Podcast: Home renovation advice - Budgeting, planning & costly mistakes to avoid

In this episode of the ESPC Property Show podcast, Paul and Megan are joined by home designer Sarah Maguire from Raison Home to explore the world of renovation and interior design. Sarah talks through her end-to-end approach, from the initial idea to the finished project, and explains how virtual reality is helping clients visualise their new kitchen or extension before any work begins.

They also discuss the differences between renovating to sell and renovating for your own enjoyment, how to create a realistic budget and avoid unexpected costs, the design decisions homeowners often regret, what buyers across Edinburgh and the Lothians are looking for right now, and why more people are choosing to adapt their existing homes rather than move.

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Key Insights

1. A personal approach to end-to-end design

Sarah offers a complete design service, supporting clients from their initial ideas through to the finished installation. Rather than simply creating designs, she helps coordinate the wider process, including connecting clients with architects, builders and other professionals and assisting with planning requirements. Her aim is to make renovations feel more manageable while ensuring every element of the project works together.

2. Technology is transforming the design process

Through the use of 3D visuals and virtual reality, Sarah helps clients experience their proposed spaces before any physical work begins. Wearing VR goggles allows clients to walk through their future home and assess elements such as proportions, light, layouts and furniture placement. This can highlight potential issues early, such as an oversized kitchen island or poorly positioned cabinets, giving clients greater confidence in their decisions.

3. Design priorities depend on your reason for renovating

The approach to renovation should reflect whether a property is being prepared for sale or intended as a long-term home. For sellers, Sarah recommends avoiding expensive kitchen or bathroom renovations that may not deliver a full return, instead focusing on relatively simple redecoration that creates maximum impact. For those planning to stay, consultations focus on understanding how the household lives and may change over time, with functionality and futureproofing considered before aesthetics.

4. Budgeting early is more important than ever

Rising material and labour costs, partly driven by the impacts of Brexit and the pandemic, mean that establishing a realistic budget at the beginning of a project is essential. Raison Home discuss finances during initial consultation to help clients understand what their budget can realistically achieve and where money should be prioritised. Early planning can help prevent difficult compromises further down the line.

5. Avoiding costly design regrets

Clients are encouraged to be thoughtful about permanent and expensive choices, particularly when it comes to features such as kitchen cabinetry. Rather than taking major risks with elements that are costly to replace, it’s recommended to introduce personality through more easily changeable features such as paint and accessories. Clients are advised on how to make better use of existing features and furniture where a full renovation isn't necessary but improvements could make a home more functional.

6. Edinburgh design trends are becoming more natural

Current interior design preferences across Edinburgh and the Lothians are moving towards neutral colours, natural finishes, wood effects and layered textures. This represents a shift away from the dark blues, greys and greens that have dominated recent years, while fluted cabinetry is emerging as a popular contemporary feature. Sarah notes that interior trends are often influenced by wider fashion and media trends, which gradually make their way into people's homes.

7. Futureproofing is helping people stay in their homes longer

An increasing number of homeowners are choosing to adapt their properties for longer-term living rather than downsizing as their circumstances change. Features such as downstairs bathrooms can make homes more accessible and practical as needs evolve, particularly as suitable accessible properties become harder and more expensive to find. Sarah's approach focuses on designing homes that can adapt alongside their owners.

8. Successful renovations start with the right plan and team

For anyone considering a renovation, Sarah's advice is to first understand why the work is needed and what problem it is intended to solve. She recommends involving professionals early, even when ideas are still developing, and choosing designers and builders based on trust and good communication. Homeowners should also decide how involved they want to be in managing the project and understand payment structures, including staged payments linked to completed work.