Understand the visible renovation scope, likely cost drivers and questions to resolve before committing to a property in Balerno.
Local questions to resolve before renovation
Property-specific planning controls
Check current permitted development rules, directions, conditions and building status. Conservation-area location alone does not settle the approval route.
Village-edge policy boundaries
Confirm site and policy boundaries before relying on an extension or outbuilding. Have your designer assess the proposal’s relationship to nearby protected land.
Existing fabric and replacement specifications
Record existing stonework, windows, roofs and boundary details. Establish the specification from the actual building, work and applicable controls.
Edinburgh core operational area
Tell us the property location and any access or timing constraints.
What the pre-purchase feasibility check includes
The standard walkthrough reviews visible construction and the information available about the property, including homes you are considering buying. Concealed conditions remain unknown until investigated. Invasive investigation can be arranged and priced separately. This is contractor-led feasibility advice, not a structural survey, valuation or legal report.
A paid, structured assessment that gives you a written record before you commit.
The non-invasive walkthrough
Arranged around access availability. Before or after you make an offer, before is better. We review the visible renovation constraints and the information available about the property.
Planning questions and next checks
We review visible construction, available records, cost drivers and questions to resolve. Planning decisions, legal advice, valuation, structural assessment, specialist investigation and design remain with the relevant authority or appointed professional. Hidden conditions and a proposal’s acceptability are not established by the visit.
Realistic budget range
Based on current contractor and material costs. Where relevant, an assessment of the cost premium for heritage-standard materials and the additional requirements of working within a listed building or conservation area.
Written feasibility summary (PDF)
Delivery timing is agreed with you. The written summary includes plain-language findings and priorities, likely scope, cost drivers and questions for the appropriate professional.
Fee offset against project
The pre-purchase renovation walkthrough is a paid service, with the fee credited towards your project if you go ahead with Sweet Homes. We agree the fee and credit details with you before booking.
How the feasibility check works
Straightforward. You share the listing, we walk the property, you get a written record.
Get in touch with the listing
Share the property listing link and any photographs you have. If you have specific concerns about listed building status, conservation area constraints, or planning rules, bring those questions to the conversation. Send your enquiry by form or email. We will reply and arrange a follow-up call to talk through the project.
We agree the visit and fee
We agree the fee with you before booking the pre-purchase renovation walkthrough. We confirm the visit date around seller availability.
The non-invasive walkthrough
We walk the property with you, or alone if you cannot attend. We check the Home Report and available records, then confirm the implications for your proposed work with the appropriate professional.
Written summary
Your written summary records visible observations, construction scope, cost drivers and unresolved questions. Delivery timing is agreed, and the record is yours to share.
Renovation questions to consider
Replacement windows in a conservation area
Record the building’s status, window elevation and existing and proposed designs. Confirm the approval route before selecting the product and pricing installation.
A shop considered for residential use
Confirm the proposed residential use and relevant restrictions with the council and your adviser. Check access, services and layout before assuming conversion.
An extension at the village edge
Establish the site and policy boundaries with your designer before assuming an extension. Nearby open land does not by itself determine the property’s controls.
Work near a designated garden or listed setting
Ask your designer or the council whether the proposal needs setting assessment or consultation. Define access and materials alongside those requirements.
Ask about a feasibility walkthrough in Balerno
Tell us about the property and what you would like to change. We can discuss the scope of a paid renovation walkthrough and agree the details before booking.
Where we cover around Balerno
We advise customers at their properties in Balerno. Our registered office handles registration and mail only; customers do not visit it. Balerno is within our core Edinburgh operational area.
Not sure if we cover your area? Call or email with the property address and we will confirm.
Balerno feasibility check: things worth knowing
Check the current direction’s wording, area and work categories. Windows, openings, extensions and boundary changes should not be treated as one rule.
Check site and policy boundaries with the council or your designer. Proximity to protected land alone does not determine an extension’s acceptability.
Record window design, elevation and building status before choosing replacements. Establish planning, prior approval and listed-building consent requirements separately.
Ask your designer or the council whether work affecting a designated garden or listed setting needs assessment or consultation.
Before relying on residential conversion of a shop, check current policy and restrictions with the council and your adviser.
We agree the delivery timing with you. The PDF records visible findings, unknowns and likely cost drivers, and can be shared with your solicitor or another contractor.
You can take the written summary to any contractor. Sweet Homes may also quote for later work. The fee is credited towards your project if you go ahead with Sweet Homes. We agree the credit details with you before booking.
Related services and nearby locations
Pre-purchase renovation consultancy
Colinton feasibility check
Linlithgow feasibility check
Renovation cost guide
What this actually costs you
The pre-purchase renovation walkthrough and written summary are a paid service. We agree the scope and fee with you before booking. You can take the written summary to any contractor. Sweet Homes may also quote for later work. The fee is credited towards your project if you go ahead with Sweet Homes. We agree the credit details with you before booking.
For the wider scope of the advice, see our renovation consultancy service.
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12-month workmanship warranty for construction work under a separate project contract; this does not cover the paid pre-purchase advice itself
Review figures checked 23 October 2026.
Guides before a local advice appointment
Read these general guides before asking about local renovation advice. The scope and appointment arrangements are agreed for your property.
What if the sale or property has special report or heritage requirements?
Ask your solicitor about the sale’s Home Report requirements and title matters. Ask your appointed architectural or conservation professional about the proposed work and the consent route. These are separate checks. Read the Home Report guide alongside the relevant professional advice.