Cellar Conversion Gravesend Kent (DA11): A basement conversion can change that dark, unwelcoming cellar into a dry, warm and bright useable living space whilst also generating an extra room in your Gravesend home. It also brings a fully functional room closer to the main living space of your house, which is handy for entertaining friends, to use as an office, a home gym or perhaps a self-contained living space for a teenager or elderly relative.
A basement or cellar conversion is also a way to add to the value of your house; the estate agents Savills say that it is likely to be around ten to fifteen percent more than the market value of comparable properties in the Gravesend area. For householders with expanding families, who may have already converted loft space for additional bedrooms, a basement conversion provides them with a means by which to add that much needed space which is important for comfortable family life. An investment like this not only enhances your day to day living but also positions your property more competitively in the Gravesend real estate market.
If you're considering a cellar conversion ensure that you have asked yourself these pertinent questions before starting: 1. How can you choose a builder that you can count on to do a high quality cellar conversion in Gravesend? 2. Just what do you want to do with the added space you can develop with your basement conversion? 3. Just how much work will need to be undertaken on the basement to turn it into a functional space? 4. Are the benefits of a cellar conversion worth the costs that are associated with accomplishing it?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Gravesend?
If you are just going to modernise a pre-existing cellar without having to raise the ceiling height, then generally speaking you're not going to need local authority planning permission. There are various different requirements if your house is listed, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is in a conservation area, but in the majority of cases you're free to use the area as a living area with very few limitations.
For most householders in Gravesend, the reason that they wish to have a cellar or basement conversion done in their property is to free up valuable living space. This is especially relevant where space is restricted such as in some areas of Gravesend. A cellar conversion can also be employed as a means by which to earn some extra money by transforming the area into a self contained flat and putting it up for rent.
The final form of your cellar conversion and what it is used for are down to what your imagination can come up with, and what your spending budget allows. In Gravesend games rooms, home cinemas and instant pubs are favourite choices for the use of a cellar conversion, to provide a comfortable space to entertain family and friends. Another firm favourite, and maybe more inviting given recent circumstances, is the building of a home based study or office where you can escape the stressful daily commute and enjoy a place in your house where you are less liable to be interrupted while you work.
What is Involved?
As already mentioned, planning permission may not be required in many instances, but you will have to get Building Regulations consent. This will make certain that your newly built living area follows all the Health and Safety laws and guidelines for ceiling height, damp proofing, electrical installations, fire escapes, water supply and ventilation. Luckily your Gravesend basement conversion specialists should address all of these legal guidelines as part of the construction process.
Even if there are no visible signs of mould or damp in your cellar, it will still need some form of waterproof membrane so that it remains water-resistant and render it suitable for conversion. Your Gravesend builder will help you decide which procedure is better for your basement conversion and also ensure it observes the recommendations of the British Standards BS8102 regulations. For peace of mind, ask the construction company if they offer an insurance backed guarantee to cover water ingress due to the potential failure of the membrane.
The floor surfaces, electrical installations, lighting, insulation, ventilation, water supply and heating will probably also need to be installed or upgraded. Under floor heating is increasingly popular in basement and cellar conversions in Gravesend as it is efficient and spreads heat evenly. This space saving heating method is hidden underneath your basement flooring and requires a minimal amount of upkeep once it is fitted.
Only accredited electricians should be used to accomplish any electrical re-wiring that has to be undertaken on your conversion. Affordable and effective LED light fixtures can be sunk into the ceiling to give the maximum possible ceiling to floor height and guarantee your cellar conversion has a natural, bright feel.
There are regulations relating to adequate ventilation and insulation to basement and cellar conversions and your contractor will discuss the options available to you. Inappropriate insulation leaves your basement conversion with possible cold spots which may increase damp. Mould and damp can also be the result of increased humidity levels if the quality of ventilation in your conversion is inadequate.
Choosing a Cellar Conversion Contractor in Gravesend
The common sense approach is to obtain at least 3 quotes from different building contractors in Gravesend, to compare prices, services and guarantees for your cellar conversion project. Ask to see relevant building trade accreditation and membership certificates, if you've got any doubts about their workmanship or expertise.
