Give an Existing Building a New Purpose
Not every project needs a completely new building. Sometimes the most useful space is already there — it simply needs to be rethought.
Outbuildings, workshops, stores, redundant rooms and other existing structures can sometimes be transformed into practical new spaces that work much harder for the property.
At Calico, we look at what the building already gives us and what needs to change. Structure, insulation, services, access, windows, doors, heating, ventilation and internal finishing all need to be considered together if the conversion is going to work properly.
The floor is often a major part of that transformation. Existing slabs, timber floors or storage-grade surfaces may need upgrading, levelling, insulating or preparing before the new room is ready for its finished flooring.
Conversions for Existing Buildings & Spaces
Every existing structure presents different opportunities. The right approach depends on how it was built, its condition and what you want the finished space to become.
Outbuilding Conversions
Transform an existing detached structure into a more useful room, workspace, studio or flexible space where the building is suitable for conversion.
Workshop Conversions
Repurpose workshop space that is no longer required and explore whether it could become an office, hobby room, studio or another practical space.
Barn & Character Buildings
Older structures often require a more sensitive approach that considers their original construction, character and the way modern services can be introduced.
Annexe & Flexible Spaces
Where suitable and subject to the necessary requirements, existing buildings may have potential to provide additional flexible accommodation or family space.
Stores & Utility Buildings
Buildings previously used only for storage may be capable of providing a much more valuable role once insulation, services and internal finishing are introduced.
Internal Building Reconfiguration
Larger existing spaces can sometimes be subdivided or reconfigured to create rooms better suited to the way the property is now used.
Every Existing Building Tells Us Something
Converting an existing building is different from starting with a blank site. The original structure sets many of the opportunities and limitations of the project.
Walls, foundations, roof construction, damp protection, insulation, services, openings, access and the existing floor all need to be understood before deciding how the space should change.
A floor that was perfectly adequate for a workshop or storage building may need a very different build-up once the space is expected to become warm, comfortable and regularly occupied.
Calico works with what is already there and brings together the trades and building work required to create the new use.
The Old Use Does Not Have to Define the New One
A building may have been designed for storage, work or another completely different purpose. Conversion gives us the opportunity to reconsider how the space should now function.
The existing walls, roof and floor need to be understood before deciding what can be retained or altered.
Buildings not originally designed as living spaces may need significant thermal upgrades.
New or altered windows and doors can completely change spaces originally designed around storage or work.
Power, plumbing, heating and drainage may need to be introduced or substantially altered for the new use.
Entrances, doors, thresholds and circulation should suit the way the converted space will actually be used.
Existing slabs or timber floors may need insulation, levelling, repairs or preparation before the final floor covering is installed.
Explore Flooring Services →Where the existing building has attractive original features, there may be opportunities to retain them within the finished conversion.
Flooring in a Building Conversion
The floor in an existing workshop, outbuilding, store or utility building was often designed for a completely different purpose from the room you are trying to create.
Before choosing the visible flooring, the existing construction needs to be understood. Depending on the building, the starting point may be a concrete slab, screed, floorboards, chipboard, plywood or another timber deck.
Conversion work may need to consider:
- Existing floor condition and stability
- Moisture and damp conditions
- Thermal insulation
- Floor levelling
- Repairs to timber floors
- Plywood or suitable overlay preparation
- Concrete or screed preparation
- Finished floor height
- Thresholds and door clearances
- Underfloor heating where appropriate
Once the subfloor is suitable, the final flooring can be selected around the new use of the space. Options can include timber, carpet, vinyl, lino, click LVT, glue-down LVT and tiled floors depending on the room and construction.
Planning the floor build-up as part of the conversion helps avoid awkward steps at doorways, problems around skirting and doors, and situations where the finished floor is expected to hide defects beneath it.
Explore Flooring Services →From Existing Structure to New Purpose
Before deciding how the finished space should look, we need to understand what the existing building can realistically support.
Understand
We discuss what the building is used for now and what you would like it to become.
Assess & Plan
We look at structure, condition, services, access, moisture, insulation, floor construction and other practical considerations.
Convert
The required structural alterations, openings, insulation, floor preparation, services and building work are coordinated.
