How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Dubai?
Introduction: Why This Guide Matters
Renovating your 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai isn’t just about design—it’s about smart budgeting, regulatory compliance, and structural safety. Whether you’re upgrading for personal comfort, resale value, or rental appeal, knowing what you’re getting into financially can make or break your project.
While other blogs offer vague numbers, this guide by Structural Solutions breaks down real cost ranges, approval requirements, and engineering factors—so you can plan smarter, save more, and avoid costly mistakes.
Table of Contents
Quick Snapshot: Renovation Cost in Dubai (1-BR Apartment)
| Renovation Level | AED/m² | Total for ~46 m² |
| Basic | 500–1,200 | AED 23,000–55,000 |
| Mid-range | 1,200–2,000 | AED 55,000–92,000 |
| Luxury | 2,000–2,500+ | AED 92,000–115,000+ |
🧮 Based on ~46 m² (500 ft²) for a standard 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai.
Cost Drivers: What Affects the Price?
✅ 1. Scope of Work
- Cosmetic only (paint, lighting, tiling) is cheapest
- Wet area relocation (kitchen/bathroom) adds plumbing and drainage costs
- Structural changes (wall removal, slab cut) add engineering fees + permit delays
✅ 2. Location
High-end communities like Downtown, Marina, DIFC, and Palm Jumeirah demand higher finish standards and stricter approval pathways, increasing renovation costs by 10–20%.
✅ 3. Material Quality
- Tiles: AED 35/m² (basic) to AED 250+/m² (Italian marble)
- Sanitaryware: AED 1,500 (mid-range set) to AED 10,000+ (premium brands)
- Kitchen cabinets: AED 6,000–30,000 depending on finishes
✅ 4. Contractor Choice
Some contractors quote lower but exclude key works (approvals, MEP testing, structural inspections). Always clarify inclusions.
Area-Wise Breakdown of Renovation Costs
| Room/Item | Basic Range (AED) | Premium Range (AED) |
| Kitchen (full remodel) | 15,000–30,000 | 50,000–100,000 |
| Bathroom upgrade | 8,000–15,000 | 35,000–70,000+ |
| Flooring (full unit) | 3,000–8,000 | 12,000–25,000 |
| Ceiling & lighting | 4,000–8,000 | 15,000–30,000 |
| Painting & wall finish | 2,500–6,000 | 10,000–15,000 |
| Structural works | 10,000–30,000+ | 30,000–50,000+ |
Don’t Forget the Permits (They Cost Too)
You need approval before touching anything structural or wet-area related.
Key Authorities:
- Dubai Municipality (DM) – most city apartments
- DDA – Dubai Hills, Downtown, Business Bay
- Trakhees – Palm Jumeirah, JAFZA
- Nakheel, EMAAR, DAMAC – as developers for freehold towers
- DMCC, DSO, DIFC – for free zones
Typical Approval-Related Costs:
| Item | AED (Est.) |
| Authority NOC fees | 2,000–6,000 |
| Structural clearance | 1,500–4,000 |
| As-built drawing redraft | 1,200–2,000 |
| MEP scope declaration | 800–1,500 |
| Full submission package | 3,000–6,000 |
Need to Remove a Wall? You’ll Need Structural Clearance
Even if a wall looks minor, removing it may affect your slab, beam, or services. We perform a detailed check using:
- 📐 Load-path analysis
- 📋 Reinforcement scan (if needed)
- 📄 Authority-approved structural report
💡 Done unauthorized? We also handle retrospective NOCs to legalize unapproved works.
Case Study: Renovating a 1-BR in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
- Scope: Kitchen relocation + bathroom reconfiguration
- Issues: Partition wall removal, landlord refused approval without engineering documents
- Solution:
- Structural Solutions prepared stamped drawings + calculations in 2 working days
- Contractor uploaded to Nakheel portal
- Approval granted in 4 business days
- Total cost: AED 62,000 (mid-range materials, permits included)
How to Save Smartly Without Cutting Corners
✅ Prioritize Scope
- Paint + flooring + lighting = quick wins
- Avoid wet area changes unless essential
✅ Reuse What You Can
- Don’t replace your AC diffusers or ducts if they work fine
- Refurbish doors, kitchen handles, or mirrors
✅ Hire Freelance Engineering Support (That’s Us!)
Skip the big consultancy fees. We provide:
- Structural calculations
- NOC documents
- Drawing preparation
- Authority formatting
- Coordination with your contractor
FAQs
💬 Can I renovate without permit if it’s minor?
Only for cosmetic works (painting, flooring, furniture). Anything structural or involving plumbing/electrical must be approved.
💬 How long do approvals take?
Simple works: 3–5 working days
Structural: 5–10 working days
Retrospective NOC: Up to 14 days
💬 Can Structural Solutions help with everything?
Yes. We provide freelance technical support, structural sign-off, and authority coordination.
Estimated Budget Table – 1 Bedroom Renovation in Dubai
| Budget Type | What’s Included | Estimated Range (AED) |
| Basic | Paint, tile, ceiling lights | 20,000–35,000 |
| Mid-Range | Kitchen + bath upgrade, minor layout tweaks | 45,000–80,000 |
| Full Redesign | Structural + luxury finishes + full approvals | 90,000–130,000+ |
Why Clients Trust Structural Solutions
We’re not a renovation company—we’re the freelance structural engineers behind the permits.
✅ Fast-track approvals
✅ No consultant needed
✅ Engineering-stamped documentation
✅ Support for DM, DDA, Trakhees, and all major developers
Perfect for contractors, property managers, and apartment owners who want control—without compliance headaches.
📩 Get a Free Cost Review or Approval Checklist
Thinking about renovating your 1-bedroom apartment? Don’t risk delays or fines. Let us review your scope and tell you what you need—before you start.
🌐 www.structuralsolutions.ae
📧 info@structuralsolutions.ae
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 055 339 4451
Structural Solutions – Fast, Affordable, and Compliant Engineering for Apartment Renovations in Dubai.
