Former factories and manufacturing plants: a unique real estate heritage

Old industrial buildings often have a very different architecture from that of a classic building. They were designed to produce, store, manufacture or house technical activities, which explains their great heights, vast floor plates, robust structures and often generous access.

In some cases, these buildings retain remarkable features: metal frames, sheds, glass roofs, brick walls, courtyards, chimneys, docks, overhead cranes, concrete structures or old industrial facades.

This characteristic can become a real asset when a redevelopment project respects the identity of the place instead of seeking to completely erase its past.

Why buy an old industrial building?

The main appeal often lies in the combination of three factors: surface area, architecture, and potential.

For the same surface area, a former industrial building can offer possibilities that a traditional building does not allow: large open volumes, significant heights, free circulation, vehicle access, courtyards, outbuildings or several buildings on the same land unit.

These characteristics may appeal to very different buyers: individuals looking for an exceptional home, investors, companies, artistic professions, architects, property dealers or those involved in mixed projects.

Check the destination and urban planning regulations

Purchasing a former industrial building for a change of use or residential conversion should be approached with caution.

The fact that a building is disused or no longer used for its original purpose does not automatically mean that it can become a dwelling.

The current use of the property, the rules of the local urban plan, the necessary permits, any constraints of the sector and the configuration of the project must be examined precisely.

➜ On this topic: Converting an old workshop or industrial space into a dwelling .

Special attention was paid to the building's structure

In a former factory, the structure is a crucial element. Metal framework, concrete structure, load-bearing walls, floors, columns, foundations and roof must be carefully examined.

The presence of corrosion, leaks, cracks, deformations, old repairs or specific materials can have a significant impact on the rehabilitation budget.

For the most complex buildings, the involvement of an architect, structural engineer or design office can be particularly useful before finalizing a project.

Roofing, glass roofs and sheds: assets that can be expensive

The old factories are sometimes covered with sheds or large industrial glass roofs. These elements bring remarkable light and often constitute an essential part of the architectural identity of the place.

However, their renovation can represent a major budget item. Waterproofing, insulation, glass replacement, treatment of metal structures and general maintenance must be planned in advance.

The roof of a large industrial building can also represent a considerable surface area. A complete renovation can therefore significantly impact the overall cost of the project.

Soil pollution and industrial past

When a site has hosted industrial activity, it is wise to investigate its history. Some activities may have generated pollution of the soil, subsoil, or buildings.

The nature of the former activities, any available diagnoses, regulatory obligations and remediation costs must be examined on a case-by-case basis.

This point is particularly important when a project involves a change of use, especially towards housing or uses open to the public.

Access, traffic and parking

Industrial buildings have often been designed to accommodate trucks, utility vehicles, or significant traffic volumes. This configuration can be an advantage, particularly when it allows for large yards, multiple access points, or parking areas.

But some older settlements may also present constraints: narrow access, unsuitable roads, isolation, easements or complex land organization.

Here again, the site must be analyzed as a whole and not just the main building.

What work needs to be done in an old factory?

An industrial rehabilitation can require a wide variety of interventions: roofing, structure, waterproofing, insulation, floors, facades, joinery, electricity, plumbing, heating, ventilation, sanitation and networks.

The large volumes also make heating and insulation particularly critical. A spectacular but poorly insulated building can become difficult and expensive to operate.

➜ See also: What work is required to transform a workshop or industrial building ?

How to increase the value of an old factory for sale?

The marketing of a former industrial site requires extensive documentation. Buyers need to quickly understand the property's layout, surface areas, access points, various buildings, and the overall condition of the site.

Plans, cadastral plans, aerial photographs, surface areas per building, height of volumes, state of networks, current purpose, history of works and information on former activities are particularly useful.

The photographic presentation must also convey the scale of the site. General views, facades, courtyards, and interior spaces allow for a better understanding of the property's nature than a succession of details.

➜ To learn more: How to sell a loft, a workshop or an unusual industrial building ?