Cellar Conversion Swanscombe Kent (DA10): A cellar conversion can turn that dark, cheerless cellar into an airy, dry and warm useable living space while also generating an extra room in your Swanscombe house. Whether you want to use the extra space as a bar, games room, home gym or even change it into a separate flat, a basement conversion brings useable living space nearer to the main areas of your property than can be achieved with a loft conversion for instance.
A cellar or basement conversion is also a means by which to add value to your property; Savills the estate agents state it is normally in the range of 10-15% above the market value of comparable houses in the Swanscombe area. A cellar conversion allows you to generate additional living space, which if you've already converted an attic space into bedrooms, is an important and appealing improvement to your property.
Before you start any cellar conversion project, you need to ask yourself these questions: 1. What amount of work will have to be carried out on the cellar to transform it into a functional space? 2. How can you avoid "cowboy" builders and find a professional Swanscombe company who'll be able to convert your cellar and provide assurances and guarantees for all the work that's involved? 3. What kind of costs are involved and what positive benefits can be gained from a basement conversion? 4. What are you going to do with the additional room or rooms created?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Swanscombe?
Unlike building extensions and loft conversions, a cellar conversion doesn't normally need local authority planning permission if you're merely turning it into a useable living area, however if you have to do any major construction works such as lowering the level of the floor you should ask the local authorities what is needed. There are some different regulations if your property is in a conservation area, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is listed, however in most cases you are free to utilise the space as a living area with very few restrictions.
Among the main reasons provided by home owners in Swanscombe for renovating a pre-existing cellar or basement is to change the redundant space into something functional. In Swanscombe, where living space is often at a premium, this is the main concern. A basement conversion can also be employed as a means by which to earn a bit of extra money by changing the area into a self contained apartment and putting it up for rent.
Actually the things you can do with a basement conversion are only limited by your own imagination.....and your budget of course. You could create an instant pub for your friends and family by putting in a bar, or perhaps you'd prefer a home cinema or a games room. If you happen to be a home worker a basement conversion can create the ideal home study by providing you with a custom-built area where you are less likely to be disturbed by kids and family.
What is Involved?
Even if your cellar conversion doesn't require any planning permissions, there are a set of certificates and approvals needed from the Building Regulation department, to make it above board and legal. This will make sure that your brand new living space adheres to all the Health and Safety guidelines and legislation for water sources, electrical wiring, damp proofing, minimum ceiling heights, fire escapes and ventilation. These regulations and rules should be dealt with as an integral part of the construction process by your Swanscombe basement conversion company.
Even if there are no visible signs of mould or damp in your cellar, it will still require some type of cementitious tanking or waterproof membrane in order to remain dry and render it suitable for conversion. Any damp proofing and waterproofing that you decide to use must conform to the BS8102 recommendations which your Swanscombe builder must follow. Should the membrane fail at some time in the future then a credible company will be able to offer an insurance backed warranty of their workmanship, giving you the necessary peace of mind.
Consult with the conversion company regarding the upgrade or installation of the water supply, floor coverings, ventilation, heating, insulation, electrical installations and lights, to to ensure you get the most appropriate products for your particular basement conversion. Increasing in popularity for cellar conversions in Swanscombe is under-floor heating which distributes heat evenly around the area and is really effective. This space saving heating system is concealed beneath your cellar floor covering and requires little upkeep once fitted.
Electrical installations should be left to an accredited tradesman. Light fixtures are often recessed to avoid height issues and there are numerous efficient and low-cost LED fittings that look fantastic and will brighten up your basement conversion to make it feel airy and light.
Two vital factors that your contractor will will want to discuss are ways to provide the necessary insulation and ventilation. Possible dampness and cold spots can arise if your basement conversion does not have the appropriate insulation. Damp and mould can also be caused by increased humidity levels if the standard of ventilation in your conversion is inadequate.
Picking a Basement Conversion Specialist in Swanscombe
As is the case with all major building projects, it is a good idea to get more than one estimate to allow you a chance to evaluate different contractor's prices. Ask if you can see relevant trade accreditation and membership certificates, if you feel in any doubt about their working standards.
After an on-site survey you may be given a preliminary estimate which assesses the basic cost of your cellar conversion, and covers elements like access, waterproofing and flooring. Follow up consultations with the building firm will provide some clarification of your requirements, for example the installation of a kitchen or toilet in a separate room or increasing the height of your cellar by the digging out of the existing floor.
The final quotation should include all required party wall agreement, planning application and building regulation paperwork pertinent to the Swanscombe area before work is able to start. In order to have a better idea of the costs involved with each stage of the work, you need to ensure that the final quotation also includes a complete job-by-job breakdown of each part of the conversion.
With such a lot of stuff to consider, a reliable basement conversion specialist will be able to provide solutions to any questions you may have as well as advising on ways that you can increase natural daylight by opening up stairways or the use of light wells. They'll also be able to recommend how to best adapt the cellar and electrical wiring for extra lighting, electrical sockets, entertainment systems and computer networks you require.
Access to your basement is very important as depending on how you wish to use your new living area could mean that the entryways have to be adapted. After all, exactly what is the sense in designing a cellar conversion as a bar, gymnasium or pool room if it's not possible to haul the equipment down the stairs.
Ensuring that your cellar is warm and free from damp is the main concern against whatever the British weather can throw at it. Using a trustworthy company with membership, accreditation and assurances from the construction and building trade bodies will enable this to be accomplished and give you peace of mind.
