Cellar Conversion Cheltenham Gloucestershire (GL50): A basement (or cellar) conversion can change that dark, unwelcoming basement into an airy, dry and warm living space whilst also creating an extra room in your Cheltenham house. Having an extra room closer to the more frequently used areas of your home can present you with greater opportunities for entertaining friends, creating a home gym or building a "granny annex" for elderly relatives.
According to the property specialists Savills, a converted basement can also add between ten and fifteen percent to the market value of your house. For property owners with expanding families, who could have already previously converted loft space for additional bedrooms, a basement conversion offer them a means by which to add that extra space which is all important for family living.
Before jumping into any cellar conversion project, you need to ask yourself these important questions: 1. Precisely what is your purpose for creating the additional space with the conversion? 2. How can you find a local Cheltenham based cellar conversion firm that is professional and trustworthy? 3. Are the advantages of a basement conversion really worth the expense that is associated with accomplishing it? 4. What degree of work is involved in converting your basement or cellar?
Why Pick a Cellar Conversion in Cheltenham?
In contrast to doing loft conversions and extensions, a cellar conversion does not normally require planning permission if you're merely making it into a functional living space, but if you have to do any construction works such as lowering the floor you must ask the local council precisely what is needed. Generally speaking you are pretty much free to use a converted and remodeled basement with few restrictions, however if your house is a listed structure, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is within a conservation area, there are different regulations that must be adhered to.
The ability to make use of extra, valuable living space in their property is the main reason that many property owners in Cheltenham wish to do a basement conversion. If like lots of other folks in Cheltenham you find space is limited, this will be a top priority. A basement conversion can also be employed as a means by which to earn a bit of extra cash by turning that largely unused space into a self contained flat and charging rent for it.
The final form of a cellar conversion and what it is used for are dependent on what your imagination comes up with, and what your budget will allow. You could create an instant pub for entertaining your family by putting in a bar, or perhaps you'd prefer a games room or modern home cinema. If you happen to be a home worker a basement conversion can create the ideal home office by providing you with a tailor-made area where you are less inclined to be disturbed by kids and family.
What is Involved?
As has already been mentioned, planning permission might not be necessary in the majority of cases, but you will have to get Building Regulations approval. These regulations give you, and any subsequent owner of your home, the assurance that the cellar conversion conforms to the laws and guidelines for electrical wiring, ventilation, minimum ceiling heights, water supply, damp proofing, fire escapes and health & safety. Fortuitously your Cheltenham cellar conversion company will be able to deal with all of these legal guidelines as an integral part of the build process.
Even if there are no visible signs of mould or damp in your basement, it will still require some type of cementitious tanking or damp proof membrane so that it stays dry and make it suitable for conversion. Your Cheltenham basement conversion specialist will help you choose which method is more suitable for your particular conversion and also make sure it adheres to the guidelines of the British Standards BS8102 regulations. A professional contractor should be able to provide you with an insurance backed warranty for their workmanship, in the event that the membrane ever fails.
The lights, electrical installations, insulation, ventilation, flooring, heating system and water sources will most likely all need to be upgraded or installed from scratch. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in cellar conversions in Cheltenham as it spreads heat evenly and is extremely efficient. It calls for minimal maintenance once fitted and is a hidden sort of heating, which helps to save space.
Any kind of electrical installations must be carried out by an experienced electrician. Efficient and cost effective LED lighting can be recessed into the ceiling to provide the maximum possible ceiling to floor height and ensure that your cellar conversion has a bright, natural feel.
There are regulations and rules regarding the necessary insulation and ventilation to basement and cellar conversions and your conversion specialist will want to chat about the different options. The correct insulation ought to provide sufficient protection to stop cold spots and dampness appearing in your cellar conversion. Mould and damp can also be caused by heightened humidity levels if the level of ventilation in your cellar conversion is substandard.
Finding a Cellar Conversion Company in Cheltenham
The judicious approach is to obtain at least three quotes from different building contractors in Cheltenham, to compare warranties, services and prices for your cellar conversion project. If you have any concerns about the credentials of a builder it should not be an issue if you ask if you can see their proof of accreditation and membership to the relevant construction trade bodies.
If you are given a preliminary quotation after an on-site survey it might only cover the basic elements of your basement conversion, for example access issues, the floor and waterproofing considerations. Follow up calls from the building firm should look to provide clarification of your specific requirements, for example increasing the ceiling height of your cellar by the excavation of the existing floor, or the installation of a toilet or kitchen in a separate room.
An exact quote from a locally based Cheltenham cellar conversion firm should contain any necessary party wall agreements, planning laws and building regulation applications required before work can begin. It is also better if it is broken down into independent sections of the overall project so that you are able to get a better understanding of the eventual price.
A dependable company can offer recommendations to resolve all of your concerns including ways in which to improve natural light to your cellar conversion by opening up staircases or the use of light wells. They'll also be able to advise the best way to adapt the basement and electrical installations for additional sockets, lights, entertainment systems and computer networks you need.
If your access to the cellar is restricted it might have to be modified subject to what use you have in mind for your basement conversion. After all, what exactly is the sense in designing an elaborate basement conversion as a bar, home gym or snooker room if it's impossible to haul the equipment down the stairs.
It's obvious that whatever you elect to convert your cellar into, you will want it to remain warm and dry at all times of the year. For this you need your conversion specialist to be certified and guaranteed by membership and accreditation to the relevant trade bodies.
