Cellar Conversion Ashtead

It's also a relatively easy way to add extra value to your house; the property specialists Savills say that it can boost the market price by approximately 15% to equivalent homes in your neighbourhood. If you've already done a conversion on your loft to cope with your growing family, a basement conversion gives you an effective way to create welcome extra living space.

Before starting any basement conversion project, you should ask yourself these important questions: 1. How can you track down a local Ashtead basement conversion firm that is trustworthy and reliable? 2. Are the benefits of a basement conversion actually worth the costs that are involved with doing it? 3. Precisely what do you want to do with the additional space you'll be able to generate with your cellar conversion? 4. What level of work is necessary to do a conversion on your cellar?

In contrast to building extensions and loft conversions, a cellar conversion does not usually need planning permission if you're simply turning it into a useable living space, but if you have to do any major construction works such as lowering the level of the floor you must ask the local authorities exactly what is needed. You will however need to check with the local council if your house is listed, if you share a party wall (requires different regulations) or if you live in a conservation area.

Among the main reasons provided by property owners in Ashtead for renovating an existing cellar is to transform the redundant space into something functional. In Ashtead, where living space can frequently be in short supply, this is the top priority. A cellar conversion could also be used to generate a bit of extra cash by creating a self contained unit which can be put up for rent or used as an AirBnB.

To be honest the only limits to your basement conversion are your imagination and your budget. You could make it into a pub for entertaining your friends by building a bar, or maybe you'd prefer a games room or modern home cinema. Another popular favourite, and perhaps more inviting given recent circumstances, is the building of a home study or office where you can break free from the stressful daily commute and benefit from a place in your house where you are less liable to be disturbed while you work.

What is Involved?

As mentioned previously, local authority planning permission might not be required in many cases, but you definitely will have to get Building Regulations consent. These important regulations provide you, and any future purchaser of your house, the confidence that your cellar conversion abides by the laws and recommendations for electrical installations, fire escapes, damp proofing, health & safety, ventilation, water sources and minimum ceiling heights. Before beginning any work you chosen Ashtead basement conversion specialists should deal with these regulations and procure the necessary paperwork as an integral part of the construction process.

It does not matter if your basement does not seem to be damp nor has any sign of mould; you will still need to have a suitable waterproof membrane or cementitious tanking put in to provide a dry, watertight area that is suitable for conversion. Any water proofing and damp proofing that you elect to use must comply with the BS8102 guidelines which your Ashtead cellar conversion specialist must follow. For peace of mind, ask the building company if they can provide you with an insurance supported guarantee to cover damp proof membrane failure and any resulting water ingress.

The ventilation, water sources, electrical installations, lights, flooring, heating and insulation will probably also need to be installed or upgraded. Increasing in popularity for basement and cellar conversions in Ashtead is under-floor heating which disseminates heat uniformly around the area and is extremely effective in settings like this. Also, it is hidden beneath your selected flooring style and calls for very little upkeep.

A certified electrician must be called in to do all electrical testing and rewiring on your cellar conversion project. Lighting systems should be sunk in to help with ceiling height issues and there are lots of cost effective and efficient LED fittings that look awesome and will brighten up your basement conversion to make it seem airy and light.

Two vital issues that your conversion specialist will will want to discuss with you are the best ways to provide adequate insulation and ventilation. Insufficient insulation will leave your conversion with possible cold spots which can increase the potential for dampness. Damp and mould can also be triggered by increased humidity levels if the level of ventilation in your conversion is inadequate.

As is the case with all major building projects, it is better to obtain more than one price quote to give you the chance to evaluate different contractor's prices. Not every company is alike when it comes to basement conversions and it is prudent to ask to see relevant trade and building memberships and accreditations if you've got any doubts about their expertise.

An initial quote could be provided at the end of an on-site survey for a standard basement conversion with damp proofing, access and flooring measures being evaluated. During discussions with your builder you're able to add your personal needs, for instance you might need an area to be divided, have a kitchen or bathroom installed or to increase the ceiling height by digging out the existing floor.

The final quotation should contain all necessary planning application, building regulation and party wall agreement paperwork applicable to the Ashtead area before any actual physical work is able to start. It is also better if it is broken down into independent parts of the overall conversion project so you can get a better perception of the final price.

The contractor will be able to offer help and advice on all of these issues and suggest ways in which to increase natural light to brighten the conversion by opening up the staircase or installing light wells. They will also be able to advise how best to adapt the cellar and electrical wiring for additional sockets, lighting, entertainment systems and computer networks you need.

If your access to the cellar is restricted it might have to be adapted subject to what use you have in mind for your basement conversion. It is pointless to plan for a fully equipped bar, gym or pool room if you have problems getting down a flight of narrow stairs whilst holding a cup of tea.

Keeping your cellar dry, warm and free from damp is a priority against whatever the British weather turns out like. In order for this to be readily accomplished, you will need a reliable builder with the appropriate accreditation and membership of a trade body.

