Cellar Conversion Livesey Lancashire (BB2): A cellar (or basement) conversion can transform that dark, inhospitable basement into an airy, dry and warm living space whilst also creating extra room in your Livesey property. In addition, it brings a fully functioning room closer to the main living space of your house, which is useful for entertaining, to use as a home gym, a study or even a self-contained living space for a teenager or elderly relative.
According to the property agents Savills, a converted basement (or cellar) can also add somewhere between 10-15% to the market value of your home. If you've already done a conversion on your loft space to cope with your growing family, a cellar conversion enables you to create much needed extra living space.
Should you be considering doing a basement conversion be sure you have asked yourself these pertinent questions before rushing into anything: 1. What kind of expense is involved and what advantages can be attained from a cellar conversion? 2. How do you find a local Livesey basement conversion company that is dependable and reliable? 3. Just how much work will need to be conducted on your basement to convert it into a functional area? 4. Precisely what do you want to do with the extra space you can develop with the conversion?
Why Pick a Cellar Conversion in Livesey?
If you are simply going to renovate an existing cellar without needing to raise the height of the ceiling, then more often than not you will not need planning permission. In most cases you are free to use a renovated and converted basement with very few constraints, but if your home is in a conservation area, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is listed, there are some different regulations that have to be adhered to.
For a lot of people in Livesey, the reason they want to have a cellar or basement conversion done in their house is to free up invaluable extra living space. In Livesey, where living space is often in short supply, this is the main priority. A cellar conversion can also be used to earn a bit of extra cash by creating a self contained flat which can be put up for rent or registered with AirBnB.
In truth the things you can do with a cellar conversion are limited only by your own imagination.....and your budget. Perhaps you have always dreamt of having a games room or home cinema, or you could always install a bar and "voila", instant pub for you and your pals. Another popular favourite, and maybe more desirable given recent circumstances, is the creation of a home based office or study where you'll be able to escape from the daily commute and benefit from a space in your house where you might be much less liable to be disturbed while working.
What is Involved?
Even if your basement conversion requires no local authority planning permission, there are a number of certificates and approvals needed from the Building Regulation authorities, to make it legal and above board. These important regulations give you, and any future owner of your home, the confidence that your basement conversion follows the legislation and guidelines for ventilation, damp proofing, water sources, minimum ceiling heights, fire escapes, electrical systems and health and safety. These necessary rules and regulations will be addressed as an integral part of the construction process by your Livesey basement conversion specialists.
Even if there aren't any visible indications of damp or mould in your existing cellar, it will still require some kind of damp proof membrane or cementitious tanking so that it stays dry and render it acceptable for converting. Your Livesey builder will help you decide which procedure is best for your cellar conversion and also make sure it adheres to the recommendations set down by the British Standards BS8102 regulations. To put your mind at ease, ask the construction company if they can provide you with an insurance supported warranty against water ingress due to water proof membrane failure.
The electric wiring, floor coverings, ventilation, lights, water supply, insulation and heating will probably also need to be installed or upgraded. Increasing in popularity is under-floor heating which spreads heat uniformly around the space and is very effective. It requires a minimal amount of maintenance once it has been fitted and is a concealed sort of heating, which is an extra space saving bonus.
Any electrical installations must always be done by an experienced electrician. Lighting can be recessed to help with ceiling height issues and there are plenty of efficient and low-cost 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 relating to the necessary insulation and ventilation to cellar conversions and your builder will want to chat about the different options. The correct insulation should offer enough protection to stop dampness and cold spots arising in your basement conversion. Inadequate ventilation can also trigger a steady increase in humidity which is known to trigger issues with mould and damp.
Picking a Basement Conversion Contractor in Livesey
As with all building projects, it's best to get more than one estimate to give you the opportunity to evaluate different company's prices. If you are at all in doubt about the working standards of a builder it shouldn't be a problem if you ask if you can see their certificates of accreditation and membership to the relevant trade organisations.
An initial estimate could be provided after an on-site survey for a standard basement conversion with flooring, waterproofing and access considerations being evaluated. Follow up discussions with the building company should look to provide some clarification about your own specific requirements, for instance increasing the ceiling height of your cellar by the digging out of the existing floor, or the installation of a toilet or kitchen in a separate room.
The final quote should contain all required party wall agreement, planning application and building regulation paperwork relevant to the Livesey area before any actual physical work is able to commence. The final quotation should also give a task-by-task breakdown of the individual components of the basement conversion to provide you with a true idea of the costs involved in every stage.
