Converting a rustic barn in rural France is a dream for many.
Barn conversions are ideal for modern, contemporary open plan living, and for enjoying the wonderfully exposed beams, the high vaulted ceilings and the stone construction. They provide homeowners with a blank space to showcase their own creativity and style within an overall design.
At Kiwi Construction, we enjoy working on barn conversion projects and are sharing a few things to think about before you start:
- Planning permission and paperwork. You’ll need to get planning approval first from your local Mairie. This means you will require a permis de construire or a déclaration préable de travaux ; this depends upon the size of the property. Understanding the change of use regulations is key as barn conversions will modify its use as an agricultural building to that of a residential property.
The situation of the barn is also important; if it is standalone, planning permission may be difficult. If though it is part of a group of other buildings where there is already a dwelling, consent is more likely. Kiwi can help and we’ve successfully submitted many application on behalf of our customers over the years.
- Plan your budget. Before buying, undertaking a survey as well as finding out whether you can obtain planning permission is crucial. Conversion costs can be significant: architects’ drawings, allowance for structural changes, utility costs (electricity, water, communications) together with other building costs and materials. Kiwi can advise you on projected build costs depending upon the size of the building before you commit to the purchase.
- Design the project. This is the exciting part! Getting the design right is obviously important, to ensure that the property is fit for 21st century living whilst also reflecting some of the heritage and tradition of its surroundings. Kiwi can offer a full project management service from the design through to the works on site, from start to completion.
If you would like to discuss further your barn conversion project, please get in touch.
Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.
Contact :
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0) 6 03 18 53 31
grant.norris@wanadoo.fr
https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/
