Everything You Need to Know About Barn Conversions

When you are looking for your dream property, especially if it is something different than what you have got to experience before, it is always best to do some research and make sure you know everything you can so that you are able to make an informed decision.

Buying or renting a house is a big deal as it is going to be your home, and if you are interested in a barn conversion, then this is the piece for you.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about this type of house.

What Is a Barn Conversion?

A barn conversion is a barn that has been transformed into a property that can be used for real estate or commercial purposes. It usually has all of the interesting characteristics of the original building, such as high ceilings and large areas of open-plan space, but benefits from all the modern furnishings of a luxury new build.

What Are the Key Features?

The key features of a barn conversion are often the very reasons that people are so drawn to them as a property choice. They can offer wide open plan spaces and are usually situated in beautiful rural areas providing outstanding views, high ceilings and double-height rooms, barn characteristics such as exposed beams, along with all of the modern finishes such as double glazing, underfloor heating, insulation, and up to date essentials such as boilers and plumbing. 

What Do You Need to Know?

If you have not lived in a barn conversion before, finding out as much information as possible is the key for you to make the right decision. Seeing and looking around as many conversions as possible will give you a more solid idea of what you do and do not want for your property, but also talk to the owners and tenants of those who live in conversions too. You want to find out any inconsistencies of living in a conversion over a more traditional property and what you need to be aware of in case there are deal-breakers. 

For example, open plan living is a common theme for barn conversions, which does not always suit everyone – especially those who like their privacy. That being said, structural changes can be made to help a conversion suit different preferences, such as investing in custom barn doors. This means you can keep everything you love about a barn conversion and add in the privacy and noise-dampening effects that you get from doors. 

Other factors you need to consider are issues such as whether anyone has access or rights to the land around you, as usually they are farm properties. You will also want to know when your barn was converted so that you have an idea about the energy rating the building sits at. And find out whether your building is listed because if you are buying a barn to convert it yourself, you will need to know whether you can have planning permission before taking the next step.