Why buy an old workshop?

Former workshops appeal to buyers looking for something other than standardized housing. Their attractiveness often lies in their character, their size, and their capacity to accommodate a personalized architectural project.

Some already feature large windows, skylights, high ceilings, or a wide open space. Others have a more raw structure but offer the possibility of completely rethinking circulation and uses.

For some buyers, the appeal also lies in being able to combine in one place a home, workshop, office, creative space or professional activity, subject to the legal and regulatory compatibility of the project.

An old workshop is not necessarily already habitable

This is one of the first points to understand. A property presented as a former workshop may sometimes have already been completely converted into a residence. In other cases, it still retains a professional or artisanal purpose.

The presence of a kitchen, a bathroom, or even interior fittings is not sufficient on its own to determine the legal status of the property. It is therefore necessary to verify precisely its current use and any permits that may have been obtained.

This verification is all the more important when the acquisition project is based on a future residential transformation.

➜ See also: Converting an old workshop or industrial space into a dwelling .

Light: an essential criterion

Many workshops have been designed to benefit from ample natural light. This is particularly true of artists' studios or certain craft buildings with large skylights.

But this is not an absolute rule. Some industrial or craft premises may be deep, have few openings, or be lit mainly by a facade.

Before buying, it is therefore necessary to study the orientation, the depth of the floor, the existing openings and the possible possibilities of creating new bays, subject to the necessary authorizations.

Ceiling height and volumes

Height is often one of the great assets of a former workshop. It can allow for the preservation of a spectacular space or, in some cases, the creation of a mezzanine or intermediate level.

But here again, the potential must be studied technically. The building's structure, load-bearing capacity, available dimensions, and applicable regulations determine the possibilities for development.

A large volume is only useful if it can be organized coherently, heated properly and adapted for future uses.

Independent workshop or shared workshop?

Some former workshops are independent buildings. Others are located within former craft or industrial complexes divided into lots.

In this second case, the buyer must carefully examine the condominium regulations, the authorized uses, the common areas, the access points, any common courtyards and the works that may be voted on.

The possibilities for modifying the facade, opening up or transforming the building may also depend on the rights attached to the lot and the required permits.

Former workshop or raw loft: what's the difference?

The two concepts can sometimes overlap. A raw loft is often a former industrial or artisanal space already identified as intended for residential conversion, but whose interior design remains to be done.

A former workshop, on the other hand, may be much closer to its original use, with more questions to be resolved before it can be inhabited.

In both cases, the buyer must consider the final project and not just the purchase price.

➜ Practical guide: Buying a workshop, a raw loft or an industrial space to renovate .

What work needs to be done in an old workshop?

The work can range from a simple interior renovation to a major rehabilitation. It all depends on the condition of the building and its intended use.

It may be necessary to work on the roof, structure, floors, joinery, skylights, insulation, electricity, plumbing, heating, ventilation or sanitation.

In the most ambitious projects, the creation of new openings, the complete redistribution of volumes or the modification of the structure may require the intervention of an architect, a design office or other specialized professionals.

➜ Also read: What work is needed to transform a workshop or industrial building ?

How to sell an old, unusual workshop?

The sales presentation of a workshop should allow for an immediate understanding of the nature of the building and the possibilities it offers.

It is particularly useful to provide plans, detailed areas, heights, current purpose, access, networks, any work already carried out and available information on the structure.

The photographs should show the depth of the volumes, the light, the facades, the glass roofs and interesting architectural elements.

➜ For owners and professionals: How to sell a loft, a workshop or an atypical industrial building ?