Cellar Conversion Ashford Kent (TN23): A cellar (or basement) conversion can transform that cheerless, dark basement into an airy, dry and warm living space while also generating an extra room in your Ashford house. Additionally, it brings a fully functional room nearer to the main living space of your home, which is useful for entertaining friends, to use as a home gym, a study or perhaps a spare bedroom for an elderly relative.
It is also a relatively straightforward way to add more value to your house; The highly regarded estate agents Savills say that it can elevate the value by up to around 15% to equivalent homes in your neighbourhood. For those with growing families, who may have already previously converted their attic for more bedrooms, a cellar conversion offer them a means by which to add that much needed extra space which is important for family living. It's about more than just improving your everyday life; an investment like this also positions your dwelling competitively in the real estate market.
Before you begin any cellar conversion project, you need to ask yourself these important questions: 1. How much work will need to be conducted on your cellar to transform it into a useful space? 2. What kind of costs are involved and what rewards can be gained from doing a basement conversion? 3. What precisely is your purpose for creating the added space with the conversion? 4. How do you steer clear of "cowboy" builders and identify a top quality Ashford contractor who will be able to convert your basement and supply assurances and guarantees to all the work that's required?
Why Pick a Cellar Conversion in Ashford?
Unlike doing loft conversions and extensions, a cellar conversion doesn't usually require local authority planning permission if you're only making it into a useable living area, however if you have to do any major construction works like lowering the floor you should ask your local council precisely what your options are. There are different protocols if your home is in a conservation area, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is listed, but in most cases you're free to utilise the space as a living area with very few limitations.
The capacity to make use of extra, valuable living space in their house is the top reason that many people in Ashford aspire to have a cellar conversion. This is particularly relevant where space is restricted such as in many areas of Ashford. A basement conversion can also be used to bring in a bit of extra cash by creating a self contained unit which can be let out or registered with AirBnB.
The final layout of a basement conversion and how it is used are down to what your own imagination can come up with, and what your spending budget will allow. Perhaps you have always dreamt of a home cinema or games room, or you could put in a bar and "voila", an instant pub for you and your buddies. With recent developments and the opportunities for home working, changing your cellar into a tranquil and out of the way office space, where you're much less likely to be interrupted, might be just the thing to break you out of your stressful daily commute.
What is Involved?
Even if your basement conversion doesn't require any planning permissions, there are a set of certificates and approvals needed from the Building Regulation authorities, to make sure everything is above board and legal. These important regulations give you, and any future buyer of your home, the assurance that the basement conversion follows the guidelines and laws for ventilation, health & safety, fire escapes, electrical wiring, damp proofing, minimum ceiling heights and water sources. These necessary rules and regulations should be handled as an integral part of the construction process by your Ashford cellar conversion specialists.
Even if there are no visible indications of mould or damp in your existing 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 technique that you decide to use must adhere to the BS8102 recommendations which your Ashford cellar conversion specialist must follow. For peace of mind, ask the building company if they can provide you with an insurance supported guarantee to cover damp proof membrane failure and resulting water ingress.
The water sources, ventilation, electrical installations, lights, floor surfaces, insulation and heating system will most likely also need to be upgraded or installed. Increasing in popularity for cellar and basement conversions in Ashford is under-floor heating which circulates warmth evenly around the space and is extremely effective. It's also concealed beneath your selected flooring and needs minimal upkeep.
All electric rewiring must always be completed by a qualified electrician. Effective and cost effective LED light fittings can be recessed into the ceiling to provide maximum floor to ceiling height and guarantee your basement conversion has a bright, natural feel.
There are regulations and rules relating to adequate insulation and ventilation to cellar and basement conversions and your building contractor will want to chat about the different options with you early on. Substandard insulation leaves your conversion with cold spots which might increase dampness. Poor ventilation can also bring about a constant increase in humidity which is likely to trigger issues with damp and mould.
Picking a Basement Conversion Contractor in Ashford
The common sense approach is to get a minimum of three estimates from different builders in Ashford, to compare services, warranties and prices for your cellar conversion project. Ask to see relevant trade membership and accreditation certificates, if you have any concerns about their credentials.
At the end of a site survey you might be given a preliminary quotation which evaluates the standard cost of your conversion, covering aspects like floors, access adaption and damp proofing. Additional discussions will be needed over your own particular necessities, for instance adding a kitchen or bathroom, building a partition wall to separate a room, or digging out the pre-existing floor to increase room height.
