There’s something undeniably exciting about transforming a home. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek new kitchen, a luxurious bathroom or a calming bedroom retreat, every successful renovation starts long before the first tile is laid or the first cabinet is fitted. It begins with a plan - one that balances your vision, lifestyle and budget.
Understanding what things cost, how long they’ll take and where your money is best spent gives you confidence at every stage - and helps avoid any unpleasant surprises! To find out how to spend wisely and make the most of your investment, we got the inside scoop from home designer Sarah Maguire, founder of Raison Home Edinburgh, one of egg’s trusted business partners.
How long does it take to renovate?
"No two homes are the same and neither are their renovation timelines. The duration depends largely on the scale of your project and whether any structural work is required."
"An average bathroom renovation with no structural work usually takes around 2 weeks, with a few extra days allowed for any potential snagging. Kitchens typically take 3-4 weeks to complete. Your choice of worktop can influence this: stone options, for example, need to be templated, cut and fitted. This adds roughly an extra week. Laminate worktops, on the other hand, can be installed much quicker by a joiner."
"Before any of that begins, there’s the product lead time to consider. We usually allow 4-6 weeks for ordering and delivery, bringing the total schedule to around 10 weeks from the moment you place your order to the day your new space is ready to enjoy."
What is a realistic renovation budget?
"Every project is unique, but understanding typical costs helps set realistic expectations from the outset."
Small Kitchen: This may not necessarily be a small space but involves fewer cabinets. The cost of the kitchen products, including cabinets, worktops, taps, handles and appliances generally range between £15,000-£25,000. Full fitting (covering joinery, plumbing, electrics, plastering, tiling, and flooring) usually starts from around £10,000.
Medium Kitchen: A medium kitchen will typically have a kitchen island with seating for 2-4 people. The entire kitchen, including bespoke cabinets, worktops, custom fittings and VAT, ranges between £25,000-£45,000. Fitting will likely range from £12,000-£18,000, depending on the level of structural work or movement of services.
Large Kitchen: With an island seating 4+ people, and additional storage such as drinks cabinets or a Butler’s pantry. Kitchens this size can cost from £45,000 upwards for products and £18,000+ for fitting.
"The biggest cost factors are cabinet and door materials, worktops and internal storage solutions. For example, choosing between MFC/vinyl-wrapped doors, or painted timber can vary your spend by several thousand pounds, while the choice between laminate and stone worktops affects cost durability and visual impact. Generally, the larger number of drawers and internal storage solutions you opt for, the more expensive the kitchen will be. It’s really important to discuss your needs with a professional kitchen designer who will be able to advise on the optimum solution for you, without breaking the bank!"
How can you design a space that truly fits your life?
"Every household uses its space differently - what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. A home renovation project should always work for your specific needs."
"One of our clients, a couple over 6ft 7in tall, found that standard kitchen dimensions simply didn’t work for them. By creating bespoke cabinetry, we were able to raise the cabinet and worktop height by 25cm, resulting in a much more comfortable and ergonomic workspace tailored perfectly to their lifestyle."
"The most successful projects begin with clear planning: understanding how you use your space day to day, what doesn’t work in your current layout, and how your needs may evolve over time. Take time to review the kitchen elevations produced by your designer and plan where everything from food to crockery will live. The right balance of cupboards, drawers, and tall storage ensures your new space functions beautifully for you now and in the future."
"Working with a professional designer brings peace of mind. They’ll guide you through space planning, material selection, and budget allocation, helping you make informed decisions that maximise functionality, comfort, and long-term value."
How can you maximise the budget & investment?
"Budgeting for a renovation isn’t just about setting limits; it’s about understanding value. Here are some of my top budgeting tips and ways to make the most of your investment."
- Be clear on your priorities. Identify what’s essential versus what’s nice to have.
- Understand your costs. Ask for an itemised breakdown of cabinet and fitting expenses so you can see exactly where your money is going.
- Invest in quality cabinetry, hinges and doors. A minimum 18mm thickness (including back panel) ensures strength and durability. Solid surfaces stand the test of time.
- Future-proof your design. Opt for timeless finishes on key elements like cabinets and worktops; use tiles, handles and lighting to introduce character and trends. Neutral palettes and classic materials ensure your renovation stays stylish and resale-friendly for years to come.
- Focus on functionality and flow. Well-planned spaces with ample storage appeal to both you and future buyers.
- Add luxury touches. Underfloor heating, integrated lighting, or premium tapware can elevate your space affordably.
- Choose sustainable upgrades. Energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures add value and reduce running costs.
"A thoughtful renovation is an investment that pays you back every day. Beyond comfort and enjoyment, a well-planned project enhances your home’s value. Durable materials, clever storage, and efficient layouts not only make your life easier but appeal to future buyers too."
Why should you have a contingency plan?
"Even with meticulous planning, it’s not always possible to predict what’s lurking behind walls and under floors, particularly in older properties. That’s why it’s always wise to set aside a contingency budget for the unknown. You might uncover bowed floor joists once the old flooring comes up, requiring levelling or replacement before new flooring can be laid. Sometimes, removing tiles from walls reveals crumbling plaster. In these cases, the walls would be taken back to brick and built up again with fresh plasterboard and plastering - this may involve additional work not in the budget. Occasionally, electrical issues surface that must be resolved for safety."
"A home renovation is about more than fixtures and finishes. It’s about creating a space that reflects who you are and how you live. By working with a professional design team and taking time to plan your budget and timeline, you can approach your project with confidence, clarity and excitement."
"At Raison Home Edinburgh, we believe great design is personal. Whether you’re reimagining a family kitchen or a bathroom retreat, our role is to guide you through every step of the way making sure your new space feels as good as it looks."
If you’d like to discuss your home renovation or book a no obligation design consultation, email [email protected].
All images featured are past projects by Raison Home Edinburgh.
