Your contractor says they need to do some core cutting. Here’s what that means for your home or building, in plain language.
What is core cutting?
It’s a way of drilling a clean, round hole through concrete or a wall. A hollow, diamond-tipped drill bit cuts a neat circle and removes a solid plug of concrete. The hole is then used for a pipe, duct or cable.
Why would my property need it?
The most common reasons are:
- New AC pipes or ducts
- A kitchen hood or bathroom extractor
- Moving plumbing or drainage
- New electrical, data or solar cables
- Pool, water tank or garden irrigation pipework
Will it damage my property?
Not if it’s done properly. Core cutting is low-vibration, so it doesn’t shake or crack the surrounding concrete the way hammering does.
The real risk is where the hole goes. Walls and slabs hide steel bars, pipes and electrical cables. A professional crew scans the area with GPR concrete scanning first and marks what’s inside, so the hole avoids them.
Can a hole go anywhere?
No. Beams and columns hold your building up and shouldn’t be drilled without a structural engineer’s approval. If the planned hole is near one, expect the crew to suggest a different position.
How noisy is it?
You’ll hear a steady grinding sound while the bit is cutting. It’s much quieter than a jackhammer, but it’s not silent. In apartments, your building will usually set the hours when it’s allowed.
How messy is it?
Core cutting uses water to cool the bit and stop dust, so the mess is mainly wet slurry rather than dust. A good crew covers your floors and furniture, collects the water as they go and cleans up afterwards. Ask how they’ll protect the room below if they’re drilling through a floor.
How long does it take?
A standard hole often takes well under an hour, including set-up and clean-up. Larger or deeper holes, or several holes, take longer.
Do I need approval?
Usually yes, at least from your building or community management. Bigger changes, such as structural work or facade changes, may need an authority permit. Dubai Municipality restructured 20 of its services in August 2026, merging several building permits and approvals (Khaleej Times), so check what’s currently required. Our permits and approvals team can help.
Do I need to be home?
Someone should be there at the start to confirm the hole positions and at the end to check the work. You don’t need to watch the whole job.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the hole size, wall or slab thickness, how many holes, access and working hours. Scanning, protection and clean-up may be priced separately, so check what’s included in the quote.
What should I do before the crew arrives?
- Clear the area around each hole
- Move valuables and fragile items out of the room
- Tell the crew what’s on the other side of the wall or below the floor
- Have any approvals ready to show
What happens after?
The crew removes the concrete plug and cleans up. The hole is then sleeved and sealed once the pipe or cable goes in. On external walls and roofs, make sure it’s sealed against rain.
Need core cutting at home?
Scan and Core handles core cutting for villas, apartments and buildings across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We scan first, protect your space and leave it clean. See our concrete cutting and coring services.
Contact Scan and Core to book a visit, or call +971 56 861 9006.
