What is a house renovation?

A house renovation brings an older or tired home up to date. It can include rewiring, a new heating system, replastering, new floors, windows, kitchens and bathrooms, and changes to the layout. A full renovation is often combined with an extension or loft conversion.
How much does a house renovation cost in Penicuik?
In Penicuik, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). For a typical 90 m² project that is roughly £76,500–£157,500. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Penicuik reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£110,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£157,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£220,500 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,750 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Finishes
- Structural and damp repairs
- Windows and doors
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Penicuik?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Scotland. In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Building control for notifiable work
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Decoration
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Penicuik
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
If your home is in Penicuik or close by in Bonnyrigg, Musselburgh and Broxburn, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Penicuik
Is VAT reduced on renovations?
Usually not; the standard 20% rate applies. A reduced 5% rate can apply when renovating a home that has been empty for at least two years.
Do you build house renovations in Penicuik?
Yes. We build house renovations across Penicuik, including postcodes EH26. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a house renovation cost in Penicuik?
In Penicuik, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). A typical 90 m² project comes to roughly £76,500–£157,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in Penicuik?
In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
