Cellar Conversion Chester

According to the property agents Savills, a converted basement can also add between 10-15% to the value of your home. A basement conversion permits you to generate extra family living space, which if you've already converted an attic space into further bedrooms, is an important and appealing improvement to your house.

Before you start any cellar conversion project, you need to ask yourself these important questions: 1. How can you stay clear of shoddy builders and locate a quality Chester firm who can convert your cellar and provide warranties to all work involved? 2. What degree of work is required to do a conversion on your basement or cellar? 3. For what are you going to use the additional space? 4. What level of expense is involved and what positive benefits can be attained from doing a basement conversion?

If you're only going to modernise an existing basement without needing to raise the ceiling height, then in most cases you're not going to need planning permission. In most situations you are free to utilise a remodeled and converted cellar with very few restrictions, but if your property is a listed structure, has a shared party wall with a neighbour or is in a conservation area, there are different regulations that must be followed.

Among the main reasons provided by home owners in Chester for renovating an existing cellar is to change the underused space into something functional. If like lots of other folks in Chester you find that living space is limited, this can be a major priority. A cellar conversion can also be used to earn a little extra income by making it into a self contained unit which can be let out or used as an AirBnB.

The truth is the uses of a cellar conversion are only limited by your own imagination.....and your budget of course. You could make it into an instant pub for your mates by installing a bar, or perhaps you'd prefer a home cinema or a games room. With recent opportunities for working at home, transforming your cellar into a comfortable and isolated office space, where you are much less likely to be interrupted, might be just the thing to get you out of your daily commute.

What is Involved?

Despite the fact that local authority planning permission may not need to be acquired there are specific Building Regulation approvals you will require. This will make sure that your brand new living space adheres to all the Health & Safety legislation and guidelines for ventilation, ceiling height, fire escapes, electrical systems, water sources and damp proofing. Before starting any actual physical work you selected Chester cellar conversion company should deal with these regulations and rules and procure the required certifications as an integral part of the build process.

To make sure your cellar conversion stays warm and dry throughout its life, a waterproof membrane will need to be put in even if there isn't and visible indication of water ingress or dampness. Your Chester builder will help you choose which technique is better for your particular cellar conversion and also make certain it follows the guidelines of the British Standards BS8102 regulations. Should the membrane fail at some time down the road then a trusted contractor should be willing to provide you with an insurance supported warranty of their work, giving you the peace of mind you require.

The water sources, ventilation, floor coverings, lights, electric wiring, heating and insulation will most likely all have to be upgraded or installed. A very effective way to warm up your basement and cellar conversion is to install underfloor heating, which evenly spreads heat around the area. It requires little maintenance once installed and is a concealed type of heating, which helps to save valuable space.

A professional electrician must be used to complete all electrical testing and installations on your basement conversion project. Look for sunken (recessed) lighting fixtures to reduce concerns about height problems, and with a wide variety of cost effective LED light fittings available on the market, your basement can feel bright and airy even in settings which are devoid of natural light.

Two crucial elements that your contractor will will want to discuss are how to provide adequate insulation and ventilation. The correct insulation ought to provide sufficient protection to stop damp causing cold spots from developing in your conversion. A lack of ventilation can also trigger a constant increase in humidity which is likely to cause problems with damp and mould.

Before picking your conversion company in Chester, get as many estimates as you can to allow you to evaluate the different prices and services out there. Not every contractor is the same in regards to cellar conversions and it's advisable to ask to see relevant building and trade memberships and accreditations if you are at all in doubt about their workmanship or expertise.

An initial estimate could be provided following an on-site survey for a standard basement conversion with flooring, damp proofing and access measures being assessed. Through discussion with your builder you are able to incorporate your personal requirements, for instance you might need an area to be separated, have a bathroom or kitchen installed or gain more height of the ceiling by digging out the existing floor.

The final quotation should include all required building regulation, party wall agreement and planning application paperwork pertinent to the Chester area before any work is able to commence. The final quotation should also include a job-by-job breakdown of the individual parts of the cellar conversion to provide you with a true idea of the costs involved in each phase.

With so many stuff to think about, any self-respecting cellar conversion specialist will be able to provide answers to any concerns you may have and also advising on ways that you can improve natural daylight by opening up the staircase or the installation of light wells. This is also the time to consult with a certified electrician regarding the installation of extra electrical wiring for plug sockets, lighting, computing and home entertainment.

Contingent on how you plan to use your cellar conversion it would pay you to think seriously about the width and height of your entry points. When all is said and done, what exactly is the sense in designing a cellar conversion as a home gym, bar or pool room if it's not possible to haul the equipment down the staircase.

It's obvious that whatever you elect to convert your cellar into, you'll need it to stay dry and warm in summer and winter. Hiring a trustworthy basement conversion specialist with accreditation, membership and guarantees from the building and construction trade associations will enable this to be accomplished and put your mind at rest.

Try to look for Chester cellar conversion companies that are signed up members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and if you're in any doubt you can ask the FMB that they're really on their approved members list. You can verify how effectively a building company has performed in the past by visiting the highly respected TrustMark website and seeing the reliability figures it has achieved. This is a beneficial scheme founded by the Trading Standards Authority with approval from the government.

