Cellar Conversion Kingsbridge Devon (TQ7): A great way to create useful living space in your house in Kingsbridge without resorting to building an extension or converting a loft, is to transform that unwelcoming, dark space beneath your property into a smart, airy room with a cellar conversion. Having extra living space closer to the more used areas of your house can present you with more opportunity for creating a home gym, entertaining friends or building a "granny annex" for an elderly relative.
According to Savills the estate agents, a converted cellar (or basement) can also add anywhere between ten and fifteen percent to the market price of your house. If you have already done a conversion on your attic to cope with your growing family, a basement conversion enables you to create desirable extra space.

If you're thinking about doing a basement conversion be sure you have asked yourself these important questions before beginning: 1. Exactly how much work will have to be conducted on the basement to convert it into a useable living area? 2. How do you stay clear of shoddy builders and find a high quality Kingsbridge firm who can convert the cellar and supply guarantees to all the work involved? 3. Are the costs involved in a cellar conversion really worth the benefits that you will gain from it? 4. What precisely is your purpose for creating the additional space with a basement conversion?
Why Choose a Cellar Conversion in Kingsbridge?
Unlike constructing extensions and loft conversions, a cellar conversion doesn't usually need local authority planning permission if you are only making it into a functional living space, but if it is necessary to do any major construction works like lowering the level of the floor you need to ask the local authorities what is needed. You will however need to check with the local council if you share a party wall (requires different regulations), if you live in a conservation area or if your building is listed.

For a lot of people in Kingsbridge, the reason they wish to have a basement conversion created in their home is to free up valuable living space. If like lots of other folks in Kingsbridge you find living space is limited, this can be a top priority. A basement conversion can also be used to generate a bit of extra income by making it into a self contained flat which can be rented out or registered with AirBnB.
In all honesty the only limitations to what you can do with your cellar conversion are your imagination and your budget. In Kingsbridge games rooms, home cinemas and instant pubs are favourite choices for a cellar conversion, to provide a comfortable place to entertain family and mates. Another firm favourite, and maybe more inviting given recent developments, is the creation of a home office or study where you'll be able to escape from the daily commute and benefit from an area in your home where you are less liable to be disturbed while you work.
What is Involved?
As has already been mentioned, local authority planning permission might not be necessary in many cases, however you certainly will have to get Building Regulations clearance. These stringent Building Regulations, that have to be complied with by your builders will make certain that the cellar conversion fulfills all the required building guidelines in relation to electrical installations, minimum ceiling heights, health and safety, damp proofing, water sources, fire escapes and ventilation. These regulations and rules will be addressed as part of the build process by your Kingsbridge basement conversion specialists.

It matters not if your cellar doesn't seem to be damp nor has any sign of mould; you will still have to get a suitable waterproof membrane or cementitious tanking installed to provide a dry, watertight area which is suitable for conversion. Any damp proofing that you choose to use has to abide by the BS8102 regulations which your Kingsbridge cellar conversion specialist must follow. A trusted company will be able to offer an insurance protected warranty for their work, in the event that the membrane fails.
Seek advice from the construction company regarding the installation or upgrade of the heating system, water supply, ventilation, insulation, lighting, flooring and electric wiring, to to make sure you get the most appropriate products for your specific cellar conversion. An extremely efficient way to keep your basement conversion warm is to put in underfloor heating, which evenly spreads heat around the area. Additionally it is concealed underneath your selected flooring and requires very little maintenance.
Electric installations should be done by an accredited tradesperson. Lighting should be recessed to help with ceiling height issues and there are a whole host of low cost and efficient LED light fittings that look amazing and will brighten up your cellar conversion to make it seem light and airy.
There are rules and regulations concerning the necessary insulation and ventilation to basement conversions and your building contractor will discuss the options available to you. Inappropriate insulation will leave your cellar conversion with cold spots which may increase damp. Additionally inadequate ventilation can lead to issues, not just from stagnant air, but also by encouraging a build up of humidity which is a big concern where dampness is involved.
Finding a Cellar Conversion Company in Kingsbridge
Before choosing your contractor in Kingsbridge, get as many quotes as you can to allow you to evaluate the different prices and services available to you. If you feel in any doubt about the expertise of a building company it should not be a problem if you ask if you can see their certificates of accreditation and membership to the relevant trade associations.

