Cellar Conversion Northwood Greater London (HA6): Changing an unwelcome and dark basement into a bright and airy living space is an excellent option for those wanting to create extra space in their house without having to build an extension. Additionally, it brings a fully functioning room closer to the main living space of your house, which is useful for hosting parties, to use as an office, a home gym or even a spare bedroom for a teenager or elderly relative.
A cellar or basement conversion is also a means by which to add more value to your home; the highly regarded estate agents Savills say that it is likely to be around ten to fifteen percent above the value of similar homes in the Northwood area. If you have already done a conversion on your attic to provide space for your ever expanding family, a cellar conversion allows you to create welcome additional family living space. Improving your everyday living is just one element of this investment; it also strategically positions your property in the competitive real estate market.
Before rushing into this process it's certainly worthwhile to ask two or three questions: 1. Exactly what are you going to do with the additional rooms? 2. What is a conversion going to mean with regards to the amount of work necessary and the disturbance to your home life? 3. What sort of costs are involved and what positive advantages can be attained from doing a basement conversion? 4. How can you stay clear of "cowboy" builders and track down a top notch Northwood company who'll be able to convert the basement and provide warranties for all work involved?
Why Pick a Cellar Conversion in Northwood?
If you're merely going to remodel an existing cellar without the need to raise the height of the ceiling, then in most instances you do not need planning permission. You will however have to check with the local council if you share a party wall (requires different regulations), if your house is listed or if you live in a conservation area.
For most householders in Northwood, the reason that they wish to have a cellar or basement conversion created in their house is to make use of invaluable living space. This is especially relevant where living space is limited such as in many areas of Northwood. If you do not really need the additional living space for you own use, a cellar conversion can easily be turned into a self contained flat to bring in some welcome extra cash.
The simple truth is the uses of a cellar conversion are limited only by your imagination.....and your spending budget. Perhaps you've always dreamt of a home cinema or games room, or you could always install a bar and "hey presto", an instant pub for you and your friends. Another strong favourite, and perhaps more inviting given recent circumstances, is the creation of a home office or study where you can escape the daily commute and benefit from a place in your house where you might be much less likely to be interrupted while working.
What is Involved?
Even though planning permission might not have to be obtained there are particular Building Regulation clearances you will need. These stringent Building Regulations, that have to be addressed by your construction contractor, will ensure that your basement conversion meets all the required building guidelines and health and safety laws. Before beginning any work you chosen Northwood basement conversion company will deal with these regulations and rules and obtain the necessary documents as an integral part of the construction process.
Even if there aren't any visible signs of damp or mould in your existing basement, it will still need some form of waterproof membrane or cementitious tanking so that it stays dry and render it suitable for converting. Your selected basement conversion company in Northwood will discuss which waterproofing technique is more suitable for your home and ensure it is installed according to BS8102 recommendations. An honest builder should be able to offer an insurance backed warranty for their workmanship, in the event that the membrane ever fails.
The installation or upgrading of insulation, floor surfaces, ventilation, water sources, electrical installations, heating system and lights will also have to be talked over with your selected builder. Under floor heating is increasingly popular in cellar and basement conversions in Northwood because it spreads heat evenly and is very efficient in this setting. It's also concealed beneath your chosen flooring and requires minimal maintenance.
Any electric installations must always be done by a certified electrician. Lighting can be sunk in to avoid height issues and there are plenty of efficient and cost-effective LED light fittings that look great and will brighten up your cellar conversion to make it feel light and airy.
Ventilation and insulation are vital factors which must be discussed from the design stage. Insufficient insulation will leave your cellar conversion with cold spots which may increase the potential for damp. Damp and mould can also be the result of heightened humidity levels if the level of ventilation in your basement conversion is substandard.
Finding a Basement Conversion Specialist in Northwood
As with all construction projects, it is advisable to obtain more than one quotation to allow you the opportunity to compare different company's prices. All builders are not alike with regards to cellar conversions and it's sensible to ask to see appropriate building and trade accreditations and memberships if you've got any doubts about their expertise.
A preliminary quote could be provided at the end of an on-site survey for a standard cellar conversion with flooring, access and damp proofing elements being assessed. During discussions with your contractor you're able to add your personal requirements, for instance you may require a room to be separated, have a kitchen or bathroom installed or raise the height of the ceiling by excavating the pre-existing floor.
