Cellar Conversion Chatham

A basement or cellar conversion can also be a smart way to add more value your home in Chatham, with Savills the estate agents indicating that it can increase by 10-15% above the market value of similar properties nearby. A basement conversion offers growing families, who may have already converted their lofts for bedrooms, the chance to create the extra space needed for comfortable family living. Not only does such an investment enhance your day to day living, but it also boosts your property's competitive edge in the Chatham real estate market.

Before jumping into any basement conversion project, ask yourself these questions: 1. What do you want to do with the additional space you can generate with your cellar conversion? 2. How can you avoid dodgy builders and locate a professional Chatham contractor who'll be able to convert your cellar and supply guarantees to all the work that's required? 3. What amount of work will need to be done on your basement to transform it into a useful area? 4. Is the expense involved in a basement conversion really worth the benefits that you will gain from it?

If you are just going to refurbish a pre-existing cellar without having to raise the ceiling height, then generally speaking you aren't going to need local authority planning permission. In most situations you're pretty much free to use a remodeled and converted cellar with very few limitations, however if your home is within a conservation area, has a shared party wall with a neighbour or is listed, there are some different regulations that should be followed.

For most homeowners in Chatham, the reason they want to have a basement conversion created in their home is to make use of precious living space. This is especially true where space is restricted such as in many areas of Chatham. A basement conversion could also be used to bring in a bit of extra cash by creating a self contained unit which can be let out or registered with AirBnB.

In reality the things you can do with a basement conversion are only limited by your own imagination.....and your budget of course. In Chatham home cinemas, bars and games rooms are favoured options for the use of a cellar conversion, to provide a comfortable place for entertaining family and friends. Another strong favourite, and perhaps more desirable given recent developments, is the creation of a home office or study where you will be able to escape the daily commute and benefit from an area in your house where you are less likely to be disturbed while you work.

What is Involved?

As has already been mentioned, local authority planning permission might not be necessary in the majority of cases, but you definitely will need to have Building Regulations consent. This will make sure that your newly built living space abides by all the Health and Safety guidelines and laws for minimum ceiling heights, fire escapes, electrical wiring, ventilation, damp proofing and water sources. Before beginning any actual physical work you selected Chatham cellar conversion company should handle these regulations and procure the required paperwork as an integral part of the build process.

To ensure your basement conversion remains warm and dry through the course of its life, a cementitious tanking or waterproof membrane will have to be put in even if there isn't and visible indication of dampness or water ingress. Any water proofing and damp proofing that you decide to use should adhere to the BS8102 recommendations which your Chatham builder must observe. To put your mind at ease, ask the conversion company if they can provide you with an insurance protected guarantee to cover water ingress due to water proof membrane failure.

Consult with the construction company about the installation or upgrade of the water supply, lights, electric wiring, floor surfaces, insulation, heating and ventilation, to get the most appropriate products for your particular cellar conversion. An efficient way to keep your basement or cellar conversion warm is to install underfloor heating, which evenly spreads the heat around the area. Also, it is hidden beneath your chosen flooring and requires very little upkeep.

Electrical rewiring must be done by a competent electrician. Watch out for sunken (recessed) lighting systems to reduce the worry about ceiling height issues, and with a wide range of affordable Led lamps avaiable for purchase, your cellar can feel airy and bright even if there is a lack of natural light.

Two crucial factors that your contractor will will want to discuss with you are how to provide the necessary ventilation and insulation. Possible cold spots and damp may appear if your basement conversion does not have the necessary insulation. Inadequate ventilation can also cause a gradual build up of humidity which can lead to problems with mould and damp.

Before picking your contractor in Chatham, get as many quotations as you can to allow you to evaluate the different services and prices on offer. If you have any concerns about the experience of a building company it should not be a problem if you ask if you can view their certificates of accreditation and membership to the relevant building and construction trade associations.

If you are given an initial quote after an on-site survey it may only apply to the basic aspects of your conversion, such as damp proofing considerations, access issues and the floor. Follow up consultations with the builders should look to provide some clarification about your own requirements, for example increasing the height of your cellar by the excavation of the existing floor, or the installation of a toilet or kitchen in a separate room.