If you receive an initial quotation after a site survey it may only apply to the basic aspects of your cellar conversion, for instance the floor, access issues and damp proofing considerations. During discussions with your contractor you are able to incorporate your personal needs, for instance you might require an area to be split up, have a bathroom or kitchen installed or increase the ceiling height by digging out the current floor.
You will sign off on a final price with an exact quote for all work to be undertaken that includes all the appropriate paperwork pertaining to the Kingsbridge area for the building regulation applications, planning laws and party wall agreements. The final quote should also include a task-by-task breakdown of the various aspects of the basement conversion to give you a true understanding of the costs involved in every phase.
The builder should be able to offer help and advice on all these matters and recommend methods by which to increase natural daylight to brighten the area by installing light wells or opening up stairways. If you require new electrical wiring for additional lighting, sockets or home entertainment and computing systems these will all be dealt with at this point.
If your access to the basement is limited it might have to be modified depending on what use you have in mind for your conversion. When all is said and done, what's the sense in designing an elaborate basement conversion as a pool room, bar or gymnasium if it's not possible to carry the equipment down the staircase.

Keeping your cellar free from damp and warm is the main concern against whatever the British weather decides to do. For this to occur you need your builder to be certified and guaranteed by membership and accreditation to professional building bodies.
A FMB (Federation of Master Builders) membership and accreditation by your Kingsbridge cellar conversion company illustrates their reliability in the building industry. If you wish to verify a firm's past performance you can see if it is included in the respected TrustMark scheme. This is a helpful scheme run by by Trading Standards with endorsement from the UK government.
There are lots of legitimate and trustworthy businesses in Kingsbridge who will be able to help you convert your basement with the help of a highly trained and qualified workforce within the building trade. But it takes only a tiny number of unprincipled companies to generate distrust, and a reliable building company will acknowledge your concerns and help to ease your uncertainties in any way possible.
Cellar Waterproofing Kingsbridge

With regards to doing a conversion, the waterproofing of your basement is one of the most important aspects of the process. You definitely do not want to invest all that money remodeling your basement, only to find that the room created is damp and mouldy. This is the main reason why it's imperative to use a highly skilled conversion company in Kingsbridge to handle the project. When you're looking to waterproof an underground basement, there are essentially two ways to do it. The passage of water into your basement can either be impeded by cementitious tanking, applied as a wet slurry type mixture, or it may be rerouted into a cavity by the use of waterproof membranes, whence it's quietly pumped out of the building.
Cellar Tanking
If your basement in Kingsbridge is damp or contains water, you should consider cellar tanking. This form of waterproofing is more affordable and easier to install than you might think. Furthermore, tanking can make extra usable space in your property. Here's why: tanking helps keep moisture out while making extra usable space.
First, remove loosened materials and mortar joints. You can also add a salt inhibitor to prevent further problems in the future. If you are unable to remove the loose material, you could 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 basement or cellar in Kingsbridge. This type of tanking requires you to clear all interior walls of all items, including plumbing. You must also secure the pipework 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 carries water away from the property.
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.
Arriving Next:
Building regulations compliance - article 213.

Other Useful Services and Trades in Kingsbridge Devon: Naturally, whenever you are doing home repairs and improvements in Kingsbridge, Devon, you'll likely be in need of all types of different tradesmen and aside from a cellar conversion specialist in Kingsbridge, Devon, you could additionally need a flooring specialist in Kingsbridge, a carpenter in Kingsbridge, a building contractor in Kingsbridge, basement waterproofing in Kingsbridge, garage conversion in Kingsbridge, timber preservation in Kingsbridge, black mould removal in Kingsbridge, a painter & decorator in Kingsbridge, damp proofing in Kingsbridge, condensation control in Kingsbridge, a renderer in Kingsbridge, an electrician in Kingsbridge, a plumber in Kingsbridge, basement surveys in Kingsbridge, a bricklayer in Kingsbridge, loft conversion in Kingsbridge, home improvements in Kingsbridge, SKIP HIRE in Kingsbridge, and other different Kingsbridge tradesmen.
Basement Conversion Tasks Kingsbridge

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Cellar Conversion Near Kingsbridge
Also find: South Huish cellar conversion, Ledstone cellar conversion, Aveton Gifford cellar conversion, Loddiswell cellar conversion, West Charleton cellar conversion, West Alvington cellar conversion, Dodbrooke cellar conversion, Sherford cellar conversion, Chillington cellar conversion, East Allington cellar conversion, Goveton cellar conversion, Churchstow cellar conversions and more. Most of these locations are served by companies doing cellar conversion. Kingsbridge householders can get quotes by clicking here.
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