Building an office inside a commercial property

[ton]

hi there

could anyone tell me the implications of building an office inside a 1000 sft commercial unit

can i just do it or do i need building control regs etc

[Alan_M]

It depends on the use of the building.

My warehouse is for B8 use, storage and distribution, however a certain percentage of the total floor area is allowed to be changed to office space without the need to apply for planning consent. You'll need to check the figure exactly but it's in the region of 20%-30% of total floor space.

All alterations do however need to comply with building regulations.

If you choose to build the office on a mezzanine floor, say you add small mezzanine of 300 sq/ft, then for rates purposes the building will need to be re-rated and will be deemed to have an increased floor area and the rates adjusted accordingly.

[ton]

thanks for that

but in order for them to comply building regulations do i need to inform the council that the work is done or is going to be done?

[Sig]

Before you do any works a building inspector needs to be involved. Also how long is the works due to be because you may need to bring in a CDM.

They can get really nasty if you don't work with them!

Sig

[ton]

the works wont take over 30 days etc so will not need to inform HSE

its just a stud partition really to cordon off office space from production area

and some were to put a table and chair

[Sig]

Sounds like it would be worth doing a light sketch and going down to the building control officer.

One thing they will ask for is fire rating because you'll be creating a room.

They run their costs by percentage of how much it would cost to construct.

Hope this helps!

Sig

[ton]

thanks sig