An exact quote from a locally based Northwood cellar conversion firm needs to contain any appropriate party wall agreements, building regulation applications and planning laws required before work can begin. The final quote should also give a breakdown of the individual parts of the basement conversion to furnish you with a true idea of the costs involved at each stage.
A reputable company can provide recommendations to resolve all of your concerns including ways to maximize natural light to your cellar conversion by installing light wells or opening up the stairway. This is also the right time to talk to a qualified electrician about the installation of extra electrical wiring for plug sockets, lighting, computing and home entertainment.
If your access to the cellar is limited it may have to be modified subject to what uses you have in mind for your conversion. Your design might be based on turning your cellar conversion into a pool room, gym or bar, but if access is limited how will you transport the equipment down there?
Making certain that your basement is free from damp and warm is a priority against whatever the British weather decides to do. In order for this to be readily accomplished, you need a dependable basement conversion specialist with the appropriate accreditation and membership of a trade body.
You can find out if your Northwood basement conversion company is on the list of the Federation of Master Builders to make sure that you are working with a reliable and trusted contractor. You can check up on how efficiently a conversion company has performed previously by accessing the TrustMark website and looking at the reliability figures it has achieved. This is a helpful scheme created by the Trading Standards Authority with backing from the government.
The majority of cellar conversion companies in the Northwood area are legitimate and genuine businesses with fully qualified tradesmen. A professional building company will acknowledge the doubts of the public, due to a small minority of dishonest traders, and will do everything they can to verify their integrity in a responsible and friendly manner.
Regardless of the fact that this webpage is largely for home and business owners in search of basement conversions in Northwood, it's still helpful for folks living in neighbouring places like Hatch End, Newyears Green, Headstone, Maple Cross, Batchworth Heath, The Swillett, Northwood Hills, West Hyde, South Oxhey, Mill End, Headstone Lane, Heronsgate. Local Northwood cellar conversion specialists will most likely have the dialling code 01923 and the postcode HA6. Checking this out will make sure that you access local providers of cellar conversion. Northwood householders are able to benefit from these and lots of other conversion related services. Click on the "Quote" banner to get estimates for cellar conversion.
Cellar Tanking
If your basement in Northwood is damp or contains water, you should consider basement tanking. This kind of waterproofing is easier to install and more affordable than you might imagine. Furthermore, tanking can make extra space in your home usable. Here is why: tanking helps to keep moisture out while making extra space usable.
Firstly, remove loose mortar joints and materials. You could also add a salt inhibitor to prevent further problems in the future. If you can't remove the loose material, you could try applying a physical or chemical bond. After the coating has dried, you can put plaster over the top. Be sure to use a sulphate-resistant cement.
Membrane-sealed tanking can be installed in a basement or cellar in Northwood. This type of tanking requires you to clear all internal walls of all items, including pipework. You must also secure the piping to the membrane. This is often done using plyboard. As soon as this is done, perimeter channels are installed around the base of the walls. These channels lead to a sump and pump system that transports water away from the house.
Cellar tanking usually costs around £60 per square metre (2022). However, you can get materials at low prices and do the tanking yourself. It's important to get several quotes for the job to make sure you're getting the best deal. A good place to get a few quotes is through job comparison sites.
The Installation of a Wine Cellar in Northwood
The installation of wine cellars is a common service provided by basement conversion specialists in the Northwood area. Tailored to the homeowner's needs and desires, such specialists can offer expert guidance on the design, planning and installation of a bespoke wine cellar. The purpose of a wine cellar is not only to store wine bottles but also to create optimal conditions for preserving and ageing wine.
A professional installation of a wine cellar should feature temperature and humidity control, proper insulation, and ventilation, thereby making certain that the wine is stored optimally. In addition to ensuring optimal storage conditions, a wine cellar installation service can also provide recommendations on the visual appearance of the cellar, such as decor, lighting and shelving, to create a stylish and functional space.
A wine cellar installation can also add value to a home and be a unique selling feature. A wine cellar specialist can also provide ongoing maintenance and support to make certain that the wine cellar remains in optimal condition and that the wine collection continues to age properly.
