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27 Things to Do Before Hiring a Contractor in Dubai

The checklist we wish every homeowner had before starting their renovation. Covers permits, contracts, payments, materials — everything that protects you.

Permit Requirements
NOC, municipality approvals, and what happens if you skip them
Contractor Vetting
10 questions to ask, 6 documents to verify, 3 deal-breakers
Contract Protection
Payment terms, warranty clauses, and timeline guarantees to demand

What's In The Checklist

27
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At a Glance

Preparing for a home renovation in Dubai involves a 27-point checklist before hiring a contractor, covering permits from Dubai Municipality and DEWA approvals, typically taking 4-8 weeks. Costs start at AED 25,000 for bathrooms and AED 150,000 for full villas, with First Unicorn Interiors offering a 3-year warranty on 800+ projects.

Key facts
  • Obtain Dubai Municipality building permit and NOC before starting any structural work.
  • Secure DEWA approval for electrical and plumbing changes, required for all renovations.
  • Budget AED 25K+ for bathrooms, AED 45K+ for kitchens, AED 150K+ for full villas.
  • Hire in-house teams like First Unicorn for 800+ completed projects with 3-year warranty.
  • Plan 4-8 weeks for approvals and design phase to avoid delays in Dubai renovations.

Quick answers

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Dubai?
A standard bathroom renovation in Dubai costs AED 25,000 to AED 50,000, including tiling, plumbing, and fixtures. For luxury upgrades with smart features, expect AED 50,000 to AED 80,000. First Unicorn Interiors provides detailed quotes based on these ranges for efficient projects.
How long does a full villa renovation take in Dubai?
A small villa renovation takes 8-12 weeks, covering design and execution. Medium scopes require 12-16 weeks for full interiors and structural work. Large villa projects span 16-24 weeks, including approvals and custom fitouts.
What permits and NOCs are needed for renovation in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality issues the building permit for structural changes, while DEWA provides No Objection Certificate for electrical and water connections. For rental properties, RERA approval is required via the Ejari system. Master developers like Emaar or Nakheel must approve works in their communities.
How many steps are in a pre-renovation checklist for Dubai?
The 27-point checklist includes 10 steps for design and approvals, 8 for budgeting and contractor selection, and 9 for site preparation. This ensures compliance with Dubai regulations and avoids fines up to AED 50,000.
What is the cost of a kitchen renovation in Dubai?
Basic kitchen renovations cost AED 45,000 to AED 70,000, covering cabinets and countertops. Premium setups with appliances and islands range from AED 70,000 to AED 100,000. First Unicorn handles over 800 projects with these fixed estimates.
What warranty applies?
3-year craftsmanship warranty, covers workmanship + materials defects, includes structural, plumbing, electrical, tiling, joinery, finishes.
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