Cellar Conversion Birmingham West Midlands (B1): An effective way to generate useful living space in your property in Birmingham without needing to resort to doing a loft conversion or a brick extension, is to turn that dark, cheerless space under your house into a smart, airy room with a basement (or cellar) conversion. Whether you want to use the extra space as a bar, home gym, games room or even change it into a separate apartment, a cellar conversion brings useful living space nearer to the main areas of your property than can be achieved with a loft conversion.
A basement or cellar conversion is also a means by which to add to the value of your home; Savills have said that it is generally approximately 10-15% more than the market value of comparable properties in the Birmingham area. For householders with growing families, who might have already converted their loft for additional bedrooms, a basement conversion offer them a way to add that much needed space that is vitally important for comfortable family life. Your day to day living is not only improved by this investment but also positions your dwelling more competitively in the Birmingham real estate market.
Before starting any cellar conversion project, you need to ask yourself the following questions: 1. Just how much work will have to be carried out on your basement to turn it into a useful area? 2. What precisely is your purpose for creating the added space with the conversion? 3. How do you stay clear of "cowboy" builders and identify a professional Birmingham company who can convert the basement and provide assurances and guarantees to all the work involved? 4. What level of costs are involved and what advantages can be attained from a cellar conversion?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Birmingham?
In contrast to doing loft conversions and extensions, a cellar conversion does not usually need local authority planning permission if you are just turning it into a useable living space, however if it is necessary to do any construction works for instance lowering the level of the floor you should ask the local authorities precisely what is needed. You will however have to check with the local authorities if you share a party wall (requires different rules), if you live in a conservation area or if your home is listed.
Among the main reasons provided by householders in Birmingham for renovating a pre-existing cellar is to change the unused space into something functional. If like lots of other people in Birmingham you find that space is restricted, this will be a big plus. If you do not actually need the extra living space for you own use, a cellar conversion can easily be changed into a self contained apartment to generate welcome extra cash.
The final layout of your cellar conversion and the uses it can be put to are down to what your imagination can come up with, and what your spending budget allows. You could make it into an instant pub for your friends by installing a bar, or perhaps you would prefer a home cinema or a games room. Another popular favourite, and perhaps more inviting given recent circumstances, is the building of a home based office or study where you can escape the daily commute and benefit from a place in your home where you might be much less likely to be disturbed while working.
What is Involved?
Even if your basement conversion doesn't require any local authority planning permission, there are a set of approvals and certificates required from the Building Regulation department, to make sure everything is above board and legal. This will ensure that your new living space adheres to all the Health & Safety recommendations and legislation for damp proofing, water sources, ceiling height, ventilation, electrical systems and fire escapes. Before commencing any actual work you selected Birmingham cellar conversion specialists should take care of these legal guidelines and obtain the necessary documents as part of the build process.
To make sure your basement conversion stays dry and warm through the course of its life, a waterproof membrane will need to be applied even if there isn't and visible sign of water ingress or damp. Your Birmingham builder will help you decide which procedure is best for your particular conversion and also make sure it observes the recommendations laid down by the British Standards BS8102 regulations. For peace of mind, ask the building company if they offer an insurance protected guarantee against water ingress due to the potential failure of the membrane.
The upgrading or installation of ventilation, water supply, heating system, floor coverings, lights, insulation and electrical installations will also have to be talked over with your selected conversion company. Increasing in popularity for cellar and basement conversions in Birmingham is under-floor heating which distributes warmth uniformly around the room and is really efficient. It needs minimal maintenance once installed and is a hidden form of heating, which is an additional space saving bonus.
Only trained electricians must be used to accomplish any electrical re-wiring that has to be done on your cellar conversion. Try to make use of recessed (sunken) lighting fixtures to reduce the worry about ceiling height issues, and with a wide range of inexpensive Led lamps available to buy, your cellar can feel airy and bright even in settings which are devoid of natural light.
Insulation and ventilation are a couple of important factors that must be discussed from the design phase. Potential cold spots and damp can appear if your conversion is not effectively insulated. Damp and mould can also be attributable to heightened humidity levels if the level of ventilation in your conversion is inadequate.
Picking a Basement Conversion Specialist in Birmingham
Before selecting your conversion company in Birmingham, obtain as many estimates as you can to allow you to evaluate the different prices and services on offer. Ask to see relevant building trade membership and accreditation certificates, if you've got any concerns about their credentials.
A preliminary price quote may be provided after a site survey for a basic basement conversion with damp proofing, access and flooring elements being assessed. Through discussion with your conversion company you're able to add in your own personal requirements, for example you may need an area to be divided, have a kitchen or bathroom installed or acquire more height of the ceiling by excavating the existing floor.
A definitive quotation from a nearby Birmingham cellar conversion specialist needs to contain any necessary building regulation applications, planning laws and party wall agreements required before work can begin. It is also better if it is divided into independent parts of the overall project so you are able to get a better understanding of the eventual price.
With such a lot of things to consider, a reliable basement conversion specialist will be able to provide solutions to any concerns you might have as well as offer ways to increase natural light by the use of light wells or opening up stairways. If you need new electrical wiring for additional electrical sockets, lighting or computing and entertainment systems these should all be sorted out now.
Access to your basement is very important because subject to how you wish to use your newly created living space might mean that the entryways need to be adjusted. It is pointless planning for a pool room, bar or home gym complete with equipment if you can barely manage to get down a narrow staircase while holding a cup of coffee.
It's crystal clear that regardless of what you elect to convert your basement into, you will need it to stay warm and dry at all times of the year. For this you need your conversion specialist to be certified and endorsed by accreditation and membership to the relevant trade bodies.
