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Preparation - The first stage of the project is to clear the building and surrounding area of any rubbish that will impede the works.
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Sub-standard Construction - this will vary depending on the condition of the building you are converting but many outbuildings will need to have their roofs stripped and any damaged/rotten walls or timbers to the existing structure removed.
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Excavating and Concreting Foundations - In many cases, you may be providing new walls or repairing//rebuilding existing walls and these will require new foundations. It is a good idea to get this work completed as early as possible in order to form a solid base for the rest of the structure.
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Drainage - In some cases, where you are installing a bathroom or kitchen, you may need to install new drainage and is a good idea to get this completed early in the programme.
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External walls- Any new walls should now be formed and new damp proof courses installed. Existing walls can be repaired - many barns incorporate a low level wall which supports the timber frame above.
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External walls- In some case, new wall plates will need to be installed to match the existing.
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Floor - If the existing floor needs replacing, this work can now be completed and should include a new damp proof membrane and insulation.
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External walls - Any new external walls can now be built and existing walls can be repaired as required. Many outbuilding are timber framed and rotten timbers should be cut out and replaced. Existing walls may need repairing or repointing.
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Structural works - In some cases, new steel beams will be required to provide additional strength or support new roofs and floors.
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Roof - Many out buildings will need existing roof timbers to be repaired or replaced due to rain penetration in previous years.
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Roof - In some case where the existing condition is very poor, the entire roof may need to be replaced.
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Roof - The extent of the new roof carcassing will depend on your final design and it will need to be checked and approved by the Building Inspector.
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Roof Tiling - The roof tiling can be completed which may involve the complete roof or just isolated areas that are in poor condition. Fascias, gutters and downpipes can also be replaced or repaired as required.
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Internal Walls - If your conversion includes new internal walls then they can be formed - quite often these are constructed in studwork as shown here. You may need to improve the standard of the existing external walls and this is often done by forming a new studwork wall inside the existing wall, ensuring that it is properly weatherproof.
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Windows and External Doors - new windows and doors are fitted which will ensure that the conversion is secure. These are quite often made to measure in timber to match the existing property.
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Windows and External Doors - The windows and doors can make all the difference between an average conversion and a spectacular one so make sure your designer has given them some thought.
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External finishes - if your property is finished externally in rendering or other finishes, these can now be completed.
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First Fix Services - The electrician and plumber can now complete their 'first fix' services including installation of pipework, cables, etc. The carpenter will fit any new internal door linings. First fix refers to works that are completed prior to plastering.
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Insulation- New thermal insulation can now be added to the walls and roof prior to plasterboarding.
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Plasterboarding - With the insulation in place, any plasterboarding can be completed. In many conversions, some of the existing timbers are left exposed for architectural interest.
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Plastering - The ceilings and walls can now be plastered. Some builders prefer to dry line the plasterboard which avoids the need for complete plastering.
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Floor screeding - If you are raising the floor with a sand:cement screed, this can now be completed to provide a smooth and level surface.
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2nd fix electrics- With plastering complete, the electrician will now fit the switch plates, sockets and light fittings.
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2nd fix plumbing and heating - The plumber will now fit any new sanitaryware and the new radiators. If you are having a new boiler, it is usually fitted at this stage.
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2nd fix carpentry- The carpenter will now fit internal doors, architraves and skirtings. New cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen units can also be fitted at this stage. If you have a new staircase, this can also be fitted with the balustrading and handrails.
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Other finishes- Tiling, decorating, laminate or other floor finishes can now be completed.
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Finishing touches- The final touches to your new conversion can now be added such as furniture, curtains and blinds and pictures.
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Completion - With the works complete, you can now enjoy the use of the additional space for many years to come.
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