Edinburgh Builders FAQ

Planning a renovation, structural alteration, kitchen, bathroom or larger building project in Edinburgh? This FAQ answers some of the most common questions homeowners ask when comparing builders in Edinburgh, planning a full property renovation or trying to understand drawings, approvals, structural work and project costs.

Johnstone Joinery & Building undertakes fully managed residential renovation projects across Edinburgh, including flat and house renovations, structural alterations, kitchens, bathrooms, loft conversions and bespoke joinery. Where relevant, the answers below link to our more detailed building and renovation guides, service pages and Edinburgh building glossary.

Planning a Renovation in Edinburgh

What does a full property renovation include?

A full property renovation in Edinburgh can include layout changes, structural alterations, kitchen and bathroom replacement, plumbing and electrical work, plastering, flooring, insulation, bespoke joinery and final decoration.

The exact scope depends on the condition of the property and how extensively the existing layout, services and finishes need to change. Larger projects are usually easier to coordinate when the work is planned as one refurbishment rather than as a series of unrelated room-by-room jobs.

How long does a home renovation in Edinburgh take?

The timescale for a home renovation depends on the size and condition of the property, the extent of structural work, whether planning or building warrant approval is required, and the number of trades involved.

A kitchen or bathroom project may take several weeks, while a substantial flat renovation or whole-property refurbishment can take considerably longer. Once the scope of work is established, a realistic programme can be prepared around the actual project.

Can I live in my property during a full renovation?

Sometimes, but it depends on the extent of the work. A renovation involving structural alterations, kitchen removal, bathroom replacement, rewiring, plumbing changes or work across several rooms may make temporary accommodation more practical.

The key consideration is whether the property can remain safe, usable and reasonably comfortable while construction is underway.

Do you renovate Edinburgh tenement flats?

Yes. We undertake renovations of traditional Edinburgh flats and tenements, including internal reconfiguration, kitchens, bathrooms, structural alterations and substantial refurbishment work.

Older properties often require more consideration around existing construction, uneven floors, original joinery and other period details. You can also read more about tenements in our building glossary.

What should I have ready before asking a builder for a quote?

Ideally, provide as much information as you already have: photographs, measurements, architectural drawings, structural information and a clear description of what you want to achieve.

For projects that are still at an early stage, it is still useful to speak to a builder before every detail is finalised. The important thing is to distinguish between an early estimate and a detailed quotation based on an established scope of work.

Builders, Contractors and Project Management

Do I need a builder, contractor or separate tradespeople?

For a substantial renovation, you generally need somebody to coordinate the building work rather than simply appointing individual trades in isolation.

At Johnstone Joinery & Building, Martin coordinates the different stages of the project, including the building work, joinery and relevant specialist trades. This gives the homeowner one point of contact rather than requiring them to manage plumbers, electricians, joiners and other contractors independently.

What is project management in a renovation?

Renovation project management involves coordinating the sequence of work, specialist trades, materials, access and key decisions so that each stage can proceed in the correct order.

For example, structural work may need to be completed before plastering, plumbing and electrical work may need to be coordinated before walls are closed, and kitchen or bathroom installation must follow the relevant first-fix work.

Why is coordinating trades important?

If one stage is delayed or completed in the wrong sequence, later trades may be unable to proceed. This can increase costs, create avoidable disruption and result in repeated visits or remedial work.

A coordinated renovation programme helps reduce these conflicts and keeps responsibility for the overall project with one team.

How do I choose the right builders in Edinburgh?

Look for relevant renovation experience, clear quotations, realistic scheduling, examples of completed work and evidence that the builder can coordinate the different trades required for your project.

You can explore our completed Edinburgh renovation projects or read more about Martin Johnstone and his experience managing residential renovation work.

Architectural Drawings, Planning and Building Warrants

What are architectural drawings?

Architectural drawings are scaled plans, sections, elevations and details used to describe the design, layout and construction of a building project.

Depending on the project, different drawings may be required for planning, building warrant approval, structural design and construction.

Do I need architectural drawings for a renovation in Edinburgh?

Not every renovation requires the same level of drawing information, but structural alterations, extensions and significant layout changes often require drawings so the proposed work can be properly designed, assessed and constructed.

Where drawings are needed, they should accurately describe the existing property and the proposed alterations.

What is a building warrant in Edinburgh?

A building warrant is approval confirming that proposed building work complies with the relevant Scottish building standards.

Many structural alterations, extensions, loft conversions and other regulated works require a building warrant before construction begins. Our Edinburgh Building Warrant Guide explains the process in more detail.

What is the difference between planning permission and a building warrant?

Planning permission primarily concerns whether a proposed development is acceptable in planning terms, while a building warrant relates to compliance with building standards.

Some projects may require one, both or neither, depending on the nature of the work.

Do I need planning permission for a house extension in Edinburgh?

Some extensions may fall within permitted development rights, while others require planning permission. The answer depends on the property's location, the scale and position of the extension and whether additional restrictions apply.

You can read more about planning permission in our glossary.

Do listed or period properties need additional approvals?

