Cellar Conversion Cranbrook Kent (TN17): A cellar (or basement) conversion can transform that cheerless, dark basement into a warm, dry and bright living space while also generating extra room in your Cranbrook property. Whether you wish to use the extra space as a games room, bar, home gym or even turn it into a separate apartment, a basement conversion brings useful living space nearer to the main areas of your house than a loft conversion can do.
A cellar or basement conversion is also a means by which to add value to your property; Savills state that it is generally in the region of ten to fifteen percent more than the market value of equivalent properties in the Cranbrook area. A basement conversion permits you to generate extra family living space, which if you have already previously converted an attic space into bedrooms, is a desirable and important improvement to your property.

If you're considering a basement conversion be sure you have asked yourself these pertinent questions before beginning: 1. Precisely what use do you want to make of the additional space you're going to generate with your basement conversion? 2. How do you choose a building company that you can count on to do a high quality basement conversion in Cranbrook? 3. Are the advantages of a cellar conversion really worth the expense that is involved with doing it? 4. How much work will need to be undertaken on the cellar to convert it into a useable living area?
Why Pick a Cellar Conversion in Cranbrook?
In contrast to constructing loft conversions and extensions, a cellar conversion doesn't usually require local authority planning permission if you're just making it into a functional living space, but if it is necessary to do any major construction works for instance lowering the level of the floor you need to ask your local authorities precisely what your options are. In most situations you're pretty much free to use a remodeled and converted basement with few limitations, but if your property is within a conservation area, is listed or shares a party wall with a neighbour, there are completely different regulations that have to be followed.

For most homeowners in Cranbrook, the reason that they want to have a cellar or basement conversion done in their home is to make full use of invaluable living space. In Cranbrook, where living space is often at a premium, this is the top priority. A basement conversion can also be employed as a way to earn some extra cash by transforming that largely unused space into a self contained apartment and renting it out.
Actually the uses of a cellar conversion are limited only by your own imagination.....and of course your spending budget. In Cranbrook bars, home cinemas and games rooms are favourite options for the use of a basement conversion, to provide a comfortable space for entertaining family and pals. If you are someone who works from home a lot, a basement conversion can become the ideal home office by giving you a bespoke area where you're much less inclined to be disturbed.
What is Involved?
Although local authority planning permission may not need to be acquired there are particular Building Regulation approvals that you will need. This will make certain that your newly created living area observes all the Health & Safety guidelines and laws for minimum ceiling heights, damp proofing, water sources, electrical wiring, fire escapes and ventilation. These necessary regulations and rules will be handled as an integral part of the construction process by your Cranbrook cellar conversion specialists.

It doesn't matter if your basement doesn't feel damp nor has any indication of mould; you'll still have to get a suitable cementitious tanking or damp proof membrane installed to offer a dry, water-resistant area suitable for conversion. Your chosen cellar conversion specialists in Cranbrook will discuss which damp proofing procedure is best for your home and make certain its installation adheres to BS8102 recommendations. A credible company should be able to provide you with an insurance protected warranty for their workmanship, should the membrane fail.
The floor coverings, ventilation, lighting, insulation, water supply, heating and electric wiring will probably also have to be upgraded or installed from scratch. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in basement conversions in Cranbrook as it spreads heat evenly and is very efficient in this setting. Also, it is hidden underneath your selected flooring style and requires a minimal amount of upkeep.
Electrical re-wiring must be left to an accredited tradesman. Light fixtures should be sunk in to avoid ceiling height issues and there are plenty of low cost and efficient LED fittings that look amazing and will brighten up your conversion to make it seem light and airy.
There are rules relating to adequate insulation and ventilation to basement conversions and your conversion specialist will want to discuss the various options. Inadequate insulation leaves your conversion with cold spots which may increase dampness. Furthermore substandard ventilation can cause problems, not only from stale air, but also by encouraging a build up of humidity which also is a big headache where dampness is concerned.
Selecting a Cellar Conversion Specialist in Cranbrook
As is the case with all major building projects, it is wise to obtain more than one quotation to allow you a chance to compare prices from different contractors in Cranbrook. Every builder is not the same in regards to basement conversions and it's judicious to ask if you can see the appropriate building and trade accreditations and memberships if you feel in any doubt about their expertise or workmanship.

An initial quotation may be provided after an on-site survey for a standard basement conversion with damp proofing, flooring and access elements being evaluated. Follow up discussions with the building firm should provide some clarification about your specific requirements, for instance increasing the height of your cellar by the excavating of the existing floor, or the installation of a kitchen or toilet in a separate room.
A definitive quote from a nearby Cranbrook cellar conversion company needs to contain any appropriate planning laws, party wall agreements and building regulation applications required before work can begin. The final quote should also provide a breakdown of the various aspects of the conversion to provide you with an accurate idea of the costs involved in each stage.
With such a lot of stuff to think about, a competent cellar conversion specialist should be able to provide solutions to any questions you may have as well as advising on ways in which to increase natural light by installing light wells or opening up stairs. They'll also be able to recommend how best to adapt the cellar and electrical cabling for extra lights, electrical sockets, computer networks and home entertainment systems you need.
Contingent on your planned use of your conversion it pays think seriously about the height and width of your access points. Your elaborate design might be based on transforming your cellar conversion into a bar, snooker room or gymnasium, but if access is restricted how will the equipment get down there?

