Cellar Conversion Orpington

A cellar or basement conversion is also a smart way to add extra value to your property; the global estate agents Savills say that it is usually approximately ten to fifteen percent more than the value of comparable houses in the Orpington area. A basement conversion allows you to generate additional living space, which if you have previously converted an attic space into bedrooms, is an important and desirable addition to your home.

Before you begin any cellar conversion project, you ought to ask yourself the following questions: 1. How do you find a local Orpington based cellar conversion firm that's dependable and professional? 2. Are the advantages of a basement conversion actually worth the costs that are involved with doing it? 3. What precisely do you hope to achieve with the new space created with a basement conversion? 4. What degree of work is necessary to do a conversion on your basement?

If your home has already got a basement, then there is no need to put in for local authority planning permission if you are just converting it into a living area, but if it is necessary to dig out the floor to increase the ceiling height then you should check with your local council first. You will however have to check with the local council authorities if you live in a conservation area, if your building is listed or if you share a party wall (requires different rules).

For many homeowners in Orpington, the reason that they wish to have a basement or cellar conversion created in their house is to make good use of invaluable extra living space. In Orpington, where space is often in short supply, this is the main concern. A cellar conversion can also be used to bring in a little extra money by creating a self contained unit which can be let out or registered with AirBnB.

In all honesty the only limits to your cellar conversion are your imagination and your budget. You could make it into a pub for your buddies by putting in a bar, or maybe you'd prefer a home cinema or a games room. With recent possibilities for home working, transforming your basement into a comfortable and out of the way office space, where you're much less likely to be disturbed, may be just the ticket to get you out of your stressful daily commute.

What is Involved?

As has already been mentioned, local authority planning permission may not be required in many instances, but you certainly will have to get Building Regulations clearance. This will ensure that your newly created living area observes all the Health and Safety guidelines and legislation for water sources, ventilation, electrical systems, minimum ceiling heights, fire escapes and damp proofing. These regulations and rules should be addressed as part of the construction process by your Orpington basement conversion company.

It matters not if your cellar doesn't feel damp nor has any sign of mould; you'll still have to get an appropriate cementitious tanking or damp proof membrane put in to offer a dry, watertight area that is suitable for conversion. Your Orpington basement conversion specialist will help you decide on which procedure is better for your conversion and also make certain it complies with the recommendations laid down by the British Standards BS8102 regulations. A reliable builder should be willing to provide you with an insurance backed warranty for their work, should the membrane fail.

The upgrading or installation of electrical installations, heating, flooring, water sources, lighting, ventilation and insulation will also need to be discussed with your selected conversion company. Increasing in popularity is under-floor heating which distributes heat evenly around the room and is very efficient. It calls for minimal upkeep once fitted and is a concealed sort of heating, which is an added bonus in saving space.

Electric re-wiring should be done by a qualified tradesperson. Light fixtures are usually sunk in to avoid ceiling height issues and there are lots of efficient and low-cost LED fittings that look awesome and will brighten up your conversion to make it feel light and airy.

There are regulations and rules relating to adequate insulation and ventilation to basement conversions and your conversion specialist will want to discuss the various options. The appropriate insulation ought to provide sufficient protection to stop dampness and cold spots appearing in your conversion. Mould and damp can also be triggered by heightened humidity levels if the ventilation in your basement conversion is substandard.

As with all major building projects, it is advisable to obtain more than one price quote to give you an opportunity to evaluate prices from different companies in Orpington. All companies are not the same when it comes to basement conversions and it's sensible to ask to see appropriate building and trade accreditations and memberships if you have any doubts about their expertise or workmanship.

An initial estimate may be provided following an on-site survey for a basic cellar conversion with damp proofing, access and flooring elements being assessed. Through discussion with your builder you will be able to add in your own personal necessities, for instance you might need a room to be divided, have a bathroom or kitchen installed or to raise the height of the ceiling by digging out the current floor.

The final quote should contain all necessary party wall agreement, building regulation and planning application paperwork applicable to the Orpington area before any actual work is able to begin. The final quotation should also include a job-by-job breakdown of the individual aspects of the basement conversion to furnish you with a true understanding of the costs involved in every phase.

The builder will be able to offer help and advice on all these matters and suggest ways in which to increase natural light to brighten the conversion by the use of light wells or opening up the staircase. If you need new wiring for extra lighting, sockets or entertainment and computing systems these should all be hammered out at this point.

If your access to the basement is limited it might have to be modified subject to what use you have in mind for your conversion. Your design may be based on your dream of turning your basement into a games room, designer bar or gym, but if the access isn't suitable how will you transport the equipment down there?

Whatever you eventually choose to do with your basement or cellar conversion you will want it to stay dry and warm throughout the year. In order for this to be readily achieved and guaranteed, you'll need a reliable cellar conversion company with the appropriate accreditation and membership of a trade body.

