Cellar Conversion Finchley Greater London (N2): A basement conversion can transform that dark, inhospitable cellar into an airy, dry and warm living space while also generating extra room in your Finchley property. It also brings a fully functioning room closer to the main living space of your property, which is good for entertaining friends, to use as a study, a home gym or even a spare bedroom for elderly relatives.
A cellar or basement conversion is also an effective way to add value to your property; the estate agents Savills state it is likely to be in the range of ten to fifteen percent more than the value of similar properties in the Finchley area. For homeowners with growing families, who could have previously converted their attic for extra bedrooms, a basement conversion provides them with a way to add that much needed space that is all important for family living.
If you're considering a basement conversion make sure you've asked yourself these questions before commencing: 1. What work is necessary to do a conversion on your cellar? 2. Are the costs associated with a cellar conversion really worth the rewards you will gain from it? 3. How do you stay clear of dodgy builders and track down an experienced Finchley contractor who can convert your cellar and offer warranties for all work involved? 4. For what are you going to use the extra room created?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Finchley?
If your property already has a basement, there is no need to apply for planning permission if you're basically converting it into a living space, but if you've got to dig up the floor to increase the height of the ceiling then you should check with your local council first. There are some different regulations if your property is in a conservation area, is listed or shares a party wall with a neighbour, but in most cases you are free to use the area as a living area with few restrictions.
For most people in Finchley, the reason that they want to have a cellar conversion done in their house is to make full use of invaluable living space. In Finchley, where space can sometimes be at a premium, this is the main priority. A cellar conversion could also be used to earn a little extra cash by creating a self contained apartment which can be let out or used as an AirBnB.
To be fair the only limitations to what you can do with your basement conversion are your imagination and your budget. In Finchley games rooms, instant pubs and home cinemas are favoured choices for a basement conversion, to provide a welcome place to entertain friends and family. Another popular favourite, and maybe more desirable given recent developments, is the building of a home study or office where you can escape from the stressful daily commute and benefit from a place in your home where you are less likely to be interrupted while working.
What is Involved?
Even if your basement conversion requires no local authority planning permission, there are a number of certificates and approvals required from the Building Regulation authorities, to make sure everything is legal and above board. These stringent Building Regulations, which must be followed by your construction contractor, will make sure that the basement conversion satisfies all the necessary building guidelines and health and safety laws. Fortunately your Finchley basement conversion specialists will be able to take care of all of these regulations as an integral part of the build process.
It does not matter if your cellar does not seem to be damp nor has any sign of mould; you will still need to have a suitable cementitious tanking or waterproof membrane put in to offer a dry, water-resistant area that is suitable for conversion. Your Finchley builder will help you choose which procedure is more suitable for your particular conversion and also make sure it follows the recommendations set down by the British Standards BS8102 regulations. A dependable contractor should be able to offer an insurance backed guarantee for their work, should the membrane fail.
The upgrading or installation of floor surfaces, water supply, heating, electric wiring, insulation, lights and ventilation will all have to be discussed with your selected builder. An effective way to keep your cellar or basement conversion warm is to install underfloor heating, which evenly spreads the heat around the area. This space saving style of heating is hidden beneath your basement floor and requires a minimal amount of maintenance once it is fitted.
Any kind of electrical installations must be completed by a competent electrician. Cheap and efficient LED lighting units can be sunk into the ceiling to provide maximum floor to ceiling height and guarantee that your cellar conversion has a bright, natural feel.
There are regulations and rules concerning the necessary insulation and ventilation to basement and cellar conversions and your building contractor will discuss the options available to you. Potential cold spots and dampness can arise if your conversion is not satisfactorily insulated. Damp and mould can also be attributable to increased humidity levels if the level of ventilation in your conversion is substandard.
Picking a Cellar Conversion Contractor in Finchley
The common sense approach is to obtain at least 3 price quotes from different building contractors in Finchley, to compare service, prices and guarantees for your cellar conversion project. If you feel in any doubt about the working standards of a building contractor it should not be a problem if you ask if you can view their proof of membership and accreditation to the relevant construction trade bodies.
If you are given a preliminary quotation after an on-site survey it might only apply to the basic elements of your cellar conversion, for example access issues, the floor and waterproofing considerations. During discussions with your building company you're able to incorporate your personal preferences, for example you might require an area to be split up, have a kitchen or bathroom installed or acquire more ceiling height by excavating the current floor.
The final quotation should include all required planning application, building regulation and party wall agreement paperwork pertinent to the Finchley area before any work is able to commence. The final quotation should also provide a job-by-job breakdown of the various elements of the basement conversion to furnish you with a true understanding of the costs involved at each phase.
The contractor should be able to offer guidance and advice on all of these matters and recommend ways in which to introduce natural daylight to brighten the conversion by installing light wells or opening up the stairway. They'll also be able to suggest the best way to adapt the basement and electrical installations for any extra lights, sockets, networking and home entertainment systems you need.
Depending on how you plan to use your conversion it is advisable to really think about the height and width of your access points. Your elaborate design may be based on turning your cellar conversion into a games room, designer bar or gym, but if access is limited how will you get the equipment down there?
Keeping your cellar warm and free from damp is a priority against whatever the British weather can throw at it. Using a reliable company with membership, accreditation and assurances from the construction and building trade organisations will enable this to be achieved and put your mind at rest.