Hunt for Swanscombe conversion companies that are registered members of the Federation of Master Builders and if you are at all doubtful you can ask the FMB that they are actually on their approved members list. You can verify how efficiently a conversion company has performed on previous jobs by going to the highly respected TrustMark website and seeing the trustworthiness figures it has attained. TrustMark is a beneficial scheme that has full support from the government and was set up by the Trading Standards Authority.
There are plenty of honest, legitimate building firms in the Swanscombe area who will be happy to help you convert your basement with the assistance of highly qualified and trained individuals within the building trade. A trustworthy building company will help you in any way possible to provide evidence of their reliability, and provide all the necessary information so as to develop trust and a beneficial working relationship.
Cellar conversion can of course also be provided in areas around Swanscombe, for example Milton, Crayford, Southfleet, Singlewell, Cliffe Woods, Istead Rise, Luddesdown, Shorne, Higham, Darenth, Perry Street, Bean and other surrounding villages. Local Swanscombe cellar conversion specialists will likely have the dialling code 01322 and the postcode DA10. Checking this should confirm that you access local providers of cellar conversion. Swanscombe home and business owners can benefit from these and countless other similar services. By simply clicking on the "Quote" banner you can get cellar conversion estimates from local providers.
Design Consultation and Planning
Design and planning consultation are crucial prerequisites when converting a basement into a functional living area. If you want to create a home office, guest room, or comfy den that is optimised for the available space, working with a seasoned designer is advisable.
The starting point for design consultation and planning is the identification of your needs and goals for the space. Factors to take into account during the project include insulation, ventilation and lighting, and necessary plumbing or electrical work.
A designer can evaluate windows, access points and ceiling height to establish the most suitable layout for your basement space. To create a consistent look and feel, a designer can help you choose furnishings, finishes and fittings.
In the planning stage, it's essential to keep in mind any necessary permits and approvals, along with the timeline and budget for the project. With careful planning and expert guidance, you can transform your basement into a beautiful and functional living space that meets all your needs.
Cellar Tanking
If your basement in Swanscombe is damp or contains water, you should think about basement tanking. This form of waterproofing is easier to install and more affordable than you might believe. Additionally, tanking can make extra space in your home usable. Here is why: tanking helps to keep moisture out while making extra space usable.
First, remove loose materials and mortar joints. You can also add a salt inhibitor to prevent problems in the future. If you are unable to remove the loose material, you could try applying a chemical or physical bond. Once the coating has dried, you can put plaster over the top. Make sure to use a sulphate-resistant cement.
Membrane-sealed tanking can be installed in a cellar or basement in Swanscombe. This sort of tanking requires you to clear all inside walls of all items, including pipes. You must also secure the pipework to the membrane. This is often done using plyboard. After this is done, perimeter channels are installed around the base of the walls. These channels lead to a sump and pump system which conveys water away from the property.
The Importance of Waterproofing
When considering doing a conversion, waterproofing your cellar is essentially the most important element of the procedure. Spending a fortune on converting your basement or cellar and then discovering that it is still mouldy and damp is not an experience that you want to endure. This is the reason you will want to find an established basement conversion specialist in Swanscombe to carry out the project. There are essentially 2 main ways by which an existing underground cellar can be waterproofed. The incursion of moisture into your basement can either be checked by a cementitious tanking material, employed as a wet slurry type mixture to form an impermeable surface, or it may be rerouted into a cavity by the use of waterproof membranes, whence it is quietly pumped out of the building. (Tags: Waterproofing Cellars Swanscombe, Cellar Waterproofing Swanscombe, Basement Waterproofing Swanscombe)
Basement Conversion Near Swanscombe
Also find: Darenth cellar conversion, Singlewell cellar conversion, Istead Rise cellar conversion, Milton cellar conversion, Shorne cellar conversion, Crayford cellar conversion, Southfleet cellar conversion, Cliffe Woods cellar conversion, Higham cellar conversion, Bean cellar conversion, Perry Street cellar conversion, Luddesdown cellar conversion and more. Building contractors who do cellar conversion can be found in the majority of these villages and towns. With a wealth of expertise and know-how, these seasoned professionals are well-equipped to transform your basement into a functional and welcoming living area. Whether you envision a snug basement lounge, a home office or an additional bedroom, these experts can turn your dreams into reality. Local householders can get price quotes by clicking here. Today is the perfect time to kick off your cellar conversion project.
Basement Conversion Tasks Swanscombe
There are a whole host of tasks that can be undertaken by your local Swanscombe basement conversion specialist including sump pump installation, budget basement conversion Swanscombe, basement soundproofing, positive input ventilation (PIV), basement surveys, structural waterproofing, small cellar conversion, basement conversion quotes, cellar excavation Swanscombe, cellar conversion quotations, basement waterproofing, cellar underpinning Swanscombe, woodworm treaments, basement conversion ideas, cellar refurbishment, condensation control in Swanscombe, commercial basement conversion, basement tanking, timber preservation, damp proofing, basement plumbing Swanscombe, cellar surveys, cellar rendering Swanscombe, basement conversion planning permission, condensation control, cellar conversions, waterproof membranes in Swanscombe, basement flooding solutions in Swanscombe, and more. This is on no account an exhaustive list of what's offered by someone doing cellar conversion. Swanscombe professionals will be happy to provide a complete list of their cellar conversion services on request. You could perhaps go to this QUOTE FORM and submit your details, if there are additional Swanscombe cellar conversion requirements that you're hunting for but don't see here.
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