Converting a Barn

It's difficult to beat the character and enjoyment of living in a converted barn. People up and down the country aspire to live in one. This is how to go about converting a barn and is based on our own experience with barn conversion property in Tyne and Wear. A good place to start would be to find a reputable and experienced building contractor in Gateshead.

Once you own the plot, you will need to gain planning consent for the conversion. Planners have special rules for barn conversions which you, or your designer, will need to be aware of. In summary, window and door openings should match what is existing as far as possible, and any new openings should be kept to a minimum and be in keeping. Particular normal character features will include the large double-height carthouse doors which often look fantastic fully glazed. Other no-nos are dormer windows, and using materials out of keeping with the original, or using uPVC windows. Planners will typically allow you to extend the building footprint square footage by about 30%, and possibly allow you to go from single storey to double storey in some areas.

Once you have a design both you and the local planning authority are happy with, the next step is to submit for building regulations. I would always recommend a full plans submission, rather than starting building on a notice, and winging it. I have seen a beautiful half-converted set of barns that had a stop order placed on it. Most of the work had to be completely stripped out, and redone properly. They had used wooden lintols, not to regs, not put the proper felt under the slates, not used correctly sized steel beams, not used the right level of insulation in the walls and floors, etc. etc. The owner had wasted all his money and had to sell up. People who are interested in converting a barn have also shown interest in SW15 Putney Flats. A clear approach to SW15 Putney Flats is useful.

Once you have the design, planning and building regs, choose the right building contractors, put in place a JCT contract, haggle for a good price, then monitor the build and costs closely. At the end, you should have a stunning character home.