Cellar Conversion Leeds West Yorkshire (LS1): A cellar conversion can turn that dark, uninviting basement into a dry, warm and airy useable living space while also generating extra room in your Leeds home. Additionally, it brings a fully functional room closer to the main living areas of your house, which is great for entertaining, to use as an office, a home gym or even a self-contained living space for an elderly relative.
A cellar or basement conversion is also a way to add value to your house; Savills state that it is usually in the region of 10-15% higher than the market value of equivalent properties in the Leeds area. If you've already converted your attic space to provide space for your ever expanding family, a cellar conversion allows you to create desirable extra space.
Before rushing into this process it is worth asking two or three questions: 1. How can you select a building company that you can count on to do a quality basement conversion in Leeds? 2. What do you want to do with the additional space you can achieve with your basement conversion? 3. What kind of expense is involved and what positive benefits can be attained from a basement conversion? 4. What is a conversion going to mean with regard to work needed and the disturbance to the home life?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Leeds?
Unlike doing loft conversions and extensions, a cellar conversion does not normally need planning permission if you are simply making it into a useable living space, however if you've got to do any major construction works like lowering the level of the floor you must ask the local council precisely what is needed. Generally speaking you're pretty much free to use a remodeled and converted cellar with few constraints, however if your property is a listed building, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is inside a conservation area, there are completely different rules that should be followed.
One of the main reasons given by property owners in Leeds for renovating a pre-existing cellar or basement is to transform the unused space into something functional. In Leeds, where space is often hard to come by, this is the main priority for most people. A basement conversion can also be done as a way to boost the household income by transforming that largely unused space into a self contained apartment and charging rent for it.
Actually the uses of a cellar conversion are limited only by your imagination.....and your spending budget. You could create a pub for entertaining your friends and family by putting in a bar, or maybe you'd prefer a games room or modern home cinema. If you are someone who works from home a lot, a basement conversion can become the perfect home study by providing you with a custom-built area where you are much less likely to be disturbed.
What is Involved?
Although local authority planning permission might not have to be obtained there are specific Building Regulation approvals that you will certainly need. These regulations provide you, and any subsequent buyer of your property, the confidence that your cellar conversion follows the recommendations and laws for damp proofing, minimum ceiling heights, ventilation, water supply, fire escapes, electrical wiring and health and safety. Before starting any actual physical work you preferred Leeds basement conversion company should take care of these legal guidelines and obtain the necessary documents as part of the build process.
To ensure your basement conversion stays warm and dry throughout its life, a damp proof membrane or cementitious tanking will have to be laid even if there isn't and visible indication of dampness or water ingress. Any damp proofing that you elect to use has to adhere to the BS8102 recommendations which your Leeds cellar conversion specialist must observe. An experienced contractor will be able to provide you with an insurance backed warranty for their workmanship, should the membrane ever fail.
The upgrading or installation of floor surfaces, electric wiring, heating system, insulation, water supply, ventilation and lights will all have to be discussed with your preferred conversion company. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in cellar conversions in Leeds because it is efficient and spreads heat evenly. This space saving heating method is concealed underneath your cellar flooring and calls for a minimal amount of upkeep once fitted.
Any kind of electrical re-wiring must always be completed by an experienced electrician. Try to look for sunken lighting fixtures to reduce the worry about ceiling height problems, and with a wide variety of low cost LED light fittings available on the market, your cellar can feel bright and airy even without natural light sources.
Two crucial elements that your conversion specialist will will want to discuss with you are how to provide adequate ventilation and insulation. Potential damp and cold spots can occur if your basement conversion is not satisfactorily insulated. Also substandard ventilation can lead to complications, not just from stale air, but also by encouraging a build up of humidity which is a serious headache where dampness is concerned.
Selecting a Cellar Conversion Company in Leeds
As with all construction projects, it is advisable to get more than one quote to allow you an opportunity to assess different company's prices. Every company is not alike when it comes to basement conversions and it is sensible to ask if you can see the appropriate building and trade memberships and accreditations if you have any doubts about their experience.
