Turning a studio into a 1 bed

ruelle

So I'm buying a studio and want to put up a stud wall to turn it into a 1 bed. That's all it needs. I spoke to a builder who suggested I should just do it without the freeholder's consent and when it comes to selling in a few years time ask then. If they say no he says it'll be easy to take down. Is that true or do I risk harming the flat?

And will I get into loads of trouble if I do this?

theartfullodger

Freeholder may find out: Someone may tell them or they may need to inspect/visit for an unconnected reason. Would the block insurance cover you if you've made unauthorised alterations?

Probably no realistic chance of freeholder find out though: want to take the risk?

Your builder "chum" won't have to cope with the problem. Find another builder.

What size "bedroom"? There are limits, and yes they do apply to owner-occupiers...
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/common_problems/overcrowding

Floor area

The minimum floor area considered enough for your family is:

50 - 69 square feet (4.6 - 6.5 square metres) for 0.5 people
70 - 89 square feet (6.5 - 8.4 square metres) for 1 person
90 - 109 square feet (8.4 -10 square metres) for 1.5 people
110 square feet (10.2 square metres) for 2 people

0.5 person is child under 10...

eddddy

theartfullodger wrote: »

What size "bedroom"? There are limits, and yes they do apply to owner-occupiers...
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/common_problems/overcrowding

0.5 person is child under 10...

You've misread the page you're linking to.

The sizes you're quoting are for the floor area of the home (i.e. the whole flat). They're not referring to a bedroom.

ruelle

I mean what could happen if they found out?? They charge me retrospectively? It's not that I mind paying (as long as it's reasonable) it's more the chance they could say no.

ruelle

Or charge me a lot of money, which as a FTB I don't have.

melanzana

Why not ask the freeholder first?

If they refuse, Just put a big curtain up or a room divider screen.

eddddy

ruelle wrote: »

I mean what could happen if they found out?? They charge me retrospectively? It's not that I mind paying (as long as it's reasonable) it's more the chance they could say no.

What does your lease say?

If it just says something like "You are not allowed to make alterations to the layout of the flat" - then that's more of a problem.

But if it says "You are not allowed to make alterations to the layout of the flat without the freeholder's consent" - then the law says that means the freeholder cannot withhold consent unreasonably. So that's less of an issue.

eddddy

ruelle wrote: »

Or charge me a lot of money, which as a FTB I don't have.

Again... you need to see what the lease says about admin fees for consent for alterations.

The fee has to be 'reasonable' - if it's not, there are ways you can challenge it.

ruelle

eddddy wrote: »

What does your lease say?

If it just says something like "You are not allowed to make alterations to the layout of the flat" - then that's more of a problem.

But if it says "You are not allowed to make alterations to the layout of the flat without the freeholder's consent" - then the law says that means the freeholder cannot withhold consent unreasonably. So that's less of an issue.

in the process of exchanging soon. will check. if it's the latter how much do you think they would charge for something like this? is it based on the value it could add rather than the work carried out?

ruelle

eddddy wrote: »

Again... you need to see what the lease says about admin fees for consent for alterations.

The fee has to be 'reasonable' - if it's not, there are ways you can challenge it.

sorry missed this post. they want £500 just to look into it!

marksoton

I will add very little value. The only reason i conceded to a 1 bed flat was because it had a largish floor plan and felt open.

Start chucking up partitions on a BS and it'll soon show. It was built as a BS and not a one bedroom flat for a reason.