Gas supply going from main house to potential converted outhouse
Hi,
I am looking to buy a house soon and in the garden of this house is an outhouse which the previous owners had used as music studio. It has a working toilet in it.
i am thinking converting this into a seperate residence/flat for hosting Airbnb or keep tradional tenants.
It doesnt have a gas boiler or gas supply going in. The outhouse is located within 10 meters of the property itself
With regards to gas, i think its probably better to have a seperate supply/meter to avoid complications.
Im posting this to see what the process would be for this? can any qualified builder qualify for this or do i have to get British gas to dig up the garden/road to lay down the supply? Will the supply split at the point of where my gas meter is? (The outhouse has electricity from the house but we would need its own meter as well)
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts
Asked by Javad on 8th Mar 2024
Expert Trade Answers
"Converting the outhouse into a separate residence for hosting Airbnb or traditional tenants sounds like an exciting project! When it comes to adding a gas supply to the outhouse, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. **Qualified Builder vs. British Gas:** While any qualified builder can handle the renovation work, adding a gas supply typically requires the expertise of a certified gas engineer. They would assess the feasibility of extending the gas supply to the outhouse and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
2. **Gas Supply Installation:** Depending on your property's layout and local regulations, adding a separate gas supply to the outhouse may involve digging up the garden or road to lay down the supply line. This process would likely require coordination with your local gas utility provider, such as British Gas, to ensure proper installation and compliance with safety standards.
3. **Metering:** If you opt for a separate gas supply to the outhouse, it's common for the supply to split at the point where your main gas meter is located. This allows for separate metering and billing for the main property and the outhouse.
4. **Electricity Meter:** Similarly, if the outhouse will have its own electricity supply, you'll need to arrange for a separate electricity meter to accurately measure usage and facilitate billing.
Before proceeding with any work, I would recommend consulting with both a qualified builder and a certified gas engineer to assess the feasibility, costs, and regulatory requirements involved in adding a gas supply to the outhouse. They can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific property and project goals."
Answered on 8th Mar 2024 - Member since Jan 2024 -
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"Hi,
Congratulations on your upcoming house purchase! Converting the outhouse into a separate residence for hosting Airbnb or traditional tenants sounds like an exciting project.
In terms of adding a gas supply to the outhouse, it's best to consult with a qualified builder or contractor who specializes in gas installations. They will be able to assess the feasibility of adding a separate gas supply and meter to the outhouse and guide you through the process.
Depending on your location and the regulations in your area, it may be possible for a qualified builder to handle the gas installation. However, in some cases, you may need to work with a certified gas engineer or utility provider, such as British Gas, to install the gas supply.
The process of adding a separate gas supply may involve digging up the garden or road to lay down the supply line. The supply may split at the point where your gas meter is located, but this will depend on the specific requirements of your installation and the recommendations of the gas engineer.
Similarly, for electricity, you may need to work with your utility provider to install a separate meter for the outhouse.
Overall, it's essential to consult with professionals who can assess your specific situation and provide you with the best course of action.
Best of luck with your project!"
Answered on 20th Mar 2024 - Member since Mar 2024 -
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"It sounds like you have an exciting project ahead with converting the outhouse into a separate residence! When it comes to adding a gas supply to the outhouse, here are some steps and considerations to keep in mind:
1. **Separate Gas Supply:**
- Having a separate gas supply for the outhouse is a good idea to avoid complications and ensure clear utility usage for the new residence.
2. **Process for Adding Gas Supply:**
- To add a gas supply to the outhouse, you will need to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer or a qualified gas fitter to assess the feasibility and carry out the installation.
- The gas engineer will determine the best route for the gas pipes to reach the outhouse. This may involve digging a trench to lay down the gas pipes, either underground or along the exterior of the property.
3. **Meter Installation:**
- A separate gas meter will need to be installed for the outhouse to accurately measure gas usage for that residence.
- The gas supply can split off from the main supply at a suitable point, potentially near the existing gas meter of the main property. The new gas line would then run to the outhouse.
4. **Electricity Meter:**
- Similarly, for electricity, you will need to arrange for a separate electricity meter to be installed in the outhouse to track its electricity consumption independently.
5. **Professional Assistance:**
- While a qualified builder may be involved in the conversion of the outhouse, it's essential to engage a Gas Safe registered engineer for any work related to gas supply installation to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
By following these steps and working with the appropriate professionals, you can successfully set up a separate gas supply and meter for the outhouse, allowing you to move forward with your plans to convert it into a separate residence for Airbnb hosting or traditional tenants."
Answered on 4th Aug 2024 - Member since Jun 2024 -
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"Get british gas, gas is no joke. It will cost you a few grand no doubt but do this the proper channels. Disregard any other opinions, if something goes wrong it will cost you way more! Someone might get killed at worst."
Answered on 16th Mar 2024 - Member since Feb 2020 -
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"Hi clark's property services yes you will have to contact British gas to put you a new gas line and meter and the same with your electricity meter. Question if you are going to put electricity in there why not use a electric boiler"
Answered on 3rd Apr 2024 - Member since Jan 2024 -
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"HI there
In my experience this would be a job for British gas, to run a separate feed from the roadside .
Also you will need to apply to the council for planning for a separate dwelling .
Door number etc I would suggest doing this first by contacting an architect.
I recommend HLP Architects in portobello , ask for Colin Gibson ."
Answered on 13th Mar 2024 - Member since Feb 2023 -
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"You cam fit and electric boiler or just have a cased area in which to put a gas bottle to run independently"
Answered on 3rd Apr 2024 - Member since Oct 2023 -
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