Converting a House to a flat

[IBZ]

Hi

I am in the process of a buying my first property as an investment deal, which i am thinking of converting into flats. Not really sure where to start

don't know if i will need planning permission to do this as i am not intending to build around the house but just make changes within the house.

If there's anyone that can help that would be appreciated. ideally with first hand experience.

Thanks

Ibz

 

[bernardgreen]

You will need planning permission for change of use from single dwelling to two dwellings and building control approval of all plans BEFORE you start any work.

So go to your Town Hall and talk informally at first with Planning Officers and Building Control Officers about what you wamt to do and what you can do.

In almost all cases they will help and advise you if you ask for their guidance.

 

[bengasman]

Not being funny chum, start with getting some professional advice on all aspects. Worst case scenario, the council can force you to destroy all that you have done. Not to mention causing danger to life and health. Doing the wrong thing, even with the best of intentions can cost you a fortune and leave you open to proscecution.

 

[dingbat]

I am in the process of a buying my first property as an investment deal, which i am thinking of converting into flats. Not really sure where to start...

Damn that Sarah Beeny!

The other respondents are quite right. There are plenty of things you need to consider and as soon as you get Building Control involved you will begin to see how much of the building trade flies by the seat of its pants.

Plan, budget, budget and plan. Get expert advice, but don't take the experts' advice at face value. Actually read the Building Regulations, from start to finish if necessary.

Start here: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/buildingregulationsexplanatory

Then go on to the Approved Documents: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314110382.html

And this is a good book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Building-Regulations-Brief-Ray-Tricker/dp/0750684445

Then, be aware that a hell of a lot of tradesmen don't fully understand all the regulations that apply to them and that your Building Control Officer may also have his pet hates/likes.

Another thing: all trades want to work in conditions that are best for them, but not necesarily best for the overall project. All trades hate working in conjunction with other trades, especially on site at the same time. All trades really, really hate having to come back to redo work ruined by another trade. Many tradesmen are neither businessmen nor logicians; the worst kind of client you can be is a weak one. Ultimately, it will all be your fault if anything is not up to snuff, so become the expert yourself and drive the project properly... but don't pish off your trades, either!

And do watch that budget!!

 

[DESL]

Take Dings advice.

I have seen many such conversions that have ended up at auctions as a result of bankruptcy.

I have also stepped in as project manager on a couple jobs as the money I have saved the client in not planning the various trades properly has more than covered my fee.

You need to stick to your plan once you've made it - the biggest cause of overrun costs are clients adding and changing things once work has started.
You see it on all these TV programmes where the client is whinging about costs escalating when it is obvious they have been making things up as they go along.

As for trades working together on site - a lot depends on the work - I have worked with heating and kitchen guys at the same time but I do add the client was a bit more enlightened to this kind of conversion and had a meeting of all the trades at the planning stage.

This meant that everyone knew when they were required and where certain jobs overlapped liked floorboards up for wiring and plumbing it was all done at the same time.

I will add this was the exception.

Finally good luck and happy planning!!