Rough Renovation of a New Build in Dubai: Turnkey Apartment Preparation
A rough renovation of a new build in Dubai is the basic stage of preparing an apartment for finishing work, which includes all the necessary construction work to create a foundation for final materials. Unlike ready-to-move-in apartments from developers with "turnkey" finishes, a shell property is essentially a concrete box with utilities connected but without any final coverings. This format is ideal for those who want to create an interior from scratch, maintaining complete control over the quality of materials and adherence to their personal vision. In Dubai, rough renovations are especially in demand in new developments where the developer hands over properties with minimal preparation, leaving the owner the freedom to choose the layout, style, and level of finishing. The result is a space perfectly adapted to your lifestyle, the climatic conditions of the UAE, and your comfort requirements.
What's Included in a Rough Renovation: A Complete List of Work
Our "turnkey rough renovation" service includes a set of preparatory and construction works that are carried out sequentially and strictly according to technology. A specialist visit occurs within 24 hours of your request to any area of Dubai. The engineer conducts laser measurements, photo documentation of the condition, and an assessment of the engineering systems to account for the specific features of your property.
The basic scope of the service includes:
Demolition and Preparation. New builds rarely require full demolition, but we check the quality of the rough structures from the developer. If necessary, we remove concrete unevenness, cut off buildup, and chase walls for electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. Dubai new builds often feature monolithic structures that require careful diamond drilling and cutting.
Partition Construction. If the developer's standard layout doesn't suit you, we erect new interior partitions using aerated concrete blocks or drywall. This allows for space zoning, taking into account the position of windows and sunlight exposure, which is especially important in the UAE's hot climate. All structures are reinforced with a metal frame for durability.
Rough Finishing of Walls and Ceilings. We perform wall plastering using cement-sand or gypsum mixtures, leveling surfaces using screed guides (beads). In high-humidity conditions in coastal areas like Dubai Marina or Jumeirah, we use compounds with enhanced moisture resistance. Ceilings are primed and plastered with a base layer, or prepared for the installation of suspended ceilings.
Floor Screeding and Waterproofing. This is one of the most critical stages. We pour cement-sand screed or self-leveling compounds, achieving a perfectly flat surface for final floor coverings like tiles, parquet, or laminate. In bathrooms and kitchens, waterproofing is always applied, extending onto the walls, to protect lower floors from leaks. In some projects, such as on the Palm Jumeirah, reinforced compounds are required due to the proximity of the sea.
Installation of Engineering Systems. We carry out complete electrical wiring, including the installation of distribution boards, circuit breakers, and back boxes. Cables are laid in corrugated pipes, considering the future load from air conditioners, household appliances, and smart home systems, which are popular in Dubai. We also install water supply pipes using modern PEX materials, sewage systems, and, if necessary, prepare circuits for underfloor heating.
Preparation for Final Finishing. The final stage of the rough renovation is final puttying of walls and ceilings, and surface priming. After this, the property is ready for finishing work: wallpapering, painting, tiling, and the installation of doors and baseboards.
Who Benefits from a Rough Renovation in a New Build
Our services are in demand by a wide range of property buyers in Dubai. Primarily, this includes investors purchasing apartments off-plan in areas like Dubai Creek Harbour or Business Bay. A rough renovation allows them to prepare the property for rental or resale with maximum profitability.
We also work with apartment owners in prestigious locations such as Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai who want to create a unique interior different from standard developer offerings. Families with children often choose rough renovation to adapt the space to their needs — adding extra outlets, enhancing sound insulation, and creating safe zones. For retirees and expats moving to the UAE permanently, it's an opportunity to have a home that fully meets their ideas of comfort and quality.
Cost of Rough Renovation in Dubai in 2026
The price of a rough renovation is always individual and depends on the area of the property, the complexity of the layout, the condition of the base structures from the developer, and the chosen materials. In the Dubai construction market in 2026, it's common practice to calculate the cost per square foot, which is convenient when working with local floor plans.
The average market price for a rough renovation in Dubai new builds ranges from 100 to 180 AED per square foot. This price includes the full scope of work: partition construction, wall plastering, floor screeding, waterproofing, electrical and plumbing rough-in, and surface preparation for finishing. For an apartment of 1000 square feet (approximately 93 m²), the budget for the rough stage would be roughly 100,000 – 180,000 AED. In more expensive locations like Palm Jumeirah or Emirates Hills, clients often choose premium materials for the rough work — enhanced waterproofing compounds, soundproofing mats, higher quality mixes — which objectively increases the budget. In mass-development areas like Dubai South or Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), prices tend to be closer to the lower end of the range. The exact figure is determined only after a specialist visit and the preparation of a detailed estimate.
Our Advantages and Achievements
Our approach is based on 25 years of experience in the US and UAE markets and strict adherence to construction standards. We do not require an upfront payment — you pay for the work only after it has been accepted via a Certificate of Completion. This guarantees our responsibility and your financial security. We provide a 2-year warranty on all types of rough work, including hidden utilities, and our actual warranty claim rate is less than 2%.
Our Achievements in Numbers:
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Over 25 years of successful operation in the real estate market
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More than 6,950 completed "turnkey" projects
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Over 4,560 clients have chosen us
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Our own fleet of professional equipment for diamond drilling and dust control
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Direct contracts with material suppliers in the UAE
We make our processes as transparent as possible. You can always schedule a visit to one of our current projects in your area to personally assess the quality of the screeding, plastering, and utility installation. We are open for dialogue at all stages — from the first measurement in Dubai Marina to handing over the keys on the Palm Jumeirah.