Potentially. Alterations to listed buildings and properties within conservation areas may involve additional planning or consent requirements.

The exact position depends on the property and proposed work, so this should be established before construction begins.

Structural Alterations and Wall Removal

What are structural alterations?

Structural alterations are changes that affect structural elements of a property, such as load-bearing walls, beams, floors or roof structures.

Typical projects include creating larger openings, removing load-bearing walls and installing steel support where required.

Can I remove a load-bearing wall in an Edinburgh property?

Potentially, but the wall must first be assessed to determine its structural role.

Where a load-bearing wall is removed, a structural engineer may need to design the replacement support, such as a beam or other structural solution. Building warrant approval may also be required.

Our structural alterations and wall removal service explains how we approach this type of work.

What does a structural engineer do during a renovation?

A structural engineer assesses and designs structural elements where loads are being altered or redistributed.

Their work may include calculating support requirements for wall removals, beams, floor alterations and other structural changes.

What happens during a wall removal?

The process usually begins with establishing whether the wall is structural. Where required, engineering information and approvals are put in place before the opening is formed.

The work can then involve temporary support, wall removal, installation of the new structural support and making good around the altered area.

Kitchen Renovations

What should I consider before renovating a kitchen?

A kitchen renovation in Edinburgh should consider far more than cabinetry and finishes.

Important factors include layout, plumbing, electrical requirements, ventilation, lighting, flooring and whether walls or openings need to change to create the desired space.

Can I create an open-plan kitchen in an Edinburgh flat?

Often, yes, but the feasibility depends on the existing structure, services and layout.

Removing or altering walls may require structural input and building warrant approval, particularly where a load-bearing wall is involved.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

The programme depends on how much work is involved. A straightforward replacement kitchen is different from a renovation involving wall removal, plumbing alterations, new flooring, rewiring or relocation of the kitchen.

For larger projects, the kitchen should be planned as part of the wider renovation sequence.

Bathroom Renovations

What is included in a bathroom renovation?

A bathroom renovation in Edinburgh can involve removing the existing bathroom, altering plumbing and drainage, waterproofing, tiling, electrical work, ventilation, sanitaryware installation and new joinery or storage.

The extent of work depends on whether the existing layout is being retained or substantially changed.

Can I move a bathroom in an Edinburgh flat?

Potentially. Moving a bathroom requires careful consideration of drainage, water supplies, ventilation and the relationship between the proposed bathroom and existing services.

Relocating a WC in particular may require substantial drainage alterations, so feasibility should be assessed before the layout is finalised.

What is bathroom installation?

Bathroom installation refers to the work required to fit and connect the bathroom components and associated services.

In a full renovation, this work is often coordinated with plumbing, electrical work, wall preparation, waterproofing, tiling and finishing.

Loft and Attic Conversions

Can I convert a loft or attic in Edinburgh?

Possibly. The feasibility of a loft or attic conversion depends on factors including roof structure, available headroom, access, floor construction and any required approvals.

Can I convert the attic above an Edinburgh tenement flat?

This can be more complicated because ownership, access, common building elements and the roof structure all need to be considered.

A survey and professional assessment are needed before assuming the space can be converted.

Bespoke Joinery

What is bespoke joinery?

Bespoke joinery refers to made-to-measure timber work designed specifically for the property.

Examples can include fitted wardrobes, alcove storage, shelving, cabinetry, window seats and other custom-built features.

Why use bespoke joinery instead of standard furniture?

Made-to-measure joinery can make better use of awkward spaces, uneven walls, alcoves and restricted layouts that standard furniture cannot accommodate.

This is particularly useful in older Edinburgh properties where room dimensions and wall lines are not always regular.

Renovation Costs and Quotes

How much does a full property renovation cost in Edinburgh?

There is no single figure because renovation costs depend heavily on property size, condition, structural work, finishes, kitchen and bathroom specification and the extent of building services being replaced or altered.

The most useful cost estimate comes from a clearly defined scope of work rather than a generic price per square metre.

How much does a house extension cost in Edinburgh?

Extension costs vary according to size, structural design, foundations, access, specification and finishes.

Once drawings and the proposed scope are sufficiently developed, a builder can provide a more meaningful quotation. You can read more about our house extension work in Edinburgh.

What should be included in a building quote?

A useful building quotation should make the scope of work clear and identify what is included, excluded or still subject to confirmation.

Depending on the project, it may cover labour, materials, specialist trades, structural work, installations and finishing.

Getting Started

How do I get a quote from Johnstone Joinery & Building?

Start by telling us about your property, the work you're considering and any plans or drawings you already have.

You can contact Johnstone Joinery & Building to discuss the project and next steps.

Can you get involved if I already have drawings or an architect?

Yes. We can pick up a project at different stages.

If you already have drawings, structural information or the necessary approvals, these can be reviewed as part of developing the construction scope. If you are at an earlier stage, relevant professional input can be coordinated where required.

Where can I see examples of your renovation work?

Explore our Edinburgh renovation projects for completed flat renovations, structural alterations, kitchens, bathrooms and bespoke joinery across different parts of the city.