Losing Out On Jobs Because Not VAT Registered.

[Best]

The OP referred to a barn - which presumably has never been residential.
I do not believe any refurbishment projects of derelict homes EVER get VAT relief of any sort.
But I am always prepared to be corrected with actual evidence.

They do. Not sure of the details, but if a house has not been occupied for a certain number of years (I think 10 or more), then vat is reduced.

A barn or outbuilding, as you say, is not a dwelling and would be vat free to be converted into a dwelling

 

[SimonG]

Appreciate the comments, but the ship has sailed.

I still can't figure it out but won't lose sleep over it.

Cheers.