- Plan ItBack
- Design ItBack
- Build ItBack
- Homes
- ProductsBack
- CostsBack
- Self Build Cost Calculator
Estimate your project costs instantly with Build It's interactive self-build cost calculator
Calculate Now - Costs & Finance
- Contracts & Warranties
- Build It Estimating Service
Get an accurate, detailed cost breakdown of your project
Submit plans
- EventsBack
Q&As
Are Barn Conversions Cost Effective?
How cost effective is it to convert a barn into residential use? Are there any case studies on this, it’ll likely be in hertfordshire, so a relatively expensive area to live.
LMK, MT.
Greg Harvey
One Answer
Hi Greg,
I recommend you visit the barns and conversions section of our readers’ homes, where you’ll find a number of helpful case studies – https://www.self-build.co.uk/home-category/barns-conversions/
You’ll also find tips on how to successfully complete a barn conversion at https://www.self-build.co.uk/15-steps-successful-barn-conversion/
It’s difficult to give general advice regarding the cost-effectiveness of barn conversions as this is dependant upon both the original condition of the barn and the final specification. Project costs can sometimes escalate as it’s often tricky to tell at a glance how structurally sound a barn is – whether some of the walls or roof will need to be rebuilt or the foundations strengthened, for example.
It’s therefore wise to have the property assessed by an expert before committing to a project. It’s quite common for a barn conversion to cost just as much per m2 as a new build but you’re usually rewarded with a unique and characterful home.
Andrew Hobbs (Build It’s digital assistant editor)