Duplex Renovation Questions - Into 2 flats

Doozergirl

I've come very late to this but in order to create two separate dwelling you will need to meet current building regulations in both properties for a new build. That means new windows throughout, along with the soundproofing and fireboarding which are expensive! Thermal insulation to the exterior walls I understand now as well which means complete replastering.

New drainage, soakaways for rain water... You've missed 2 x lots of complete rewiring and replumbing to make any sense, you can't really work ofanything old as you need again to meet new regulations. This is a new build we are talking about and there isn't much of a way around it other than to gut the place - skirting off and floorboards up to soundproof and fireproof.

New gas supply alone without digging up your own garden to get it there costs in the region of £2500... It goes on and on with outside costs that really add up.

10 years ago it cost us £50k a flat for a builder to convert a house into flats. I do not think that we could do it now, purely trade for £55k for two. We'd certainly struggle and I'd have to budget higher for contingency.

I genuinely hope for your own sake that don't try it. No developer would make anything converting a perfectly good house into two - and by aiming to make nothing you stand equal chance of making a loss.

Make the house as beautiful as you can and be realistic