Knock down and rebuild in the Lothians

Covering The Lothians

We cover the Lothians, including Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate and Bonnyrigg, and the towns around them.

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 do you get with a knock down and rebuild?

We assess whether rebuilding is better value than extending and renovating, prepare the planning application for the replacement dwelling, manage the demolition notice and asbestos survey, then build the new home. The process runs much like a new build once the old house is cleared.

Feasibility: rebuild versus extend and renovate
Planning application for the replacement dwelling
New foundations, structure and full fit-out

How much does a knock down and rebuild cost in the Lothians?

What knock down and rebuild typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

Knock down and rebuild	Guide price
Demolition and site clearance (total)	£15,000 to £35,000
Rebuild, standard specification (per m²)	£2,100 to £2,600 per m²
Rebuild, good specification (per m²)	£2,600 to £3,100 per m²
Rebuild, high specification (per m²)	£3,100 to £3,700 per m²

Do you need permission for a knock down and rebuild in the Lothians?

Scottish projects follow a different process from England: the council issues a building warrant before work starts and accepts a completion certificate at the end, alongside any planning permission needed. We prepare both applications.

This needs planning permission and a building warrant from your council in Scotland before work starts.

What should I think about before starting?

You will need somewhere to live for most of a year.
Planning policy on replacement dwellings varies, especially in green belt and countryside.

What are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

Do I need planning permission?

Yes, for the replacement dwelling.

What happens about asbestos?

An asbestos survey is done before demolition and any asbestos is removed safely first.

Who deals with the council for a project in the Lothians?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Also covering

Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in The Lothians.