Planning your project

How to Choose a Renovation Contractor in Dubai: 12 Questions to Ask

The contractor you choose decides the quality, timeline and stress level of your renovation. This checklist gives you the questions to ask, how to compare quotations fairly, and what sensible payment terms look like.

Updated September 2026 · 7 min read · By M&A Interior Design, Dubai Marina

Key takeaways

Check the trade licence, insurance and real completed projects.
Compare quotes on the same itemised scope, not the bottom line.
Link payments to completed stages; avoid paying most of the price upfront.
Get the warranty, timeline and change process in writing.

12 questions to ask before you sign

Is your company licensed for this type of work in Dubai? Can I see the trade licence?
Who designs the project, and who supervises it on site?
Do you use your own team or subcontractors for each trade?
Can I see completed projects similar to mine, and speak to past clients?
Who handles the NOC and permits, and is that included in the price?
Is the price fixed, and is it based on an itemised BOQ?
What exactly is excluded?
What is the programme, week by week?
How are changes priced and approved?
What warranty do you give, and on what? Is it in writing?
Which insurance do you carry? See contractor insurance.
How will you protect my home or building and keep me updated?

How to compare quotations

Put the quotes side by side on the same list of items: quantities, material specifications, brands and who handles approvals. A much lower price often means something is missing, typically waterproofing, MEP work, approvals or proper protection. Ask each contractor to price the missing items before you decide.

What fair payment terms look like

Payment structures vary, but a sensible one for homeowners usually follows these principles:

A deposit on signing to cover design and ordering of materials.
Further payments linked to completed, visible stages, not to dates.
A final payment after snagging is complete and the handover is accepted.
On larger commercial projects, a small retention held for a defined period is common.

Be careful with any contractor who asks for most of the price before work starts.

Red flags

No written contract or BOQ, only a lump sum on WhatsApp
Pressure to start without approvals
No real photos of their own completed projects
Reviews that cannot be traced to real clients
No clear warranty terms

How we work

A licensed architect leads every project, our in-house team carries out the trades, approvals are included, and you get a fixed price with an itemised BOQ and a 12-month workmanship warranty in writing. For a wider comparison, read our guide to comparing fit out companies in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the licence, insurance and real completed projects, compare quotes on the same itemised scope, confirm who handles approvals, and get the programme, warranty and change process in writing.

Usually a deposit on signing, then payments linked to completed stages, and a final payment after snagging and handover. Avoid paying most of the price before work starts.

Only if it covers the same scope. The cheapest quote often leaves out waterproofing, MEP work, approvals or protection, which cost more to fix later.

Talk to an architect about your project

Planning a project in Dubai? Our architect visits your site for free and sends a fixed-price quotation with an itemised BOQ, usually within 48 hours.

Book a free site visit WhatsApp us

Keep reading

Planning your projectCan I Change My Apartment Layout in Dubai?Removing walls, open kitchens and what cannot move.Planning your projectRenovating a Dubai Apartment to Rent or Sell: What Pays OffUpgrades that help rent, sell or list a holiday home.Permits & approvalsVilla Extension in Dubai: Approvals, Rules and ProcessDeveloper NOC, DM permit and community rules.Commercial fit outHow to Renovate Your Office Without Closing the BusinessPhasing, after-hours work, dust and IT moves.