A definitive quotation from a nearby Ashford basement conversion specialist needs to include any appropriate building regulation applications, planning laws and party wall agreements required before work can begin. The final quotation should also provide a job-by-job breakdown of the various aspects of the conversion to provide you with an accurate understanding of the costs involved in each stage.
The builder will be able to offer guidance and advice on all of these issues and recommend ways to improve natural daylight to brighten the space by opening up stairways or the use of light wells. If you need new wiring for additional lighting, sockets or home entertainment and computing systems these should all be dealt with at this point.
If your access to the basement is restricted it may have to be adapted depending on what you have planned for your conversion. Your design might be based on transforming your cellar into a bar, gym or snooker room, but if the access isn't suitable how will the equipment get down there?
Keeping your cellar warm and free from damp is a priority against whatever the British weather decides to do. In order for this to be readily achieved and guaranteed, you will need a dependable cellar conversion contractor with the necessary accreditation and membership of a trade body.
Look for Ashford basement conversion companies that are members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and if you're in any doubt you can always ask the FMB to check if they are actually on their approved members list. Another great way to check a contractor's credibility is to find out if it is included on the Trustmark website. TrustMark is a helpful scheme that enjoys full endorsement of the government and was set up by Trading Standards.
The majority of building companies in the Ashford area are legitimate and genuine businesses with qualified tradespeople. A professional conversion company will assist you in any way to give you proof of their reliability, and provide all the necessary information so as to build trust and a harmonious working relationship.
Such basement conversion services are also readily available in Hinxhill, Westwell, Mersham, Wye, Hothfield, Bilting, Great Chart, Smeeth, Little Chart, Beaver Green, Kennington, Willesborough, Boughton Lees, Kingsnorth, Brook, Challock, Shadoxhurst, in these postcodes: TN23 1LN, TN23 1PT, TN23 1BB, TN23 3AZ, TN23 1PF, TN23 1AP, TN23 3AE, TN23 1DE, TN23 1NT, and TN23 3HB, and other local locations, if you live outside of Ashford. Locally based Ashford cellar conversion specialists will probably have the phone code 01233 and the postcode TN23. Verifying this will confirm you're accessing locally based providers of cellar conversion. Ashford householders are able to utilise these and numerous other comparable services. By simply clicking on the "Quote" banner you can obtain cellar conversion quotations from nearby providers.
Cellar Tanking Ashford
Before tanking your cellar in Ashford, you should make sure that all mortar joints, cracks and loose materials are removed. Then you can apply a layer of breathable rendering. 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 cellar to prevent future damp patches.
Tanking your cellar in Ashford can be pricey. The cost will depend on the size of your cellar, the type of substrate, and the extent of damp. A competent damp proofing expert in Ashford will visit your property and provide a personalised quote. If you're unsure of whether tanking is the right thing your cellar, ask a damp proof 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 walls, ceilings and floors. It stops water from seeping into these surfaces and makes them watertight permanently. As basement walls are normally below ground level, water from the surrounding ground can pass through the walls and carry salts to the basement. Therefore, the tanking slurry is created especially to eliminate these issues and create a waterproof barrier.
Timber Preservation Ashford
To ensure longevity, timber preservation should be a priority in cellar or basement conversions in Ashford. Timber that is used in your basement, such as flooring, joists and beams, can be vulnerable to rot and damp due to the naturally moist environment of a basement. Preservatives can protect timber from insects, fungal growth and decay, preventing damage in cellars.
Before embarking on your cellar conversion or renovation, ensure a professional examines the condition of any existing wood. They can quickly detect any indications of damp or rot and advise on the best treatment methods to rectify the problem. If any part of the timber has suffered damage, it may be necessary to replace or treat it with specialised products to restore its structural integrity.
To ensure protection, all new wood should be treated with a preservative prior to installation during the conversion. Treating the timber with a preservative safeguards it from the cellar's humid environment. Also, consider using pressure-treated wood, which is infused with high-strength preservatives during manufacturing for long-lasting protection.
