Cellar Conversion Torquay Devon (TQ1): Turning a dark and unwelcoming cellar into a bright, airy living space is a great option for anyone in Torquay wanting to create extra space in their home without having to build an extension. Whether you wish to use the extra space as a study, home gym, games room or even turn it into a self-contained flat, a basement conversion brings useable living space closer to the main areas of your house than can be achieved with a loft conversion.
A basement or cellar conversion is also a means by which to add value to your property; Savills have claimed that it can be in the range of ten to fifteen percent higher than the market value of similar properties in the Torquay area. A basement conversion allows you to generate extra space, which if you've previously converted an attic into further bedrooms, is an important and attractive addition to your home. It's about more than just enhancing your daily life; this investment also positions your dwelling competitively in the real estate market.
Before rushing into this process it is worthwhile to ask a few questions: 1. What kind of costs are involved and what positive benefits can be gained from a cellar conversion? 2. What is a conversion going to mean in terms of work required and disturbance to the home life? 3. What precisely is your purpose for creating the additional space with the conversion? 4. How do you choose a builder you can count on to do a decent basement conversion in Torquay?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Torquay?
If your house already has a cellar, then you will not need to make an application for local authority planning permission if you're basically turning it into a living space, but if you've got to excavate the floor to raise the height of the ceiling then you firstly need to double check with your local council planning department. There are different protocols if your property shares a party wall with a neighbour, is listed or is in a conservation area, but in most cases you're free to utilise the space as a living area with few constraints.
One of the main reasons given by property owners in Torquay for remodeling a cellar is to utilise the redundant space for something functional. This is particularly true where living space is restricted such as in some parts of Torquay. If you don't need the extra living space for you own use, a cellar conversion can be transformed into a self contained apartment to generate welcome extra income.
The truth is the things you can do with a basement conversion are only limited by your own imagination.....and your spending budget. Perhaps you've always desired a home cinema or games room, or you could always install a bar and "voila", instant pub for you and your mates. Another firm favourite, and maybe more appealing given recent developments, is the building of a home study or office where you will be able to break away from the stressful daily commute and enjoy an area in your home where you might be less liable to be disturbed while you work.
What is Involved?
As mentioned above, planning permission might not be necessary in many cases, but you definitely will have to get Building Regulations consent. These important regulations provide you, and any future owner of your property, the assurance that the basement conversion adheres to the legislation and guidelines for ceiling height, fire escapes, water sources, ventilation, electrical installations, damp proofing and health and safety. Before beginning any actual work you chosen Torquay cellar conversion company will deal with these legal guidelines and obtain the necessary certifications as part of the build process.
Even if there are no visible signs of mould or damp in your existing basement, it will still need some kind of cementitious tanking or damp proof membrane so that it remains dry and make it suitable for converting. Your Torquay builder will help you to decide which procedure is more suitable for your particular basement conversion and also make certain it complies with the guidelines laid down by the British Standards BS8102 regulations. Should the membrane fail at some time down the road then a credible cellar conversion company will be able to provide you with an insurance protected guarantee of their workmanship, and give you the peace of mind you require.
The electrical installations, lighting, water supply, floor surfaces, ventilation, heating and insulation will most likely all have to be upgraded or installed. A very effective way to keep your basement and cellar conversion warm is to install under floor heating, which evenly distributes the heat around the area. Also, it is concealed underneath your selected flooring and requires a minimal amount of upkeep.
Only competent electricians should be used to carry out any electrical installations that has to be undertaken on your conversion. Cheap and efficient LED light fixtures can be installed within the ceiling to give maximum floor to ceiling height and ensure that your basement conversion has a bright, natural feel.
Two crucial elements that your contractor will will want to discuss are ways to provide the necessary ventilation and insulation. Substandard insulation leaves your cellar conversion with cold spots which may increase the potential for dampness. Furthermore poor ventilation can lead to complications, not only from stale air, but also by encouraging a build up of humidity which also is a big headache where dampness is involved.
Finding a Basement Conversion Contractor in Torquay
The common sense approach is to get at least three quotes from different conversion companies in Torquay, to compare warranties, services and prices for your cellar conversion project. Every builder is not the same with regards to cellar conversions and it's sensible to ask to see appropriate trade and building memberships and accreditations if you feel in any doubt about their expertise.
An initial price quote could be provided following an on-site survey for a basic basement conversion with waterproofing, flooring and access measures being assessed. Follow up consultations with the builders will provide some clarification about your own requirements, for instance increasing the height of your cellar by the excavation of the existing floor, or the installation of a kitchen or toilet in a separate room.