Home Cinema Conversions Northwood
The notion of changing a cellar conversion into a home cinema or movie theatre is an idea that's been growing in popularity in recent years. For people who love nothing more than watching movies or box sets a home cinema is a fabulous choice. With an absence of daylight and an inclination to be dark, a cellar is a good spot for a home cinema. This use of your cellar will also develop some extra social space for the whole family to hang out and relax, which is really important in this busy modern world. (Tags: Home Entertainment Conversion Northwood, Home Cinema Conversion Northwood, Basement Home Cinemas Northwood)
The Importance of Waterproofing
Just about the most important element of a cellar conversion is waterproofing your existing basement. You surely would not want to shell out all that money remodeling your basement, only to discover that the space you have created is mouldy and damp. This is exactly why you need somebody you can trust to undertake the work to the highest standard. When you're looking to waterproof a pre-existing underground cellar, there are basically 2 ways that you can do it. Water can be curbed from getting into your basement by either barring its passage using an impermeable cementitious tanking material that's put on as a semi-liquid slurry, or by installing waterproof membranes which divert water into a drainage channel and then silently pumped out. cellar waterproofing services are also available in nearby areas. (Tags: Basement Waterproofing Northwood, Waterproofing Cellars Northwood, Cellar Waterproofing Northwood)
Small Cellar Conversion
Develop a perfect new living area, even if your current cellar or basement is fairly small, by employing an experienced Northwood cellar conversion company to plan, design and then build it. It may for instance be used as a utility area, creating more much needed space in the kitchen by shifting your washing machine and tumble dryer out of sight.
Perhaps an office where you could work from home would be useful; even a small room can be efficiently used with purpose built furniture made and put in by a professional company in Northwood. A small cellar could also be converted into a tranquil oasis, where you can escape from the stresses of work and day to day life, enjoying a good book or listening to some music. All you need is lighting, a cozy chair or two, and a place to store your music or books. The usage and design possibilities are countless even for the smallest basement space in Northwood.
Basement Conversion Planning Permission Northwood
If your house in Northwood has already got a basement which is currently being used for storage or similar, and you would like to turn it into a livable space, it will be considered as "change of use" and you won't have to submit an application for local authority planning permission. On the other hand, if if you intend to excavate the floor so as to maximize the ceiling height, it will be viewed more like an extension and you may then need to obtain planning permission. If you aren't altering your property's exterior to any serious extent, this should not be an issue and permission will almost always be approved. Your chosen basement conversion specialist in Northwood will be able to get this information for you, or you could talk to your local planning department.
Cellar Excavation
Digging and expanding the lower levels of a building comprise cellar excavation, aiming to create a new cellar space or extend an existing one. Increasing storage or living areas and adding value to properties in Northwood, this complex construction technique finds its application. Competent specialists handle the excavation, ensuring waterproofing, effective support systems and structural integrity. Enhancing the overall appeal and utility of the property, the excavation of a cellar provides valuable opportunities to convert underused spaces into habitable and functional areas. Essential for a successful cellar excavation project are compliance with safety standards and careful planning. (46464 - Basement Excavation Northwood)
Basement Conversion Tasks Northwood
The variety of tasks and services that can be accomplished by your local cellar conversion specialist are wide and varied, and will include things like cellar soundproofing, basement tanking, positive input ventilation, damp proofing, low ceiling basement conversions Northwood, basement conversion estimates, cellar rendering in Northwood, sprayed concrete Northwood, basement waterproofing, small cellar conversions, residential cellar conversion, cellar tanking in Northwood, cellar remodeling, wine cellar installation, basement conversion design Northwood, basement flooding solutions, cellar surveys, structural waterproofing in Northwood, woodworm treaments, basement conversion underpinning, basement excavation, basement remodeling, cellar waterproofing Northwood, cellar electrics, basement damp proofing, cellar conversion, basement conversion ideas, and others unlisted. Listed are just a few of the duties that are conducted by somebody doing cellar conversion. Northwood providers will let you know their full range of basement conversion services. You can always go to this QUOTE FORM and submit your details, if there are additional Northwood basement conversion requirements that you are searching for but do not see here.
Cellar Conversion Near Northwood
Also find: Northwood Hills cellar conversion, Heronsgate cellar conversion, Hatch End cellar conversion, Headstone Lane cellar conversion, Maple Cross cellar conversion, Mill End cellar conversion, Newyears Green cellar conversion, Batchworth Heath cellar conversion, The Swillett cellar conversion, West Hyde cellar conversion, Headstone cellar conversion, South Oxhey cellar conversion and more. All these locations are served by companies who do cellar conversion. Bringing a wealth of know-how and expertise to the table, these skilled professionals are well-equipped to convert your basement into a welcoming and functional living space. A snug basement lounge, a home office or an additional bedroom - whatever your vision, these experts have the skills to bring it to fruition. By simply clicking here, local homeowners can get cellar conversion quotes.
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