The contractor will be able to offer advice and guidance on all these issues and suggest ways in which to increase natural light to brighten the conversion by the installation of light wells or opening up the stairway. They will also be able to recommend how to best adapt the cellar and electrical installations for additional plug sockets, lighting, entertainment systems and networking you require.
If your access to the cellar has limitations it might have to be modified subject to what uses you have in mind for your conversion. It is pointless to plan for a snooker room, bar or gym complete with equipment if you have problems getting down a narrow flight of stairs whilst holding a cup of tea.
It's clear that whatever you plan to convert your basement into, you will need it to remain dry and warm in summer and winter. In order for this to be readily accomplished, you'll need an experienced builder with the necessary accreditation and membership of a professional building body.
Look for Livesey building companies who are registered members of the Federation of Master Builders and if you are at all doubtful you can ask the FMB if they're really on their list of approved members. You can verify how well a construction company has performed in past times by going to the highly respected TrustMark website and seeing the reliability figures it has attained. TrustMark is a beneficial scheme that has full support from the government and is run by the Trading Standards Authority.
Happily the overwhelming majority of builders who work on basement conversions in the Livesey area are highly qualified and trustworthy builders and construction industry workers. A professional conversion company acknowledges the doubts of the general public, caused by a tiny minority of unprincipled traders, and will do everything in their power to verify their integrity in a responsible and friendly way.
Home Cinema Conversions Livesey
As we've already discussed, there are countless different uses to which you can put a basement conversion in Livesey, but one choice which is getting much more popular is to turn a basement into a home cinema. If you really enjoy bingeing on box sets, soaps or movies this is going to be the perfect option for you. Since basements are usually darker because of the lack of daylight they are an ideal setting for a cinema. In addition, this is going to establish a bit of extra social space to your home and be a useful spot where friends and family can come together and hang out.
Sump Pump Installation
A sump pump installation is a vital precautionary measure to prevent water damage to your property. The use of sump pumps is common in the elimination of excess water in basements and crawl spaces. The significance of this lies in the fact that excessive water can cause mould growth, structural damage, and various other problems. Installing a sump pump involves digging a hole in the cellar or crawl space's lowest point and fitting the sump pump within it. Next, the pump is connected to a discharge pipe that channels the water away from the house. To ensure the pump's continuous operation during power outages or other emergency situations, property owners can opt to install a battery backup system. 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. Installing a sump pump is a valuable investment in safeguarding a home against the damage that water causes.
Cellar Tanking
Before tanking your cellar in Livesey, you should make sure that all joints, cracks and loose materials are removed. Then you can apply a coating of breathable render. After applying a second coat, check the tanking for signs of seepage and you could add a salt inhibitor as appropriate. These steps are essential when tanking your basement to prevent damp patches in the future.
Tanking your cellar in Livesey can be expensive. The cost depends on the dimensions of your cellar, the type of substrate, and the extent of dampness. A qualified damp specialist in Livesey will visit your house and provide a customised quote. If you're unclear about whether tanking is the right thing your cellar, ask a damp proofing expert to assess 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 ceilings, floors and walls. It prevents water from seeping into these surfaces and makes them watertight permanently. Because basement walls are frequently below ground level, water from the surrounding soil can pass through the walls and carry salts to the cellar. Therefore, the tanking slurry is designed specifically to overcome these problems and create a water resistant barrier. (Tags: Cellar Tanking Livesey, Basement Tanking Livesey, Cellar Waterproofing Livesey, Cemetitious Tanking Livesey)
Design Consultation and Planning
In the conversion of a cellar into a habitable living space, it is vital to undergo design consultation and planning. To create a home office, guest room, or comfy den that makes the most of the available space, it's beneficial to work with a professional designer.
The first step towards successful design consultation and planning is identifying your needs and goals for the space. It's important to think about factors like ventilation, lighting and insulation, and necessary electrical or plumbing work for the project.
To establish the best layout for your cellar space, a designer can factor in elements such as access points, windows and ceiling height. A cohesive look and feel can be achieved by selecting fixtures, finishes and furnishings with the help of a designer.
During the planning stage, it's crucial to account for any necessary approvals and permits, as well as the project's timeline and budget. Through meticulous planning and the aid of an expert, your cellar or basement can be transformed into a beautiful and practical living space that caters to all your requirements.
Basement and Cellar Conversion Surveys
If you have a cellar or basement in your home in Livesey, it can easily be converted into a functional living area. A professional survey is required to ascertain if your basement is actually suitable for converting, before any work is started.
A surveyor who does an inspection of your property must be qualified in below-ground construction, and will have chatted with you before arrival about the planned usage of your cellar. This will enable them to assess just what steps need to be taken to legally and safely do a conversion on your cellar to your requirements.
