Barn conversion advice

[burnttoastandmarmalade]

We are currently considering making an offer on a property with potential for a bar;conversion. The structure is in good enough shape but needs new roof, floors etc. some stone has been repaired with cement and blocks.

I'm wondering if anyone knows about these kinds of projects, the steps involved and how long they take. The property has an existing house onsite we could live in but I would like the conversion done fairly soon. I'm a bit worried that DH wants to do a lot of the work himself and Ill end up broke and divorced!

Is DH a builder ? I live in a barn conversion building an extension and also 2 more yet to do, the underpinning be something to consider, what sort of stone? Does it have planning ? Is it falling under any listed building? What area is it in? Are the openings in a good state of repair?
What size is the barn? I could give you a crude cost of what we have had done and various quotes and projects the last 2 years. Single storey- £1200 for sqm if you do most of it yourself, £2000 if builders are involved. A lot more problems uncovered in barns as you start peeling them back, not trying to put you off but have learnt some expensive lessons along the way!

Make sure you get an architect and structural engineer involved early on.

DH is an engineer so has a bit of a clue and is handy enough but I'm worried about the hidden costs and nasty surprises. Openings are in good shape and structurally it's sound. Not listed. We are in Northern Ireland so costs per sq metre like,y less than in other parts of the uk. I'm worried it could be a money pit...

A Structural Engineer has a lot of a clue! However, you will find barns suck up money. You have to consider foundations and structure because you are changing the use of the building. Every single thing has to be put in from water to electrics, windows, walls, insulation and floors. They are always huge projects. Even getting the layout right is critical. It’s a wonderful thing to do but you need to be aware of the exact nature of the remedial and building work so you can price it and then have a massive contingency!

I would only buy the house if I liked the house, ignore the barn part of it, there's better ways to invest your money in life!

Used to live in one - rented
Bugger to heat really thick walls despite 2 wood burners and oil centralheating.
Also slightly strange layout which I believe was due to planning restrictions and doors/windows having to be in certain places.

It was rented to us because the couple who converted it split due to the stress of the conversion- took them about three years and they ran out of cash .

It put me off converting a barn - had always thought because there was a structure there it would be easier than total build - but clearly not.

Oh and it was the dustiest house I ever lived in - the neighbour was a proper farmer and he used to say' Barns are for the beasts to live in not people'

All very sensible advice and replies. The layout And heating would be big concerns of mine. We can see it being joined up the current house as a kind of extension but that would involve building the bit in between as well as the conversion!

@loveisland I'm inclined to agree, I don't want to forego holidays for building work! It's around 120 sq m so that would be quite a bill 🙈

@Delamereroad I can envisage my marriage breaking up also! Easy to see how it would happen. DH can just see how much fun his project would be!