Guides
Straight answers to the questions we get asked on site. Costs, timescales, materials and the Scottish rules that apply to home projects. Written from 29 years of building and stonework in and around Edinburgh.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Edinburgh?
What drives the price of a bathroom refit, and how to get a firm figure.
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How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A realistic look at the stages of a kitchen fit and what slows them down.
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Dry stone wall vs mortared wall: which is right for your garden?
How the two walling methods differ in look, drainage, repair and lifespan.
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Do you need planning permission for a garden wall in Scotland?
How Scottish permitted development rules apply to walls, fences and gates.
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Do you need a building warrant in Scotland? A homeowner's guide
What a building warrant is, how it differs from planning, and where to check.
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Choosing flooring for an Edinburgh tenement flat
Sound, subfloors and stair access: what works in an old Edinburgh flat.
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Wet room vs shower enclosure: which suits your bathroom?
Tanking, drainage, accessibility and cost differences between the two.
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Repointing and stone repair for Edinburgh tenements
Why mortar choice matters on sandstone, and how to spot failing pointing.
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Patio materials compared: sandstone, granite and porcelain
Grip, colour, upkeep and laying differences between three common patio choices.
Read the guideHow to prepare your home for a renovation
Practical steps before the trades arrive, from clearing rooms to neighbours.
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Fencing and decking options for Scottish gardens
Timber choices, fixings and drainage that survive a Scottish winter.
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5 signs your bathroom needs replacing
How to tell a repair will do, and when a full refit is the cheaper route.
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Still not sure where to start?
Tell us about the job and we will give you a free written quote.