Guides — M&A Interior Design, Dubai Marina
Renovation & Fit Out Guides for Dubai
Straight answers to the questions Dubai homeowners and businesses ask us every week: what renovation and fit out really cost, which approvals you need, how long projects take and how to choose a contractor. Written by our architect-led team in Dubai Marina.
Every guide uses the price ranges and timelines we quote on real projects, explains the Dubai approval process in plain language, and links to the service it relates to. If your question isn’t answered here, call or WhatsApp us: our architect replies within two hours, every day.
Costs & budgets
Costs & budgetsVilla Renovation Cost in Dubai: 2026 Price GuideAED ranges for kitchens, bathrooms, partial and full villa renovations.Costs & budgetsApartment Renovation Cost in Dubai (2026)Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom renovation prices and what they include.Costs & budgetsKitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai (2026)What a new kitchen costs in AED and what changes the price.Costs & budgetsBathroom Renovation Cost in Dubai (2026)Bathroom prices in AED, from ensuite refresh to master bathroom.Costs & budgetsHow to Plan a Renovation Budget in DubaiA step-by-step budget plan, including VAT, approvals and contingency.
Permits & approvals
Permits & approvalsDo You Need a Permit to Renovate in Dubai?Which works need approval, who issues it, and the risks of skipping it.Permits & approvalsVilla Renovation Approvals in Dubai: NOCs and Permits ExplainedCommunity NOC, authority permit, drawings and timelines for villas.Permits & approvalsHow to Get a Building NOC for Apartment Renovation in DubaiDocuments, deposits, working hours and inspections in Dubai towers.Permits & approvalsVilla Extension in Dubai: Approvals, Rules and ProcessDeveloper NOC, DM permit and community rules.
Planning your project
Planning your projectHow Long Does a Villa Renovation Take in Dubai?Timelines by scope, permit time, and living at home during works.Planning your projectFit Out vs Renovation: What Is the Difference?The difference, with Dubai examples, and which contractor you need.Planning your projectHow to Choose a Renovation Contractor in Dubai: 12 Questions to Ask12 questions, fair payment terms and red flags.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.
Commercial fit out
Commercial fit outOffice Fit Out Cost in Dubai per Square Metre (2026)Cost per sqm, Cat A vs Cat B, and a worked example.Commercial fit outWhat Is Fit Out? Shell & Core, Category A and Category B ExplainedShell & core, Cat A and Cat B in plain English.Commercial fit outWhat Insurance Should a Fit Out Contractor Have in Dubai?CAR, third-party liability and workers' cover explained.Commercial fit outHow to Renovate Your Office Without Closing the BusinessPhasing, after-hours work, dust and IT moves.