Converting an office, shop or commercial property into a home or multiple apartments. We draw up the complete change of use, assess feasibility and guide the building permit process. Across the Netherlands, from €1,995.
A conversion is the transformation of a non-residential function such as an office, shop or commercial building into one or more dwellings, reusing the existing shell. At Tekenpunt the drawing with feasibility check costs from €1,995, delivered within 4 weeks (express 1-2 weeks). A standard building permit takes 8 weeks.
A conversion or change of use is the transformation of a non-residential function (office, shop, commercial building) into one or more homes, reusing the existing shell. These are the elements we draw and assess.
Load-bearing walls, columns and floors remain in place. We draw what is to be retained and what needs to be adjusted for the floor plan.
A separate floor plan per dwelling: bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, storage. Including fire and sound-separating walls between the units.
Residential construction requires more daylight than an office. We calculate the TOD (admitted daylight surface area) and draw additional windows or widen existing openings where needed.
Each dwelling gets its own meter cupboard, central heating installation and ventilation system. We indicate the space reservations and connection points in the design.
The Building Decree requires minimum sound insulation between adjoining dwellings and adequate fire compartmentation. We incorporate this into the structural design and details.
A converted building must meet residential energy performance requirements. We map out the insulation package requirements and show the approach for facade, roof and floor.
Four questions about your situation. Quickly determine what you need.
A conversion to residential use almost always requires a building permit. If residential use is not included in the zoning plan, a deviation decision is also needed. We assess feasibility, produce the design and guide the application. Request a no-obligation quote.
Indicative calculator based on the floor area to be converted. The drawing is a fixed price; the renovation itself is carried out separately by a contractor.
* We handle the design, feasibility check and (if desired) the permit. Construction itself is carried out separately by a contractor; that figure is a rough estimate based on approximately €1,500/m² and can vary significantly per situation. Request a quote for the exact drawing costs.
From a single office converted into a dwelling to a building fully split into separate units. We advise on what is feasible and what yields the greatest return.
An office function fully converted into a single dwelling. New daylight, a custom floor plan and adequate insulation. The most straightforward conversion.
A larger property is split into two to five independent apartments. This requires thorough fire and sound separation and independent services per dwelling.
A retail or commercial property (sometimes with large showroom space or storage height) is fully converted, including adjustments to facades and roof form to provide sufficient daylight and a residential appearance.
A conversion is the most radical way to create living space. This is how it compares to property splitting and adding a storey.
A conversion almost always requires a building permit and a deviation from the zoning plan. The municipality decides whether it is willing to cooperate. Below are the most common situations.
Example project · 2 storeys · change of use + deviation from zoning plan · 3 independent dwellings
Challenge: An owner in Rotterdam had a vacant two-storey office building and wanted to convert it into three rental apartments. The zoning plan did not permit residential use on this plot, and the large office windows did not meet the daylight requirements for dwellings.
Our approach: We started with a feasibility check: the zoning plan was consulted, and the municipality was approached about its willingness to grant a deviation. We then designed a new floor plan per storey, including fire- and sound-separating walls, new windows for sufficient daylight, and a service layout per dwelling. We submitted the building permit application with a deviation request to the municipality of Rotterdam.
Result: Three fully self-contained rental apartments of approximately 55 m² each, all with adequate daylight and independent installations. Permit granted after 4 months. Drawing ready 4 weeks after instruction.
What you need to know before starting a conversion.
We consult the zoning plan on ruimtelijkeplannen.nl and immediately establish whether residential use is already permitted on your plot or whether a deviation procedure is required. No surprises afterwards.
SOURCE · OMGEVINGSWET 2024A converted building must comply with the Buildings and Living Environment Decree: daylight, sound insulation (Rc ≥ 3.5), ventilation, fire separation and energy performance. We incorporate all requirements into the design so you draw permit-ready from day one.
SOURCE · BBL / BUILDING DECREE 2026Conversion projects may qualify for various funding options, including the Housing Stimulation Scheme and municipal conversion funds. We advise on which options may apply to your project.
SOURCE · SVN / RVO.NL 2026Almost always. A change of use from office, retail or commercial premises to residential is a building-permit-required activity. In most municipalities a deviation from the zoning plan is also required, because the current designation does not permit residential use. We assess feasibility and guide the application.
A drawing with feasibility check for a conversion starts from €1,995 (excl. VAT). The price depends on the floor area, the number of units and the complexity. For a multiple-unit property split, the price typically starts at €2,995. Request a no-obligation quote for your situation.
It depends on the municipality and the zoning designation of the plot. In many municipalities the designation is office or retail, and residential use is not permitted without a deviation procedure. We check the zoning plan and advise whether a deviation is feasible. In urban areas with a housing demand, many municipalities are willing to cooperate.
A converted building must comply with the residential requirements of the Building Decree (BBL). The most important are: sufficient daylight per habitable room (TOD calculation), sound insulation between dwellings and to the outside (Rc ≥ 3.5 existing, stricter for new build), fire safety per dwelling (fire separation, escape routes), ventilation provisions, and a minimum energy performance. We incorporate all requirements in the design.
We deliver the construction drawing within 4 weeks. The permit procedure itself takes longer: for a standard building permit with a deviation from the zoning plan, allow 3 to 6 months, depending on the municipality and whether an extensive procedure is required. We keep you informed and respond to queries from the municipality.
Yes. We manage conversions from office, retail or commercial property to residential use across the Netherlands. The drawing work is done remotely; we submit the permit application to the relevant municipality. We are well acquainted with the procedures in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Eindhoven and the surrounding regions.
A fixed-price quote within 1 working day, including an initial feasibility assessment. No obligation.