From Old House to New Office
building with style
by Gordon Tully
JLC · DECEMBER 1989
Converting a home into office space
may sound like a straightforward remodeling
job. It isn't. Once the public is
invited onto a premises, a whole set of
legal complexities enters into the picture.
To cover the breadth of topics that must
be considered, we listened in on an imaginary
conference among the owner,
builder, and architect.
Architect: So you bought this house
and want to convert it into lawyers'
offices?
Owner: Exactly, and I brought our
favorite builder along to discuss the
problems.
Builder: Yo!
Architect: We have several basic
issues to consider. First is zoning. Is
your proposed conversion allowable?
Owner: It is.
Architect: Good. Otherwise you'd
need