Renovation costs in Saudi Arabia: what sets the budget for each job?

Full renovation of a villa or house

In a full renovation the cost is set first by the home’s condition: the age of the services, the state of the roof and bathroom waterproofing, and any damp or cracks. Then the area and number of wet rooms, the finish level, and whether room layouts change or stay. Any structural work adds an engineer and a permit.

So a technical survey before pricing an older home makes quotes more precise and reduces extras after the start. Read about home and villa renovation.

Apartment finishing

The cost of finishing a flat depends on the starting point: is it unfinished, or finished and being refreshed? Then the area, number of bathrooms, finish level and who supplies materials. In apartment buildings, how hard it is to move materials and waste and the permitted working hours can affect duration and cost.

A flat being prepared for letting usually needs practical, durable finishes more than luxury ones. Read about apartment finishing.

Kitchen

In a kitchen the cabinets set the cost before anything else: how many and how long, carcass and front materials, and internal fittings. Then the worktop and its type, appliances if included, and services. Moving the kitchen or the sink raises the cost because it needs new services.

Read the kitchen renovation guide.

Bathrooms

In a bathroom the hidden work sets the cost as much as the visible: is the floor lifted and the waterproofing redone? Are the services renewed? Then tiles and sanitaryware and their grade, glass and cabinets. The number of bathrooms multiplies all of it.

Read bathroom renovation: waterproofing first.

Painting and decor

Painting cost depends on wall and ceiling area and their condition — a cracked or damp wall needs treatment and filler before painting. Then the paint type and number of coats, special finishes such as wallpaper or decorative paints, and whether the house is empty or occupied.

Read about painting and decor.

Floors

Flooring cost depends on the area, the material and its grade, removing the old floor or laying over it, the condition and flatness of the base, and tile size — large tiles need more precise work. Marble needs sealing and polishing.

Read choosing floors for a hot climate.

Gypsum ceilings and lighting

With gypsum the cost is set by the area, the complexity of the design and the number of levels and details, the board type, the amount of hidden lighting and its wiring, and whether it hides AC units or ducts. A simple ceiling with a frame costs less than an ornate one with many levels.

Read gypsum ceilings and hidden lighting.

Waterproofing and leak detection

For roof waterproofing the cost is set by the area, the system and its layers, removing old waterproofing, correcting falls and drains, and the protection layer. For leak detection it’s the instruments used and the number of suspect places, then the repair and refinishing afterwards.

Read roof waterproofing for the Saudi summer.

Electrics and plumbing

Cost depends on the size of the change: limited repairs, or full replacement of the home’s services. Then the number of points, upgrading the board, and opening and reinstating walls. This work must be done by qualified tradespeople, and it’s not worth saving on at the expense of safety.

Read about electrical and plumbing work.

Facades and interior design

For facades the cost is set by the area, height and scaffolding, the finish type, the facade’s current condition and any permit required. For interior design, designers price in different ways — by area, by room or by scope of service, from drawings only to supervising the work.

Read about facade renovation and interior design.

Costs many people forget

Some items don’t show in the first picture of a project but belong in the real budget. Ask about them in every quote:

• Strip-out and waste removal: removing old tiles and cabinets and taking them to an authorised place.
• Protecting the home: covering floors, furniture and parts not included in the work, especially if you live there.
• Reinstating what’s opened: opening walls for services means plaster and paint afterwards.
• Temporary accommodation: if the renovation is full and you can’t stay in the house.
• Permits and fees: for structural work or facade changes.
• Final cleaning: after the work and before moving back in.

Season, city and timing

Demand for renovation companies rises in some months — before Ramadan and Eid, the summer holidays, and before the seasons in Mecca and Medina. Then waits are longer and there’s less room to negotiate. If your timing is flexible, starting in a quieter period may help.

A very rushed date can raise the cost because it needs a bigger crew or longer hours, and it can affect the quality of work that needs drying time, such as waterproofing and paint.

How to get an accurate estimate for your home

The clearer your description, the more precise and comparable the quotes. In your request, include:

• The type of home, its approximate area and age.
• The rooms or parts the work covers, and what you want in each.
• The finish level you want, and who supplies materials.
• Any problems you know about: damp, leaks, cracks or tripping electrics.
• The date you need, and whether you’ll live there during the work.
• A rough budget range if you wish, so companies can suggest what fits it.

Then ask each company for an itemised written quote and compare the lines, not the totals. Read how to choose a renovation company and compare quotes.