Reconstruction and change of purpose (Statute): What it is and how our studio helps you

In the dynamic urban environment, the needs of people and businesses are constantly changing. Buildings, premises and properties are aging, lose their function or simply do not meet modern requirements. Reconstruction and change of purpose (or also known as status) make it possible to breathe new life into existing objects, without having to build new ones.

What is redevelopment and change of purpose?

Reconstruction is the process, in which structural and/or functional changes are made to an existing building or premises, to suit the owner's new needs. This may include converting an apartment into an office, of an attic in a dwelling, or merging several objects into one.

Change of purpose/status means, that a property or object passes from one legal and functional status to another – for example, from a shop to a residence, from garage to studio, from industrial premises to office etc. This is not just an architectural transformation, and legal, which requires coordination with the relevant institutions and adherence to a number of regulatory requirements.

When a change of purpose is required?

The change of purpose is necessary, when you want:

• To use premises with non-residential status (for example a store, office or studio) like housing
• To convert apartment in an office, cabinet, salon or other activity
• To change the function of a building – for example, from production to warehouse, from administrative to residential
• To comply with the requirements for legalization of the property, sale, leasing or obtaining permits for commercial activity
• To apply for credits, subsidies or European projects, for which a specific status is required
• Remodel the property, so that it meets the modern construction, fire and sanitary standards

What are the benefits of changing status??

1. Higher property value – A converted and functional property with an updated status can be sold or rented at a higher price.
2. Expanding the possibilities of use – You can use the property for personal or business purposes, which have hitherto been limited by the old statute.
3. Legalization of the function actually used – Many owners use the properties in a way, which does not correspond to their status, which leads to risk in inspections, insurance or sale. Repurposing removes these risks.
4. Possibility of new engineering and design – Remodeling gives a chance for a modern and functional architectural vision.

What does the remodeling and conversion service include??

Our architectural studio offers comprehensive service, which includes:

1. Inspection and consultation – We are inspecting the property on site, we analyze the existing state and advise on the possibilities of redevelopment and change of status.
2. Changeability check – We are studying the regulatory plan, the construction, the purpose according to cadastre and planning zones. We check whether the selected new function is permissible according to the current regulations.
3. Architectural project – We are preparing a technical project for the reconstruction with a new distribution, construction solutions and all required drawings. This includes an architectural part, structural part, electro, Cry, KLA (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), PBZ (fire safety), energy efficiency and others.
4. Coordination with institutions - We are taking opinions from the municipality, RIOSV, fire department, RZI (HEY), electricity company, Cry, Irrigation systems, etc., as the case may be.
5. Preparation of an application for a change of purpose - We prepare and submit all necessary documents to the municipality, including applications, declaration, sketches, visas and reconciliations.
6. Obtaining a building permit (if necessary) – For more significant renovations, we carry out all the necessary actions to obtain a building permit.
7. Author supervision and assistance during implementation – After approval and if necessary implementation, we monitor the correspondence between the project and the implementation.

Examples of the practice of redevelopment and change of purpose

An example 1: From office to home

Our client purchased a room on the ground floor of a building with the purpose of "office". His desire was to convert it into a rental property. Our team did some research, agrees the new purpose with the municipality, prepared an architectural design and successfully changed the status to "residential". The client then completed the renovation and is currently renting out the property through Airbnb.

An example 2: From a garage to a dentist's office

A dentist from Sofia decided to use his own garage as an office. After preliminary inspection we found, that this is legally possible. We prepared a reconstruction project, we agreed it with RZI, fire department and municipality, and we prepared all the documentation. After that, the client started working completely legally in the new premises.

An example 3: Refurbishment of attic in studio

The owner of a loft in a housing cooperative wanted to convert it into a living and creative studio. We have performed all the necessary actions - from an architectural project, through coordination with the constructor and PBZ, until change of purpose. Today the site is fully legalized and usable.

What are the regulatory requirements for reconstruction or change of purpose?

In Bulgaria, the change of purpose is carried out according to:

• Spatial Planning Act (ZUT)
• Ordinance No. 4 on the scope and content of investment projects
• Ordinance No. 7 on the rules and regulations for the organization of individual types of territories
• Ordinance on fire safety
• Ordinances of local municipalities

They regulate the permissible functions, minimum room sizes, accessibility, light, ventilation, height, sanitary units, sound insulation, etc. Fulfillment of all requirements is key to project approval.

Why choose ours? architecturally studio?

ERARCH architectural studio has extensive experience with reconstructions and changes of purpose in various cities and regions of the country. We work fast, efficient and legal.

• Many years of experience in the field of architectureso and so the design
• More than 750 successfully implemented projects
• Full assistance with documentation and reconciliations
• Communication with institutions for you
• Individual approach to each client
• Transparent prices and clear process

How to get started with remodeling and repurposing?

1. Contact us through the contact form, email or phone
2. Describe your desired project – what you want to change, what is the purpose of the property now
3. We will do a free initial consultation and we'll give you real insight into whether and how change can happen
4. We will offer you a specific offer and deadline for implementation
5. We start work immediately after signing a contract

Conclusion

Redevelopment and repurposing is not just a formality – it is a strategic investment in the value and functionality of your property. If you want to make the most of its potential, the right way is through a legally agreed and well-designed process.

Our team will assist you at every step - from the idea to the realization. Save time, efforts and nerves, by trusting ERARH professionals with proven experience.