Cost bands by scope
Light refresh (paint, minor finishes, fixture replacement): AED 80,000–200,000. Mid-scope renovation (full bathroom and kitchen rebuild, flooring replacement, AC upgrade, electrical refresh): AED 300,000–800,000. Major renovation (re-piping, full MEP upgrade, structural changes, premium finishes, landscape integration): AED 900,000–2,500,000+. Premium villa transformations with high-end finishes and full landscape work go higher.
Realistic timelines
Light refresh: 4–8 weeks. Mid-scope: 12–20 weeks. Major renovation: 6–12 months including DM approvals where required. Most projects miss original timelines by 20–40% — usually due to client decisions during execution rather than contractor delay. Lock major selections (tile, kitchen, bathroom fittings) before mobilisation.
The pitfalls we see most often
Skipping the MEP scope to save cost upfront, then having to revisit it within 5 years at higher disruption and cost. Treating finishes as the main spec while structural and waterproofing detail is left to the contractor's discretion. Splitting the project across multiple service providers with no single project manager. Starting before drawings and material selections are locked.
How we run renovation projects
One project manager, one timeline, one weekly progress report with photos. Detailed BoQ before mobilisation. Material selections locked before each trade starts. Change orders documented in writing with cost and schedule impact. DM permit coordination handled in-house where required.
