Converting old stable/workshop into guesthouse

[lowa]

We have an old stable (chicken coop/workshop) on our property that we plan to convert into a winterized guest house. The floor is made of concrete, as are the walls. The house has an attic that is dry and nice, and we intend to open it up to the ridge, insulate it, and just keep part of the attic as a sleeping loft.

Our first consideration is what to do with the floor, whether to break up the concrete and build a new floor or to insulate on top of the existing concrete. In the latter case, how do you prevent moisture migration from below?

Then there are the walls, how do you insulate them without losing too much indoor space?

Other thoughts and tips regarding our idea to convert the building are gratefully received!

 

[Jonatan79]

It should be easier and cheaper to buy a friggebod as a kit and set it up on a plinth foundation. Have you done any renovations yourself before?

 

[lowa]

We would love to do something with this charming little house and are not looking for what is easiest/cheapest.

 

[Jonatan79]

We have an old barn (chicken coop/workshop) on the property that we plan to convert into a winterized guest house. The floor is concrete, as are the walls. The house has an attic that is dry and nice, and we plan to open it up to the ridge, insulate it, and only keep part of the attic for a sleeping loft.

Our first thought is what to do with the floor—break up the concrete and build a new floor or insulate on top of the existing concrete, and if the latter, how do you prevent moisture migration from below.

Then there's the walls, how do you insulate them without losing too much indoor space?

Other thoughts and tips about our idea to convert the building are gratefully received!

1. Sleeping loft - doesn't seem like there's much space there, how many dm from the attic joists is there to the underside of the rafters?

2. How thick are the rafters?

3. Will the house be used year-round?

4. The floor doesn't necessarily need to be insulated, it might be possible to lay a coarse wooden plank floor. Everything probably needs to be leveled with self-leveling compound.

5. Budget? No limit? :=)

6. What functions/rooms are planned?

7. Is there electricity, plumbing?

 

[Matte001]

Converting an agricultural building to a residence requires planning permission, just so you know.