You can check if your Birmingham conversion company is on the list of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to ensure you're dealing with a reliable and trusted contractor. You are able to check up on how well a building company has performed in the past by going to the TrustMark website and seeing the integrity figures it has accomplished. TrustMark is a helpful scheme that enjoys full endorsement of the government and was founded by the Trading Standards Authority.
It is a fact that the overwhelming majority of building companies who undertake basement conversions in Birmingham are trustworthy with highly qualified builders and construction industry workers. A genuine building company will help you in any way to furnish you with evidence of their reliability, and provide all the necessary information in order to build trust and a unified working relationship.
Quality basement conversions can be found in Birmingham itself plus Bromford, Ladywood, Aston, Bordesley Green, Lea Hall, Small Heath, Edgbaston, Handsworth Wood, Druids Heath, Selly Oak, Birchfield, Highgate, and locations dotted around region. Locally based Birmingham cellar conversion specialists will likely have the postcode B1 and the phone code 0121. Verifying this can make sure that you're accessing locally based providers of cellar conversion. Birmingham home and business owners are able to benefit from these and numerous other related services. To obtain estimates for basement conversion, you just need to click on the "Quote" banner.
The Installation of Sump Pumps
A sump pump installation is imperative for defending your home from water damage. A sump pump is an appliance that is beneficial in removing accumulated water from cellars and crawl spaces. The significance of this statement lies in the fact that an overabundance of water can lead to structural damage, mould growth, and various other problems. The typical installation process of a sump pump involves digging a hole in the cellar or crawl space's lowest location, where the pump is then installed. The next step involves linking the pump to a discharge pipe, which carries the water out of the home. Homeowners might decide to install a battery backup system to guarantee the pump's uninterrupted functioning during power cuts or other crises. It is important to have an experienced professional install a sump pump to ensure it is properly placed and configured to effectively manage water in the home. A sump pump installation is a sound investment in the protection of a property against water damage.
Cellar Tanking
If your cellar in Birmingham is damp or contains water, you should consider cellar tanking. This sort of waterproofing is more affordable and easier to install than you might think. Furthermore, tanking can make extra space in your home usable. Here is why: tanking helps keep moisture out while at the same time making extra space usable.
Firstly, remove loosened mortar joints and materials. You can also add a salt inhibitor to prevent issues in the future. If you cannot remove the loose material, you could try applying a chemical or physical bond. After the coating has dried, you can add plaster over the top. Be sure to use a sulphate-resistant cement.
Membrane-sealed tanking can be installed in a basement or cellar in Birmingham. This form of tanking requires you to clear all inside walls of all items, including piping. You must also secure the piping to the membrane. This is often done using plyboard. Once this is done, perimeter channels are installed around the base of the walls. These channels lead to a sump and pump system that conveys water away from the house.
When selecting a cellar tanking system, you should consider the depth of your cellar. For example, if your cellar is five metres deep, the hydrostatic pressure head will be significantly higher than if it is only two meters deep. This is why you need to choose the right covering for the depth of your cellar. You should also check the manufacturer's usage guidelines to determine the right covering for your cellar.
Basement Conversion Near Birmingham
Also find: Selly Oak cellar conversion, Bordesley Green cellar conversion, Lea Hall cellar conversion, Handsworth Wood cellar conversion, Edgbaston cellar conversion, Small Heath cellar conversion, Ladywood cellar conversion, Highgate cellar conversion, Aston cellar conversion, Druids Heath cellar conversion, Bromford cellar conversion, Birchfield cellar conversion and more. There are building companies who do cellar conversion in just about all of these locations. Well-equipped to turn your cellar into a functional and welcoming living area, these seasoned professionals bring a wealth of expertise and know-how to the table. For those imagining an additional bedroom, a home cinema or a snug basement lounge, these specialists are capable of turning such dreams into reality. By clicking here, local residents can obtain cellar conversion estimates. Don't delay. Kickstart your cellar conversion project at once!
Other Useful Trades in Birmingham West Midlands: Obviously, whenever you are doing home improvements in Birmingham, West Midlands, you will likely be in need of all kinds of different tradesmen and as well as a basement conversion specialist in Birmingham, West Midlands, you could also need a building contractor in Birmingham, a plumber in Birmingham, an electrician in Birmingham, basement waterproofing in Birmingham, timber preservation in Birmingham, loft conversion in Birmingham, black mould removal in Birmingham, basement surveys in Birmingham, a renderer in Birmingham, a painter & decorator in Birmingham, a flooring specialist in Birmingham, SKIP HIRE in Birmingham, damp proofing in Birmingham, a bricklayer in Birmingham, a handyman in Birmingham, a house extension in Birmingham, condensation control in Birmingham, a carpenter in Birmingham, and other different Birmingham tradesmen.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Birmingham
Your local basement conversion specialist can undertake a medley of services and tasks including basement rendering, sprayed concrete in Birmingham, cellar refurbishment, basement conversion planning permission Birmingham, condensation control, cellar underpinning, cellar surveys, low ceiling cellar conversion Birmingham, woodworm treatment, budget basement conversion Birmingham, basement floor restoration, cellar electrics, waterproof membranes Birmingham, positive input ventilation, low ceiling basement conversions Birmingham, structural waterproofing, wine cellar installation, small basement conversions, commercial basement conversion Birmingham, cellar remodeling, cellar waterproofing, cellar conversion, cellar conversion ideas, basement surveys, basement conversion quotes, cellar damp proofing, cellar plumbing Birmingham, residential cellar conversion, and others. These services are just a few of those on offer from a builder doing cellar conversion. Birmingham professionals will be happy to provide a complete list of basement conversion services when asked. If there's something cellar related, which you need but don't see listed here, you could always go to this QUOTE FORM and enter your details.
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