Outhouse - Demolish or Repair

[Tanveerym]

Hi
I am buying a terraced property (for rental purposes). The rear garden has an outhouse, which is made of bricks on 3 sides and has wooden doors on one side to make separate compartments as shown. The Outbuilding has a Felt roof which has been leaking for a long time and my surveyor has recommended the building be demolished rather than be fixed due to the condition of it. I personally feel the building is newish and can be fixed - new roof plus new side wall and an entrance door to make it more usable as a shed or would it be better to demolish and put a new wooden shed instead.
Please can you provide your expert opinion as money is too tight and I dont want to make the wrong decision.
Thanks in advance.
Kind Regards
Tan

 

[sircerebus666]

I'm inclined to agree with you , apart from a couple of leaks and a door that needs reattaching it looks in good condition

Why does it need a new side wall?

What is the condition of the flat roof ? Can it be repaired rather than replaced, it looks like the leaks are on the edge rather than the middle of your roof

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If money is tight then the rental game may be inadvisable.

 

[Tigercubrider]

If you can make that dry and relatively secure, imho it adds value to a terrace where space is at a premium.
Even as is, with clear instructions to cover stuff with tarps, it's a real bonus over the average terraced yard/garden

 

[Notch7]

Brickwork and blockwork look sound with no cracks or sign of movement.

Because it's got no cavity it may be getting damp through....which might be solved with a waterproofing treatment (a quality silane /siloxane type, not cheapo Thomson)

Ugly design though!

 

[HERTS P&D]

Are you thinking of renting these out as rooms?

Andy

 

[Tanveerym]

Thank you all for your replies.

@sircerebus666 - My plan is to convert into a proper shed (or maybe even a garage) rather than keeping it open on one side. The previous owners used it as a kennel for their racing dogs hence the odd layout. I will try and get the roof repaired.

@freddiemercurystwin - Money is tight currently with all the mortgage deposit/stamp duty and refurbishments required for the property but i am okay for the mid/longer run.

@Tigercubrider - Yes completely agree. Based on all your advice I think its best to get it repaired and make use of it.

@Notch7 - Are you suggesting this waterproofing treatment from the inside or outside?

@HERTS P&D - Absolutely not for rental. This will be used either as a garage to add more value to the property or as a shed for storage.

How much do you think would the cost be for erecting the 4th side wall (bricks) with a door and maybe a window - Labour and materials?

Thanks all.

 

[Tigercubrider]

It doesn't look big enough for a garage, without increasing the short side's dimensions?
You might be able to rebuild the roof to be a half building, half car port?
Then potentially brick it up at a subsequent date?
I don't know what planning rules would apply in that case.

There should be a few bricks wanting some work at the moment?
I don't know if bricks + Labour is cheaper than fitting windows per square metre?
Keep an eye open for facebook marketplace and free cycle. People often advertise perfectly good front doors and windows after building work.

 

[Tanveerym]

It doesn't look big enough for a garage, without increasing the short side's dimensions?
You might be able to rebuild the roof to be a half building, half car port?
Then potentially brick it up at a subsequent date?
I don't know what planning rules would apply in that case.

There should be a few bricks wanting some work at the moment?
I don't know if bricks + Labour is cheaper than fitting windows per square metre?
Keep an eye open for facebook marketplace and free cycle. People often advertise perfectly good front doors and windows after building work.

I think its more likely to be a shed based on the size. I will get the roof fixed to begin with and try and fix the existing doors so it can be used. Subsequently get the wall erected with a door as you suggested from Facebook.

Thanks.

 

[Notch7]

Are you suggesting this waterproofing treatment from the inside or outside?

externally -wait until the masonry is totally dry, otherwise you risk trapping in moisture.