Planning an extension, loft conversion or refurbishment in Edinburgh? Knowing what happens at each stage can make the process easier to manage. This guide explains the journey from your first ideas to handover, including the questions to ask about design, costs, communication and disruption.
Build-able provides building and renovation services across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Whatever the size of your project, a clear brief and an agreed scope of work are a useful starting point.
1. Consultation: agree your priorities and budget
Think about how you want to use the space and what is not working in your home today. Separate the essentials from the features you would like to include if the budget allows.
For an initial discussion, bring photographs, any existing drawings and a short list of priorities. Share your preferred timing and any practical constraints, such as access through a shared stair or the need to keep a kitchen in use.
- Describe the work you have in mind and the rooms it affects.
- Set an initial budget range and discuss an allowance for unexpected work.
- Identify the decisions or surveys needed before a detailed quotation can be prepared.
What to agree: a brief that records your priorities, initial budget and next steps. Decide which features are essential before detailed design begins.
2. Design: turn your ideas into a clear scope
The design stage turns your ideas into a defined scope. Depending on the work, architectural plans, surveys or structural input may be needed. Confirm who will arrange these services and which fees are included.
This is also the time to consider materials, layout and finishes. Choosing key items early helps the project team plan around delivery times and reduces last-minute changes.
Before moving on: review the drawings and specification with the team. Confirm your layout and key finishes, and make sure you understand who is responsible for each part of the design.
3. Approvals: check planning permission and building warrants
Planning permission and a building warrant are separate approvals. Your project may need one or both, so check the requirements for your property and proposed work before setting a start date.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s guidance on home alterations lists the consents that may apply. For a property elsewhere in the Lothians, consult the relevant local council.
Agree who will prepare and submit applications, respond to queries and keep the approved drawings. Ask for copies of the decisions and approved documents relevant to your work. Allow time for the process; an application does not guarantee approval.
4. Quotation: review the costs and programme
A useful quotation makes it clear what you are paying for. Read it alongside the drawings and specification so that everyone is working to the same scope.
- Check what is included, excluded or allowed for provisionally.
- Confirm the treatment of VAT, materials, waste removal and professional fees.
- Agree payment stages and the proposed sequence of work.
- Ask how changes will be priced and approved before they go ahead.
Ask for the applicable insurance and guarantee details in writing, including their scope and any exclusions. A realistic programme should also explain what could affect timing, such as material availability or unexpected conditions uncovered during the work.
5. Construction: prepare your home and stay informed
Before work begins, agree the day-to-day arrangements. Discuss working hours, deliveries, storage, dust protection, waste removal and safe access. If you plan to remain at home, establish which rooms and services will be available at each stage.
Confirm your main point of contact and how often you will receive updates. Regular conversations should cover progress, upcoming decisions and any effect on the budget or programme.
If something changes: ask for the proposed solution, cost and timing implications in writing. Keeping a record of decisions helps everyone stay clear about what has been agreed.
Build-able has had no serious incidents in the last ten years. Safe access, protection of occupied areas and clear communication about site activity remain important throughout the build.
6. Handover: complete the final checks
As the work nears completion, arrange a walkthrough and record any outstanding items in a snagging list. Agree who will deal with them and when.
Discuss the handover information relevant to your project, including product instructions, care advice, warranties and applicable certificates or approvals. Confirm whom to contact if a question arises after completion.
Before you start: a short checklist
- Is the scope clear, with the latest drawings and specification?
- Have the necessary approvals and responsibilities been confirmed?
- Do you understand the quotation, payment stages and change process?
- Have you agreed access, communication and arrangements for living at home?
- Do you know what final checks and documents to expect?
Discuss your building project in Edinburgh
Explore our project gallery for ideas, then tell us what you would like to achieve. Include your location, the type of work and whether you already have drawings.