The construction of walls, ceilings and floors will all be evaluated, taking into account the demands of plumbing, ventilation and electricity. Your professional surveyor will also need to consider the specific building codes and British Standards requirements relating to cellar conversions. These include factors like ceiling height, fire escapes and damp proofing, and if there are any party wall agreements that need consideration. (Tags: Cellar Survey Livesey, Basement Conversion Surveys Livesey, Cellar Conversion Surveys Livesey).
Planning Permission for Cellar Conversions
If you've already got a cellar below your property, and are concerned about whether you'll need to get local authority planning permission for a cellar conversion in Livesey, the likely answer is "probably not". The reason is that this will usually be regarded as a simple "change of use". If you have to expand the overall volume of the home by digging up the cellar floor to lift the height of the ceiling, you might then need to have planning permission, since it will be viewed as similar to an extension. If you're not altering your home's exterior to any serious degree, this should not be a problem and your planning application will nearly always be granted. If you are in any doubt you will need to chat to your local planning department or get your Livesey cellar conversion company to get the information on your behalf.
Wine Cellar Installation
Many basement conversion specialists in the Livesey area offer wine cellar installation services. Design and installation of a custom wine cellar that caters to the property owner's specific preferences and requirements can be provided by such specialists. Wine cellars are designed not only to store wine bottles but also to create an environment that promotes optimal wine preservation and ageing.
To maintain the perfect conditions for wine storage, a professional wine cellar installation could incorporate humidity and temperature control, insulation and ventilation features. Alongside the technical aspects of wine cellar installation, a specialist can also provide suggestions on the aesthetic appearance of the cellar, including shelving, decoration and lighting, to create a practical and appealing wine storage area.
A wine cellar can be a shrewd investment, increasing a property's value and also its appeal to prospective buyers. Personalisation is key when it comes to wine cellar design, with homeowners in Livesey able to choose from a variety of finishes and materials like stone, wood or glass. A specialist in wine cellar installation can also provide ongoing support and maintenance to guarantee the wine collection is aging correctly.
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Low ceiling cellar conversions.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Livesey
Your local basement conversion specialist can accomplish a large range of services and tasks including cellar conversions, basement soundproofing, woodworm treatment, cellar refurbishment, basement conversions, budget basement conversion Livesey, basement lighting, basement flooding solutions, residential basement conversion, wine cellar installation, low ceiling basement conversions Livesey, basement conversion Livesey, cementitious tanking, basement floor repair & restoration, cellar surveys in Livesey, PIV (positive input ventilation), small basement conversion, basement surveys in Livesey, basement underpinning, cellar remodeling, timber preservation, basement conversion ideas, basement waterproofing, black mould removal, sprayed concrete Livesey, condensation control, sump pump installation, cellar tanking in Livesey, and others. This is just a sampling of what can be expected from somebody doing cellar conversion. Livesey professionals, when approached, will keep you abreast of the entire range of basement conversion services that are available. You could perhaps go to this QUOTE FORM and submit your details, if you have other Livesey basement conversion requirements that you're looking for but can't see here.
Other Useful Services and Trades in Livesey Lancashire: Of course, whenever you're doing home improvements and repairs in Livesey, Lancashire, you'll likely need all sorts of different tradesmen and aside from a cellar conversion specialist in Livesey, Lancashire, you may additionally need an electrician in Livesey, a carpenter in Livesey, basement surveys in Livesey, a painter & decorator in Livesey, black mould removal in Livesey, loft conversion in Livesey, a plumber in Livesey, a bricklayer in Livesey, a building contractor in Livesey, condensation control in Livesey, basement waterproofing in Livesey, basement flooding solutions in Livesey, SKIP HIRE in Livesey, timber preservation in Livesey, a house extension in Livesey, rendering in Livesey, damp proofing in Livesey, a handyman in Livesey, and other different Livesey tradesmen.
Cellar Conversion Near Livesey
Also find: Tockholes cellar conversion, Ryal Fall cellar conversion, Hoghton Bottoms cellar conversion, Feniscowles cellar conversion, Withnell cellar conversion, Cherry Tree cellar conversion, Abbey Village cellar conversion, Riley Green cellar conversion, Hoghton cellar conversion, Mill Hill cellar conversion, Brincall cellar conversion, Pleasington cellar conversion, Withnell Fold cellar conversion, Lower Darwen cellar conversion, Roddlesworth cellar conversion, Earcroft cellar conversion, Whinny Heights cellar conversions and more. The majority of these villages and towns are served by companies that do cellar conversion. Livesey residents can get cellar conversion price quotes by going here.
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