You should agree on a final price with an exact quote for all work to be undertaken that includes all the appropriate documents applicable to the Chatham area for the party wall agreements, building regulation applications and planning laws. It should also be broken down into individual sections of the overall conversion project so that you can get a better understanding of the final price.

With so many things to consider, a reliable basement conversion company will be able to provide answers to any queries you may have and also advising on methods by which to increase natural daylight by opening up the stairway or installing light wells. This is also the right time to check with a qualified electrician regarding the installation of extra wiring for lighting, electrical sockets, computer networks and home entertainment.

Access to your basement is very important because subject to how you plan to use your newly generated living area may mean that the entryways have to be adjusted. It is pointless to plan for a games room, gym or bar complete with equipment if you can barely manage to get down a narrow staircase whilst holding a cup of tea.

It's obvious that whatever you plan to convert your cellar into, you will want it to stay dry and warm in winter and summer. For this you need your conversion specialist to be certified and guaranteed by accreditation and membership to the relevant trade organisations.

You can verify that your Chatham cellar conversion company is on the list of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to ensure you are working with a reliable and trusted builder of excellence. If you would like to check up on a contractor's past performance you can look to see if it is included in the respected TrustMark scheme. TrustMark is a beneficial scheme that has full support from the government and was founded by Trading Standards.

There are lots of legitimate and honest building firms in the Chatham area who will be able to help you convert a cellar or basement with the assistance of a highly qualified and trained workforce within the building industry. A professional building company acknowledges the concerns of the general public, due to a tiny minority of unprincipled traders, and will do everything in their power to affirm their integrity in a friendly and responsible fashion.

For clients living in the surrounding Kent areas near to Chatham, like for example Walderslade, Brompton, Burham, Upnor, Capstone, St Marys Island, Wainscott, Wigmore, Hempstead, Borstal, Medway City Estate, Lower Upnor, these basement conversion services are still available. Local Chatham cellar conversion specialists will most likely have the telephone code 01634 and the postcode ME4. Checking this can guarantee that you are accessing local providers of cellar conversion. Chatham homeowners can utilise these and lots of other building related services.

Cellar Tanking

If your basement in Chatham is damp or contains water, you should think about cellar tanking. This sort of waterproofing is more affordable and easier to install than you might believe. Moreover, tanking can make extra space in your property usable. Here's why: tanking helps keep moisture out while making extra space usable.

First, remove loose materials and mortar joints. You could also add a salt inhibitor to prevent further issues in the future. If you're unable to remove the loose material, you can try applying a physical or chemical bond. After the coating has dried, you can put plaster over the top. Make sure you use a sulphate-resistant cement.

Membrane-sealed tanking can be installed in a cellar or basement in Chatham. This kind 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 carries water away from the property.

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.

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.

Cellar Conversion Surveys

Converting a cellar or basement into extra living space is a project that many householders in Chatham will look at at some point. You will need to have a professional survey carried out to ensure that your basement is actually suitable for converting.

Any surveyor who does an inspection of your house should be qualified in below-ground construction, and will have spoken with you before arriving regarding the planned usage of your basement/cellar. This will enable them to determine exactly what steps need to be taken to legally and safely do a conversion on your basement in line with your requirements.

The structure of your basement or cellar will be checked over, and the needs for adequate ventilation, water drainage and electricity installation will be considered. There are certain building regulations and British Standards requirements concerning basement conversion which your professional surveyor will also need to consider. These measures include things like ceiling height, damp proofing and fire escapes, and whether any party wall agreements must be resolved. If you're planning to do a cellar conversion and need to get a cellar conversion survey in Chatham, it shouldn't be that difficult to find a certified surveyor to complete this for you. You local Chatham cellar conversion company will no doubt organise this for you. (Tags: Cellar Conversion Survey Chatham, Cellar Conversion Surveys Chatham, Basement Conversion Surveys Chatham).

