First Unicorn Interiors — 2026 Edition

Dubai Villa Renovation Cost Guide

Real pricing from 800+ completed projects across Dubai's premium communities. Updated February 2026.

1. Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen renovations are consistently the highest-ROI room upgrade in Dubai. Costs vary significantly based on layout complexity, material grade, and appliance selection.

Scope	Essential	Premium	Luxury
Galley / small kitchen	AED 45,000–65,000	AED 65,000–120,000	AED 120,000–180,000
L-shape / standard	AED 60,000–85,000	AED 85,000–150,000	AED 150,000–220,000
U-shape / island	AED 80,000–120,000	AED 120,000–200,000	AED 200,000–350,000
Open-plan + island + butler's pantry	AED 100,000–160,000	AED 160,000–280,000	AED 280,000–500,000+

What's included: Demolition, cabinetry, countertops, splashback, plumbing relocation, electrical, flooring, painting, lighting fixtures. Appliances are typically quoted separately.

Material Cost Drivers

Material	Cost / sqm	Notes
Laminate countertop	AED 200–400	Budget option, 5-year lifespan
Engineered stone (Caesarstone)	AED 600–1,200	Most popular in Dubai, stain-resistant
Natural marble (Calacatta)	AED 1,500–3,500	Statement piece, requires sealing
Porcelain slab	AED 800–1,800	Looks like marble, zero maintenance

2. Bathroom Renovation

Bathrooms deliver the most dramatic transformations. A dated 2008 bathroom can become a spa-like retreat in 4–6 weeks.

Scope	Essential	Premium	Luxury
Powder room / guest WC	AED 15,000–25,000	AED 25,000–45,000	AED 45,000–70,000
Standard bathroom	AED 35,000–55,000	AED 55,000–90,000	AED 90,000–140,000
Master ensuite	AED 50,000–80,000	AED 80,000–130,000	AED 130,000–200,000
Master + walk-in shower + freestanding tub	AED 70,000–110,000	AED 110,000–180,000	AED 180,000–300,000+

What's included: Full gut, waterproofing, tiling (walls + floor), vanity unit, shower enclosure, fixtures, lighting, mirror, exhaust fan, painting.

3. Full Villa Renovation

Turnkey villa renovation covers everything from demolition to handover. Pricing depends heavily on villa size, community, and scope.

Villa Size	Essential	Premium	Luxury
2–3 BR townhouse	AED 120,000–250,000	AED 250,000–450,000	AED 450,000–700,000
4 BR villa	AED 200,000–400,000	AED 400,000–700,000	AED 700,000–1,200,000
5–6 BR villa	AED 350,000–600,000	AED 600,000–1,000,000	AED 1,000,000–2,000,000
Signature / mansion	AED 500,000+	AED 1,000,000+	AED 2,000,000+

4. Community Premium Multipliers

Not all communities are created equal. Access restrictions, material transport logistics, and HOA requirements all affect pricing.

Community	Premium	Why
Arabian Ranches	Baseline	Standard access, no premium
Dubai Hills Estate	+5–10%	Emaar HOA requirements
Jumeirah Golf Estates	+10–15%	Gated access, larger villas
Palm Jumeirah	+20–25%	Island access, material transport, security clearance
Al Barari	+25–30%	Strict HOA, premium finishes expected
Emirates Hills	+30–35%	Ultra-premium standard, complex logistics, security protocols

5. Glass & Aluminium Works

Item	Price Range (AED)
Frameless shower enclosure (standard)	3,500–7,000
Frameless shower enclosure (custom)	7,000–15,000
Glass balustrade (per linear metre)	1,200–2,500
Glass partition wall	800–2,000 per sqm
Aluminium sliding doors (per panel)	4,000–12,000
Skylight	8,000–25,000

6. Swimming Pool Renovation

Scope	Price Range (AED)
Retiling + replastering	40,000–80,000
Full renovation (tile + equipment + deck)	80,000–180,000
New pool construction	120,000–350,000+
Infinity edge upgrade	+50,000–120,000

7. The Hidden Costs

⚠️ These costs are often NOT included in competitor quotes:

Dubai Municipality permit: AED 2,000–8,000 depending on scope
NOC from community developer: AED 500–5,000 (varies by community)
DEWA modifications: AED 3,000–15,000 if electrical capacity needs upgrading
AC duct modifications: AED 2,000–10,000 if layout changes affect airflow
Waste disposal: AED 1,500–5,000 (demolition debris, old materials)
Temporary storage: AED 500–2,000/month if furniture needs relocating
Waterproofing warranty: Some contractors skip proper waterproofing to save AED 3,000–8,000
Final clean: AED 800–2,500 for professional post-construction cleaning

First Unicorn difference: All of the above are included in our quotes as standard line items. No surprises at handover.

8. How to Read a Renovation Quote

Green Flags ✅

Itemised material specifications (brand, model, colour code)
Separate labour and material costs visible
Milestone-based payment schedule (not more than 30% upfront)
Timeline with specific start and completion dates
Warranty terms in writing
Company trade licence number on the quote

Red Flags 🚩

"Material allowance" instead of specific products — this means they'll upsell later
50%+ required upfront — cash flow risk, could indicate financial instability
"Approximately" timelines with no contractual commitment
No company stamp, trade licence, or physical address
Verbal promises without written documentation
Significantly lower than other quotes (>30% below) — corner-cutting incoming

9. Safe Payment Structure

Milestone	%	What Should Be Complete
Contract signing	10%	Secures slot, begins material ordering
Demolition + rough works	30%	Site cleared, plumbing/electrical roughed in
Finishing stage	40%	Tiling, joinery, fixtures installed
Handover	20%	Snagging complete, final walkthrough approved

Rule of thumb: Never pay more than the value of work completed. If a contractor demands 50%+ upfront, walk away.

Ready for a Precise Quote?

This guide gives you ranges. A free site visit gives us everything we need for an exact, itemised quote — no obligation.

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