Cellar Conversion Witney Oxfordshire (OX28): An effective way to create useful living space in your home in Witney without needing to resort to converting a loft or building an extension, is to change that dark, unwelcoming space beneath your property into bright and airy room with a cellar (or basement) conversion. Having extra living space closer to the more used areas of your house can present you with greater opportunities for entertaining friends, creating a home gym or building a "granny annex" for elderly relatives.
A cellar or basement conversion is also a means by which to add to the value of your property; Savills the estate agents say that it is generally around ten to fifteen percent higher than the value of similar homes in the Witney area. If you've already converted your loft space to cope with your growing family, a cellar conversion gives you a good way to create much needed extra family living space.
Before jumping into any basement conversion project, you need to ask yourself these important questions: 1. How do you successfully pick out a builder you can depend on to do a professional cellar conversion in Witney? 2. What use do you want to make of the additional space you're going to generate with your basement conversion? 3. How much work will have to be done on the cellar to convert it into a useable space? 4. Is the expense involved in a cellar conversion really worth the benefits that you gain from it?
Why Pick a Cellar Conversion in Witney?
If your home has already got a cellar, there is no need to apply for planning permission if you're only turning it into a living space, but if you need to dig out the floor to lift the height of the ceiling then you first need to double check with your local council planning department. In most instances you are free to utilise a converted and refurbished cellar with few restrictions, however if your home is within a conservation area, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is a listed structure, there are completely different regulations that have to be adhered to.
For a lot of folks in Witney, the reason they want to have a basement or cellar conversion done in their property is to make use of precious extra living space. This is especially true where space is restricted such as in many parts of Witney. A basement conversion can also be used to generate a little extra income by creating a self contained unit which can be put up for rent or used as an AirBnB.
The truth is the uses of a cellar conversion are only limited by your imagination.....and your budget of course. You could create a pub for your friends and family by putting in a bar, or perhaps you would prefer a games room or modern home cinema. With recent developments and the opportunities for working from home, converting your cellar into a tranquil and isolated office space, where you are less likely to be disturbed, may be just the thing to break you out of your daily commute.
What is Involved?
As mentioned above, local authority planning permission may not be required in the majority of instances, however you will have to get Building Regulations clearance. This will make certain that your new living space follows all the Health and Safety guidelines and legislation for minimum ceiling heights, electrical systems, ventilation, fire escapes, damp proofing and water supply. These necessary rules and regulations will be dealt with as part of the build process by your Witney basement conversion specialists.
Even if there are no visible signs of damp or mould in your basement, it will still need some form of cementitious tanking or waterproof membrane in order to remain water-resistant and make it acceptable for conversion. Any damp proofing and waterproofing technique that you elect to use should conform to the BS8102 recommendations which your Witney builder must observe. To put your mind at ease, ask the conversion company if they offer an insurance backed warranty against water ingress due to water proof membrane failure.
Consult with the conversion company regarding the installation or upgrade of the lighting, heating, water sources, floor surfaces, electrical installations, insulation and ventilation, to get the most appropriate products for your selected use of your cellar conversion. A very efficient way to warm up your cellar or basement conversion is to put in underfloor heating, which evenly distributes heat around the area. This space saving style of heating is hidden underneath your cellar floor covering and requires little upkeep once it has been fitted.
Only certified electricians should be used to complete any electrical re-wiring that has to be done on your cellar conversion. Lighting are often recessed to prevent ceiling height issues and there are plenty of cost effective and efficient LED light fittings that look fantastic and will brighten your cellar conversion to make it feel airy and light.
Two vital factors that your contractor will will want to discuss with you are the best ways to provide adequate ventilation and insulation. Potential dampness and cold spots may appear if your basement conversion is not satisfactorily insulated. Also poor ventilation can cause complications, not just from stale air, but also by encouraging increased humidity which also is a huge headache where dampness is involved.
Choosing a Basement Conversion Contractor in Witney
As with all major building projects, it is better to obtain more than one estimate to allow you an opportunity to compare prices from different companies in Witney. Every builder is not alike when it comes to cellar conversions and it's judicious to ask if you can see the appropriate trade and building accreditations and memberships if you feel in any doubt about their experience.
An initial price quote may be given at the end of a site survey for a basic cellar conversion with flooring, access and damp proofing measures being assessed. Additional consultations will be needed over your different specifications, for example adding a kitchen or bathroom, constructing a partition wall to divide up a room, or excavating the existing floor to increase room height.
You should agree on a final price with a definitive quote for all work to be undertaken including all the necessary documentation applicable to the Witney area for the building regulation applications, party wall agreements and planning laws. It also needs to be broken down into individual sections of the overall conversion project so you can get a better idea of the eventual price.
With so many things to think about, a reliable cellar conversion company should be able to offer answers to any questions you may have and also offer imaginative ways that you might be able to improve natural daylight by the use of light wells or opening up the stairway. This is also the right time to consult with a fully qualified electrician regarding the installation of extra electrical wiring for sockets, lighting, entertainment and computer networks.