You should agree on a final price with an accurate quotation for all work to be carried out which includes all of the necessary documentation pertaining to the Torquay area for the building regulation applications, planning laws and party wall agreements. The final quote should also give a job-by-job breakdown of the various parts of the basement conversion to give you an accurate understanding of the costs involved in each stage.
A decent builder will be able to offer help and advice on all these issues and suggest methods by which to introduce natural light to brighten the conversion by installing light wells or opening up stairs. If you need new electrical wiring for additional plug sockets, lighting or computing and home entertainment systems these will all be addressed now.
Access to your cellar is of prime importance because depending on how you plan to use your newly created living area could mean the entrances need to be modified. It is pointless to plan for a gymnasium, bar or snooker room complete with equipment if you can barely manage to get down a flight of narrow stairs while carrying a cup of tea.
Keeping your cellar free from damp and warm is a priority against whatever the UK weather decides to do. For this to happen you need your cellar conversion specialist to be qualified and endorsed by accreditation and membership to the relevant building associations.
You can verify that your Torquay conversion company is on the list of the FMB (Federation of Master Builders) to ensure you're dealing with a reliable and trusted contractor. If you wish to check out a contractor's previous performance you can look to see if it is included in the respected TrustMark scheme. TrustMark is a beneficial scheme that enjoys full support from the government and was founded by Trading Standards.
Happily a large majority of businesses who undertake cellar conversions in the Torquay area are highly qualified and trustworthy builders and construction industry workers. A genuine company will help you in any way possible to furnish you with proof of their integrity, and provide all the necessary information so as to develop trust and a harmonious working relationship.
If you require cellar conversion in Tweenaway, Watcombe, St Marychurch, Cockington Village, Hollicombe, Maidencombe, Marldon, Combe Pafford, Babbacombe, Edginswell, Hele Cross, Shiphay, Torre, Shaldon, Barton, in these postcodes: TQ1 1AH, TQ1 1BN, TQ1 1EU, TQ1 1TD, TQ1 1EB, TQ1 1LY, TQ1 1JT, TQ1 1JX, TQ1 1RW, and TQ1 1RJ, or other places in the region, most Torquay basement conversion services will be more than happy to oblige. Local Torquay basement conversion specialists will probably have the postcode TQ1 and the telephone dialling code 01803. Verifying this should guarantee you access locally based providers of cellar conversion. Torquay property owners will be able to utilise these and many other related services. By simply clicking on the "Quote" banner you can get basement conversion quotations from nearby providers.
Planning Permission for Cellar Conversions Torquay
If your house in Torquay has already got a basement that is currently being used for storage or something similar, and you'd like to turn it into a livable space, it's going to be considered to be "change of use" and you won't need to submit an application for local authority planning permission. If your current basement space hasn't got adequate height to accomplish what you want with it, you will need to excavate the floor, in the event of which planning permission will most likely be necessary, as you're increasing the overall volume of the house. Permission will in most cases be approved, so long as you aren't transforming your property's external appearance to any great extent. If you're at all doubtful you'll need to chat to your local planning office or get your Torquay cellar conversion company to do this on your behalf. You can also head over to the planning portal herefor more details and information.
Cellar Conversion Near Torquay
Also find: Marldon cellar conversion, Watcombe cellar conversion, Barton cellar conversion, Edginswell cellar conversion, Cockington Village cellar conversion, Maidencombe cellar conversion, Babbacombe cellar conversion, Shiphay cellar conversion, Tweenaway cellar conversion, Shaldon cellar conversion, Hele Cross cellar conversion, Hollicombe cellar conversion, Combe Pafford cellar conversion, St Marychurch cellar conversion, Torre cellar conversion and more. Companies who do cellar conversion can be found in pretty much all of these towns and areas. Well-equipped to turn your basement into an inviting and functional living space, these seasoned professionals bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. Whether you envision a snug basement lounge, a home cinema or an additional bedroom, these specialists can turn your dreams into reality. Local householders can get quotations by going here. So, there's no reason not to get started on your cellar conversion project today!
Cellar Conversion Tasks Torquay
Your selected Torquay cellar conversion specialist will be able to assist you with most conversion related tasks, and this includes things like cellar damp proofing, woodworm treaments, sprayed concrete, cellar conversion estimates, basement conversion design, waterproof membranes, residential cellar conversion, basement conversion, basement conversion planning permission, black mould removal, cellar surveys, cellar underpinning, basement lighting, condensation control, basement damp proofing, commercial basement conversion, basement remodeling, cellar conversion, cellar refurbishment, basement refurbishment, basement electrics, basement surveys, timber preservation and more.
Basement Conversion Services Torquay
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Cellar Conversion Torquay
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Basement conversions in TQ1 area, and dialling code 01803.
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