quality of the material used.
Home addition cost in the UAE
Home additions are common in villas, including extra bedrooms, extended living areas, or enclosed balconies.
The average price for home additions:
Small room addition: AED 45,000–95,000
Kitchen or living room extension: AED 35,000–60,000+
Large villa extensions: AED 100,000+
Unlike interior renovations, additions require approvals, structural engineering, and sometimes soil testing, all of which affect the total home addition cost.
Full house renovation cost(Apartments and Villas)
Apartment renovation costs:
- Partial renovation: AED 70,000–150,000
- Full apartment renovation: AED 150,000–400,000+
Villa renovation costs:
- Medium renovation: AED 300,000–700,000
- High-end or luxury renovation: AED 1,000,000+
The final house renovation cost depends largely on changes, bathroom and kitchen complexity, and the level of finish.
Structural renovation vs cosmetic renovation
It becomes helpful in managing expenditures because:
Cosmetic renovation
- Painting
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Cabinet upgrades
Lower cost, shorter timeline, fewer approvals.
Structural renovation
- Wall removal or construction
- Plumbing relocation
- Extensions or additions
Higher Cost, Long Timeframe, Approval Needed, Facilitates Full Transformation.
How to estimate your renovation budget accurately
A simple budgeting technique:
- Measure the size of your property.
- Select renovation level (light, medium, full)
- Multiply by per sq.ft. cost
- Add 10–15% contingency
Example:
1,100 sq.ft. × AED 750 = AED 825,000
- 10% contingency = ~AED 907,500
This approach helps set realistic expectations early.
How to reduce home renovation cost without compromising quality
If you have a home that you love,
- Keep plumbing and electrical points in place.
- Use premium materials only in visible areas
- Repaint or refinish the cabinets rather than replacing them.
- Finalize design before work commences.
- Avoid mid-project changes
A good plan can cut renovation costs by 15 to 25%.
Timeline expectations for UAE renovations
- Cosmetic renovation: 2–4 weeks
- Kitchen or bathroom renovation: 4–6 weeks
- Full apartment renovation: 8–12 weeks
- Villa renovation or extension: 3–6 months
A rushed timeline tends to increase costs.
Contracts, payments, and warranties
Before starting:
- Sign a detailed written contract
- No big initial payments
- Pay in project milestones
- Ensure Defect Liability Period
- Verify warranties of materials and artistry.
This safeguards your investment and your peace of mind.
Common renovation mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the cheapest quote
- Skipping professional design
- Ignoring approvals
- Underestimating costs
- Not keeping a contingency budge
Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and stress.
Final thoughts:
Understanding home renovation costs in the UAE will help you to spend less and renovate your home without much worry. It is very important and necessary to be educated and prepared, whether you are making a budget of the cost to renovate your kitchen, a home addition cost, or to estimate the average cost of remodeling an entire bathroom. Renovating your home is not all about money, but spending the money in a wise way so that you can have a home that suits you.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Rajabi, Ph.D., P.Eng
Founder & Executive Director, Sierra Turnkey Contracting LLC
Dr. Sarah Rajabi leads one of the UAE’s premier construction and fit-out companies. With extensive experience in luxury residential and commercial renovations, she combines technical expertise with style and precision, helping homeowners create spaces they truly love.
