5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Fit-Out Contractor in Dubai

The right fit-out contractor can transform your villa, restaurant, or commercial space into a stunning, functional masterpiece.
The wrong one? It can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

In Dubai’s booming construction market, many clients are overwhelmed by options — and often fall into traps that seem minor at first, but lead to major regrets later.

At City Contracting, we’ve been called in to rescue many projects that started with the wrong partner. Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid — and how to choose wisely.

❌ Mistake 1: Choosing Based on the Lowest Price

We get it — everyone wants to stay on budget. But if a contractor’s price seems “too good to be true,” it probably is.

Low-cost offers often hide:

• Missing items from the scope of work
• Unqualified labor
• Substitute materials of inferior quality
• Lack of proper site supervision

What starts as “savings” ends up in variation orders, delays, and rework.

Our approach: We provide a transparent BOQ and clearly define every item — so you know exactly what you're paying for.

‍

‍

❌ Mistake 2: Hiring Without Checking Project Experience

Not all fit-out contractors are equipped for high-end projects. Some specialize in basic commercial spaces or small retail jobs — which is a completely different skill set from villa renovations or luxury interiors.

Ask:

• Have they worked in similar communities (Emaar, Nakheel, Meydan)?
• Do they understand luxury finishes and technical coordination?
• Can they show before-and-after photos or references?

At City Contracting, we only take on projects where we can deliver exceptional results — and we showcase real case studies to back it up.

‍

‍

❌ Mistake 3: Skipping the BOQ and Working Off a Lump-Sum Quote

A lump-sum quote without a detailed BOQ is a red flag.

Why? Because:

• It’s impossible to compare multiple offers fairly.
• Scope gaps are likely — leading to extra charges later.
• It prevents the client from knowing where their money is going.

We provide a full BOQ aligned with the design, including quantities, materials, labor, and specifications. This protects your budget and gives you leverage in contractor selection.

‍

‍

❌ Mistake 4: Overlooking Authority Approval Experience

Even if your project seems “interior only,” you might still need approvals from:

• Dubai Municipality
• Civil Defense
• DEWA
• Community developers like Emaar, DAMAC, Meydan

Contractors unfamiliar with the process can delay your project for weeks — or even cause fines.

We handle all permits and submissions in-house, ensuring your project remains compliant from start to finish.

‍

‍

❌ Mistake 5: No Clear Supervision or Timeline Strategy

Many contractors rely on subcontractors and leave the job unsupervised. The result?

• Finishes applied without coordination
• MEP works clashing with ceilings or joinery
• Endless excuses for delays

At City Contracting, we assign a dedicated site engineer or construction manager to every project — tracking progress, resolving issues, and keeping you updated.

‍