The Hidden Costs Everyone Forgets in a Kitchen Renovation

Dreaming up your ideal kitchen is half the fun, planning the upgrade makes it real, but it’s easy to focus only on the big items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Many people are surprised when the bill adds up faster than expected.

That’s because a kitchen renovation in Dubai often comes with small costs that don’t show up until work begins, or even after it’s done.

Delivery and Handling Fees:

When you order materials like cabinets, tiles, or sinks, there may be extra charges for shipping or handling. These fees can add up quickly, especially if items come from different places. If something is large, heavy, or fragile, special care is needed to move it, which can raise the cost even more.

Temporary Kitchen Setup:

During the renovation, you might not be able to use your kitchen for a few weeks. Eating out adds up fast, and setting up a small cooking area elsewhere in the house may involve buying extras like a hot plate, mini fridge, or disposable dishes. These little things often go unnoticed when setting the budget.

Small Repairs Behind the Walls:

Once old cabinets or tiles are removed, hidden problems may be found. This could be old plumbing, weak walls, or outdated wiring. Fixing these issues can’t be skipped, and the cost usually isn’t included in the original plan.

Permit and Inspection Costs:

Depending on where you live, certain types of work may need permits or inspections. This applies to plumbing, electrical, or changing the structure of the room. These fees aren’t always included in quotes and can come up later in the process.

Extra Finishing Touches:

By the time the big work is done, you might want to add small touches that weren’t in the plan, like upgraded handles, under-cabinet lighting, or nicer backsplash tiles. These items seem small but can quickly raise the final cost. Sometimes even new paint or trim work gets added late in the project.

Cleanup and Waste Removal:

Once the work is done, there’s often a lot of mess left behind. You may need to pay for deep cleaning or for someone to haul away old materials. Some companies include this, but others charge extra.

Thinking through these hidden costs before starting your kitchen renovation can help you feel more prepared. It’s better to leave a little extra in the budget so you’re not caught off guard when the small things start to show up.