Identify what needs to change

Walk through the apartment and separate practical problems from aesthetic preferences. A cramped entrance, a kitchen with little usable worktop and a bedroom without enough storage each need a different response. Photograph these areas and write down what happens in daily use.

Also identify what can stay. Retaining suitable floors, cabinetry or service positions can change the scope considerably. The condition of existing items should be assessed before making that decision.

Build a room-by-room scope

  • Living and dining: furniture arrangement, flooring, wall finishes and lighting.
  • Kitchen: cabinetry, worktops, appliance positions and storage.
  • Bedrooms: wardrobes, lighting and finishes suited to the room.
  • Bathrooms: fittings, finishes and the condition of concealed systems where relevant.
  • Throughout the home: the consistency of colours, hardware and materials.

For each area, mark what is essential, what is optional and what needs inspection. This helps separate the initial scope from possible later additions.

Account for apartment-building logistics

A renovation plan needs to fit the building as well as the apartment. Check with management about the proposed works, contractor access, deliveries, waste removal and applicable approval procedures. Do not assume a neighbour’s previous project followed the same requirements.

If you intend to remain in the property, discuss access to the kitchen and bathrooms, protection of belongings and the sequence of dusty work. Confirm temporary arrangements before work begins.

Prepare for an accurate renovation proposal

Send Karigari your apartment location, approximate area, photographs and floor plan if available. Include the rooms involved, target completion window and budget range. An initial conversation helps define the brief; a detailed scope depends on property conditions and agreed specifications.

Read our renovation budget guide before comparing quotations. If your main priority is layout and material selection, our Dubai interior design page explains how to frame that brief.

Your questions, answered.

How much does an apartment renovation cost in Dubai?

There is no single reliable figure without a scope. The area involved, existing condition, material choices, joinery and changes to services affect the proposal. Request an itemised quotation based on your property.

How long will my apartment renovation take?

The schedule depends on the scope, materials, access arrangements and any required approvals. Ask for a project-specific sequence and clarify the assumptions behind the completion date.