If you are considering a building conversion or adaptation project, there is a great deal of work to be done before you can even think about breaking ground on site. Whether fully converting a building for a change of use, or wanting to carry out alterations and re-modelling of a building to meet new requirements, there are many issues that require close consideration.
As Chartered Building Surveyors, our knowledge of how to go about a conversion or adaptation project goes far beyond that which a builder or even an architect could provide. We are experienced at dealing with existing buildings.
Our specialist team can advise on the construction and fabric of a building as well as services. We will identify the most appropriate and cost effective means of approaching the proposed conversion works. We are also able to provide professional and informed advice from a planning, project management and cost perspective. As such, we can call upon our technical knowledge and past experience to help clients understand the realistic practicalities, costs and timescales of such projects.
Issues that we are able to advise on in relation to adaptation and conversion projects include:
- Feasibility – we can advise if a client’s idea is feasible, and advise of the best way of achieving the client’s requirements.
- Budgets – we can assess whether the project is viable from a cost-effective viewpoint bearing in mind the client’s budget and the likely benefits and value upon completion.
- Planning permission – where a building undergoes a change of use, planning consent may be required and we can advise in this regard.
- Building regulations – any newly adapted or converted building must comply with the current building regulations, taking into account thermal insulation, sound insulation, means of escape, fire protection and accessibility, etc. We can advise clients of their responsibilities.
- Legal issues – we can advise if the adaptation of a building involves work that requires a Party Wall Act notification, or falls under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations or The Equality Act.
- Design – we can assess whether the proposal will “work” from a practicality, space planning, layout and aesthetic viewpoint.
Lea Hough and Co have developed an enviable portfolio of work in this area and can assist clients from the initial stage of a project by the preparation of feasibility reports and estimates, right through to project management and thereafter, sign-off and handover of the completed building.
Past projects include:
- Barn conversions – we have overseen the conversion of several farm barns into high quality residential dwellings. The conversion of rural farm buildings into small manufacturing units in Longridge.
- Pubs – Conversion of a pub into shops and residential apartments in Padiham.
- Commercial properties – the conversion of rural farm buildings into small manufacturing units in Longridge.
- Commercial properties – adaptation works to form an office block within a large factory. Installation of a large mezzanine floor and large-sale fit out works to a factory at Altham.
- Site redevelopment – Redevelopment of brownfield land for residential mixed-use developments in Chorley.
- Extensions – Numerous extensions to office buildings, industrial units, houses, schools, academies, etc.
- Schools – Installations of an extra mezzanine floor to form two new classrooms above an assembly hall at a school in Accrington. Various other internal alteration projects and re-modelling works to improve classroom sizes and secure reception areas, etc.
For further advice or to arrange an initial discussion about a conversion or adaptation project with one of our Chartered Surveyors, please contact us here.
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