The key issues when choosing adaptation of an existing building over new build

Abstract

The current restrictions on the flow of credit facilities for house purchases and investment funds for new commercial developments caused by the credit crunch have severely impacted upon the UK housing and commercial building markets. House starts and completions have more or less come to a full stop and very few new commercial projects have commenced. The demand for houses/homes, however, has not diminished; people still require accommodation at a price that they can afford, also there is still a demand for some commercial infrastructure facilities. This paper explores a viable alternative for combating the decline in new house and commercial completions by builders. The rationale for a trend move towards an increased use of adaptations along with the associated advocated advantages is provided. Further the identification of the key issues to be addressed when considering and engaging in the adaptation of buildings are presented and explained. © 2009 Palgrave MacMillan.