Mrog

AI tools are starting to be used to create realistic images from architectural sketches and plans. If you have your architects plans in digital form, it might be interesting to try a few of these, suggesting the materials and finish you want to visualise. Most have free trials that should be sufficient for your needs. There's a comparison of some of the more popular ones here: https://pixelstoplans.com/the-best-ai-image-generators-for-architecture/

Hi, I am in the process of buying an unconverted barn with approved q-class permitted development rights. I expect this will be classed as non-residential for stamp duty and I would have a fee to pay, as the purchase price exceeds the non-residential threshold of £150k. I have seen reference to conversions being classed as residential for stamp duty purposes, because "... works had commenced ...". In my case, this could reduce the costs to zero as the purchase price is below the residential threshold of £250k (noting the 3% surcharge may still apply, but be recoverable). Interested to know if anyone has successfully had their conversion assessed as residential due to work having started, and if so, what the scope of the work was?

Thanks all for the useful perspectives. I recognise the inherent risk of bias in the original survey and prefer to pursue the Q class route to avoid all the additional demands that full planning will bring. Fully expect to need an SE to validate Architects detailed plans in due course. As @ToughButterCup notes it is really about a risk/cost trade at this stage, where I could still argue for a reduction in price or as a worst case walk away.

Thanks @Conor and @Alan Ambrose, the Q-class is confirmed, so planners have accepted suitability for conversion and we have had an offer accepted. So I am thinking another inspection survey won't gain us much and we would need a more intrusive (=costly) survey to tell us more (eg foundation condition). As the barn is mostly single storey and we will be using a metal roof, we are not adding significantly to the load on the walls and hence may not need significant underpinning if the foundation isn't up to scratch. I wanted to test the logic that additional surveys are unlikely to add much to our understanding with anyone who has similar experience.

Hi, I am planning to convert a brick and stone barn with Q-class permitted development. As per Q class requirements the vendor commissioned a structural survey to confirm suitability for conversion. This notes minor issues with pointing and roof timbers. The barn is mostly single storey, with an existing concrete floor which will need to come out. I am wondering if there is any value in commissioning a further survey, which may just identify the same issues? I do have a that the foundations may be insufficient (just because it was built as a barn) but if the slab is being replaced anyway think any underpinning required could be addressed at the same time. Welcome others experiences?

Thanks @IanR, luckily the Q class was revalidated by the vendor in March of this year so okay for now.

Hi, after a couple of years looking for plots or conversions, just had an offer accepted on a brick & stone barn with q-class permitted development. I expect to have lots of questions to come!