HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONVERT A BARN?

If converting a barn is a project you'd love to take on, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips' breakdown on how much it's likely to cost

- TIM PHILLIPS

Barn conversions have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. Old barns present unique development and investment opportunities, offering high ceilings, large open-plan living spaces and an array of 'wow' factors and beautifully preserved features. But before you embark on your quest to find that perfect barn, here's what costs are typically involved *.

WHAT ARE THE STARTING BALLPARK FIGURES?

Barn conversions are so diverse in nature that it's a real challenge to put even an approximate figure on a conversion cost. Every barn will have its own set of unique characteristics and challenges. As a result of this, conversion costs can vary significantly from around £150k at the lower end for a small barn, to as much as £400k for a larger project, although at the top end, the sky's the limit when it comes to your choice of internal finishes. As a starting point, the cost for an average barn conversion is around £1,700/ m², but be aware of the number of potential variables that could significantly affect this upwards to as much as £2,500/m².

Allowing a contingency fund is important for any build project, but even more so for barn conversions. A figure of 15-20% is advisable, but the more you establish at the initial costing phase, the more confident you can be as to whether this is likely to be required and you can adjust accordingly.

WHO SHOULD I USE TO HELP WITH COSTINGS?

Unless you are lucky enough to buy a barn in excellent condition, with solid foundations, good walls and roof, with main services nearby, then a conversion will typically cost more than starting from scratch with a new build. This may come as a surprise, but a host of variable factors can add to costs.