Bathroom Renovation Cost in 2026

Bathrooms are small, but they’re dense with plumbing, tile, and waterproofing — which is why they cost more per square metre than almost any other room. A 2026 bathroom renovation typically runs AED 25,500–AED 64,000 with primary-bath gut jobs and additions passing AED 96,000.

Here’s what each budget level buys, where the money goes, and how to avoid the two mistakes that blow bathroom budgets: moving plumbing and discovering water damage.

Cost by scope

Bathrooms scale with how much you change and how much plumbing moves:

• Cosmetic refresh (AED 25,500–AED 38,500): new vanity, toilet, fixtures, paint, lighting, and re-tiling a floor.
• Mid-range renovation (AED 38,500–AED 64,000): new tub/shower, tile surround, vanity, flooring, fixtures and ventilation.
• Full gut / primary bath (AED 64,000–AED 112,000+): new layout, walk-in or curbless shower, double vanity, premium tile and finishes.

Where the money goes

Labour is a bigger share here than in most rooms because of tile and plumbing:

• Labour: ~40–50% — tile setting, plumbing and waterproofing are skilled, time-intensive work.
• Fixtures and fittings (tub, shower, toilet, vanity, taps): ~25–30%.
• Tile and flooring: ~10–15%.
• Lighting, ventilation, paint and accessories: the rest.

Watch for these budget-killers

Bathrooms hide more surprises than any other room:

• Moving the toilet, shower or sink — relocating drains is expensive.
• Hidden water damage or mould behind old tile and around the tub.
• Outdated or unsafe wiring and no exhaust fan (now code in most areas).
• Going curbless or converting tub-to-shower — great features, but they add labour.

How to keep it on budget

As with kitchens, keeping the plumbing where it is saves the most money. Waterproofing is not the place to cut corners — a proper shower pan and membrane is what keeps a beautiful bathroom from rotting behind the walls in five years, so make sure your quote spells it out. Budget a 15% contingency for the water damage older bathrooms so often reveal at demo.

What’s different in the UAE

Prices on this page are in UAE dirhams and reflect typical ranges across the Emirates; Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally sit at the higher end, and the type of property matters — a lot of work here is on villas and apartments in managed communities. In many buildings and communities the developer or master community (and its rules) must approve alterations before work begins.

Contractors and technicians should be licensed in the relevant emirate, and larger works need approvals from the municipality (Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi’s DMT) and, in freehold communities, the master developer. VAT of 5% applies to most work. The Gulf climate — extreme heat, humidity and dust — drives priorities toward robust air conditioning, waterproofing and materials that stand up to the sun.

Frequently asked questions