What is a barn conversion? [infographic]

“What is a barn conversion?” is a common question right now. More and more people are looking to transform rustic farm buildings in the countryside into luxurious homes for their families. Read on to find out more about barn conversions and what happens during the adaptation process. 

Barn conversions: What you need to know

If you’re interested in a barn conversion, we don’t recommend rushing in straight away. Take your time to consider if investing in this desirable real estate is right for you. Barns can be incredible structures bursting with character. However, it’s important to remember that they weren’t originally built to be homes. This means they can sometimes be difficult to convert into habitable properties. A lot of planning and commitment is necessary for a successful barn conversion.

One potential issue with a barn conversion is that it can be expensive to heat. Having said this, when you work with a specialist building company, they can suggest options to combat this problem. Expert heating engineers can assist you, making sure your new home is warm and cosy all year round. 

At High & Dry Renovations, we’ve completed many barn conversions in Scunthorpe, Brigg, and Grimsby over the years, building up a fantastic reputation for our high standard of workmanship. We always try and stay as true to the structure as possible when converting barns, making sure these unique buildings maintain their original charm. Keep reading to learn more about what is a barn conversion.

Why are barn conversions so popular right now?

In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic which forced millions of us to work from home, increasing numbers of people are taking the opportunity to relocate from big cities to the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside. This means that barn conversions in the region are in high demand. Barn conversions may have risen in popularity over the past 18 months, however, they’ve always been sought after and aren’t likely to fall out of favour any time soon. 

Not only are barn conversions usually located in stunning rural locations with magnificent views, but they are also incredibly spacious. With high vaulted ceilings and vast open-plan areas, they provide plenty of room for families to create their perfect home. You should have no problem fitting in all of your furniture and possessions.

Another reason that barn conversions in Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Brigg are so popular is that there are strict planning permission rules that limit the building of new homes in the countryside. Therefore, if people want to enjoy living in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, barn conversions can provide the ideal solution. 

Although, that’s not to say that gaining the necessary planning permission for a barn conversion is easy. You’ll still need to gain detailed planning approval before commencing the work. At High & Dry, we can offer advice on gaining the planning permission for your barn conversion, taking much of the stress out of the process. 

How is a barn converted?

Now you know what is a barn conversion, you may be wondering how a rural structure that was originally made to store crops can possibly be converted into your dream home! Fortunately, when you work with a reputable company like High & Dry, the process isn’t as challenging as you might expect. 

We have experience converting barns of all sizes, with our multifaceted team able to handle every aspect of the build from start to finish. We work with planners, builders, electricians, and bricklayers to bring your vision for your new home to life. We’ll carry out all work to the highest possible standards.

How much does a barn conversion cost?

Estimating the cost of a barn conversion can be tough since every project is different. Various factors will need to be considered, most notedly the condition of the existing structure. If the barn is in a poor state, more work will be required, upping the final cost of the conversion. The cost will also depend on your specific requirements and the standard of finish you desire.

In terms of financing a barn conversion, you have a couple of options. Although getting a mortgage may be difficult since lenders for barn conversions are limited, it’s worth speaking to a self-build mortgage specialist who may be able to help. The Ecology Building Society is a good option since they often lend on out of the ordinary projects. 

The good news is that barn conversions are largely VAT-free. You’ll be able to reclaim this under the HM Revenue & Customs Notice 431C. If you hire a VAT-registered building company like High & Dry, they can invoice for their work and materials at the reduced rate of 5%. At High & Dry, we aim to make our prices as competitive as possible, always providing a real value for money service to our customers. Get in touch for a free quotation at any time. 

Get expert advice on barn conversions 

Converting a barn is a big decision that requires careful consideration. Therefore, it makes sense to consult with a specialist construction company. At High & Dry, we can provide you with expert advice and guidance to help you decide if converting a barn to your new home is right for you. We can answer all your questions and queries surrounding barn conversions.  

Contact us 

High & Dry Renovations specialises in barn conversions in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Grimsby, so why not get in touch to discuss your needs with one of our team? You can reach us on 01652 808 049, 01724 646 035, or 01472 565 074 at any time. You can also send us a message via the website if you prefer and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We can provide you with a no-obligation quotation for your barn conversion project.