Barn Conversions, has anyone done one?
Discussion
I haven't done a conversion, but like many others, I've watched enough TV to see some good and some, well, bloody awful jobs.
I'd be very interested to see your build plans.
One thing that seems to blight barn conversions are corridors to bedrooms, and, seemingly, large open plan kitchen / dining / living areas that seem too vast to be comfortable or cosy in any way.
Will you be starting a build thread?
Please? Please?
Good luck!
I'd be very interested to see your build plans.
One thing that seems to blight barn conversions are corridors to bedrooms, and, seemingly, large open plan kitchen / dining / living areas that seem too vast to be comfortable or cosy in any way.
Will you be starting a build thread?
Please? Please?
Good luck!
Before I became an electrician I was a builder who worked almost exclusively on barn conversions. By far the biggest issue was the initial design. Not enough light upstairs, the above mentioned corridors and lack of a coherent overall vision were common. We usually ended up building something entirely differently from the drawings, to give people a decent home.
If you've any specific questions, I'd be happy to help. Good luck with your build, barns can make a lovely home.
If you've any specific questions, I'd be happy to help. Good luck with your build, barns can make a lovely home.
Just in the finishing stages of ours, 4000ft2, no corridors!
Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Edited by Pvapour on Sunday 3rd May 08:51
C Lee Farquar said:
IMO the biggest issues are windows (barns as they are don't have enough) and retaining enough character whilst meeting the required efficiency levels.
There seems little point doing a barn conversion and then dry lining the whole thing.
There seems little point doing a barn conversion and then dry lining the whole thing.
I've done a few over the years, and yes, these are the main design constraints.Planners want barn conversions to still look like barns, so invariably limit the number and size of windows they allow.
And Building Regulations require that we deliver a certain level of energy efficiency, which you'll struggle with (to put it mildly, with current Regs) with large areas of exposed internal masonry on the original solid walls.
In terms of the practical side of the build, usually the issues centre on the fact that the original build quality of your average barn is pretty shonky, so there can be a lot of structural issues to resolve (foundations and settlement cracking, walls bowing and out of plumb, that sort of thing).
I live in a large traditional farmhouse and my 3 neighbours are in conversions of the 3 old farm barns, a 4/5 bedroom one, a 4 bed one and a 3 bed one even tho the barns themselves were originally of similar size.
I'm no architect, but the 5 bed one for me is the worst with the upstairs almost resembling a big box, something like a Travelodge Hotel, with a row of rooms on one side leading off a corridor and a bathroom at either end.. All the light upstairs comes from small windows in the walls and small velux ones above. Downstairs again is like a row of "boxes" with only the kitchen / dining room being in any way open plan but it's at one end of the building and all the rooms again being on one side of a corridor and all having small, square windows.
The 4 bed one is actually quite lovely. Dormer windows in the upstairs bedrooms to change the box shape of the building, big windows and a central extension downstairs with a dining room leading to a large open plan kitchen.
The 3 bed one is a bit compromised by being north facing and they also knocked down and rebuilt an end wall so effectively are using about 3/4 of the original building but again have upstairs dormers with a central open plan downstairs living / kitchen / dining area.
I'm no architect, but the 5 bed one for me is the worst with the upstairs almost resembling a big box, something like a Travelodge Hotel, with a row of rooms on one side leading off a corridor and a bathroom at either end.. All the light upstairs comes from small windows in the walls and small velux ones above. Downstairs again is like a row of "boxes" with only the kitchen / dining room being in any way open plan but it's at one end of the building and all the rooms again being on one side of a corridor and all having small, square windows.
The 4 bed one is actually quite lovely. Dormer windows in the upstairs bedrooms to change the box shape of the building, big windows and a central extension downstairs with a dining room leading to a large open plan kitchen.
The 3 bed one is a bit compromised by being north facing and they also knocked down and rebuilt an end wall so effectively are using about 3/4 of the original building but again have upstairs dormers with a central open plan downstairs living / kitchen / dining area.
They are impossible to cost with any sort of accuracy as there will always be hidden problems. Usually very expensive problems.
Get a few estimates then add 75-150% on top. The same with time spans.
I really do think they Can look good but there are always a lot of compromises.
accidental demolitions of large parts of the barn are very popular.
Get a few estimates then add 75-150% on top. The same with time spans.
I really do think they Can look good but there are always a lot of compromises.
accidental demolitions of large parts of the barn are very popular.
Pvapour said:
Just in the finishing stages of ours, 4000ft2, no corridors!
Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Eh... 2 beds and 4 bathrooms?Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Edited by Pvapour on Sunday 3rd May 08:51
bennno said:
Pvapour said:
Just in the finishing stages of ours, 4000ft2, no corridors!
Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Eh... 2 beds and 4 bathrooms?Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Edited by Pvapour on Sunday 3rd May 08:51
1 x ensuite for 2nd bedroom
1 x for dogs by rear entrance
Thanks for the replies,
It’s going to be a very steep learning curve and deciding to embark on a project like this at this odd time is certainly a gamble.
