Hello everyone, I’ll start with my first post as a new member. We are currently looking for a new home. I am interested in an old commercial or industrial building that can be converted into living space based on our own ideas. About 10 years ago, I did something like this with my parents. The result: for a total price of 170,000 € they completely renovated a single-family house with 150 sqm (1,615 sq ft) of living space and a lovely garden. However, we invested a lot of personal labor. I am now imagining doing something similar. I have already found a property that interests me. It is an approximately 200 sqm (2,153 sq ft), single-story complex with a hip/flat roof from the 1960s, for which the current owner has already applied for a change of use permit to convert it into residential space. I have about 100,000–120,000 € available for renovations. I understand that everything will need to be renewed— all the wiring, windows, possibly the roof, and then the interior fittings. What I am not quite sure about yet is how to best start in order to get a rough overview of costs right from the beginning. Would a building surveyor be the right choice? I want to avoid any unpleasant, costly surprises during the renovation. Oh, and when should an architect get involved? Of course, a few new interior walls will need to be built. Is an architect needed for the interior work, or only when it comes to the exterior modifications? Thanks in advance.
Hello,
As early as possible. There are so many fundamental issues to resolve that getting help from a professional can definitely have a positive impact.
Best regards
Lio1979 schrieb:
.....and when does an architect get involved?
As early as possible. There are so many fundamental issues to resolve that getting help from a professional can definitely have a positive impact.
Best regards
Hello,
Yes, I believe so.
Lio1979 schrieb:
But then I would have to involve an architect before I have even bought a property?! Do you think Eder can assess the requirements during the initial inspection?
Yes, I believe so.
Okay, that’s already a helpful hint. I even have a friend who is almost finished with his architecture studies and also works part-time at an architect’s office. Maybe I can bring him along sometime. I have an appointment next week to inspect the commercial building. Perhaps there will also be an expert report or similar available. Usually, it’s hard to tell just by looking whether something needs to be renovated. But thanks so far...
So, the first walkthrough has now taken place. It looks really interesting. Living space without interior finishing is approximately 170 square meters (1,830 square feet)! I think that if you add a few partitions, you end up with around 150 square meters (1,615 square feet).
Apparently, as expected, everything needs to be done: utility connections, building walls, installing windows, insulation, etc. What I really can’t assess is the building structure and the roof. Visually, it looks good, but you probably can’t rely on that alone. I’m currently trying to make a rough cost estimate. Just for gas and water, I’m at about 40,000 euros... is that really realistic? Furthermore, the hall consists of two connected halls sold separately. They will need to be separated. All utility lines come from the first hall... What do I need to consider if I want to supply the building independently?
Apparently, as expected, everything needs to be done: utility connections, building walls, installing windows, insulation, etc. What I really can’t assess is the building structure and the roof. Visually, it looks good, but you probably can’t rely on that alone. I’m currently trying to make a rough cost estimate. Just for gas and water, I’m at about 40,000 euros... is that really realistic? Furthermore, the hall consists of two connected halls sold separately. They will need to be separated. All utility lines come from the first hall... What do I need to consider if I want to supply the building independently?
Similar topics