What is a barn conversion?
A barn conversion turns an agricultural or rural building into a home while keeping its character: the brick or stone walls, roof timbers and large openings. It involves structural repair, insulation, new services and often a new floor slab.
How much does a barn conversion cost in Caernarfon?
In Caernarfon, a barn conversion typically costs £1,650–£2,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at usually 5% (reduced rate for creating a new dwelling). For a typical 150 m² project that is roughly £247,500–£412,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Wales, where labour and materials are typically about 8% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £173,000–£289,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £247,500–£412,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £346,500–£577,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,750 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Planning conditions and ecology
- Insulation approach
- Condition of the existing structure
- Access to the site
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a barn conversion in Caernarfon?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Wales. In Wales converting a barn into a home needs full planning permission; there is no equivalent of the English Class Q route.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical barn conversion we handle:
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- Building control completion
- Ecology and bat survey coordination
- Planning or prior approval application
- Structural survey and feasibility
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Design and approvals come first and typically take 4 to 9 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Caernarfon
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
From LL55 outwards, we take on projects throughout Caernarfon and the surrounding parts of Gwynedd.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about barn conversions in Caernarfon
How long does a barn conversion take?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site, depending on the building’s condition.
How much does a barn conversion cost in Caernarfon?
In Caernarfon, a barn conversion typically costs £1,650–£2,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at usually 5% (reduced rate for creating a new dwelling). A typical 150 m² project comes to roughly £247,500–£412,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is VAT reduced on a barn conversion?
Usually yes. Converting a non-residential building into a dwelling normally qualifies for the reduced 5% VAT rate on building work. Our guide prices assume this rate.
Do I need a bat survey?
Very often. Barns are common bat roosts, and planning authorities usually ask for an ecology survey.
Do I need planning permission for a barn conversion in Caernarfon?
In Wales converting a barn into a home needs full planning permission; there is no equivalent of the English Class Q route.
Do you build barn conversions in Caernarfon?
Yes. We build barn conversions across Caernarfon, including postcodes LL55. Every project starts with a free home visit.