I have purchased a 7 acre plot with 4 barns that have permission. The plan is to build and sell 3 to effectively pay for mine.
To big of a project to self build but to keep costs down I’m planing to self manage etc.
Not looking to make money just hoping to come out of it with a very low cost home.
One thing I really don’t understand at this stage is the planing and how you have to use the existing framework (steel barns)
Only one has a concrete base and most of the sides have rotted away. I can’t see how it would be possible to “convert”
Mike
It’s going to be a very steep learning curve and deciding to embark on a project like this at this odd time is certainly a gamble.
I have purchased a 7 acre plot with 4 barns that have permission. The plan is to build and sell 3 to effectively pay for mine.
To big of a project to self build but to keep costs down I’m planing to self manage etc.
Not looking to make money just hoping to come out of it with a very low cost home.
One thing I really don’t understand at this stage is the planing and how you have to use the existing framework (steel barns)
Only one has a concrete base and most of the sides have rotted away. I can’t see how it would be possible to “convert”
Mike
itsallyellow said:
I have purchased a 7 acre plot with 4 barns that have permission.
First question: What sort of Planning Permission do they have?Is it a 'normal' planning permission, or is it Prior Approval under Class Q? PM me if you're not sure.
It makes a huge difference, and you'd be astonished how many Estate Agents sell former agricultural buildings as 'with Planning Permission to convert to dwellings', when what they really mean is 'with Prior Approval under Class Q to convert to dwellings'.
And by implication, they are modern steel portal frame barns, not your traditional stone/brick type? Again, big, big difference in approach.
itsallyellow said:
Thanks for the replies,
It’s going to be a very steep learning curve and deciding to embark on a project like this at this odd time is certainly a gamble.
I have purchased a 7 acre plot with 4 barns that have permission. The plan is to build and sell 3 to effectively pay for mine.
To big of a project to self build but to keep costs down I’m planing to self manage etc.
Not looking to make money just hoping to come out of it with a very low cost home.
One thing I really don’t understand at this stage is the planing and how you have to use the existing framework (steel barns)
Only one has a concrete base and most of the sides have rotted away. I can’t see how it would be possible to “convert”
Mike
Are these modern steel frame barns? If so, very It’s going to be a very steep learning curve and deciding to embark on a project like this at this odd time is certainly a gamble.
I have purchased a 7 acre plot with 4 barns that have permission. The plan is to build and sell 3 to effectively pay for mine.
To big of a project to self build but to keep costs down I’m planing to self manage etc.
Not looking to make money just hoping to come out of it with a very low cost home.
One thing I really don’t understand at this stage is the planing and how you have to use the existing framework (steel barns)
Only one has a concrete base and most of the sides have rotted away. I can’t see how it would be possible to “convert”
Mike
Pvapour said:
Just in the finishing stages of ours, 4000ft2, no corridors!
Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Sounds lovely would be great to see some pics & possible inspiration for OP. Fully vaulted, 2 bed, 4 bath, open living area, huge terrace with soaking tub and fire, UFH, Air conditioned, fully automated, security cameras, lightwave switches, cinema mezzanine, huge open log burner in snug, Cant wait to be finished!
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Not difficult to zone for coziness but having developed a few high end houses, this barn has been the most challenging. I remember when cows were still in it and i lost my trainer to a very deep pile of cow crap that looked solid
A hard but incredible journey for one man & no help, a journey I / we’ll never forget, i’ll miss it..
Be interesting watching yours if you’re going to record?
Edited by Pvapour on Sunday 3rd May 08:51
Welshbeef said:
Sounds lovely would be great to see some pics & possible inspiration for OP.
:cough:Pvapour said:
Any questions ask, or take a look at ‘our build’
Different country (hence different technical and Planning regulations) and entirely different construction, though, by the sound of it, so might not bear that much relevance.For the info of other readers of this thread:
The barns in question are indeed modern, portal frame agricultural buildings, and due to the nature of the consent, the existing steel structure will effectively need to be 'clad' with a lightweight timber frame or SIPs thermal (and semi-structural) envelope.
We're not talking about a traditional stone or brick-built barn...
The approval is not under Class Q, though: there was, in fact, a Class Q approval in place, but it appears that the applicant went back in with a conventional application to convert, after the Local Authority found itself unable to demonstrate a 5-year land supply. This makes things somewhat more flexible.
The barns in question are indeed modern, portal frame agricultural buildings, and due to the nature of the consent, the existing steel structure will effectively need to be 'clad' with a lightweight timber frame or SIPs thermal (and semi-structural) envelope.
We're not talking about a traditional stone or brick-built barn...
The approval is not under Class Q, though: there was, in fact, a Class Q approval in place, but it appears that the applicant went back in with a conventional application to convert, after the Local Authority found itself unable to demonstrate a 5-year land supply. This makes things somewhat more flexible.
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