On 08/03/2012 4:26 PM, R D S wrote:
I know of a building which has been gutted by fire, stone and brick
construction.

It was empty for ages before the fire and I had my eye on it coming up
for sale as it would be perfect for my needs.

Most buildings in this state seem to end up demolished, it would need
new floors and a roof but other than that is there any reason why it
couldn't be usable?

Loads of barn conversions out there show it must be pretty common.

The issue I guess is that to refit joists, & roof ... in an existing
stone shell is so much hard work that it is quicker to demolish &
rebuild .... time is money for a builder .. could be a benefit to
d-i-y, in that it is time an not money you have to lay out.