With the
property market in disarray, but the population still growing, there is only one viable option. More and more people who want to live close to the center of cities are opting to look into property conversion to do so. Everything from old barns, churches and offices could make great homes. With a little innovation, you could create something unique and beautiful. If you are considering the project as a housing option then, read on. Here is everything you need to know about home conversion.
What buildings can you convert?You can convert almost any building, so long as someone is selling it as a private property. Sometimes when sellers put a property on the market there are certain specifications. These might mean that you cannot convert the property for personal use. Ensure that you are honest about your motives when buying the property or you will not be able to convert your property. Sometimes the authorities protect buildings with historical or cultural value. You should check that you have the legal right to convert the building before you do anything at all.
Whose permission do you need?Even when you have bought the property, you will need to seek permission from the authorities for your plans. The local authorities will have the right to refuse your plans if they conflict with any local issues. Make sure that you take the time to
contact the authorities before you start your conversion, or you could end up breaking the law.
How much will a conversion cost you?Conversions are not cheap. You must make a full budget before you embark on this massive project. You will need to have in the region of $100,000 to spend on the conversion if you are going to do it right. It is not just about decorating the walls and carpeting your home. You will also need to ensure that the gas, water and electric systems work and meet legal standards before you begin. If people left the property for a matter of years then, the property might be in an awful state. Have a surveyor look at the property before you buy it, so that you can estimate how much the conversion will cost.
What security will you need?Old buildings are not secure. You will need to make sure your home is safe by investing some money into a home security system. Companies, such as
Eydens, can provide you with a full security system to protect your home. It will also be worth getting double glazing for your windows and investing in new doors throughout the home. Of course, some buildings will be in a better state than others, but as a rule you should invest money in some new security.
How long will a conversion take?A full building conversion could take a matter of years. You cannot rush a project like a conversion because you want to do everything right the first-time round. Make sure that you have a good amount of time to invest in the project. You will likely need to spend much of your
free time focusing on the project. You should make sure that you are ready to take on that commitment.
Extra tips and hints to help
A major mistake that many people make when they are converting a building is trying to hide what the building used to be. You should work with the building, not against it. For example, if the building was a church, keep the stain-glass windows as an original feature in your home. The fact that your home used to be something else is what makes it so original. Make sure that you expose the natural features of the building for an innovative look.