Whatever it is that you choose to do with your cellar conversion you want it to remain warm and dry in all weathers. In order for this to be readily achieved and guaranteed, you need a reliable conversion specialist with the necessary membership and accreditation of a trade organisation.
Try to use Cranbrook building companies that are registered members of the Federation of Master Builders and if you're in any doubt you can ask the FMB if they are actually on their list of approved members. If you want to check up on a building company's past performance you can see if it's included in the TrustMark scheme. This is a beneficial scheme founded by Trading Standards with endorsement from the government.
There are plenty of trustworthy, legitimate builders in the Cranbrook area who will be able to help you convert a cellar or basement with the help of a highly qualified and trained workforce within the construction industry. A genuine building company will assist you in any possible way to provide proof of their reliability, and respond in a fair manner in order to build trust and a unified working relationship.
Cellar Tanking
Before tanking your cellar in Cranbrook, you should make sure that all loose materials, cracks and mortar joints are removed. Then you can apply a layer of breathable rendering. After applying a second coat, check the tanking for signs of seeping and you could add a salt inhibitor as appropriate. These steps are essential to tank your basement and prevent damp patches in the future.
Tanking your basement in Cranbrook can be very expensive. The cost depends on the size of your cellar, the kind of substrate, and the extent of damp. A reliable damp expert in Cranbrook will visit your property and provide a customised quote. If you're unsure of whether tanking is right for your cellar, ask a damp proof 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 basement floors, walls and ceilings. It stops water from seeping into these surfaces and makes them watertight permanently. Because cellar walls are typically 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 eliminate these issues and create a watertight barrier. (Tags: Cellar Tanking Cranbrook, Cemetitious Tanking Cranbrook, Cellar Waterproofing Cranbrook, Basement Tanking Cranbrook)
Planning Permission for Basement Conversions

If you currently have a basement below your home in Cranbrook, and just want to turn it from a dark, damp storage area into a useful living area, you'll not require planning permission from your local authority, as it is deemed as "change of use". If your current basement space doesn't have enough height to do what you want to do with it, you will need to excavate the floor, in the event of which planning permission will most likely be needed, as you're increasing the total volume of the property. Planning permission will almost always be approved, provided that you're not transforming your home's exterior to any significant extent. Any quality basement conversion specialist in Cranbrook should be able to give you all of the information in regards to this, or if unsure contact your local authority planning office. For more details and information check out the planning portal here.
Cellar and Basement Conversion Surveys

If you've got a basement or cellar in your property in Cranbrook, it can be easily converted into a useful living area. You are required to have a professional survey carried out to ensure that your particular basement/cellar is suitable for conversion.
Once the surveyor, who'll be qualified in underground constructions, is aware of the planned usage of the converted space he will be able to carry out a detailed survey. This will provide the surveyor with a sense of what systems have to be installed to accommodate your expectations.
There'll be a full evaluation of floor, ceiling and wall construction, along with making an allowance for the requirements for ventilation, plumbing and electricity. British Standards requirements and building regulations specifically target basement conversions, and your professional surveyor will deal with each stipulation that is relevant. These regulations include fire escapes, party wall agreements and minimum ceiling heights, and standards of damp proofing and water resistance. If you are looking to get a basement conversion survey in Cranbrook, there are plenty of qualified surveyors in the region who can undertake this for you. (Tags: Basement Conversion Surveys Cranbrook, Basement Survey Cranbrook, Cellar Conversion Surveys Cranbrook).
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Building regulations compliance - article 213.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Cranbrook

There is a wide range of work that can be accomplished by your local Cranbrook basement conversion specialist including timber preservation, basement lighting in Cranbrook, wine cellar installation, small basement conversions, cellar surveys, basement conversion design, condensation control, sump pump installations, cellar remodeling, basement remodeling, positive input ventilation, basement surveys in Cranbrook, basement electrics, budget basement conversion Cranbrook, black mould removal, cellar rendering Cranbrook, commercial cellar conversions, structural waterproofing, low ceiling cellar conversion Cranbrook, waterproof membranes, small cellar conversions, low ceiling basement conversions Cranbrook, basement conversion planning permission, cellar refurbishment Cranbrook, cellar plumbing, damp proofing, cellar soundproofing, basement conversions, and lots more. These services are just a few of those available from somebody doing cellar conversion. Cranbrook specialists operating in the area will will be glad to tell you about the full range of cellar conversion services that are available. If there are different Cranbrook cellar conversion requirements that you want but can't find here, you can easily list them on the QUOTE FORM provided.
Basement Conversion Near Cranbrook
Also find: Biddenden cellar conversion, Flimwell cellar conversion, Sissinghurst cellar conversion, Cranbrook Common cellar conversion, Gills Green cellar conversion, Lamberhurst cellar conversion, Curtisden Green cellar conversion, Goudhurst cellar conversion, Benenden cellar conversion, Kilndown cellar conversion, Wilsley Pound cellar conversion, Colliers Green cellar conversion, Iden Green cellar conversions and more. All of these villages and towns are catered for by companies doing cellar conversion. Cranbrook business and home owners can get cellar conversion estimates by going here.
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