TLane

Thanks so much, hugely appreciate your kind input! No purlins appear on any of the plans. Only the concrete frame they rest on, so I'd think we can replace the purlins.. Not a huge amount at all, and would estimate it's mostly just the external render / finish of the wall as opposed to anything structural. The plans have the exterior walls made up between the columns, with some additional internal walls that hold up the 1st floor. I don't think so now! Current plan is to take up the existing, and installing new - adding UFH. I had hoped to keep some of the concrete structure exposed on the interior. This is a really similar structure / build I have been aspiring to a similar build as this https://www.thegrainstorelewes.com/our-story. Ugly to some, but I quite dig the industrial aesthetic of the concrete columns, and funny when you compare to the exposed beams in a listed threshing barn!.. That's an incredibly good point, thank you! Considering the principles, but not aiming for the certification. Want to include PV, ASPH, triple glazing, air tight as possible etc (within budget) Potentially the way to do it, and I'd assume cheaper in the long run. Really appreciate the advice! These don't appear on any of the plans, so I'd hope they can be replaced altogether!

Hi IanR!, It's currently got full planning for conversion. I'd need to run through in more details with the architect that drew up the plans and application - but there doesn't seem to be any major restrictions on what needs to remain / what can't be replaced. Current conditions; - Needs to begin within 3 years of the notice (comply with Sct 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act) - Shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans (Site location, block, proposed elevations, proposed elevations, demolition plan, biodiversity etc) - Submission of all materials to be used externally - Trees etc remain - Ecological Mitigation (no evidence of bats, etc - and nothing within the cartilage of the building) - Parking space is kept / area to turn vehicles - Landscaping scheme submission - Misc other (RAMS etc) Exactly that. Concrete frame & Purlins - with asbestos (low-grade) corrugated roof and cladding. Brick face to the front. The only reference to keeping the current frame is in the structural report. Without any specific conditions set out in the planning decision notice regarding what has to be retained - does that give you some relative 'freedom' with what can be done? Outside the restriction on needing to begin with 3 years, we're in no rush - and want to plan as much as possible before delving in. I'd assume (perhaps naively!) that it would be fairly straight forward to 'extend' the planning permission, if it's close to lapsing? The site is a bit dearer than we'd hoped (SE for you!), and I want to make sure we've enough put aside for the build - I'll have some wiggle room, but not much, for any unforeseen cost increases... So happy to take time planning it all. We'd work alongside a project manager for the main build, and manage the conversion of the adjoining annexe (ancillary) ourselves, which is a little less daunting, once we've learnt a bit more!) Hi Saveasteading! It's Concrete Purlins. I don't think these have to stay. Exactly what I've done! A general question - Do I need to get an architect / architectural technician to draw up the main plans - or can I give to an SE / Similar to do instead? I'm just looking at ways to preserve the build budget - and want to spend as little as possible on fees outside the main build. I'm very happy with the plans drawn up to obtain planning - so would be a case of making those into more of a build plan. Many thanks all.

Thanks very much Tom - exactly that - A full survey is one of the first things we're planning on getting sorted. Will get round to posting some pictures when I'm back on better internet!

After spending what seems to be the better part of 2 years searching for an appropriate plot, we're now ready to pull the trigger on what seems to be the ideal one. No better time to introduce myself and say Hi! In terms of the plot; - A 200m2 Concrete atcost frame barn, with brickwork to the front, and low-grade asbestos corrugated roofing / cladding. In all the building 'feels good' (I would say that!) and a basic structural report states it's suitable for conversion. It fits the bill in terms of the type of project we want to take on, and has the added benefit; ✔ - Couldn't be better situated ✔ - Full Outline Planning secured ✔ - 3 Phase Mains & Water already connected ✔ - Private access from road ✔ - Opp for a PV, ASPH set up - economical / environmental dream barn build Now.. where to start? So far all the architect / SE / Various ecological reports etc have done the minimum to satisfy the planning department. I'm totally new to all this, and although I've snooped through all your BuildHub posts and blogs over the last year, I'm still fairly confused where to go from. Forgive my complete ignorance, and for putting things so simply, but my basic outline is below; 1. Employ QS (3 quotes) to outline estimated build costs and outline. If promising, move onto step 2. Currently I'm running some napkin calculations based on £200-£250 p/sq ft. 2. Finalise plans and schemes to finally satisfy the planning dept's conditions 3. Employ a SE to do a proper assessment, ahead of drawing up more accurate / proper plans to take into the kick off stages. (Can I take the current architect's plans (basic design), and have them 'regurgitated' by an SE that would serve as the master plans that everything's built off?) Do I need to work alongside an architect to bring this to life? Or will a SE and builder be able to manage? 4 . Employ a project manager/ builder to kickstart the build and get to the first fix stage, at which point I can manage the 2nd fix. (Ideally I'd love to take on more of the management side myself, but that seems insane given I have no prior experience, and not much experience other than being handy with most DIY, which doesn't say much.. not to mention a full time job.) I've started a good black book of potential suppliers, advisors etc - any suggestions on where else is good to source (outside deep diving through google). I'm aware I'm missing another 10,000 steps around that, but I'd love to get your guys' thoughts? I'd massively appreciate any tips, advice, thoughts, suggestions. In any case nice to post something after so long lurking. All the best!