Renovating a three-bedroom apartment is a major undertaking that requires precise planning, disciplined execution, and expert coordination. In Dubai, renovation projects must align with strict building regulations, approval processes, and high-quality expectations. Without a clear timeline, even a well-designed renovation can face delays, budget overruns, and unnecessary stress.
This blog presents a realistic 10-week Gantt-style project timeline for a full 3-bedroom apartment renovation, offering a clear breakdown of each phase—from design and approvals to final handover. Whether you are a homeowner upgrading your living space or an investor enhancing property value, this guide will help you understand how a professional renovation should be structured.
Why a Structured Renovation Timeline Is Essential
A renovation timeline is more than a schedule—it is a control system. In Dubai, apartment renovations involve multiple stakeholders, including building management, developers, suppliers, and specialist contractors. A structured timeline helps to:
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Ensure compliance with building and municipality regulations
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Coordinate multiple trades efficiently
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Reduce downtime between phases
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Control costs and material lead times
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Deliver predictable outcomes
A Gantt-style timeline allows certain activities to overlap while ensuring critical tasks are completed in the correct sequence.
Project Scope Assumptions
This 10-week timeline is based on a full 3BR apartment renovation, including:
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Demolition and surface preparation
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Electrical, plumbing, and AC upgrades
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Kitchen and bathroom renovation
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New flooring and ceilings
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Custom carpentry and joinery
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Painting, lighting, and fixtures
The scope reflects a high-quality residential renovation commonly required in Dubai apartments.
Week 1: Site Survey, Design Finalization & Approvals
Key Activities:
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Detailed site inspection and measurements
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Finalization of layout plans, finishes, and materials
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Preparation of authority drawings
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Submission to building management and developer
This phase sets the foundation for the entire project. Finalizing design decisions early prevents costly changes later. Approval timelines vary by building, so experienced coordination is essential.
Milestone:
Design frozen and approvals initiated.
Week 2: Site Setup & Demolition
Key Activities:
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Protection of common areas and elevators
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Controlled demolition of existing flooring, cabinets, and ceilings
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Removal of old sanitary fixtures
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Waste disposal as per building regulations
Demolition is carefully managed to avoid noise complaints and structural damage. Clear access and site organization are critical at this stage.
Milestone:
Apartment cleared and ready for construction.
Week 3: MEP Rough-In (Electrical, Plumbing & AC)
Key Activities:
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Electrical rewiring and DB upgrades
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Plumbing modifications for bathrooms and kitchen
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AC ducting adjustments and insulation
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Smart home and data cabling (if required)
All concealed services are installed during this phase. Accuracy is critical, as mistakes can require rework once walls and floors are closed.
Milestone:
MEP rough-in completed and inspected.
Week 4: Civil Works & Waterproofing
Key Activities:
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Wall repairs and surface leveling
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Bathroom waterproofing systems
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Screeding for new flooring
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Minor masonry works
- Bathroom renovation services
Waterproofing is tested before proceeding further, ensuring long-term protection and preventing future leaks.
Milestone:
Surfaces structurally ready for finishes.
Week 5: Flooring & Bathroom Tiling
Key Activities:
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Installation of tiles, parquet, or SPC flooring
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Bathroom wall and floor tiling
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Grouting and sealing
While on-site finishes progress, custom joinery such as kitchens and wardrobes are fabricated off-site to save time.
Milestone:
Flooring and wet areas completed.
Week 6: False Ceilings, Lighting & First Fix Joinery
Key Activities:
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Gypsum ceiling installation
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Cove lighting and spotlight preparation
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Kitchen cabinet framework
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Wardrobe carcasses
- Interior fit-out services in Dubai
Lighting placement is finalized during this phase, significantly influencing the apartment’s ambiance and functionality.
Milestone:
Ceilings and base carpentry installed.
Week 7: Carpentry, Doors & Interior Features
Key Activities:
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Installation of kitchen cabinets and countertops
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Wardrobes and storage units
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Wooden doors and frames
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Decorative panels and feature elements
- Custom kitchen design and installation
Precision and craftsmanship are key here, as this phase defines the overall visual quality of the renovation.
Milestone:
All major carpentry completed.
Week 8: Painting, Fixtures & Final MEP Fit-Out
Key Activities:
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Wall and ceiling painting
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Installation of sanitary fixtures
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Lighting fixtures, switches, and sockets
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Kitchen appliances installation
Final finishes are applied once heavy work is complete to ensure a clean, polished result.
Milestone:
Apartment visually and functionally complete.
Week 9: Snagging, Testing & Rectification
Key Activities:
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Electrical and plumbing testing
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AC system testing and balancing
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Snag list preparation
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Rectification of minor defects
Snagging ensures the apartment meets quality standards before final inspection.
Milestone:
Snag-free apartment ready for handover.
Week 10: Final Inspection & Handover
Key Activities:
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Building management inspection
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Final cleaning
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Client walkthrough
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Handover of warranties and documentation
This final stage ensures compliance, quality, and client satisfaction.
Milestone:
Renovation completed and handed over.
10-Week Gantt Timeline Summary
| Week | Phase |
|---|---|
| 1 | Design & approvals |
| 2 | Demolition |
| 3 | MEP rough-in |
| 4 | Civil works & waterproofing |
| 5 | Flooring & tiling |
| 6 | Ceilings & first fix joinery |
| 7 | Carpentry & doors |
| 8 | Painting & fixtures |
| 9 | Snagging |
| 10 | Final handover |
Common Causes of Delays (and How to Avoid Them)
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Late design changes
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Approval mismanagement
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Poor coordination between trades
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Material delivery delays
Working with an experienced renovation company ensures these risks are anticipated and managed proactively.
Read more: View our completed renovation projects
Final Thoughts
A well-planned apartment renovation in dubai can be completed efficiently within a 10-week timeframe when guided by a structured timeline and professional execution. Understanding each phase helps homeowners make informed decisions and maintain realistic expectations throughout the renovation journey.
Ready to Renovate Your 3BR Apartment?
Interiofy® deliver end-to-end apartment renovation solutions across Dubai—combining thoughtful design, precise execution, and transparent project management.
From approvals and planning to construction and final handover, our team ensures your renovation is seamless, stress-free, and completed on time.
Contact Interiofy® today to schedule a consultation and transform your apartment into a space that reflects your lifestyle and vision.




