Existing buildings · Defined
Adaptive reuse
Conversion of an existing building to a new use while retaining some or much of its existing structure.
Why it matters
The new use can change loading, egress, accessibility, and mechanical demands. Existing floor area alone does not establish feasibility or the cost of conversion.
In practice
A project example
An office conversion needs review of apartment layouts, plumbing distribution, and access in addition to finish replacement.
General educational guidance from KOW Building Consultants. Examples are illustrative, not project records. The applicable contract, standard, program, and jurisdiction control the requirements for a specific assignment.