The Cost of Cutting Corners: What Clients Need to Know About Design & Fit-Out Pricing

In the world of design and fit-out, winning a project often starts with trust.

You meet a client. You listen carefully. You understand their vision. You invest time to craft a solution that delivers — not just in looks, but in quality and long-term value.

And then… comes the budget conversation.

At ROOMIFY, we are upfront. When a client wants a full renovation of a 3-bedroom villa — including landscaping and a new pool — we tell them it could cost around 600,000 AED. That is not a guess — it is based on proper planning, realistic material costs, regulatory compliance, and attention to detail.

But here’s what happens far too often:

That number becomes the client’s new benchmark — not for quality, but for negotiation.

Once the figure is on the table, it quickly turns into a target others race to beat. Competitors who did not offer a single price during the pitch now slide in and say: “We’ll do it for 500k.”

No design. 

No BOQ. 

No specifications. 

Just a low number and a handshake.

A few weeks later, once the job starts, the extras begin:

• “This wasn’t included.”

• “That price didn’t cover landscaping.”

• “There’s been an increase in materials.”

• “We didn’t account for this ductwork.”

Suddenly, the client ends up paying 650k — with more time, more stress, more compromises, and no accountability.

For Clients: The DOs and DON’Ts When Evaluating Fit-Out Proposals

• DO: Ask for Clarity — Not Just a Number

Understand exactly what’s included: finishes, fixtures, labor, project management, authority approvals, warranties. A real proposal is more than a number — it’s a plan.

• DON’T: Assume the Lowest Quote is the Smartest Option

If someone offers 100k less with the same vague promise, something is missing. It may be site supervision, material quality, or simply execution capacity.

• DO: Challenge Vague Promises

Ask how things will be managed. Who’s responsible for procurement? What happens if materials are delayed? How are changes tracked?

• DON’T: Let One Contractor’s Transparency Be Used Against Them

If a professional gives you a realistic price, don’t hand it to others just to see who undercuts it. That’s not competition — it’s a race to the bottom.

• DO: Value Process Over Pitch

Great contractors guide you — from concept through completion. They’re proactive. They educate. They show you what’s possible within your means — and protect you from costly surprises.

💬 Final Thought

As professionals, we owe clients honesty — even if it means losing a deal.

But clients have a responsibility too: To evaluate based on value, not just price. To reward transparency, not punish it. To understand that the cheapest quote is often the most expensive mistake.

Let’s raise the standard — together. Let’s make “clarity and trust” the new measure of value in our industry.

If you're a homeowner, investor, or project manager looking to renovate or build with confidence — feel free to reach out. We are here to help you make the right decisions before the first hammer swings. CLICK THE YELLOW BUTTON BELOW .