Cellar Conversion Hungerford

A basement or cellar conversion can also add significant value to your property in Hungerford, with Savills estimating an increase of ten to fifteen percent above the market value of comparable houses in your locality. For homeowners with growing families who may have already transformed the loft into extra bedrooms, converting the cellar provides an essential way to gain more space for family life. It's about more than just enhancing your day to day living; such an investment also positions your home competitively in the Hungerford real estate market.

Before taking the plunge it's worth asking two or three questions: 1. How do you stay clear of shoddy builders and track down an experienced Hungerford firm who is able to convert your basement and offer guarantees for all the work that's involved? 2. Are the costs involved in a basement conversion really worth the benefits that you'll gain from it? 3. Just what do you want to do with the additional space you're going to develop with the conversion? 4. What is a conversion going to mean with regards to work necessary and disruption to the household?

In contrast to building extensions and loft conversions, a basement conversion does not normally require planning permission if you are only making it into a useable living area, but if you have to do any major construction works for instance lowering the floor you should ask the local authorities what is required. You will however have to check with the local authorities if you live in a conservation area, if your building is listed or if you share a party wall (requires different rules).

One of the main reasons provided by property owners in Hungerford for converting a cellar or basement is to transform the unused space into something functional. In Hungerford, where living space can frequently be hard to come by, this is the top priority. A basement conversion can also be done as a means by which to earn some extra money by transforming that largely unused space into a self contained apartment and charging rent for it.

The final layout of your cellar conversion and how it is used are dependent on what your imagination comes up with, and what your spending budget allows. Maybe you've always wanted a games room or home cinema, or you could always install a bar and "hey presto", an instant pub for you and your friends. With recent opportunities for working at home, changing your basement into a comfy and out of the way office space, where you are much less likely to be disturbed, might be just the ticket to break you out of that stressful daily commute.

What is Involved?

Even if your cellar conversion requires no planning permissions, there are a number of certificates and approvals needed from the Building Regulation office, to make sure everything is legal and above board. These important regulations give you, and any subsequent owner of your property, the reassurance that your basement conversion conforms to the laws and recommendations for water supply, health & safety, damp proofing, ventilation, fire escapes, electrical systems and minimum ceiling heights. Luckily your Hungerford cellar conversion specialists will be glad to address all of these legal guidelines as an integral part of the build process.

Even if there aren't any visible indications of mould or damp in your cellar, it will still require some type of damp proof membrane or cementitious tanking so that it stays dry and render it acceptable for converting. Any water proofing and damp proofing technique that you decide to use must adhere to the BS8102 guidelines which your Hungerford cellar conversion specialist is obliged to follow. For peace of mind, ask the construction company if they offer an insurance protected guarantee to cover damp proof membrane failure and any resulting water ingress.

The upgrading or installation of heating system, ventilation, lighting, floor coverings, electrical installations, water sources and insulation will all have to be talked over with your selected contractor. A very effective way to keep your basement conversion warm is to put in underfloor heating, which uniformly spreads heat around the area. Also, it is hidden underneath your chosen flooring style and calls for minimal maintenance.

Any sort of electrical re-wiring must be carried out by an accredited electrician. Light fixtures should be sunk in to prevent height issues and there are lots of cost effective and efficient LED fittings that look fantastic and will brighten up your conversion to make it seem airy and light.

Two vital issues that your builder will discuss with you are how to provide the necessary insulation and ventilation. Insulation ought to provide sufficient protection to stop damp and cold spots arising in your basement conversion. Mould and damp can also be caused by increased humidity levels if the level of ventilation in your conversion is inadequate.

As is the case with all major construction projects, it is wise to get more than one quote to give you the opportunity to compare prices from different companies in Hungerford. Ask to see relevant trade membership and accreditation certificates, if you are at all in doubt about their workmanship or expertise.

If you receive an initial price quote after an on-site survey it might only cover the basic aspects of your cellar conversion, for example access issues, the floor and damp proofing considerations. Follow up conversations with the building firm should look to provide some clarification about your specific requirements, i.e. increasing the height of your cellar by the digging out of the existing floor, or the installation of a kitchen or toilet in a separate room.

You should sign off on a final price with a definitive quotation for all work to be completed that includes all the necessary documents pertaining to the Hungerford area for the building regulation applications, party wall agreements and planning laws. The final quotation should also include a breakdown of the individual elements of the conversion to furnish you with an accurate understanding of the costs involved in every stage.

A decent contractor will be able to offer guidance and advice on all of these issues and suggest ways to improve natural daylight to brighten the space by the installation of light wells or opening up the staircase. If you require new electrical wiring for extra lighting, plug sockets or entertainment and computing systems these should all be dealt with now.

Access to your cellar is very important as subject to how you wish to use your new living area could mean the entryways need to be adapted. Your design may be based on your dream of turning your cellar conversion into a games room, designer bar or gymnasium, but if access is restricted how will the equipment get down there?