If you are given an initial quotation after an on-site survey it might only cover the basic elements of your basement conversion, for example damp proofing considerations, access issues and the floor. During discussions with your building company you'll be able to incorporate your own personal needs, i.e. you might require a room to be split up, have a bathroom or kitchen installed or raise the ceiling height by digging out the existing floor.
You will agree on a final price with an accurate quote for all work to be carried out that includes all of the appropriate documentation pertaining to the Gravesend area for the building regulation applications, party wall agreements and planning laws. So as to have a better idea of the costs involved with each phase of construction, you need to make sure that the final quotation also provides a complete job-by-job breakdown of each section of the conversion.
A reputable company can provide recommendations to resolve all your concerns including methods by which to improve natural daylight to your conversion by opening up staircases or the use of light wells. They'll also be able to suggest the best way to adapt the basement and electrical installations for additional electrical sockets, lighting, home entertainment systems and computer networks you require.
Depending on your planned use of your basement conversion it pays think seriously about the height and width of your entry points. Your design may be based on turning your cellar into a home gym, designer bar or pool room, but if the access isn't suitable how will you get the equipment down there?
It's clear that whatever you elect to convert your cellar into, you will want it to remain dry and warm in summer and winter. For this to occur you need your builder to be certified and guaranteed by membership and accreditation to professional building organisations.
Try to look for Gravesend conversion companies who are registered members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and if you're in any doubt you can ask the FMB that they're actually on their list of approved members. You can check up on how effectively a conversion company has performed previously by going to the TrustMark website and seeing the integrity figures it has attained. The Trading Standards Authority regulate the scheme and it is backed by the government.
The vast majority of building firms in the Gravesend area are genuine and legitimate businesses with a fully qualified workforce. An experienced company understands the fears of the general public, caused by a tiny minority of unprincipled "cowboys", and will try everything they can to affirm their trustworthiness in a responsible and friendly way.
Higham, Southfleet, Ebbsfleet, Istead Rise, Milton, Cooling Street, New Barn, Pinden, Longfield, Chalk, Green Street Green, Cliffe Woods, Shorne, Singlewell, Bean, Riverview Park and more places in the region, are within the service range of most Gravesend cellar conversion companies. Local Gravesend cellar conversion specialists will most likely have the postcode DA11 and the telephone code 01474. Checking this can confirm that you access local providers of cellar conversion. Gravesend homeowners can utilise these and various other related services. Click the "Quote" banner to to make enquiries and obtain basement conversion price quotes.
Small Basement Conversion Gravesend
Even a modest basement can be transformed into an exclusive living space with the correct design, and an experienced Gravesend basement conversion company should be able to create the perfect room for your needs. It may for instance be transformed into a utility area, liberating valuable space in the kitchen by moving your tumble dryer and washing machine out of the way.
Perhaps an office where you could work from home would be beneficial; even a modest room can be effectively used with purpose built furniture made and fitted by a professional Gravesend company. A smallish cellar could also be converted into an oasis of tranquillity, where you can get away from the worries of work and day to day life, and enjoy a good book or listen to some music. Add a bit of cozy seating, soft lighting and a media centre or bookshelf and you'll be in business. The possibilities for small cellar conversions in Gravesend are limited only by the capacity of imagination. (Tags: Small Cellar Conversion Gravesend, Small Basement Conversions Gravesend, Small Cellar Conversion Ideas Gravesend).
Home Cinema Conversions Gravesend
As we've already mentioned, there are a whole host of different uses to which you can put a cellar conversion in Gravesend, but one which is getting increasingly popular is to transform a cellar into a home movie theatre or cinema. If you really enjoy watching box sets, movies or soaps this may be the perfect choice for you. A cellar is a superb setting for a movie theatre, being normally dark and having a lack of daylight. Even more important, this sort of addition to your home delivers much needed extra social space where your family and friends can gather together and have fun in a relaxed informal setting. (Tags: Home Entertainment Conversions Gravesend, Basement Home Cinemas Gravesend, Home Cinema Conversions Gravesend)
Cellar Tanking Gravesend
If your basement in Gravesend is damp or contains water, you should think about basement tanking. This form of waterproofing is easier to install and more affordable than you might believe. In addition, tanking can make extra space in your property usable. Here is why: tanking helps keep moisture out while at the same time making extra usable space.
