Why Most Dubai Renovations Exceed Budget and Timeline
Many homeowners in Dubai begin their renovation projects with optimism, only to end up frustrated due to overblown budgets and endlessly extended timelines. It’s a common scenario: a project quoted at AED 80,000 suddenly grows to AED 150,000, and a supposed “8-week” job remains unfinished six months later. Unfortunately, these overruns are more the rule than the exception. Globally, around 85% of construction projects go over budget, and the majority also miss their scheduled completion dates.
This article breaks down the industry-wide problems that cause renovations in Dubai to derail, and how Thom & Gery integrates a full-service approach to prevent each one.
The Reality of Renovation in Dubai
Homeowners and property owners consistently report the same renovation nightmares in Dubai:
- Budget Explosions: Initial quotes are often unrealistically low. As unforeseen issues arise and add-ons pile up, costs can easily double by the end of the project. This quickly burns through contingency funds, especially when expenses are not properly monitored.
- Timeline Delays: The infamous “Dubai delay” is very real. Property renovations commonly take far longer than promised. This is usually caused by slow approvals, contractors juggling multiple projects at once, and poor scheduling.
- Hidden Costs: A major source of budget overruns is scope creep—necessary tasks that were never included in the original quote. As construction progresses, these surprises surface and require additional payments. Typical hidden costs in UAE renovations include unforeseen structural repairs, MEP work beyond the original plan, permit fees, and delays caused by custom materials.
- Quality Gaps: In Dubai, some contractors cut corners on materials and craftsmanship, delivering finishes that fall far short of the promised visual impact.
- Contractor Disappearances: Perhaps the worst-case scenario for property owners is when a contractor disappears mid-project. Unfortunately, this does happen, and there are many documented cases across Dubai.
- Blame-Shifting Between Parties: Designers, contractors, and suppliers often point fingers at one another when poor execution occurs, leaving the client caught in the middle.
How Thom & Gery Solves the Renovation Problem
At Thom & Gery, we have designed our construction service specifically to eliminate these common failure points. Our approach is built on control, transparency, and clear accountability from day one until final handover.
- Integrated Design-Build Model: We manage both design and construction internally, eliminating handover gaps and miscommunication. One team handles the project from concept to completion, ensuring seamless execution from drawings to reality. This allows for faster decisions and fewer revisions.
- Complete BOQ Before Work Starts: We do not begin construction until the full scope is clearly defined. A detailed, line-by-line BOQ covers all trades, MEP works, waterproofing, joinery, and finishes with clear and fixed pricing.
- Single Accountability: No blame-shifting. One contractor, one project manager, fully responsible for results.
- French-European Execution Standards: We use high-quality materials selected specifically for Dubai’s climate, with detailed execution aligned to approved designs. Our finishes are built to age well and not follow short-lived trends.
- Realistic Timelines with Defined Milestones: At Thom & Gery, projects are planned based on reality, not optimism. Approvals and NOCs are fully integrated into the project schedule.
- In-House Quality Control: We conduct internal snagging before handover, perform functional testing on all systems, and ensure final delivery aligns exactly with the original design intent.
What Clients Avoid by Working With Thom & Gery
By choosing Thom & Gery, clients avoid managing multiple contractors, unexpected mid-project costs, unexplained delays, and results that fall short of expectations. Instead, they experience a fully controlled and transparent renovation process.
Most renovation problems are entirely preventable with the right structure and leadership. With Thom & Gery, renovation becomes clear and not a gamble.
One team. One plan. One result.
Delivered on time, at the exact quoted cost, and to the standard promised.