Whatever it is that you eventually decide to do with your basement conversion you'll want it to remain dry and warm in all weather conditions. If this is going to be readily guaranteed and achieved, you will need a trustworthy basement conversion specialist with the necessary membership and accreditation of a trade body.

Look for Hungerford building companies who are signed up members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and if you've got any doubts you can always ask the FMB to check if they're really 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 a part of the respected TrustMark scheme. This is a scheme created by the Trading Standards Authority with endorsement from the UK government.

Fortunately a large majority of building contractors who carry out basement conversions in the Hungerford area are trustworthy with highly qualified construction workers. A reputable building company recognises the concerns of the public, caused by a small minority of dishonest traders, and will do everything they can to verify their trustworthiness in a friendly and responsible fashion.

Even while this page is targeting property owners hunting for cellar conversions in Hungerford, it is still going to be valuable for those living in adjacent villages and towns such as Denford Park, Hungerford Park, Cold Harbour, North Standen, Littlecote, Ramsbury, Upper Eddington, Little Bedwyn, Avington, Straight Soley, Knighton, Eddington, Kintbury, Radley, Great Bedwyn, Crooked Soley, Froxfield, Shalbourne. Locally based Hungerford cellar conversion specialists will most likely have the phone code 01488 and the postcode RG17. Verifying this will guarantee you're accessing locally based providers of cellar conversion. Hungerford homeowners are able to benefit from these and many other comparable services.

Basement and Cellar Conversion Surveys Hungerford

If you have a cellar or basement in your house in Hungerford, it can easily be converted into a functional living area. A professional survey is required to see if your basement/cellar is suitable for conversion, before any work is started.

Once the surveyor, who'll be qualified in underground construction, is aware of the planned usage of the converted space he or she will be able to carry out an in-depth survey. This will provide the surveyor with a notion of what systems need to be installed to accommodate your expectations.

The structure of your cellar will be checked over, and the requirements for electricity, drainage and ventilation will be taken into consideration. You'll discover that there are certain building regulations and British Standards requirements in relation to cellar conversion which your certified surveyor will also have to consider. These regulations include stuff like party wall agreements, fire escapes and minimum ceiling heights, along with levels of damp and waterproofing.

Cellar Tanking Hungerford

Before tanking your cellar in Hungerford, you should ensure that all cracks, loose materials and joints are removed. Then you can apply a coating of breathable rendering. After applying a second coat, check the tanking for signs of seepage and add a salt inhibitor as appropriate. These steps are essential to tank your cellar and prevent future damp patches.

Tanking your cellar in Hungerford can be pricey. The cost will be dependent on the size of your cellar, the type of substrate, and the extent of dampness. A professional damp proof specialist in Hungerford will visit your house and provide a bespoke quote. If you're unclear about whether tanking is right for your cellar, ask a damp proofing 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 ceilings, walls and floors. 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 ground can permeate the walls and carry salts to the basement. Therefore, the tanking slurry is created specifically to combat these issues and create a waterproof barrier. (Tags: Basement Tanking Hungerford, Cellar Waterproofing Hungerford, Cemetitious Tanking Hungerford, Cellar Tanking Hungerford)

Sump Pump Installation

The installation of a sump pump is a key preventative measure for protecting your home against water damage. A sump pump is an appliance that is beneficial in removing accumulated water from crawl spaces and basements. This is important because too much water can lead to mould growth, structural damage, and a number of other issues. Sump pump installation generally involves digging a pit in the crawl space or basement's lowest point and then placing the pump inside. Afterward, the pump is linked to a discharge pipe that diverts the water from the building. In case of power outages or other emergency scenarios, property owners may elect to install a battery backup system to make certain that the pump continues to function. It is important to have a qualified professional install a sump pump to ensure it is properly placed and configured to effectively manage water in the property. The investment in sump pump installation is certainly a worthwhile one that provides homeowners with peace of mind in protecting their properties from water damage.

Timber Preservation Hungerford

An important factor to consider during a cellar or basement conversion project in Hungerford is timber preservation. The naturally moist environment of a cellar can make timber, such as joists, flooring and beams, vulnerable to damp and rot. To prevent this, it's necessary to treat the timber with preservatives that protect it from fungal growth, insects and decay.

Before getting started on your cellar conversion or refurbishment, you should have a professional assess the condition of any pre-existing timber. They can identify any indications of damp or rot and suggest the most effective treatment techniques to resolve the problem. If some of the wood is already damaged or compromised, it might require replacement or treatment with specialised products to regain its durability and strength.

Before installation, all new timber should be treated with a suitable preservative during the conversion. This makes it easier to guarantee that the wood is shielded from the basement's damp atmosphere. You should also think about using pressure-treated timber, as it's infused with high-strength preservatives during manufacturing, offering long-term protection.

Controlling humidity levels and maintaining good ventilation is important after the conversion has been completed. This helps to maintain the good condition of the wood and prevent future issues with damp. Occasional inspections are suggested to catch potential problems early on, guaranteeing the longevity of the timber and the success of your cellar conversion in Hungerford. (Tags: Timber Preservation Hungerford)

Small Basement Conversion

Even a tiny cellar can be converted into a unique living area by a good designer, and a specialist Hungerford basement conversion company will be able to create the perfect room for you. Perhaps it could be turned into a utility area and somewhere to keep your tumble dryer and washing machine out of sight and free up valuable storage space in your kitchen.