If you are given a preliminary estimate after a site survey it may only cover the basic elements of your basement conversion, such as the floor, access issues and waterproofing considerations. During discussions with your conversion specialist you are able to incorporate your own personal necessities, for example you may require an area to be separated, have a kitchen or bathroom installed or to raise the height of the ceiling by digging out the pre-existing floor.
An exact quote from a local Leeds cellar conversion company needs to contain any appropriate party wall agreements, planning laws and building regulation applications required before work can begin. So as to get a better perception of the costs involved with each stage of construction, you should make sure that the final quotation also includes a full job-by-job breakdown of each section of the conversion projects.
With such a lot of stuff to consider, any self-respecting basement conversion company will be able to offer answers to any queries you might have as well as suggesting ways to improve natural daylight by opening up the stairway or the installation of light wells. If you need new wiring for extra electrical sockets, lighting or computing and home entertainment systems these should all be addressed now.
Contingent upon how you plan to use your conversion it is advisable to think seriously about the height and width of your access points. Your fancy design might be based on your dream of transforming your cellar conversion into a designer bar, gym or pool room, but if the access isn't suitable how will you transport the equipment down there?
It's clear that whatever you plan to convert your basement into, you'll want it to stay warm and dry in summer and winter. In order for this to be readily guaranteed and achieved, you will need a reliable conversion specialist with the appropriate membership and accreditation of a trade association.
You can check if your Leeds conversion company is on the approved list of the Federation of Master Builders to make sure you are hiring a reliable and trusted builder of excellence. If you wish to check up on a contractor's past performance you can see if it is included in the TrustMark scheme. This is a beneficial scheme developed by the Trading Standards Authority with approval from the UK government.
The majority of conversion companies in the Leeds area are legitimate and genuine businesses with a highly qualified workforce. A trustworthy company will help you in any way possible to provide you with evidence of their reliability, and provide all the necessary information in order to build trust and a harmonious working relationship.
The Installation of a Wine Cellar in Leeds
The installation of wine cellars is a common service that is offered by basement conversion specialists in the Leeds area. Such specialists can provide professional advice on the planning and installation of a bespoke wine cellar that is tailored to the householder's specific needs and preferences. The role of a wine cellar is not merely to house wine bottles but also to create the ideal conditions for the maturing and preservation of the wine.
A professional wine cellar installation can include features such as humidity and temperature control, proper ventilation and insulation to ensure that the wine is stored in the best possible conditions. Professional wine cellar installation also involves visual considerations, with specialists offering advice on lighting, decoration and shelving to create a practical and inviting wine storage area.
A wine cellar can be a shrewd investment, increasing a home's value and its appeal to potential buyers. Home or property owners in Leeds can tailor their wine cellar to their liking by choosing from an array of materials and finishes, such as stone, glass or wood. After the installation, a specialist can offer maintenance and support services to make sure that the wine cellar is functioning effectively and that the wine collection is being stored correctly.
Small Basement Conversion Leeds
Even a small basement or cellar can be converted into a unique living space by a good designer, and a professional Leeds cellar conversion company will create the room you have wished for. It may for instance be used as a utility area, creating more much needed space in the kitchen by shifting your washing machine and tumble dryer out of sight.
You do not need a lot of space to build a new home office, and tailor-made office furniture can be constructed in even the tiniest of basement conversions in Leeds. Your little basement could be converted into a peaceful oasis, where you can forget about work pressures and enjoy a good book or listen to music. With subtle lighting, comfortable seating and a small storage unit you'll have everything you need to chill out and while away a few hours. The usage and design alternatives are wide and varied for even the smallest basement space in Leeds. (Tags: Small Cellar Conversions Leeds, Small Cellar Conversion Ideas Leeds, Small Cellar Conversion Leeds).