Look for Ashtead conversion companies that are members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and if you are in any doubt you can ask the FMB if they are actually on their list of approved members. Another excellent way to verify a company's integrity is to find out if it's included on the Trustmark website. TrustMark is a helpful scheme that enjoys the full support of the government and was founded by the Trading Standards Authority.

There are plenty of honest, legitimate builders in the Ashtead area who can help you convert your basement with the assistance of a highly qualified and trained workforce within the building trade. An honest conversion company acknowledges the fears of the public, due to a small minority of unprincipled traders, and will try everything they can to validate their trustworthiness in a friendly and responsible way.

Installing a Sump Pump

The installation of a sump pump is a key preventative measure for protecting your property against water damage. A sump pump is an appliance that is beneficial in removing accumulated water from cellars and crawl spaces. This is important because too much water can lead to structural damage, mould growth, and various other issues. Installing a sump pump involves digging a hole in the crawl space or basement's lowest area and fitting the sump pump within it. Afterward, the pump is linked to a discharge pipe that diverts the water from the building. Property owners might prefer to install a battery backup system to ensure the pump's continuous functioning during power outages or other emergency situations. Having a qualified professional install a sump pump is crucial to ensure that it is correctly positioned and configured to manage water effectively in the property. Investing in sump pump installation is a prudent step in protecting a property from water damage and is therefore a valuable investment.

Design Consultation and Planning

The conduction of design and planning consultation is imperative when converting a cellar into a livable space. A professional designer can help you get the most out of the available space when creating a home office, guest room, or cosy den.

Identifying your goals and needs for the space you are creating is the initial step in design consultation and planning. Factors to take into account during the project include lighting, insulation and ventilation, and necessary electrical or plumbing work.

By considering features such as windows, access points and ceiling height, a designer can help identify the best layout for the space. With assistance from a designer, you can select furnishings, fixtures and finishes that will create a unified look and atmosphere.

In the planning stage, it's essential to keep in mind any necessary approvals and permits, along with the budget and timeline for the project. Through meticulous planning and the aid of an expert, your cellar can be transformed into a practical and beautiful living space that caters to all of your needs.

What are the main planning and design aspects of a cellar conversion?

To ensure a successful basement conversion, the design and planning aspects must align with the project's unique objectives and needs, with some crucial considerations including:

• Lighting: Creating a bright and inviting living space in a cellar is vital, so proper lighting is essential as these areas can often be dreary and dark.
• Insulation: To maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce energy costs, adequate insulation is necessary.
• Elecrical and plumbing work: Proper execution and planning of electrical or plumbing work in a cellar conversion are essential to ensure safety and comply with building regulations.
• Layout: Proper consideration of the cellar's layout is critical to ensure that the living area is both functional and practical while making the most of the available space.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing a basement is necessary to prevent problems such as water damage, mould and dampness, given its typical location below ground level.
• Approvals and permits: Work may require permits and approvals from local authorities before commencement, depending on the project's scope.
• Ventilation: Decent ventilation is important for maintaining air quality and preventing issues with condensation and moisture.
• Access points: Optimising the available access points in cellars is essential to create convenient and safe entrances and exits given their limited nature.

So, there is quite a lot to think about when considering the design and planning aspects of your basement conversion in Ashtead.

Wine Cellar Installation Ashtead

Installation of wine cellars is a commonly offered service by basement conversion specialists in the Ashtead area. These specialists can provide expert advice on the planning and installation of a bespoke wine cellar that meets the specific preferences and needs of the householder. Wine cellars are designed not only to store bottles of wine but also to create an environment that promotes the best wine preservation and aging.

Wine cellar installation by professionals may involve incorporation of features such as temperature and humidity control, proper ventilation and insulation to ensure optimal storage conditions for the wine. Wine cellar specialists can provide advice on both the functional and visual aspects of cellar design, such as storage options and lighting, to create an efficient and attractive wine storage area.

The finishes and materials used for a wine cellar can be personalised to suit the customer's taste, with options including glass, stone or wood. Maintenance and support services can be provided by a specialist to ensure the wine cellar remains in optimal condition and that the wine is stored properly.

Cellar Conversion Tasks Ashtead

Your local Ashtead basement conversion specialist can deliver a large assortment of services, and in addition to what's already been covered they should be able to do basement surveys Ashtead, cementitious tanking Ashtead, cellar conversions, cellar waterproofing in Ashtead, commercial basement conversions, condensation control, cellar conversion design, basement electrics Ashtead, waterproof membranes, basement conversion ideas, damp proofing, small cellar conversion, woodworm treatment, cellar lighting, cellar excavation, cellar damp proofing, basement conversions, low ceiling basement conversions Ashtead, basement waterproofing, sump pump installations, sprayed concrete, basement flooding solutions, cellar plumbing, wine cellar installation, cellar refurbishment, budget basement conversion Ashtead, basement conversion, basement surveys in Ashtead, to mention a few. These services are only a few of those on offer from somebody doing cellar conversion. Ashtead providers will inform you of their whole range of basement conversion services. You can always CLICK HERE and enter your details on the quote form provided, if there are some other Ashtead cellar conversion requirements that you require but cannot find here.

Basement Conversion Near Ashtead

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