Converting a house into flats- what things to consider?

[gunther1]

I have been speaking with my builder about the above and he suggests (and is probably right!) that there are loads and loads of regs involved i.e. sound proofing, fire doors etc when converting.

Can you please let me know all the things to consider when converting i.e. new gas meters (*2), electricity meters (*2), sound proofing, fire doors, etc in order to pass building regs. If they vary amongst councils, I am in the Bristol area...

Also, would I be granted planning? A couple of other houses in the area appear to be doing this..

Also, if you could give me any indication of cost, that would also be really helpful.

I appreciate your help. Thank you kindly,

[sweetcharity]

I have been speaking with my builder about the above and he suggests (and is probably right!) that there are loads and loads of regs involved i.e. sound proofing, fire doors etc when converting.

Can you please let me know all the things to consider when converting i.e. new gas meters (*2), electricity meters (*2), sound proofing, fire doors, etc in order to pass building regs. If they vary amongst councils, I am in the Bristol area...

Also, would I be granted planning? A couple of other houses in the area appear to be doing this..

Also, if you could give me any indication of cost, that would also be really helpful.

I appreciate your help. Thank you kindly,

we have just done it! Well actually we're still doing it 10 months down the line. It has cost us around £120,000.00 so far and we have a builder who cut his costs to the bone because he is a friend. The other thing which may affect whether planning permission is granted is a/ whether you council have a limit on the number of conversions in each road and b/ whether you can provide off street parking of at least one space per flat as many councils won't grant permission unless you can.

Other than that you will find it is a much bigger job then you expect because as you say the building regs are very complex and require you to do much more than splitting a house into 2 or 3 flats. You also have to get the flats tested for the passage of sound, this is done by acoustic engineeres to assess how sound tavels, not only between your flats but neigbouring properties. We have been quoted all sorts of prices up to £1500.00 for these tests but thy have to be done as the council will require certificates and if they fail you may have to take remedial wction which could be very costly. We have a Victorian house and none of the original windows met the currrent regs so that has cost us a fortune. Just getting the utilities split was astronomical. It cost more than £3000.00 just to get the new metres and stuff done. You need to look very carefully at everything. our builder originally estimated around £65,000 before it was actually costed out in detail and eventually quoted 85,000.00 but with everything it is already £120,000.00.

good luck whatever you decide