A Federation of Master Builders (FMB) membership and accreditation by your Finchley conversion specialist shows their reliability and professionalism in the building and construction industry. If you want to check a contractor's past performance you can see if it's included in the TrustMark scheme. This is a Trading Standards supervised scheme and it is supported by the government.
Most building companies in Finchley are genuine and legitimate businesses with a qualified workforce. A reputable company will assist you in any possible way to furnish you with evidence of their integrity, and respond in a fair manner so as to build trust and a unified working relationship.
The Installation of a Wine Cellar in Finchley
A popular service that's offered by many basement conversion specialists in the Finchley area is wine cellar installation. Tailored to the home or property owner's needs and desires, these specialists can offer expert guidance on the planning, design and installation of a custom wine cellar. A wine cellar not only provides an exclusive area for storing wine bottles but also helps to maintain optimum conditions for ageing and preserving wine.
Proper installation of a wine cellar by professionals can encompass humidity and temperature control, proper ventilation and insulation features that guarantee the wine is kept in the best possible condition. In addition to ensuring optimal storage conditions, a wine cellar installation service can also provide recommendations on the aesthetic design of the cellar, such as decoration, shelving and lighting, to create a stylish and functional space.
Together with the installation, a wine cellar expert can offer regular support and maintenance to ensure the cellar remains in perfect condition.
Cellar Tanking Finchley
Before tanking your cellar in Finchley, you should make certain that all cracks, loose materials and joints are removed. Then you can apply a layer of breathable render. After applying a second coat, check the tanking for signs of seeping and you should add a salt inhibitor as appropriate. These steps are essential to tank your cellar and prevent damp patches in the future.
Tanking your cellar in Finchley can be costly. The cost depends on the dimensions of your cellar, the type of substrate, and the extent of damp. An experienced damp specialist in Finchley will visit your property and provide a customised quote. If you're unsure of whether tanking is right for your cellar, ask a damp proofing specialist to determine its suitability.
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, ceilings and walls. It stops water from seeping into these surfaces and makes them watertight permanently. Since cellar walls are usually below ground level, water from the surrounding terrain can pass through the walls and carry salts to the basement. Therefore, the tanking slurry is created specifically to overcome these issues and create a water-resistant barrier.
Small Basement Conversions
Build a unique new living space, even if your existing cellar or basement is only modest, by hiring a professional Finchley basement conversion company to plan and build it. You might be able to create some precious space in your kitchen by transforming your small basement to a laundry room for your tumble dryer and washing machine.
Maybe you need an office to do work at home; even a tiny room can be used efficiently with purpose built furniture made and installed by a professional Finchley company. A small basement can also be transformed into an oasis of tranquillity, where you can get away from the stress of work and everyday life, and enjoy a good book or listen to your favourite music. Add a bit of comfy seating, gentle lighting and a media centre or bookshelf and you'll be in business. The usage and design options are countless for even the smallest basement space in Finchley.
Basement Conversion Near Finchley
Also find: Friern Barnet cellar conversion, West Finchley cellar conversion, Woodside Park cellar conversion, Golders Green cellar conversion, Fortis Green cellar conversion, Church End cellar conversion, Mill Hill East cellar conversion, East Finchley cellar conversion, Brent Cross cellar conversion, Colindale cellar conversion and more.
Basement Conversion Tasks Finchley
The variety of services and tasks that can be undertaken by your local basement conversion specialist are varied and wide, and will typically include stuff like cellar soundproofing, cellar waterproofing, budget cellar conversion Finchley, cellar damp proofing, waterproof membranes Finchley, basement surveys, basement refurbishment, cellar refurbishment, basement conversions, cementitious tanking, basement remodeling, commercial cellar conversion in Finchley, residential cellar conversion, basement electrics, small cellar conversion, cellar conversion ideas, basement flooding solutions, cellar rendering, condensation control, basement damp proofing Finchley, cellar conversion design in Finchley, cellar conversion planning permission, low ceiling cellar conversion Finchley, budget basement conversion Finchley, basement excavation, basement conversion, wine cellar installation, and others not listed. When it comes to what is actually available, this is by no means an all-embracing list of what can be offered by somebody doing cellar conversion. Finchley specialists will be happy to tell you about their full range of basement conversion services if you call them. You can easily CLICK HERE and fill out the quote form provided, if there are some other Finchley basement conversion requirements that you need but can't find here.
Other Useful Services and Trades in Finchley Greater London: Of course, whenever you happen to be doing home remodeling in Finchley, Greater London, you will likely be in need of all kinds of different tradesmen and apart from a basement conversion specialist in Finchley, Greater London, you might additionally need loft conversion in Finchley, a building contractor in Finchley, a flooring specialist in Finchley, a carpenter in Finchley, garage conversion in Finchley, an electrician in Finchley, rendering in Finchley, black mould removal in Finchley, cellar waterproofing in Finchley, a painter & decorator in Finchley, waste removal in Finchley, a tiler in Finchley, cellar surveys in Finchley, condensation control in Finchley, damp proofing in Finchley, timber preservation in Finchley, SKIP HIRE in Finchley, a plumber in Finchley, and other different Finchley tradesmen.
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