Timber Preservation Chatham

When undertaking a basement or cellar conversion project in Chatham, timber preservation should be a key consideration. Because cellars are naturally moist, timber used for beams, flooring and joists can be susceptible to rot and damp. Treating the wood with preservatives that shield it from fungal growth, decay and insects is crucial to preventing this from happening.

Before you begin your basement conversion or refurbishment, it is a good idea to have an expert evaluate the condition of any pre-existing wood. They will easily be able to spot any indications of damp or rot and advise on the best treatment methods to fix the problem. In order to restore the durability and strength of damaged wood, it may need to be replaced or treated with specialised products.

As part of the conversion process, all new timber should be treated with a preservative before it is installed. Preserving the wood helps protect it from the damp and moisture-laden conditions in the basement. Moreover, pressure-treated timber is a good option because it has been treated with preservatives during the production process, giving it protection that lasts much longer.

Good ventilation and humidity management are essential in the cellar after the conversion. It helps to keep the timber in good condition and prevent future damp problems. Occasional inspections are advised to identify any potential problems early, ensuring both the long-term durability of the timber and the success of your cellar conversion in Chatham. (Tags: Timber Preservation Chatham)

Coming Soon:

Low ceiling cellar conversions (article 1743).

Cellar Conversion Tasks Chatham

The variety of services and tasks that can be completed by your local cellar conversion specialist are varied and wide, and will include stuff like residential cellar conversion, damp proofing, basement plumbing, cellar conversion, structural waterproofing Chatham, cellar surveys, cellar conversion ideas, sprayed concrete, timber preservation, small basement conversion, commercial basement conversions, basement electrics, basement tanking, basement conversion ideas in Chatham, basement conversions, cellar lighting, woodworm treatment, cellar conversions in Chatham, cellar damp proofing, cellar refurbishment, wine cellar installation, basement conversion quotes, basement conversion Chatham, cellar remodeling in Chatham, small cellar conversion, condensation control in Chatham, budget basement conversion Chatham, low ceiling cellar conversion Chatham, and others not mentioned here. This is just a sample of what can be done by somebody doing cellar conversion. Chatham specialists providing these sorts of cellar conversion services, will supply you with a full-blown list on request. You can always CLICK HERE and submit the quote form provided, if there are other Chatham basement conversion requirements that you need but can't see here.

Cellar Conversion Near Chatham

Also find: Medway City Estate cellar conversion, Walderslade cellar conversion, Borstal cellar conversion, St Marys Island cellar conversion, Capstone cellar conversion, Lower Upnor cellar conversion, Wigmore cellar conversion, Upnor cellar conversion, Wainscott cellar conversion, Brompton cellar conversion, Burham cellar conversion, Hempstead cellar conversions and more. All of these towns and villages are covered by companies that do cellar conversion. Chatham residents can get cellar conversion estimates by clicking here.

Cellar Conversion Services Chatham

Basement Conversion in Chatham

• Residential Cellar Conversions
• Cellar Tanking
• Rising Damp Control
• Basement Surveys
• Cellar Waterproofing
• Cellar Damp Proofing
• Basement Flooring
• Cheap Cellar Conversions
• Basement Refurbishment
• Cellar Remodeling
• Cellar Conversion
• Basement Remodeling
• Commercial Cellar Conversions
• Cellar Conversion Price Quotes

Other Useful Trades in Chatham Kent: Of course, whenever you happen to be doing home remodeling in Chatham, Kent, you'll likely need all kinds of different tradespeople and together with a cellar conversion specialist in Chatham, Kent, you may additionally need condensation control in Chatham, damp proofing in Chatham, basement flooding solutions in Chatham, a plumber in Chatham, a loft conversion specialist in Chatham, cellar surveys in Chatham, an electrician in Chatham, a renderer in Chatham, woodworm treatment in Chatham, a painter & decorator in Chatham, basement waterproofing in Chatham, a tiler in Chatham, waste removal in Chatham, SKIP HIRE in Chatham, a carpenter in Chatham, a property extension in Chatham, a builder in Chatham, black mould removal in Chatham, and other different Chatham tradesmen.

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Basement conversions in ME4 area, phone code 01634.

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