Bathroom renovation Dubai for apartments and villas
Bathroom renovation in Dubai is one of the fastest ways to upgrade the look and feel of your home without moving. A well‑planned renovation can turn an old, tired bathroom into a clean, modern space that is easier to use every day and far more attractive to buyers and tenants. In most Dubai homes, owners use bathroom renovation to fix leaks, upgrade tiles and fixtures, improve lighting, and add more storage.
For a standard 4–6 square metre bathroom, bathroom renovation in Dubai usually costs between AED 22,000 and AED 65,000. The final price depends mainly on the size of the bathroom, the quality of tiles and sanitary ware, and whether the layout or plumbing positions are changed. When everything is organised in advance and all materials are ready, most bathroom renovations in Dubai can be completed in about 7 to 10 working days.
What is bathroom renovation in Dubai?
Bathroom renovation in Dubai means taking your existing bathroom and updating it to meet current needs and styles while respecting local building standards. In practice, this usually includes removing old tiles and fixtures, repairing or adjusting plumbing and electrical lines, applying proper waterproofing, installing new tiles, fitting new sanitary ware and mixers, and adding glass, mirrors, lights, and accessories.
Because buildings in Dubai have rules about noise, working hours, rubbish removal, and protection of common areas, bathroom renovation is normally handled by a professional contractor who understands these requirements. A good renovation company coordinates with building management, protects lifts and corridors, and makes sure work happens within the allowed time slots.
How much does bathroom renovation cost in Dubai?
Bathroom renovation cost in Dubai falls into a few common ranges that depend on bathroom size and finish level:
Small guest WC of about 2–3 square metres often costs around AED 12,000 to AED 20,000. This usually covers new tiles, a basic toilet and basin, simple mixers, and standard lighting.
A main bathroom of 4–6 square metres typically ranges from AED 22,000 to AED 45,000. This usually includes full demolition, waterproofing, new wall and floor tiles, mid‑range sanitary ware, shower set, and a glass partition.
A larger family bathroom of around 5–8 square metres can cost from AED 32,000 up to AED 65,000 or more, especially when there are layout changes, premium tiles, built‑in storage, and designer fixtures.
The biggest price factors are the brands and types of tiles and fixtures you choose, how much plumbing and electrical work is required, whether a bathtub or only a shower is installed, and how much custom carpentry is included, such as vanity units and shelving. Two bathrooms of the same size can have very different prices if one uses basic materials and the other uses high‑end imported finishes.
What is included in a typical bathroom renovation package?
A complete bathroom renovation package in Dubai from a full‑service contractor usually follows a clear structure. It starts with a site visit and measurement, where the contractor checks the existing bathroom, listens to your ideas, and notes any issues such as leaks or damaged tiles. Based on this, a proposal and quotation are prepared, showing what is included and how long the work should take.
Once work begins, the usual steps are demolition and removal of old tiles, sanitary ware, and accessories, followed by surface preparation and waterproofing of the floor and critical wall areas. After that, new wall and floor tiles are installed and grouted, and then the new toilet, basin, shower set or bathtub, mixers, mirror, accessories, lights, and exhaust fan are fitted. At the end, the bathroom is cleaned, final checks are done, and the space is handed over.
In higher‑spec renovations, the package may also include 3D design or renderings, custom vanity units and countertops, LED mirrors, recessed lighting, built‑in niches in the shower area, and premium glass or stone. These details increase the cost but can significantly improve both appearance and usability.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
For an average‑sized bathroom, most Dubai renovations take about 7 to 10 working days once everything is ready. The process is usually broken into phases so the work flows smoothly.
The first day is normally used for demolition and removal of the old finishes and fixtures. The next day may be used for plumbing and electrical rough‑in changes, especially if points are being moved or new lighting is being added. Once the surfaces are prepared, waterproofing is applied and given enough time to dry. Tiling of walls and floors then takes place over the next two or three days, followed by grouting.
When the tiles are complete, the contractor installs sanitary ware, mixers, shower set, and other fittings. On the final day or two, glass partitions, mirrors, lights, and accessories are installed, the bathroom is cleaned, and any small defects are corrected. Larger bathrooms or those with major layout changes can take up to 10–14 working days, and strict building rules can also affect the schedule.
Do you need approval for bathroom renovation in Dubai?
In most apartment towers and many villa communities, you cannot start renovation work without building‑management approval. Even simple bathroom renovation in Dubai, where you keep the same layout, usually requires a work permit from the building or community office. They will often ask for basic details such as contractor name, working hours, and type of work.