Firstly, remove loose materials and mortar joints. You could also add a salt inhibitor to prevent further problems in the future. If you cannot remove the loose material, you can try applying a chemical or physical bond. Once the coating has dried, you can add plaster over the top. Make sure you use a sulphate-resistant cement.
Membrane-sealed tanking can be installed in a cellar or basement in Gravesend. This kind of tanking requires you to clear all inside walls of all items, including pipes. You must also secure the pipes to the membrane. This is often done using plywood. After this is done, perimeter channels are installed around the base of the walls. These channels lead to a sump and pump system that transfers 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. (Tags: Cemetitious Tanking Gravesend, Basement Tanking Gravesend, Cellar Tanking Gravesend, Cellar Waterproofing Gravesend)
Basement Excavation
Involving the process of digging and expanding the lower levels of a building is basement excavation, with the aim to extend an existing basement space or create a new one. To increase property value and expand storage or living spaces, a complex construction technique is applied. The excavation is managed by skilled professionals who guarantee correct support systems, waterproofing and structural integrity. The excavation of a basement provides valuable opportunities to transform underused spaces into habitable and functional areas, enhancing the overall utility and appeal of the property. Meticulous planning and the strict observance of safety standards are vital elements of an effective basement excavation project. (46464 - Cellar Excavation Gravesend)
Basement Conversion Near Gravesend
Also find: Riverview Park cellar conversion, Cliffe Woods cellar conversion, Higham cellar conversion, Shorne cellar conversion, Milton cellar conversion, Chalk cellar conversion, Cooling Street cellar conversion, Southfleet cellar conversion, New Barn cellar conversion, Green Street Green cellar conversion, Bean cellar conversion, Ebbsfleet cellar conversion, Istead Rise cellar conversion, Singlewell cellar conversion, Longfield cellar conversion, Pinden cellar conversion and more. Contractors who do cellar conversion can be found in almost all of these villages and towns. Transforming your cellar into a functional and inviting living area is well within the capabilities of these seasoned professionals, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Turning your ideas into reality, whether it's a cosy basement lounge, a home cinema or an extra bedroom, is something these experts excel at. To get cellar conversion price quotes, local property owners can click here.
Other Useful Trades in Gravesend Kent: Not surprisingly, when you are doing home repairs and improvements in Gravesend, Kent, you are likely to be in need of all sorts of different tradespeople and apart from a basement conversion specialist in Gravesend, Kent, you may also need basement waterproofing in Gravesend, a plumber in Gravesend, a tiler in Gravesend, garage conversion in Gravesend, condensation control in Gravesend, a plasterer in Gravesend, an electrician in Gravesend, a painter & decorator in Gravesend, a builder in Gravesend, a flooring specialist in Gravesend, loft conversion in Gravesend, a carpenter in Gravesend, SKIP HIRE in Gravesend, waste removal in Gravesend, basement surveys in Gravesend, black mould removal in Gravesend, timber preservation in Gravesend, damp proofing in Gravesend, and other different Gravesend tradesmen.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Gravesend
Your local cellar conversion specialist can carry out a large range of tasks including basement electrics, cementitious tanking, cellar surveys, basement excavation, budget cellar conversion Gravesend, waterproof membranes in Gravesend, sump pumps Gravesend, low ceiling cellar conversion Gravesend, cellar damp proofing, basement flooring, condensation control, bonded sheet membranes, basement waterproofing, positive input ventilation, basement conversion ideas, basement rendering in Gravesend, basement flooding solutions, cellar conversion ideas Gravesend, basement damp proofing, cellar conversion design, basement surveys, basement refurbishment, low ceiling basement conversions Gravesend, cellar plumbing, wine cellar installation, cellar remodeling in Gravesend, damp proofing, structural waterproofing, and more. This is merely an example of what can be expected from a builder doing cellar conversion. Gravesend providers offering these kinds of basement conversion services, will supply you with a full list on request. If you've got basement conversion requirements in Gravesend, that you can't find here here, you could go HERE and fill in our simple quote form.
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