House renovations in the Lothians

Covering The Lothians

Our coverage across the Lothians includes Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate and Bonnyrigg.

Homes in the Lothians

In Scotland many families extend bungalows and semis, while tenement flats bring shared ownership of roofs and walls that needs agreeing early.

What does a house renovation involve?

We survey the house to find what really needs doing, from damp and roof condition to wiring age, then programme the work so the messy trades (structure, first-fix, plaster) happen before the finishing trades. A single contract avoids the gaps that appear when separate trades are booked independently.

Condition survey and scope of works
Insulation and energy upgrades
Decoration and flooring if required

What is the guide price for a house renovation in the Lothians?

Typical ranges for house renovations. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

House renovations	Guide price incl. VAT
Light refurbishment	£600 to £1,000 per m²
Full renovation	£1,000 to £1,800 per m²
Structural renovation and remodel	£1,800 to £2,800 per m²

What approvals does a house renovation need in Scotland?

Projects in Scotland need a building warrant from the council before any building work starts, and a completion certificate once it is finished. Planning permission is a separate decision. The Party Wall etc. Act does not apply in Scotland; shared walls are governed by title deeds and the law of the tenement where relevant.

Internal alterations rarely need planning permission in Scotland, but structural work needs a building warrant before it starts.

What can change the price or programme?

Houses empty for two years or more can qualify for the reduced 5% VAT rate on renovation.
Energy upgrades are cheapest when walls and floors are already opened up.

What happens after I enquire?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

House renovations: common questions

How long does a renovation take?

About 8 to 30 weeks on site depending on scope.

Do you handle the building control side?

Yes. We apply for and arrange inspections for everything that needs approval.

Can you visit a house in the Lothians to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Other towns nearby

Learn more about house renovations, or see every project we cover in The Lothians.