House to Flat Conversion

[Ifti]

Hi,

We are thinking of converting our house into two flats,

has anyone had any experiance on this ie what precuations need to be taken into account and if planning permission is needed ?

also if we need premission do we need to get plans drawn up and where is the best place to do this ? are there any companies that do this ?

we were thinking of slpitting the through lounge up and make it into two rooms does this need premission and make a bathroom downstairs and move the kitchen.

thanks in advance,

any websites would help.

thanks

 

[jeds]

Yes you do need planning permission and you also need full building regulations approval. Usually the biggest problem to overcome is fire compartmentation, means of escape from upper rooms and sound insulation.

It's not that difficult to manage but if you are not experienced you will need advice. There are many things to go wrong and problems to overcome. You should be able to find somebody local that would advise and draw plans for you. Look in the book under building surveyors or architects.

If you have time I would advise getting the planning out the way first. There's no point paying for building regs (which is usually the most costly part) until you know that the project can proceed.

 

[^woody^]

You will need planning approval and need to comply with a host of building and fire regulations relating to houses of multiple occupation.

You local council website may give you more details.

A local surveying firm would be the best bet as they can not only advise on the conversion design and planning, but also on the costs and rental yield - ie whether it is economically viable

 

[noseall]

one of the first things planning will look at is off road parking for two dwellings. you will need to fulfill this in some capacity.

 

[Ifti]

hmm thanks for the info, seems very informative, thank you again

i think finding a local surveying firm i think should be a start,

in regards to parking the house next door was very old and a dump totally, it had no front door for quite a few years and the council bought it and turned it into two flats so i think the parking shouldn't be a problem as it doesn't have any additional parking space.

we are trying to look at the neighbours house and going to try and make it exactly the same, as that must be all in accordance with the fire regulations, we are going to see the way they have made a fire escape route for the top flat. and a few other things.

but lets see how things start off

thanks again for all the replies.

 

[Fluffster]

Good luck Ifti
Done one about 5 years ago.
Noise fire etc regs are the big ones to keep the building control happy.
Gas and leccie supplies for each flat will cost u a small fortune for such little work.
If you intend selling keep the freehold a nice little earner and something to pass on to your nearest and dearest.
Pete