How to Compare Renovation Quotes in Abu Dhabi

Three renovation quotes for the same home can differ by tens of thousands of dirhams. Sometimes that's down to price. More often it's because each contractor has priced a different job.

Here's how to compare quotes properly, so you choose on value rather than on the bottom line alone.

Step 1: Give Every Contractor the Same Scope

A quote can only be compared if it prices the same work. Before asking for prices, write down what you want done room by room, the finish level you expect and anything you already know is wrong, such as a leak or a tripping circuit.

If you've worked with an interior designer, give every contractor the same drawings and finishes schedule.

Step 2: Check What an Itemised Quote Includes

A good quote lists every room and trade as its own line, so you can see where the money goes.

• Each room and trade priced separately
• Materials named by brand, range and grade, not "or similar"
• Strip-out and debris removal included
• Waterproofing and flood testing as named lines
• Known defects found at survey priced up front
• A written programme with start and finish dates
• Payment stages and warranty terms in writing

Step 3: Look for What's Missing

The cheapest quote is often cheap because something is left out. Common gaps are waterproofing, electrical board upgrades, debris removal, approvals and the cost of fixing problems found once walls are opened.

Ask each contractor directly what's excluded. A contractor who prices known problems at survey stage may look more expensive at first, but avoids variations halfway through.

Our renovation cost guide shows typical ranges, which helps you spot a quote that's unrealistically low.

Step 4: Compare Programmes and Payment Terms

Two quotes with the same price can carry very different risks. Check how long each contractor expects the job to take, and how payments are staged.

Payments tied to completed work keep your money in step with progress. Large deposits paid well ahead of the work put the risk on you.

Step 5: Check the Contractor Is Licensed

Ask for the contractor's trade licence and check it's valid and covers renovation work. Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development offers a verification service called Tahaqaq that lets you check whether a business is licensed before you contract with it (see the source at the end of this article).

A licensed contractor can also prepare the NOC and approval paperwork that most projects need. Our renovation permits guide explains which approvals usually apply.

Step 6: Look at Real Work

Photos and references from recent jobs tell you more than any brochure. Ask to see completed projects similar to yours, and ask who will supervise your site day to day.

It also helps to know how the company is set up: whether trades are in-house or subcontracted, and who is responsible if something goes wrong. Our about page explains how ALHUD runs every trade under one contract.

Step 7: Compare Like With Like

Put the quotes side by side in a simple table with the same rows for each: strip-out, services, waterproofing, finishes, joinery, programme, payments and warranty. Gaps become obvious quickly.

If you're comparing a supplier's kitchen package with a full renovation quote, remember the package may exclude the work around it. Our IKEA kitchen renovation cost guide shows how that difference adds up.

Finally, check that each quote covers the full list of services your project needs, so nothing has to be added once work starts.

Frequently Asked Questions