Renovating any space, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, apartment, or office, can be an exciting project that transforms your home or workspace into a more functional and beautiful environment. However, one of the major considerations when renovating is the cost. Depending on the type of renovation, certain areas can be more expensive than others. But what exactly makes these areas so costly? In this blog, we will explore the most expensive parts of renovation for various spaces such as the kitchen, home, bathroom, bedroom, flat, and office, providing insight into why these areas tend to have higher costs and what factors influence them.
1. Kitchen Renovation: The Heart of the Home
When it comes to home renovations, the kitchen is often considered the most expensive space to renovate, and for good reason. A kitchen remodel involves a combination of costly materials, labor, and specialized installations. Here’s why:
Cabinetry: High-quality cabinets can make up a significant portion of a kitchen renovation budget. Custom cabinetry, especially those made from premium materials like hardwood or with personalized designs, can cost anywhere from AED 10,000 to AED 60,000 or more, depending on the complexity and material chosen.
Countertops: Materials like granite, marble, and quartz are the go-to for premium countertops. These high-end options can range from AED 200 to AED 700 per square meter, while luxury options such as marble can exceed AED 1,000 per square meter.
Appliances: Upgrading appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers to high-end models can quickly increase costs. High-end brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Viking can cost between AED 20,000 and AED 50,000 for just a few appliances.
Plumbing and Electrical Work: A kitchen remodel often involves upgrading plumbing and electrical systems, which requires professional labor. These installations can add a few thousand dirhams to the total cost, depending on the scale of the changes.
2. Bathroom Renovation: The Cost of Plumbing and Fixtures
Bathrooms are another space that tends to be costly to renovate, particularly due to the extensive plumbing and fixture installations required. Here’s what drives the cost up:
Plumbing: The plumbing in a bathroom can be one of the most expensive components, especially if you’re relocating pipes or installing new water lines for additional fixtures. For example, a new shower, toilet, or sink installation may require significant adjustments to the existing plumbing.
Tiles and Flooring: Premium materials such as porcelain, marble, or ceramic tiles for both the floor and walls can be costly. High-end tiles and stone flooring can range from AED 50 to AED 300 per square meter, depending on the material.
Shower and Bathtub: Custom showers with luxury features like rain showerheads, body sprays, and high-end bathtubs like freestanding units made of stone or acrylic can significantly increase costs. A high-end bathtub can cost between AED 5,000 and AED 20,000 or more.
Vanities and Fixtures: Custom vanities, faucets, and mirrors also add up, especially if you’re opting for luxury brands or custom designs. These costs can range from AED 2,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the type and brand.
3. Home or Apartment Renovation: Structural Changes and Materials
Renovating an entire home or apartment requires a more holistic approach that includes structural changes, interior finishes, and systems upgrades, which can add up quickly:
Structural Work: If you’re knocking down walls or making major changes to the layout, you’re looking at a high cost due to labor, materials, and permits. Structural changes often involve significant planning and consultation with engineers and architects, which can cost AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 or more depending on the scope.
Flooring: High-end flooring options like hardwood, natural stone, or polished concrete can make a dramatic impact on the space but can be costly. For example, hardwood flooring can cost between AED 100 and AED 500 per square meter, while luxury tiles and stone can be even more expensive.
Electrical and HVAC Systems: Renovating the electrical systems or installing new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units are necessary upgrades in many cases. These systems are complex and require professional installation, which can add AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 or more to the overall cost.
4. Bedroom Renovation: Custom Furniture and Layout
While bedroom renovations are generally less expensive than kitchen or bathroom renovations, they still come with significant costs, particularly when you focus on customizing the space:
Custom Furniture: If you’re opting for custom-built wardrobes, storage solutions, or bed frames, the cost can add up quickly. Custom-made furniture for a bedroom can range from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the complexity of the design and materials.
Flooring and Finishes: Bedrooms often feature hardwood, carpet, or luxury vinyl flooring. High-end flooring can range from AED 50 to AED 250 per square meter. Additionally, luxury paint, wallpaper, or specialized finishes for the walls can increase costs.
Lighting: Good lighting is essential for a comfortable bedroom. Installing designer light fixtures or custom lighting can increase costs, with prices ranging from AED 500 to AED 5,000 or more depending on the type.
5. Office Renovation: Professional Design and Technology
Office renovations often focus on creating an efficient and professional environment while incorporating advanced technology. These renovations can get expensive due to the integration of new tech and design elements:
Furniture: Office furniture, especially ergonomic chairs, desks, and storage units, can be pricey, especially if you choose premium options. A high-quality office desk may cost anywhere from AED 1,000 to AED 15,000 or more depending on the style and brand.
Technology and Installations: Installing integrated technology such as smart lighting, temperature control, video conferencing setups, or advanced IT infrastructure requires specialized equipment and installation. These elements can add up quickly, with costs ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 30,000 depending on the office size.
Interior Design: A well-designed office space might require professional design services to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment. Interior design fees can range from AED 5,000 to AED 25,000 or more depending on the scope of work.
6. Flat Renovation: Combination of Multiple Renovations
Renovating a flat is a comprehensive process that involves several aspects such as kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and more. Due to the variety of work involved, flat renovations tend to be expensive:
Complete Interior Makeover: When renovating a flat, you're likely upgrading the kitchen, bathroom, flooring, and often reconfiguring the layout. These combined efforts can easily push the total cost above AED 50,000 to AED 150,000, depending on the size and extent of the work.
Labor and Installation: The labor involved in renovating a flat is significant, as multiple tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters) are needed to handle different parts of the renovation. Labor costs can account for up to 30-40% of the overall renovation budget.
Conclusion
While every renovation project has its own unique costs, the most expensive part typically revolves around the combination of labor, materials, and specialized installations. The kitchen, bathroom, and structural changes tend to be the priciest areas to renovate due to the involvement of plumbing, electrical work, and high-quality finishes. However, each renovation type, from home to office, carries its own set of costs based on the specific needs and design preferences.
When planning any renovation, it’s important to understand where your money will go and prioritize the areas that are most important to you. Consulting with professionals, such as kitchen designers or general contractors, can also help you make the best choices for your budget while still achieving the results you desire.