Cellar Conversion Ashington Northumberland (NE63): A basement (or cellar) conversion can change that uninviting, dark basement into an airy, warm and dry useable living space whilst also generating extra room in your Ashington property. Whether you wish to use the additional space as a study, games room, home gym or even turn it into a self-contained living area, a cellar conversion brings useable space nearer to the living area of your house than can be achieved with a loft conversion.
A basement or cellar conversion is also a smart way to add more value to your home; the highly regarded estate agents Savills have claimed that it is generally in the range of 10-15% higher than the value of equivalent homes in the Ashington area. A cellar conversion allows you to create additional living space, which if you have already previously converted a loft space into bedrooms, is an important and welcome improvement to your house.

Before you begin any cellar conversion project, you ought to ask yourself these important questions: 1. What will a conversion mean in terms of work needed and the disruption to the home life? 2. What do you hope to accomplish with the new space created with the basement conversion? 3. Is the expense involved in a cellar conversion really worth the rewards that you will gain from it? 4. How can you successfully choose a builder that you can count on to do a quality basement conversion in Ashington?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Ashington?
In contrast to building loft conversions and extensions, a cellar conversion does not usually require planning permission if you're simply turning it into a functional living space, however if it is necessary to do any major construction works for instance lowering the floor you must ask your local council exactly what is required. You will however need to check with the local authorities if you share a party wall (requires different rules), if your home is listed or if you live in a conservation area.

Among the main reasons given by homeowners in Ashington for converting a pre-existing cellar is to transform the redundant space into something practical. In Ashington, where space can often be hard to come by, this is the top priority. A basement conversion can also be used as a way to add to the household income by turning the area into a self contained apartment and renting it out.
To be fair the only limitations to your basement conversion are your imagination and your budget. Perhaps you've always dreamt of having a home cinema or games room, or you could always put in a bar and "voila", an instant pub for you and your family. If you happen to be someone who works from home a lot, a basement conversion can become the ideal home office by providing you with a custom-built space where you're less likely to be disturbed.
What is Involved?
Although local authority planning permission may not have to be obtained there are specific Building Regulation approvals that you will definitely require. These important regulations provide you, and any subsequent buyer of your property, the assurance that your basement conversion follows the guidelines and laws for minimum ceiling heights, electrical wiring, damp proofing, ventilation, health and safety, fire escapes and water supply. Before commencing any work you selected Ashington basement conversion specialists should take care of these rules and regulations and acquire the required documents as an integral part of the build process.

Even if there aren't any visible indications of mould or damp in your cellar, it will still need some form of waterproof membrane so that it stays dry and make it acceptable for converting. Your preferred cellar conversion specialist in Ashington will go through which waterproofing technique is more suitable for your house and ensure its installation adheres to BS8102 guidelines. To put your mind at ease, ask the construction company if they can provide you with an insurance supported warranty to cover water ingress due to water proof membrane failure.
The water sources, floor coverings, heating, insulation, ventilation, lighting and electric wiring will probably also need to be upgraded or installed from scratch. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in cellar conversions in Ashington as it is efficient and spreads heat evenly. Also, it is hidden underneath your selected flooring and calls for minimal maintenance.
An accredited electrician must be brought in to complete all electrical testing and installations on your basement conversion project. Light fixtures are often sunk in to prevent ceiling height issues and there are lots of cost effective and efficient LED light fittings that look amazing and will brighten up your basement conversion to make it feel light and airy.
There are regulations regarding the necessary insulation and ventilation to cellar and basement conversions and your contractor will want to discuss the different options with you early on. The correct insulation should offer sufficient protection to stop damp and cold spots occuring in your basement conversion. Likewise inadequate ventilation can cause issues, not only from stagnant air, but also by allowing increased humidity which is a major headache where dampness is involved.
Picking a Cellar Conversion Specialist in Ashington
The common sense approach is to get at least three price quotes from different conversion companies in Ashington, to compare service, prices and warranties for your basement conversion project. All builders are not the same in regards to cellar conversions and it is prudent to ask to see appropriate trade and building accreditations and memberships if you are at all in doubt about their working standards.

After an on-site survey you may be given a preliminary quote which evaluates the basic cost of your basement conversion, and covers elements like waterproofing, access and floors. Follow up discussions with the building firm should look to provide some clarification about your own requirements, for example increasing the ceiling height of your cellar by the excavating of the existing floor, or the installation of a toilet or kitchen in a separate room.
The final quotation should include all necessary building regulation, planning application and party wall agreement paperwork pertinent to the Ashington area before any actual physical work is able to begin. In order to have a better understanding of the costs involved with each stage of the work, you need to make sure the final quotation also provides a complete job-by-job breakdown of each section of the conversion projects.
If you're concerned about how to get more natural daylight into your basement conversion, your chosen builder should be able to offer solutions such as the use of light wells or opening up stairways, and will also give advice about any other anxieties you may have. They will also be able to advise how best to adapt the cellar and electrical installations for any extra lights, plug sockets, entertainment systems and networking you need.
Contingent on how you plan to use your cellar conversion it is advisable to think seriously about the width and height of your access points. Your elaborate design may be based on your dream of transforming your basement into a pool room, designer bar or home gym, but if access is restricted how will you transport the equipment down there?