If your access to the basement is restricted it may have to be adjusted subject to what uses you have in mind for your conversion. All things considered, what's the sense in designing an elaborate basement conversion as a bar, pool room or home gym if it's not possible to haul the equipment down the staircase.
It's clear that whatever you plan to convert your basement into, you will need it to stay dry and warm in summer and winter. Hiring a professional conversion specialist with accreditation, membership and guarantees from the building and construction trade bodies will enable this to be accomplished and give you peace of mind.
Look for Witney conversion companies that are registered members of the Federation of Master Builders and if you're in any doubt you can ask the FMB to check if they are really on their list of approved members. Yet another good way to check up on a contractor's trustworthiness is to see if it's included on the Trustmark website. TrustMark is a helpful scheme that has the full support of the government and is run by Trading Standards.
The vast majority of cellar conversion companies in Witney are genuine and legitimate businesses with a fully qualified workforce. However it takes only a tiny group of unscrupulous firms to ruin trust, and a genuine conversion company will recognise your fears and help to allay your uncertainties if they possibly can.
Small Cellar Conversions Witney
Develop a unique new living space, even if your current cellar or basement is only small, by hiring an experienced Witney basement conversion company to plan, design and then build it. It may be used as a utility room, freeing up valuable space in your kitchen by moving your washing machine and tumble dryer out of the way.
You don't need a lot of space to build a home office, and purpose built furniture can be designed for even the smallest of basement conversions in Witney. A modest basement can also be converted into a tranquil oasis, where you can escape from the stress of work and day to day life, enjoying a good book or listening to your favourite music. All that you'll really need is lighting, a cozy chair or two, and a place to store your books or music. You're limited only by your imagination for what can be accomplished with a small cellar conversion in Witney.
Installing a Sump Pump
A sump pump installation is a vital precautionary measure to prevent water damage to your property. A device known as a sump pump is utilised to remove excess water from crawl spaces and basements. The importance of this cannot be overstated because an excess of water can give rise to structural damage, mould, and various other issues. The process of installing a sump pump usually requires excavation of a hole in the basement or crawl space's lowest area, where the pump is then installed. Following this, a discharge pipe is connected to the pump, which carries the water away from the home. Homeowners may prefer to install a battery backup system to ensure the pump's continuous functioning during power cuts or other emergency situations. Professional installation of a sump pump is necessary to ensure proper placement and configuration for effective water management in the home. Installing a sump pump is a smart investment in safeguarding a home against water damage in the long term.
Cellar Tanking
Before tanking your cellar in Witney, you should make sure that all loose materials, joints and cracks are removed. Then you can apply a coating of breathable rendering. After applying a second coat, check the tanking for signs of seeping and you could add a salt inhibitor if needed. These steps are essential when tanking your basement to prevent damp patches in the future.
Tanking your basement in Witney can be expensive. The cost will be dependent on the dimensions of your cellar, the kind of substrate, and the level of dampness. A competent damp expert in Witney will visit your home and provide you with a personalised quote. If you're uncertain about whether tanking is right for your cellar, ask a damp proofing expert to determine its suitability.
Tanking is a process where waterproof cement is applied to basement ceilings, floors and walls. It prevents water from seeping into the walls and makes them watertight permanently. As basement walls are frequently below ground level, water from the surrounding terrain can pass through the walls and carry salts to the basement. Therefore, the tanking slurry is designed specifically to overcome these issues and create a water-proof barrier. (Tags: Basement Tanking Witney, Cellar Tanking Witney, Cellar Water Proofing Witney, Cemetitious Tanking Witney)
Cellar Excavation
Involving the process of digging and expanding the lower levels of a building is cellar excavation, with the aim to create a new cellar space or extend an existing one. Utilizing a complex construction technique, property value is increased, and storage or living areas see expansion. Competent specialists handle the excavation, ensuring structural integrity, effective support systems and waterproofing. Enhancing the overall appeal and utility of the property, cellar excavations provide valuable opportunities to convert underutilised spaces into habitable and functional areas. To ensure a successful cellar excavation project, careful planning and adherence to safety standards are of the utmost importance. (54387)
Basement Conversion Near Witney
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Cellar Conversion Tasks Witney
There are a whole host of tasks that can be completed by your local Witney cellar conversion specialist including structural waterproofing, basement damp proofing, basement surveys, wine cellar installation, sump pump installation, cellar conversions, basement conversion design, timber preservation, cellar conversion underpinning, budget cellar conversion Witney, basement conversion Witney, small basement conversion in Witney, condensation control, cellar conversion, cellar conversion ideas, basement conversion ideas, cellar surveys, basement conversion quotes Witney, cellar tanking in Witney, positive input ventilation in Witney, basement tanking, cellar plumbing, basement surveys, cellar conversion quotes in Witney, cellar electrics, basement remodeling, basement flooding solutions, basement flooring, and more. This is just a sample of the services available from someone doing cellar conversion. Witney specialists providing these kinds of basement conversion services, will supply you with a full-blown list on request. If there's something cellar related, which you need but can't find mentioned here, you can always go to this QUOTE FORM and enter your details.
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