You can check if your Orpington building company is on the approved list of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to make sure you are dealing with a reliable and trusted contractor. Another excellent way to check out a building company's credibility is to see if it's included on the Trustmark website. This is a beneficial scheme developed by the Trading Standards Authority with approval from the government.

Happily a large majority of building firms who undertake cellar conversions in Orpington are highly qualified and trustworthy construction workers. However it only takes a small group of dishonest firms to create distrust, and a trustworthy conversion company will recognise your fears and help to ease your worries wherever possible.

Home Cinema Conversions

As we have already mentioned, there are a multitude of different ways in which you can use a basement conversion in Orpington, but one that is becoming increasingly popular is to convert a basement into a home cinema. For folks who love watching movies or box sets a basement cinema is an excellent choice. A cellar or basement is a superb setting for a cinema, being usually darker and having a lack of daylight. More importantly, this kind of addition to your home generates much needed extra social space where your family and friends can get together and hang out in a relaxed informal setting.

Small Basement Conversion

Build a unique new living area, even if your existing cellar or basement is only modest, by hiring an experienced Orpington cellar conversion company to design, plan and build it. It may for instance be transformed into a utility area, creating more valuable space in the kitchen by shifting your washing machine and tumble dryer out of sight.

Maybe you need an office to work from home; even a small room can be used effectively with purpose built furniture designed and fitted by a professional company in Orpington. A small basement could also be transformed into an oasis of tranquillity, where you can hide yourself away from the worry of work and day to day life, enjoying a good book or listening to some music. Add some comfy seating, subdued lighting and a bookshelf or media centre and you're good to go. You are limited only by the scope of your imagination for what you can accomplish with a small basement conversion in Orpington.

Design Consultation and Planning

In the conversion of a cellar into a habitable living space, it is vital to undergo design consultation and planning. A seasoned designer can help you get the most out of the available space when creating a guest room, home office, or cosy den.

The initial stage of design and planning consultation involves identifying your goals and needs for the space you're creating. Factors to take into account during the project include lighting, ventilation and insulation, and necessary plumbing or electrical work.

To establish the best layout for your basement space, a designer can factor in elements such as windows, ceiling height and access points. By selecting furnishings, fittings and finishes that complement each other, a designer can help create a unified look and feel.

In the planning stage, it's essential to keep in mind any necessary approvals and permits, along with the budget and timeline for the project. With the assistance of a professional and careful planning, you can convert your basement or cellar into a stunning and practical living area that caters to your every need.

What are the main planning and design elements of a basement conversion?

The design and planning elements of a cellar conversion can differ based on the project's unique objectives and needs, but important considerations might include:

• Access points: The limited access points in basements make it essential to consider how best to utilise them to create secure and convenient exits and entrances.
• Lighting: Good lighting is essential for creating an inviting and pleasant living area in a cellar, which can often be unwelcoming and dark.
• Layout: Proper planning of the basement's layout is necessary to ensure the living area is both functional and practical while making the most of the available space.
• Insulation: Proper insulation is essential to maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce energy bills.
• Ventilation: To avoid moisture and condensation issues and maintain good air quality, proper ventilation is critical.
• Plumbing and electrical work: Ensuring adherence to building regulations and safety requires careful planning and execution of plumbing or electrical work in a basement conversion.
• Waterproofing: Being situated below ground level, a cellar must be adequately waterproofed to prevent problems with dampness, water damage and mould.
• Permits and approvals: Commencing work might need approvals and permits from local authorities, depending on the project's scope.

When planning a basement conversion in Orpington, there is much to think about concerning the planning and design aspects.

Basement Conversion Tasks Orpington

There is a range of work that can be carried out by your local Orpington cellar conversion specialist including basement surveys, structural waterproofing, basement refurbishment, low ceiling cellar conversion Orpington, cellar conversion ideas, black mould removal, basement waterproofing, cellar remodeling, basement electrics, basement lighting, small cellar conversions, PIV (positive input ventilation), cementitious tanking, bonded sheet membranes, basement tanking in Orpington, basement floor repair, cellar refurbishment Orpington, cellar soundproofing Orpington, condensation control, wine cellar installation, commercial cellar conversion, domestic basement conversions, low ceiling basement conversions Orpington, basement flooring, cellar conversion, waterproof membranes, cellar conversion planning permission, and lots more. This is just an illustration of what can be expected from someone doing cellar conversion. Orpington companies offering these sorts of basement conversion services, will provide a full-blown list if you need one. If you have cellar conversion requirements in Orpington, that you cannot find here here, you should go HERE and submit the quote form provided.

Basement Conversion Near Orpington

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