Fit Out & Finish
Electrics, plumbing where required, heating, plastering, carpentry, flooring and decoration complete the space.
Give an Existing Building a Completely New Role
A structure that once served a purely practical purpose can sometimes become one of the most interesting and useful spaces on the property.
Before 
After A Conversion Needs to Work as a New Building Type
Once a building changes purpose, the demands placed on it can change considerably. The hidden construction needs as much attention as the finished interior.
Explore Flooring Services →
We See Possibility in Existing Buildings
Conversions are often about problem solving. The building already exists, which means we need to understand its strengths, limitations and opportunities.
Our background across carpentry, renovation and wider building work allows us to look beyond the existing use and consider how the structure could work differently.
That includes looking beneath the finished room at things such as floor construction, insulation and subfloor preparation rather than simply choosing a new floor covering at the end of the conversion.
We will explain the practical options rather than simply suggesting the easiest route, helping you make informed decisions about the future of the building.
Building Conversions Across Hampshire
Calico is based on Hayling Island and undertakes building conversion projects throughout Hampshire and surrounding areas.
Hayling Island • Havant • Portsmouth • Southsea • Emsworth • Waterlooville • Chichester • Fareham • Petersfield • Southampton
If your location is not listed, please still get in touch. The distance we travel can vary depending on the scale and nature of the project.
Building Conversion FAQs
What types of buildings can potentially be converted?
Depending on their structure, condition and location, possibilities can include outbuildings, workshops, storage buildings, barns, redundant rooms and other existing structures. Each building needs to be assessed individually.
Can an outbuilding be converted into a usable room?
Potentially, yes. The building's foundations, structure, roof, insulation, moisture protection, access and services all need to be considered before deciding whether conversion is practical.
Can you convert a workshop or store?
Yes, where the existing structure is suitable. The level of work required will depend on how the building was originally constructed and the new use proposed.
Can a converted building become an annexe?
Potentially, but creating separate or semi-independent accommodation can involve planning, building regulations, drainage, fire safety and other requirements. The relevant permissions and professional advice would need to be established for the particular property.
Do building conversions need planning permission?
Some conversions may require planning permission or formal change-of-use approval, while others may not. Requirements depend on the building, existing and proposed use, location and extent of external alteration. These should be established for the specific project.
Do building conversions need building regulations approval?
Conversions will often need to comply with relevant building regulations, particularly where the new use changes requirements for structure, insulation, fire safety, ventilation, drainage, access or electrical work.
Can you add new doors and windows?
Potentially, yes. New or enlarged openings can help bring light and improve access, although structural implications, appearance and relevant approvals need to be considered.
Can you install plumbing, electrics and heating?
Yes. The required services can be considered as part of the wider conversion, subject to what is practical for the building and property.
Can you preserve original features?
Where appropriate, yes. Existing beams, brickwork, timber or other character features can sometimes be incorporated into the new design rather than hidden or removed.
Will the existing floor need to be replaced during a conversion?
Not always. It depends on the existing construction, condition, moisture, insulation requirements, finished floor level and the new use of the building. In some cases an existing floor can be retained and prepared, while other projects may require more substantial upgrading.
What flooring can you install in a converted building?
Depending on the room and subfloor, options can include timber, carpet, vinyl, lino, click LVT, glue-down LVT and tiled floors.
Visit our Flooring Services page for more information.
Can you level or prepare the existing floor?
Yes, where required. The appropriate preparation depends on whether the existing floor is concrete, screed or timber and on the final flooring being installed.
Can underfloor heating be added during a building conversion?
Potentially, yes. The available floor build-up, insulation, heating system and finished flooring all need to be considered together when deciding whether it is appropriate for the project.
How long does a building conversion take?
Timescales depend heavily on the size and condition of the existing structure, the amount of structural alteration, services required and the finished specification. A realistic programme can be established once the building and scope are understood.
Have You Got a Building That Could Be Doing More?
Whether it is an outbuilding, workshop, store, redundant room or another structure that no longer serves its original purpose, talk to Calico about what you would like it to become.
We'll help you explore the practical possibilities and explain what may be required to give the building a useful new future, including the condition of the existing floor, insulation, subfloor preparation and the final flooring that will complete the converted space.
Discuss Your Building Conversion