There are many legitimate and honest building firms in Chester who will be glad to help you convert your cellar with the assistance of highly qualified and trained individuals within the building trade. But it only takes a small number of unethical firms to ruin trust, and a genuine building company will acknowledge your fears and help to ease your uncertainties wherever possible.

Home Cinema Conversions Chester

As we've previously discussed, there are countless different uses to which you can put a basement conversion in Chester, but one that's becoming more and more popular is to change a basement into a home movie theatre or cinema. This is obviously a fabulous option for people who really enjoy bingeing on movies or box sets. With an absence of daylight and a tendency to be dark, a cellar is a good location for a home cinema. This usage of your cellar will also establish some additional social space for the family to hang out and relax, which is extremely important in today's busy world. (Tags: Home Cinema Conversion Chester, Basement Home Cinemas Chester, Home Entertainment Conversion Chester)

Planning Permission for Basement Conversions

If you already have a basement under you house in Chester, and only want to transform it from a damp, dark storage room into a useful living area, you'll not require planning permission from your local authority, since it is considered to be "change of use". If you have to increase the total volume of your house by excavating the basement floor to improve the ceiling height, you may need to have planning permission, as it's going to be viewed as similar to an extension. This type of planning application will almost always be approved, assuming that you're not modifying your property's external appearance to any great degree. If you are in any doubt you'll need to chat to your local planning office or get your Chester basement conversion company to get the relevant information for you. For much more information proceed to the planning portal here.

Wine Cellar Installation

Wine cellar installation is a popular service that's offered by some basement conversion specialists in Chester. Design, planning and installation of a custom wine cellar that caters to the property owner's specific preferences and requirements can be provided by such specialists. The purpose of a wine cellar isn't simply to store bottles of wine but also to create optimum conditions for preserving and ageing wine.

A professional installation of a wine cellar should feature temperature and humidity control, proper insulation, and ventilation, thereby making sure that the wine is stored optimally. Wine cellar specialists can provide advice on both the functional and visual aspects of cellar design, such as lighting and storage options, to create an attractive and efficient wine storage area.

The materials and finishes used for a wine cellar can be personalised to suit the customer's taste, with options including wood, glass or stone. Wine cellar installation specialists can offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the cellar is kept in perfect condition and the wine is stored under the best conditions.

Cellar Tanking

Before tanking your cellar in Chester, you should make sure that all joints, loose materials and cracks are removed. Then you can apply a layer of breathable rendering. After applying a second coat, check the tanking for signs of seepage and add a salt inhibitor if necessary. These steps are essential when tanking your cellar to prevent future damp patches.

Tanking your basement in Chester can be very expensive. The cost depends on the size of your basement, the type of substrate, and the level of damp. A reliable damp proof specialist in Chester will visit your home and provide you with a personalised quote. If you're unclear about whether tanking is right for your cellar, ask a damp professional 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 cellar ceilings, floors and walls. It prevents water from seeping into the walls and makes them watertight permanently. Since basement walls are usually below ground level, water from the surrounding terrain can pass through the walls and carry salts to the cellar. Therefore, the tanking slurry is created especially to combat these issues and create a watertight barrier. (Tags: Cemetitious Tanking Chester, Cellar Tanking Chester, Basement Tanking Chester, Basement Water Proofing Chester)

Cellar and Basement Conversion Surveys Chester

Converting a basement or cellar into an additional living area is a project many homeowners in Chester will look at at some time. A professional survey is necessary to ascertain if your particular cellar/basement is actually suitable for conversion, before any work is undertaken.

Any surveyor who visits your house should be certified in below-ground constructions, and will have spoken with you before arrival regarding the planned usage of your cellar/basement. This will provide the surveyor with a sense of what systems must be put in place to accommodate your requirements.

There'll be a detailed inspection of floor, wall and ceiling construction, together with making an allowance for the demands for drainage, electricity and ventilation. Your surveyor will also need to consider the specific British Standards requirements and building codes related to basement conversion. These include factors like ceiling height, fire escapes and damp proofing, and if there happen to be any party wall agreements that need consideration. (Tags: Basement Conversion Surveys Chester, Cellar Conversion Surveys Chester, Cellar Survey Chester).

Basement Conversion Tasks Chester

The selection of services and tasks that can be carried out by your local basement conversion specialist are varied and wide, and will usually include things like basement conversion quotes, low ceiling cellar conversion Chester, basement flooding solutions, low ceiling basement conversions Chester, condensation control, budget cellar conversion Chester, basement rendering Chester, cellar conversion design, basement floor restoration, basement surveys, basement conversion ideas, cellar remodeling Chester, sump pump installations in Chester, cementitious tanking, cellar refurbishment Chester, cellar surveys in Chester, cellar conversion ideas, cellar underpinning Chester, cellar waterproofing, cellar excavation, residential cellar conversion, basement conversion planning permission in Chester, cellar conversion, cellar soundproofing, cellar conversions Chester, basement electrics, woodworm treaments Chester, cellar lighting, and others not listed. This is simply an indication of the services that may be provided by a builder doing cellar conversion. Chester specialists will tell you about their entire range of basement conversion services. If there are some other Chester basement conversion requirements that you want but can't find here, you should give them a mention on the QUOTE FORM provided.

Cellar Conversion Near Chester

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