Before you sign with any fit-out contractor in Dubai, ask five things: who is accountable for the whole job, what the quotation itemises, which approvals they handle, how changes are priced, and what is checked before handover. A contractor who answers all five in writing is easier to compare than one who answers with a single lump sum.
This is a checklist for you to hold every contractor against, NovaPlex included. Where we describe our own service, the source is the NovaPlex fit-out page, novaplex.ae/services/fit-out-dubai, read 9 November 2026.
What is the difference between a fit-out and a renovation?
A fit-out turns a bare or shell space into a finished, usable one: partitions, ceilings, flooring, mechanical, electrical and plumbing works (MEP), joinery and finishes. A renovation reworks a space that is already fitted. Some contractors do only one of the two. NovaPlex delivers both, residential and commercial (source: novaplex.ae/services/fit-out-dubai, read 9 November 2026). Our longer comparison is in fit-out vs renovation.
Question 1: Who is accountable for the whole project?
Ask for one name and one number. When design, build and joinery sit with three separate companies, the gaps between them are where delays and disputes start. NovaPlex describes its fit-out service as design, approvals, MEP, in-house joinery and finishing, coordinated by one accountable team (source: novaplex.ae/services/fit-out-dubai, read 9 November 2026). Whichever contractor you choose, ask them to say in writing who answers for the programme and the finish.
Question 2: What does the quotation itemise?
A single lump sum makes comparison impossible. Ask for a quotation split by area and trade, with a stated scope that says what is included and what is not. Where an item is not yet chosen, such as tiles or sanitaryware, ask how it is carried in the quote. Two quotes are only comparable when they cover the same scope.
Cost depends on the size and condition of the space, the specification of finishes, how much joinery is custom, the MEP work needed, the approvals required and the building's access rules. We do not publish a price range here. NovaPlex offers a fixed-fee quote for a specific space on request (source: novaplex.ae/services/fit-out-dubai, read 9 November 2026).
Question 3: Which approvals do you handle, and who issues them?
This depends on the location. According to the NovaPlex fit-out page, community homes need a developer NOC, and commercial units usually need Dubai Municipality or free-zone authority approval (source: novaplex.ae/services/fit-out-dubai, read 9 November 2026). NOCs and Dubai Municipality submissions are handled as part of NovaPlex's service. Ask any contractor which approvals they prepare, which you must provide, and who is named on the application. Requirements differ by building and authority, so confirm them with the issuing body. This is general information, unverified, and not a legal or regulatory position.
Question 4: How are changes priced?
Changes after the work starts are the most common source of budget disputes. Ask how a change is described, priced and approved, and ask that it be agreed in writing before the work happens.
Question 5: What is checked before handover?
Ask what the handover process is. At NovaPlex, alignment, finishes, silicone joints and services are checked, and a documented snag list is cleared before handover (source: novaplex.ae/services/fit-out-dubai, read 9 November 2026). Ask any contractor to describe their snag list in the same way: who writes it, and when it is signed off. Our guide to the snag list has a room-by-room checklist.
Which documents should I ask a contractor for?
- A company licence that names the legal company you are contracting with. NovaPlex is a licensed Dubai company, NOVA PLEX INTERIOR DESIGN AND FITOUT L.L.C.
- An itemised quotation with its scope and exclusions.
- A written payment schedule.
- A description of completed work comparable to yours. NovaPlex's published projects are at novaplex.ae/projects.
For more on weighing contractors, see how to choose a fit-out contractor in Dubai and our guide to choosing a villa renovation company. To talk about your space, write to info@novaplex.ae or use the contact page. Registered office: Office M4-102, Al Khabaisi, Dubai.