Can an outbuilding be a studio flat?

[mallangong1]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a property as an investment. As a possible bonus there is a substantial, brick built outbuilding with a pitched tiled roof. My plan had originally been to use the outbuilding as parking (either knock it down or open one side). However having seen some of the tiny studio flats around these days I was just wondering whether it would be possible to squeeze a small studio flat into the space.

The structure is circa 8m x 2.5 meters (area of 19.50 sq m or 210 sq ft). It already has electricity and water. If the pitch allowed an option would be to see if a mezzanine level could be squeezed in which would provide extra space for a bed.

Grateful for your advice as to whether the size, with or without a mezzanine, is enough or if I am being crazy and pushing it too far – I’m aware that there are not building regs that govern size in this way (only guidelines).

Thanks,
Mal

 

[Richard C]

It’s not the size which dictates the need for compliance with Building Regulations & they are not just guidelines. Turning the structure into a studio flat (regardless of it’s size) will mean it becomes a habitable space in terms of Building Regulations; it will most likely never be capable of compliance in many, many areas.