Making certain that your cellar is dry, warm and free from damp is a priority against whatever the UK weather decides to do. Hiring a reliable conversion specialist with membership, accreditation and guarantees from the construction and building trade bodies will allow this to be achieved and put your mind at rest.
A FMB (Federation of Master Builders) accreditation and membership by your Ashington conversion company demonstrates their reliability and professionalism in the building industry. Yet another excellent way to verify a firm's trustworthiness is to find out if it's listed on the Trustmark website. This is a beneficial scheme developed by the Trading Standards Authority with support from the government.
Most conversion companies in Ashington are legitimate and genuine businesses with a trained and qualified workforce. A genuine company will help you in any way to provide you with proof of their integrity, and provide all the necessary information in order to develop trust and a harmonious working relationship.
Cellar Tanking Ashington
Before tanking your cellar in Ashington, you should ensure that all cracks, loose materials and joints are removed. Then, apply a coating of breathable rendering. After applying a second coat, check the tanking for signs of seeping and add a salt inhibitor if necessary. These steps are essential when tanking your basement to prevent future damp patches.
Tanking your basement in Ashington can be costly. The cost will be dependent on the size of your basement, the kind of substrate, and the level of damp. An experienced damp proof expert in Ashington will visit your house and provide you with a bespoke quote. If you're unclear about whether tanking is right for your cellar, ask a damp proofing specialist to assess its suitability.
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.
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.
Tanking is a process where waterproof cement is applied to cellar floors, walls and ceilings. It stops water from seeping into the walls and makes them watertight permanently. Since cellar walls are usually below ground level, water from the surrounding terrain can pass through the walls and carry salts to the basement. Therefore, the tanking slurry is designed especially to counteract these issues and create a waterproof barrier.
The Importance of Waterproofing

When it comes to doing a conversion, the waterproofing of your cellar is essentially the most critical element of the process. Paying out a fortune on converting your cellar and then finding out that it is still damp and mouldy isn't a scenario that you want to endure. This is the main reason why you need someone you can depend on to carry out the work to the highest standard. There are essentially two methods that can be used for waterproofing a pre-existing underground basement. The inflow of moisture into the basement can either be rerouted into a cavity through the use of waterproof membranes, from where it is silently pumped out of the building, or it can be stemmed by a cementitious tanking material, applied as a slurry type mixture. You should also be able to get cellar waterproofing done in Guide Post, Woodhorn, Scotland Gate, Pegswood, Cambois, Widdrington, Choppington, Ellington, Lynemouth, Longhirst, West Sleekburn, Cresswell, and and of course in Ashington itself. (Tags: Basement Waterproofing Ashington, Waterproofing Cellars Ashington, Cellar Waterproofing Ashington)
Design Consultation and Planning
For the transformation of a basement into a liveable space, design and planning consultation are indispensable measures. Whether you're looking to create a guest room, a home office, or a comfy den, working with a seasoned designer can help you make the most of the available space.
The first step towards successful design and planning consultation is identifying your goals and needs for the space you are creating. Give thought to factors like lighting, ventilation, insulation, and necessary plumbing or electrical work during the project.
A designer can evaluate access points, ceiling height and windows to establish the most suitable layout for your basement space. A cohesive look and feel can be achieved by selecting finishes, furnishings and fixtures with the help of a designer.
When planning, it is vital to consider any necessary approvals and permits, as well as the project's timeline and budget. Transforming your basement or cellar into a practical and stunning living area that caters to your every need is achievable with meticulous planning and professional guidance.
Arriving Next:
Building regulations compliance - article 213.
Basement Conversion Tasks Ashington

Your local Ashington basement conversion specialist can deliver a wide selection of services, and together with what has already been covered here they can do basement remodeling, condensation control, domestic basement conversions, cellar conversions, commercial basement conversion, cellar conversion quotations, cellar damp proofing, positive input ventilation (PIV) in Ashington, cellar surveys in Ashington, timber preservation, basement rendering, basement excavation Ashington, basement tanking, basement conversion quotations in Ashington, basement flooding solutions in Ashington, basement surveys, cellar electrics, basement flooring, cellar plumbing, low ceiling cellar conversion Ashington, sump pumps, basement waterproofing, bonded sheet membranes, cellar lighting, black mould removal, basement conversion Ashington, basement surveys, waterproof membranes in Ashington, and others. With regards to what's available, this is in no way a comprehensive list of what can be provided by someone doing cellar conversion. Ashington companies will will be more than happy to update you with their whole range of basement conversion services. If there happen to be other Ashington cellar conversion requirements that you're searching for but don't find here, you can give them a mention on the QUOTE FORM provided.
Basement Conversion Near Ashington
Also find: Choppington cellar conversion, Cresswell cellar conversion, Ellington cellar conversion, Cambois cellar conversion, Scotland Gate cellar conversion, West Sleekburn cellar conversion, Woodhorn cellar conversion, Lynemouth cellar conversion, Widdrington cellar conversion, Longhirst cellar conversion, Guide Post cellar conversion, Pegswood cellar conversions and more. Most of these villages and towns are catered for by companies doing cellar conversion. Ashington business and home owners can get cellar conversion quotes by clicking here.
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