Extending into out building

[katy1975]

Hi,

I wish to extend from kitchen into out building to use as utility room. Outbuilding currently has asbestos roof, can this remain or will it have to be removed? Don't really want to replace it as its watertight and in good condition.

Any advice apreciated.

 

[noseall]

you can do what you like, unless you want to comply to building regulations........?

 

[^woody^]

Most people who just want to tart up the outhouse to bung in a washer and freezer etc, would just ....

Dry-line the walls (add a bit of insulation if you like) and fit a membrane if the wall is a solid wall to stop damp coming across
Screed the floor level, or fit a new timber joist and chipboard floor on top
Fit a few ceiling joists and plaster ceiling (add a bit of insulation on top if you like)
Best to add a mechanical extract fan, and have a permanent vent in the wall or trickle vents in the window

If you are confident that you (or the builder) can do a proper job - especially in terms of damp prevention and ventilation, then I would carry on without involving building control

If you are thinking of a more involved conversion, then you may need to go the building control route.

Normally with outhouses, the corrugated roof is a bit too low to get a ceiling in, so this may be a problem

 

[katy1975]

Thanks Woody,

Don't want anything too fancy so your suggestion sounds good. Only thing is that I need to knock through from the house and make a doorway and replace the front of the building, which is timber (the rest is brick). Do you think with these extra bits building control should be informed?

Thanks again.

 

[^woody^]

The forming of a doorway is notifiable, as is the replacement of the wall in context of he proposed conversion.

If you did apply for b/regs, then you would be assured that the work is done properly from a structural point of view (they are not interested in quality), but perhaps it would be more costly in terms of the things you need to do to conform, and it would be 'better' than it need be. The asbestos roof could stay if it is sound.

But again, if you are happy that the builder will do the work correctly - sufficient lintel for the door and [check] adequate foundation for the replacement wall, then its something that lots of people do without involving the council.