Cellar Conversion Surveys Leeds
If you've got a cellar or basement in your home in Leeds, it can easily be converted into a useful living space. The first step that must be taken is to make certain your particular basement is suitable for converting, and this involves a professional survey of your underground space.
Taking note of the intended use of the space in question, the surveyor, who should be qualified in underground construction, will conduct a detailed survey of your cellar/basement. This enables them to determine which procedures need to be followed to safely and legally do a conversion on your basement to your requirements.
There will be a comprehensive assessment of floor, wall and ceiling construction, as well as allowing for the needs for ventilation, drainage and electricity. Building regulations and British Standards guidelines specifically target basement and cellar conversions, and your surveyor will deal with each requirement that is relevant. Such measures include things like fire escapes, damp proofing and ceiling height, and whether any party wall agreements have to be resolved. There are a choice of qualified surveyors in the district, if you need to have a cellar conversion survey in Leeds. (Tags: Basement Conversion Surveys Leeds, Cellar Conversion Surveys Leeds, Cellar Survey Leeds).
Cellar Planning Permission Leeds
If you already have a basement below your home, and are pondering whether you will need to have planning permission for a basement conversion in Leeds, the answer is "probably not". The reason is that this will normally be considered to be a simple "change of use". If your current cellar space hasn't got sufficient height to do what you want to do with it, you'll need to dig out the floor to improve the ceiling height, in the event of which planning permission will likely be required, as you are expanding the volume of the property. If you're not altering your property's exterior to any serious degree, this will not be a huge concern and planning permission will in most cases be granted. Any genuine cellar conversion company in Leeds will be able to get you all the relevant information regarding this, or if at all unsure contact your local council planning office. You can also head over to the planning portal herefor more information and details.
Installing a Sump Pump
The installation of a sump pump is a key preventative measure for protecting your home against water damage. To remove water accumulation in crawl spaces and basements, sump pumps are commonly used devices. This is critical because too much water can cause mould growth, structural damage, and numerous other complications. Installing a sump pump involves excavating a pit in the crawl space or cellar's lowest area and fitting the pump within the hole. A discharge pipe is then attached to the pump, which transports the water away from the home. In case of power cuts or other emergency situations, householders might choose to install a battery backup system to ensure the pump's continued operation. The installation and configuration of a sump pump to manage water effectively in the home are best handled by a qualified professional to ensure proper placement. Investing in sump pump installation is a prudent step in protecting a property from the damage that water causes and is therefore a valuable investment.
Arriving Next:
Building regulations compliance - article 213.
Cellar Conversion Near Leeds
Also find: Headingley cellar conversion, Colton cellar conversion, Harehills cellar conversion, Hunslet Cars cellar conversion, Potternewton cellar conversion, Armley cellar conversion, Sheepscar cellar conversion, Seacroft cellar conversion, Woodhouse cellar conversion, Lower Wortley cellar conversion, Saxton Gardens cellar conversion, Green Side cellar conversion, Churwell cellar conversion, Belle Isle cellar conversion, Gledhow cellar conversions and more. All of these villages and towns are covered by companies that do cellar conversion. Leeds homeowners can get quotes by clicking here.
Other Useful Trades and Services in Leeds West Yorkshire: Needless to say, whenever you're doing home repairs and improvements in Leeds, West Yorkshire, you will likely be in need of all kinds of different tradespeople and together with a cellar conversion specialist in Leeds, West Yorkshire, you might additionally need damp proofing in Leeds, a carpenter in Leeds, a renderer in Leeds, cellar waterproofing in Leeds, a painter & decorator in Leeds, basement surveys in Leeds, a builder in Leeds, a plumber in Leeds, timber preservation in Leeds, basement flooding solutions in Leeds, an electrician in Leeds, black mould removal in Leeds, SKIP HIRE in Leeds, garage conversion in Leeds, home improvements in Leeds, condensation control in Leeds, loft conversion in Leeds, a bricklayer in Leeds, and other different Leeds tradesmen.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Leeds
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