If you plan to change drainage locations, move walls, or alter anything that might affect the structure or common services, the building may ask for drawings, engineer approval, or extra documentation. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, work stoppages, or even demands to undo completed work. Working with a contractor who routinely deals with approvals helps avoid these problems and keeps the project moving.
How can you save money on bathroom renovation in Dubai?
There are several practical ways to keep bathroom renovation costs under control without sacrificing quality. The first is to keep the existing layout wherever possible so that drainage points and major plumbing lines do not need to be moved. This reduces labour time and lowers the risk of additional approval requirements.
Another way is to choose good mid‑range brands for sanitary ware and mixers instead of top‑end designer options. Many mid‑range products offer strong performance and warranties at a more reasonable price. Using durable porcelain or ceramic tiles instead of natural stone in most areas also helps manage cost while still achieving a clean, modern look.
Finally, it is wise to finalise tiles, fixtures, and key materials before demolition starts. When everything is ordered and ready, there is less chance of delays or last‑minute substitutions, and the contractor can work more efficiently.
What are common bathroom renovation mistakes in UAE homes?
A number of common mistakes show up repeatedly in bathroom renovations across Dubai and other emirates. One of the biggest is using poor‑quality waterproofing products or not applying them correctly, which leads to leaks, damp patches on ceilings and walls, and in some cases disputes with neighbours or building management.
Another frequent issue is choosing very smooth, glossy floor tiles for wet areas. These may look good in the showroom but can become dangerously slippery when wet. Under‑sized or poorly placed exhaust fans are also a problem, because they fail to remove humidity and odours, leaving the bathroom feeling stuffy even after renovation.
Some owners choose fixtures only for appearance and do not check durability, inner quality, or the availability of spare parts in the UAE. This can lead to early failures and repairs. Starting demolition before all main materials have been selected and ordered is another mistake that causes avoidable delays and compromises.
How should you choose tiles and fixtures for a Dubai bathroom?
When planning bathroom renovation in Dubai, it helps to think about daily use and maintenance rather than only visual style. Floor tiles should offer enough grip to be safe when wet, especially in the shower area and near drains. Wall tiles should be easy to clean and able to handle hard water without staining quickly.
For fixtures, it is smart to choose brands with a track record in the UAE and local service support. Mixers, shower sets, and concealed parts should be sturdy and designed to cope with the water quality and pressure levels found in local buildings. Toilets and basins from well‑known suppliers make it easier to find matching spare parts in the future if needed.
Colour choices also matter. Light and neutral tones can make smaller bathrooms feel more open, while a feature wall, a niche, or a band of accent tiles can add interest without overpowering the space.
What types of shower enclosures work best in Dubai?
In many Dubai homes, the most popular approach is a frameless or semi‑frameless glass shower enclosure using 8–10 mm tempered glass. This style creates a clean, modern look and helps the bathroom feel more spacious. In some layouts, a single fixed glass panel with a walk‑in shower delivers a good balance of openness and splash control.
In narrow bathrooms where a hinged door might clash with other fixtures, sliding glass doors or carefully positioned swing doors can be used instead. Whatever type is chosen, the key is proper installation, with the right slopes and seals so that water stays inside the shower zone and does not damage nearby finishes.
Can you live in your home during bathroom renovation?
Most people do stay in their homes during bathroom renovation, especially when there is more than one bathroom in the property. Contractors typically work within agreed daytime hours and coordinate noisy tasks, water shutdowns, and rubbish removal to reduce inconvenience as much as possible.
If there is only one bathroom in the home, some owners arrange temporary alternatives or time the renovation when some family members are away. Good planning of the schedule and clear communication with the contractor help make the experience smoother.
Is bathroom renovation similar in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi?
The general process of bathroom renovation is similar across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, but details can vary from building to building. Material and labour prices are usually close, yet access rules, parking arrangements, and approval procedures differ. Some communities are very strict about working hours and noise, while others are more flexible.
A contractor who works regularly across the three emirates understands these differences and can adjust planning, manpower, and logistics to match each location. This helps keep projects on schedule and limits surprises once work has started.
Why choose Renovation Contractor FZE for bathroom renovation in Dubai?
Renovation Contractor FZE focuses on delivering bathroom renovation services for apartments and villas across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. The company handles the full journey, from initial visit and design advice through quotation, approvals support, demolition, waterproofing, tiling, installation, and final finishing.
By combining realistic timelines with clear, itemised pricing and careful attention to waterproofing, drainage, and finishing details, Renovation Contractor FZE aims to create bathrooms that look modern, work well day to day, and meet local building expectations.