Possibly you could do with an area where you can work from home; even a little room can be efficiently used as an office with bespoke furniture built and fitted by a specialist company. Why not transform your modest basement space into a reading or listening room, making it a place to escape from the stress of daily life. All that you'll really need is a cozy chair or sofa, subdued lighting and somewhere to store your books or music. The options for a small cellar conversion in Hungerford are only limited by your imagination. (Tags: Small Basement Conversion Ideas Hungerford, Small Cellar Conversions Hungerford, Small Cellar Conversion Hungerford).

Coming Soon:

Low ceiling cellar conversions (article 1743).

Family & Friends

It is always really helpful to ask whether relatives and friends have any recommendations when looking for a contractor for your project or undertaking in Hungerford. Along with pointing a finger at substandard builders and companies that have a below par performance record, person to person references are often the most effective way to identify a tradesperson who's ideal for your needs.

Asking a family member or friend for their feedback also means that you can get some insights into the reliability and timekeeping of the contractor, and if anything went wrong, how quickly were mistakes rectified, and what the builder's attitude was like. They'll be able to advise you how the final price in comparison with the initial estimate they were presented with, or whether the builder offers a guaranteed price promise.

Seeing as your friends and family members are folks that you know and can depend on in regards to their advice, they should be your first point of reference. If they've had an unsatisfactory experience with a particular contractor or company, they might be reluctant to talk about them in any great detail. It is frequently the case that many people will be perfectly willing to talk about a good contractor and less likely to mention an inferior one. They may even endorse an alternative company, rather than 'denigrate' far from ideal one that they have previously dealt with.

Cellar Conversion Tasks Hungerford

The array of services and tasks that can be conducted by your local cellar conversion specialist are varied and wide, and will normally include things like basement tanking, cellar waterproofing, bonded sheet membranes, basement floor restoration, cellar conversions, cellar electrics, basement staircases, structural waterproofing in Hungerford, cellar remodeling in Hungerford, cellar conversion, basement rendering, basement conversion ideas, sump pumps, low ceiling cellar conversion Hungerford, timber preservation, cellar surveys, small cellar conversion, low ceiling basement conversions Hungerford, condensation control in Hungerford, sprayed concrete Hungerford, basement refurbishment, basement waterproofing, cellar flooring, positive input ventilation in Hungerford, cementitious tanking Hungerford, waterproof membranes in Hungerford, cellar refurbishment in Hungerford, cellar conversion underpinning, and others unlisted. In terms of what's available, this is in no way an all-embracing list of what can be available from somebody doing cellar conversion. Hungerford professionals will be happy to provide a full-blown list of their basement conversion services when requested. You could perhaps go to this QUOTE FORM and fill in your details, if you have additional Hungerford cellar conversion requirements that you are hunting for but cannot find here.

Cellar Conversion Specialist Information and Advice

To search for accredited and recommended cellar conversion companies in Hungerford you can head to Trustmark of the FMB. To see basement remodeling photographs and related social media marketing, check this out. Learn the fundamentals on crawl space dig out and underpinning by using YouTube here. By doing a quick online search you'll easily be able to find plenty of helpful articles regarding cellar conversion designs, basement remodeling and cellar remodeling - we recently noticed this engaging one about the ultimate guide to cellar remodeling check this out. The dedicated Wikipedia "basement" page is the spot to head over to for information regarding structural & design considerations, the different variations of cellar, drainage factors, the usage of cellars and basements and basement finishings and culture.

Cellar Conversion Near Hungerford

Also find: Little Bedwyn cellar conversion, Upper Eddington cellar conversion, Eddington cellar conversion, Great Bedwyn cellar conversion, Hungerford Park cellar conversion, Littlecote cellar conversion, Avington cellar conversion, Froxfield cellar conversion, Cold Harbour cellar conversion, Shalbourne cellar conversion, Radley cellar conversion, Ramsbury cellar conversion, Knighton cellar conversion, Straight Soley cellar conversion, North Standen cellar conversion, Crooked Soley cellar conversion, Kintbury cellar conversion, Denford Park cellar conversions and more. All of these villages and towns are served by companies that do cellar conversion. Hungerford residents can get quotations by going here.

Basement Conversion Services Hungerford

Basement Conversion in Hungerford

• Basement Refurbishment
• Commercial Cellar Conversions
• Basement Damp Proofing
• Basement Conversion
• Basement Remodeling
• Cellar Conversion
• Cellar Flooring
• Cellar Remodeling
• Basement Surveys
• Rising Damp Control
• Cellar Waterproofing Services
• Cheap Cellar Conversions
• Cellar Conversion Price Quotes
• Cellar Refurbishment

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For local information regarding Hungerford, Berkshire look here

Basement conversions in RG17 area, (dialling code 01488).

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