What to prepare before requesting a fit-out quotation in Dubai
An accurate quotation depends on a clear brief. These are the details contractors need to price your villa, apartment or office properly, and the points to check when offers come back.
Key takeaways
- Send location, property type, approximate area, drawings or photos, and a room-by-room list of what will change.
- Mention building or community rules, working-hour limits and whether the space will be occupied during works.
- Compare offers on scope, materials, exclusions and programme, not just the total.
1. Property details
- Location: community, building and unit or villa number.
- Property type: villa, apartment, office, shop or warehouse.
- Approximate area of the space to be worked on.
- Whether it is a new unit, an occupied home or a working business.
2. Drawings and photos
Existing floor plans are the most useful document you can send. If you have a designer or consultant, share their drawings and specifications. If not, clear photos of every room, including ceilings, are a good start. Reference images of finishes you like help too.
3. A room-by-room scope
List what will change in each room. For example:
- Majlis: new coffered ceiling with cove lighting, wall panel mouldings, repaint.
- Bedrooms: new gypsum partition to create a dressing room, new ceiling lights.
- Kitchen: new wall tiles and sink.
The more specific the list, the closer the quotations will be to each other.
4. Finish level and materials
Say whether you will supply materials such as tiles and wallpaper, or want the contractor to. Name brands or reference products if you have them.
5. Building rules and approvals
Most buildings and communities in Dubai have rules on working hours, deliveries and debris removal, and many works need a no-objection certificate from the developer or building management. Depending on the location and the work, approvals may also be needed from the relevant authority. Ask your contractor which apply to your project, and who is responsible for obtaining them.
6. Timeline
Give a target start date and any fixed deadline, such as a move-in or a family event. If you will live in the property during works, say so: it changes how the work is phased.
7. Budget range
A budget range helps a contractor propose the right specification instead of guessing.
Comparing the quotations you receive
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Scope | Every item from your list, room by room |
| Materials | Named board types, finishes and brands |
| Exclusions | What is not included, written clearly |
| Approvals | Who obtains them and whether fees are included |
| Programme | Start, duration and key stages |
| Payment terms | Linked to progress |
| Variations | How changes are priced |
Ready to start? Talk to us from Al Adwaar, or send your drawings on WhatsApp.