Christopher Negus
Hi Nick, The overall cost and procedure with a conversion project such as this is entirely dependent on the specification and intent for this space. Of course any additions or alterations to the property, including a change of usage will require planning permission and will have to be completed to the standard expected under building regulations, even if you are not changing the overall structural complex of the building. Being freehold, you of course are free to covert this space to whatever usage you see fit within reason, but this must be approved before hand as you run the risk of having an order for demolition if you don't. Regarding costs for the conversion, this can vary depending on the quality of the existing building and what you are planning to do with the space. For example if the roof of the property is asbestos, you will have to pay for the licenced removal and disposal of this waste before you can do anything and this in itself can be very costly. If you require services in your new garage, you will also need to obtain all of the relevant permissions and grants which may include causing damage to public property such as paths or walkways in order to run the services which of course will have to be repaired and paid for. Finally, if you are planning on converting this property into a business premises, there are a variety of different regulations and procedures you will have to go through insuring that this area is a safe and practical area for works ie.. fire regulations. I would recommend firstly speaking to your local authority as they can give you a rough idea if what you are planning is possible or if it will be refused by the planning office point blank, and secondly paying for a builder or surveyor to come out and provide you with a full breakdown of costs and processes if you decide to purchase the property, Please bare in mind that most builders will charge for their time with this particular quotation, as you have not purchased the property and are just looking for a report to see if this is a viable option, much the same as if you were to hire a surveyor to offer a building report. I hope you have found this helpful and best of luck with your project. - Christopher CLN Maintenance and Development
