Apartment Renovation in Dubai
Full and partial apartment renovations, planned around your building's rules and delivered on a programme you agree before work starts.
What our apartment renovation in Dubai includes
REDO handles apartment renovation in Dubai at any scale, from one bathroom to a full refurbishment of the flat. Apartments come with rules a villa doesn't have: building management approval, fixed working hours, lifts and loading bays to book, and neighbours above, below and next door. We plan around all of that from the first visit, so the works start when they should and don't stall halfway over a missing approval. Depending on scope, most apartment renovations take 2 weeks–3 months. You get a written estimate and a programme before anything starts.
How an apartment renovation works
- First call or WhatsApp. Tell us about the apartment and what you want to change.
- Survey and brief. We visit, measure, check the services and note the building's rules on works and access.
- Design and estimate. You get a design direction and a written estimate with a programme.
- Approvals. We prepare the documents for the building management and, where the work needs it, the authorities.
- Works and handover. We work within the building's permitted hours, keep you updated and hand over the finished apartment.
Living in it, or renovating it empty
An empty apartment is quicker to renovate. We can work in every room at once, and there is no furniture to protect or kitchen to keep running. If you are living there during the works, we phase them so you keep a working bathroom and somewhere to sleep, and we agree the order of rooms with you before we start.
Some combinations are hard to live through. When the kitchen and the bathrooms are being redone at the same time, most people move out for the main phase and come back for the finishing work. At the survey we tell you which option suits your scope.
Approvals for apartment renovation in Dubai
Apartments are in jointly owned buildings, so the building has a say in what you do. In a jointly owned building, changes to the structure, the outside appearance or the common parts need the approval of the master developer, the Dubai Land Department and the competent authority. Your building's management company also sets rules for works, contractor access and working hours.
Changes to your electrical installation need DEWA's prior approval.
Not everything needs a permit. Small cosmetic jobs, such as painting or changing light fittings, usually need no permit. Work that changes walls, ceilings, partitions, flooring in larger units, electrics or plumbing needs approval before it starts.
We prepare the documents with you and add the approval stage to the programme. Our guide to building NOCs and permits explains each step.
What affects the cost of an apartment renovation
We don't publish prices, because two apartments with the same floor plan can need very different work. The cost depends on:
- the size of the apartment and how many rooms you renovate
- whether you change the layout or keep it
- the finishes, fittings and cabinetry you choose
- the condition of the plumbing, electrics and AC
- the building's rules on working hours and access
The first two usually make the biggest difference. Moving a kitchen or a bathroom means new plumbing routes and more approvals, while keeping the layout and changing the finishes is simpler. After the survey you get a written estimate. For more detail, read how renovation costs are worked out.
How long an apartment renovation takes
Apartment renovations take 2 weeks–3 months. Where your project lands in that range depends on how much changes, how long the approvals take, and whether the materials you choose are in stock. On its own, a kitchen renovation takes 2–6 weeks and a bathroom renovation takes 1–3 weeks. A refresh with paint, flooring and lighting sits at the short end. A full renovation with layout changes sits at the long end. Your programme comes with the estimate and shows the approval stage separately.
Why REDO for your apartment renovation
Client Testimonial
""I've been working with Redo for over three years, and they have renovated all five of my apartments. I think that speaks for itself."
“I don’t know much about renovations, but all I can say is the team was great. They completed everything on time and exactly how I wanted. It was also a relief to communicate easily with the team—they spoke English, and I could clearly understand what they were saying.."
“My JLT man cave got transformed into an incredible family oasis. I really appreciate the knowledge they shared about the best materials and solutions, especially for creating a space that's baby-friendly. And, as unbelievable as it sounds, they really finished it on time!!!!”
"I love these guys! They weren’t intimidated by my crazy ideas, and the bathroom turned out incredible—especially with all the lighting installations. Thank you, team!."
Our Partners
Areas we serve
We renovate apartments across Dubai, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay and JVC.
Frequently asked questions
How much does apartment renovation cost in Dubai?
It depends on the size of the apartment, the rooms you renovate and the finishes you choose. Layout changes cost more than cosmetic upgrades. We don't publish prices. You get a written estimate after the survey.
How long does apartment renovation take?
Most apartment renovations take 2 weeks–3 months. The exact time depends on how much work there is, the approvals and whether the materials are available.
Do I need building management approval to renovate my apartment?
For most renovations, yes. The building's management company sets rules for works, contractor access and working hours. Changes to the structure, the façade or the common parts need approval from the master developer, the Dubai Land Department and the competent authority as well.
Do I need DEWA approval for electrical work?
Changes to your electrical installation need DEWA's prior approval. When the scope includes electrical changes, we add this to the approvals plan.
Can I live in my apartment during the renovation?
For partial work, often yes. For a full renovation, most people move out for the main phase. We tell you at the survey what is realistic for your scope.
Can you manage the renovation if I'm not in Dubai?
Yes. You get regular progress updates with photos on WhatsApp.
What's the difference between post-handover fit-out and full renovation?
A post-handover fit-out customises a newly handed-over apartment that nobody has lived in yet. A full renovation updates or replaces the existing finishes, fixtures and layouts in an occupied or older apartment.
Does the location of the apartment affect the cost?
It can, through logistics, approval requirements and contractor access. The scope of work and the materials you choose usually matter more.
Is it worth renovating an apartment before renting it out?
A refreshed kitchen, bathroom and floors can make a unit easier to let. We help you choose finishes that suit a rental: hard-wearing and simple to maintain.
Do you help with furniture and decor?
Yes. Our interior design service covers colour palettes, furniture selection, soft furnishings and accessories.
Renovate your apartment
Tell us about your apartment and your building. We'll survey it and send you a written estimate with a programme.