A FMB (Federation of Master Builders) accreditation and membership by your Cheltenham contractor demonstrates their reliability and professionalism in the building and construction trade. You can verify how effectively a conversion company has performed in past times by accessing the TrustMark website and looking at the credibility figures it has attained. This is a scheme created by Trading Standards with support from the UK government.
Fortunately a large majority of builders who undertake cellar conversions in the Cheltenham area are trustworthy with highly qualified builders and construction industry workers. A professional company will help you in any way possible to provide evidence of their credibility, and provide all the necessary information in order to build trust and a unified working relationship.
The Installation of a Wine Cellar
The installation of wine cellars is a common service offered by basement conversion specialists in Cheltenham. Tailored to the property owner's needs and desires, these specialists can offer expert guidance on the design and installation of a bespoke wine cellar. The role of a wine cellar is not just to house wine bottles but also to sustain the perfect conditions for the preservation and maturing of the wine.
To maintain the perfect conditions for wine storage, a professional wine cellar installation may incorporate humidity and temperature control, ventilation and insulation features. Wine cellar specialists can offer guidance on the aesthetic design of a wine cellar, such as lighting, storage options and decor, to make it an elegant and functional space for wine lovers.
The choice of finishes and materials for a wine cellar is vast, allowing homeowners in Cheltenham to create a unique and bespoke space that complements their taste. After the installation, a specialist can offer maintenance and support services to ensure that the wine cellar is functioning effectively and that the wine collection is being stored correctly.
Cellar Conversion Surveys Cheltenham
Converting a basement or cellar into further living space is a project that many property owners in Cheltenham will think about at some point in time. You will need to have a professional survey carried out to make certain that your basement/cellar is actually suitable for converting.
A surveyor who inspects your property should be qualified in underground construction, and will have spoken with you before arriving concerning the usage you have planned for your cellar/basement. This will enable them to determine exactly what steps need to be taken to legally and safely convert your basement in line with your requirements.
The structure of your basement will be assessed, and the requirements for plumbing, ventilation and electricity will be taken into account. You'll discover that there are certain building regulations and British Standards guidelines concerning cellar conversion which your surveyor will also need to consider. These regulations include factors like fire escapes, minimum ceiling heights and party wall agreements, and also standards of damp proofing and water resistance.
Cellar Tanking Cheltenham
Before tanking your cellar in Cheltenham, you should make sure that all joints, cracks and loose materials are removed. Then you can 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 cellar to prevent damp patches in the future.
Tanking your basement in Cheltenham can be costly. The cost depends on the size of your cellar, the type of substrate, and the level of damp. A professional damp specialist in Cheltenham will visit your home and provide you with a bespoke quote. If you're unclear about whether tanking is right for your cellar, ask a damp proofing expert 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.
Tanking is a process where waterproof cement is applied to basement walls, ceilings and floors. It stops water from seeping into these surfaces and makes them permanently watertight. Because basement walls are often below ground level, water from the surrounding terrain can permeate the walls and carry salts to the basement. Therefore, the tanking slurry is created specifically to combat these problems and create a water-resistant barrier. (Tags: Cellar Water Proofing Cheltenham, Cemetitious Tanking Cheltenham, Cellar Tanking Cheltenham, Basement Tanking Cheltenham)
Basement Conversion Tasks Cheltenham
There is a variety of work that can be carried out by your local Cheltenham basement conversion specialist including cellar lighting, commercial basement conversions, basement damp proofing Cheltenham, basement waterproofing, cellar rendering, basement conversions Cheltenham, basement refurbishment, basement conversion in Cheltenham, basement electrics, budget cellar conversion Cheltenham, basement flooding solutions, cellar flooring in Cheltenham, bonded sheet membranes, small basement conversion, timber preservation, basement remodeling, cellar refurbishment in Cheltenham, waterproof membranes, cellar plumbing, cellar conversions, cellar waterproofing, cellar remodeling, cellar conversion design in Cheltenham, basement conversion quotations, damp proofing Cheltenham, cellar floor restoration, condensation control in Cheltenham, cellar conversion, and more. These services are only a few of those on offer from someone doing cellar conversion. Cheltenham specialists, when approached, will tell you about the full range of basement conversion services which can be accessed. You can perhaps go to this QUOTE FORM and fill in your details, if there are additional Cheltenham cellar conversion requirements that you are looking for but cannot find here.
Other Useful Trades in Cheltenham Gloucestershire: Obviously, whenever you happen to be doing home repairs and improvements in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, you'll probably be in need of all kinds of different tradesmen and together with a basement conversion specialist in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, you might also need timber preservation in Cheltenham, condensation control in Cheltenham, a flooring specialist in Cheltenham, a building contractor in Cheltenham, an electrician in Cheltenham, a plasterer in Cheltenham, loft conversion in Cheltenham, black mould removal in Cheltenham, a bricklayer in Cheltenham, a painter & decorator in Cheltenham, SKIP HIRE in Cheltenham, a plumber in Cheltenham, garage conversion in Cheltenham, damp proofing in Cheltenham, a carpenter in Cheltenham, basement waterproofing in Cheltenham, waste removal in Cheltenham, cellar surveys in Cheltenham, and other different Cheltenham tradesmen.
Cellar Conversion Near Cheltenham
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