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 Maidenhead?
In Maidenhead, a barn conversion typically costs £2,000–£3,350 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 £300,000–£502,500. The guide for Maidenhead reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (105 m²) | £210,000–£352,000 |
| Typical project (150 m²) | £300,000–£502,500 |
| Larger project (210 m²) | £420,000–£703,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£3,350 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Planning conditions and ecology
- Glazing and finishes
- Access to the site
- Services and drainage
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a barn conversion in Maidenhead?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England converting an agricultural building into a home needs either full planning permission or prior approval under Class Q of the permitted development rules, which limits floor space and the number of homes. Listed barns also need listed building consent.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- New roof covering where needed
- Structural repairs and new floor slab
- Structural survey and feasibility
- Services, drainage and septic or treatment plant
- Insulation that respects the existing fabric
- Ecology and bat survey coordination
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Maidenhead
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Projects in Maidenhead (SL6) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about barn conversions in Maidenhead
Do I need a bat survey?
Very often. Barns are common bat roosts, and planning authorities usually ask for an ecology survey.
How much does a barn conversion cost in Maidenhead?
In Maidenhead, a barn conversion typically costs £2,000–£3,350 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 £300,000–£502,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a barn conversion take in Maidenhead?
Typically 6 to 12 months on site depending on condition. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 4 to 9 months.
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 planning permission for a barn conversion?
Yes. A barn conversion needs planning permission or, in England only, prior approval under the agricultural permitted development rules where the building qualifies. Listed barns also need listed building consent.
