Best Renovation Contractors in Dubai & How to Screen for a Good One (Part 1)
These days, finding the best renovation contractors in Dubai is literally the hardest part of a home renovation.
Having gone through a full home renovation ourselves, we did an extensive amount of research to screen for a good contractor for each job. We also spoke to dozens over the phone, met them in person, and visited a handful of sites to see their work and finishing.
Our Findings?
1. Google reviews and pretty Instagram reels are easy ways to find renovation contractors in Dubai, but to decide if they are great contractors really requires another level of digging.
2. There is certainly a WIDE range in completion time, price and finishes.
3. Having their own joinery in their office gave us peace of mind.
4. The more contractors we spoke to, the more we learn about home renovations and became more confident with what to look out for.
5. Renovation contractors may promote their country origin to portray a certain image. Honestly, nationality really doesn’t matter.
Screening contractors takes time, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. So how do we find them?
For a quick glance, here are a starter list of the best contractors in Dubai.
Best Renovation Contractors in Dubai
(Fit-Out, Turn-Key, Home Renovation)
| Remodelling Contractors | Google Review | Design Service | Established | ||
| 1 | Neo Tech Engineering | 4.5 | @neotechuae | Yes | 2005 |
| 2 | Merrit Interiors | 4 | @merrit_interiors | Yes | 2005 |
| 3 | Roseville | NA | @rosevilledubai | No | 2008 |
| 4 | Gallagher Technical Services | 4 | @gallaghertechnicalservices | Yes | 2015 |
| 5 | Across Design | 5 | @theacrossdesigns | Yes | 2017 |
| 6 | Signature Living | 3.3 | @signature_living | Yes | 2015 |
| 7 | MACS | 5 | @macsuae | Yes | 2018 |
| 8 | Atelier Five | 4.4 | @atelierfiveinteriors | Yes | 2019 |
| 9 | Cherwell Interiors | 3.7 | @cherwell_dubai | Yes | 2014 |
| 10 | Creating Homes | 5 | @creatinghomes | Yes | 2009 |
| 11 | Smart Renovation | 4.9 | @smartrenovationdubai | Yes | 2013 |
| 12 | One Fitout | 4.8 | @onef1tout | Yes | 2019 |
Note: Contractors may prefer villas projects. If you have an apartment to renovate, check first if the contractors will do it as they often have more rules and restrictions, i.e. working hours, ventilation, general logistics, neighbours complaints causing delays, etc.
7 Ways to Screen for a Good Remodelling Contractor in Dubai
What’s the best way to find a contractor in Dubai? It may be tempting to ask your friends and family, but their one bathroom remodel contractor may not be the best choice for your full house gut renovation. Before you decide to use someone’s recommendation, here are some ways to begin your own research.
1. Visit Sanitary and Tile Shops
Visit home hardware shops such as Bagno Design, RAK, Saniplex, Aquazone, and keep an eye out for contractors. They are frequent visitors to these shops, and can be easily identified by their company logo on their shirt.
Tip: Have a chat with the staff, and try to get a list of contractors these shops do business with. (See Left Image) It was a great way to shortlist potential contractors that may work for you.
2. Google Reviews
Nowadays, the first thing we do is Google, and look at Google reviews. This is a great way to discover people’s experience and avoid any mishaps.
Keep in mind though, some reviews can be fake or generic enough that they can be applicable even to a coffee shop review. Some may also be fake negative review to bring the company down. What it will do, however, is give you direction on what steps to take next.
3. Style Me Interiors on Facebook
Style Me Interiors is a resourceful UAE community where the group shares their knowledge and experience on all home renovations topics such as interior design, finding the best carpenters, paint brands, and contractors in Dubai.
It’s a great way to get yourself familiar on how people renovate, and run a background check on potential contractors.
4. Dubai Home Renovations Instagram
In Dubai, there are homeowners who are passionate about sharing their renovation journey on Instagram… They showcase paint comparison, how they design a kitchen, and tag which contractor they worked with.
Often, they are very candid, honest, and really good with their visuals. We reached out to a few who happily shared their experience on their contractors, and it helped us decide if those are the contractors we want on OUR team.
Here are some of our favourites on Instagram: