How long does a typical villa renovation take in Dubai

One of the first questions every homeowner in Dubai asks is simple, How long will my villa renovation take? The honest answer depends on the scope, approvals, structural changes, materials, and the contractor’s capability. But there are clear timelines you can expect if the project is planned and executed properly.

Most villas in Dubai fall into three renovation categories, soft refurbishment, full internal renovation, and full redesign with structural works. Here’s what each one looks like and how long it should realistically take when managed to a British standard.

Soft Refurbishment – 6 to 12 weeks This is the lightest category. It includes repainting, new flooring, upgraded lighting, bathroom replacements, joinery upgrades, kitchen swaps, and cosmetic improvements. If there are no approvals needed and materials are ready, this type of project should run between six and twelve weeks. Anything longer usually indicates poor planning or fragmented subcontractors.

Full Internal Villa Renovation – 4 to 8 months This is the most common service in Dubai. It includes new layouts, upgraded MEP, new bathrooms, a new kitchen, full joinery, AV, lighting control, improved AC, and sometimes façade adjustments. These projects often require drawings, authority approvals, structural checks, and detailed procurement. With proper management, a villa of 4,000–7,000 sq ft should take four to eight months.

This is where most contractors fall apart. Dubai relies heavily on outsourcing, which slows everything down. When design, QS, joinery, procurement, and construction are run by different companies, the programme becomes inconsistent. This is the gap NU fills.

Full Structural Renovation or Signature Villa Rebuild – 8 to 18 months If a client wants a complete transformation — new façade, extensions, double-height spaces, home cinema rooms, spa, gym, full passive-house upgrades, new pools, or major internal reconfiguration — these projects run from eight months to eighteen months depending on scale and approvals.

In these cases, discipline is everything. Without proper architectural drawings, a strong QS, a detailed programme, and in-house manufacturing, timelines blow up quickly.

Why NU’s timelines are faster and more predictable Dubai has been built fast, but not always well. Renovating a villa properly requires precision, sequencing, and genuine control over every trade involved. This is why NU operates differently.

British-led architecture and interior design No vague drawings. No guesswork. Detailed plans eliminate delays on site.

In-house quantity surveying Budgets and programmes align from day one. No mid-project surprises.

30,000 sq ft joinery and furniture factory We don’t wait for external suppliers. We manufacture kitchens, wardrobes, vanities, doors, panelling, and furniture ourselves.

Dedicated British-standard construction management Clear communication, clean sites, daily reporting, and a disciplined programme.

When everything is under one umbrella, timelines compress. Clients get accuracy, predictability, and a finish that actually holds its value.

So, how long does a villa renovation take? With NU, the answer is simple.Soft refurb: 6–12 weeks.Full renovation: 4–8 months.Signature rebuild: 8–18 months.

If you want a precise timeline for your villa, book a consultation or a factory tour. Email nick.jeffries@nuprojects.co.uk or send a DM to @nuprojects. We’ll show you how NU brings British-standard discipline to Dubai renovations.