After the conversion has been done, it's necessary to ensure the basement has good ventilation and controlled humidity levels. It helps to keep the wood in good shape and prevent future dampness issues. Regular inspections are advised to identify any potential problems early on, ensuring both the longevity of the timber and the success of your basement conversion in Ashford. (Timber Preservation Ashford)
Installing a Sump Pump
To safeguard your home from water damage, a sump pump installation is necessary. A sump pump is a device that helps to remove water that has accumulated in a basement or crawl space. This is vital since an accumulation of water can bring about mould growth, structural damage, and other related complications. The installation process typically involves digging a pit in the lowest part of the cellar or crawl space and installing the sump pump inside. A discharge pipe is then attached to the pump, which transports the water away from the building. To ensure the pump's continuous operation during power cuts or other emergencies, property owners may make the choice to install a battery backup system. For efficient water management in the property, it is essential to have a qualified professional install a sump pump to ensure proper placement and configuration. Installing a sump pump is a smart investment in safeguarding a property against water damage in the long term.
Cellar/Basement Conversion Surveys Ashford
Sooner or later most property owners in Ashford with a basement or cellar will consider converting it into a space that can be lived in. A professional survey is needed to establish if your basement/cellar is suitable for conversion, before any physical work is started.
A below-ground constructions qualified surveyor will take into account the planned usage of your new space while carrying out the survey. This allows them to establish exactly what measures should be implemented to legally and safely convert your cellar.
There'll be a comprehensive evaluation of ceiling, floor and wall construction, together with taking into account the requirements for electricity, ventilation and plumbing. Building regulations and British Standards requirements specifically target cellar and basement conversions, and your surveyor will address each requirement that is relevant. Such regulations include things like minimum ceiling heights, fire escapes and party wall agreements, as well as standards of damp proofing and water resistance. (Tags: Basement Conversion Surveys Ashford, Basement Conversion Survey Ashford, Cellar Conversion Surveys Ashford).
Home Cinema Conversions Ashford
Out of all the various ideas about what you can do with your new basement conversion in Ashford, one of the most popular nowadays is to turn it into a home cinema or home entertainment centre. This is obviously a great option for people who love bingeing on movies or box sets. A basement is a good setting for a home cinema, being normally darker and having a lack of daylight. More importantly, this type of addition to your home delivers extra social space where the family can come together and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere. (Tags: Basement Home Cinemas Ashford, Home Cinema Conversions Ashford, Home Entertainment Conversions Ashford)
Basement Excavation Ashford
A new basement space or an extension of an existing one is created by basement excavation, involving the process of digging and expanding the lower levels of a building. Used to augment living or storage spaces and boost property value, it is a complex construction technique. Ensuring waterproofing, structural integrity and correct support systems is the responsibility of skilled professionals handling the excavation. Enhancing the overall appeal and utility of the property, the excavation of a basement provides valuable opportunities to convert underused spaces into habitable and functional areas. For a successful basement excavation project, adherence to safety standards and careful planning are crucial. (21212 - Cellar Excavation Ashford)
Basement Conversion Tasks Ashford
The range of services and tasks that can be accomplished by your local basement conversion specialist are varied and wide, and should include things like basement conversion design in Ashford, basement damp proofing, basement rendering, cellar waterproofing, timber preservation, basement remodeling, cellar conversions, cellar refurbishment, residential basement conversion, basement soundproofing, cellar electrics in Ashford, cellar flooring, cellar architectural design, commercial basement conversions, cellar surveys, condensation control in Ashford, positive input ventilation, budget cellar conversion, basement tanking, low ceiling cellar conversion, cellar conversion underpinning, basement plumbing, basement lighting, basement refurbishment, woodworm treatment in Ashford, cellar damp proofing in Ashford, basement conversion ideas, low ceiling basement conversions in Ashford, wine cellar installation, basement conversion quotations, and others not listed. This is simply a taste of what can be expected from somebody doing cellar conversion. Ashford professionals who are operating in the local area will will be more than happy to update you with the entire range of basement conversion services which are on offer. If there's something basement related, which you need but don't see listed here, you can go to this QUOTE FORM and enter your details.
Help and Advice
To learn about cellar refurbishment on social media websites, check this out. You can have a look at the Wikipedia basement webpage to learn info regarding drainage factors, basement culture and finishings, the purpose of basements and cellars, the different kinds of basement and structural & design concerns. If you want to learn more information on on cellar conversion ideas head here. Find tips for the various stages of basement and cellar conversion on YouTube here. If you are in search of a cellar conversion company in Ashford and want to track down someone who is approved and qualified you can head off to the FMB or Trustmark.
Potential Ideas For a Cellar Conversion
- Pool/Games Room
- Man Cave
- Bar
- Home Gym
- Guest Room
- Home Office
- Additional Bedroom
- Spa Room
- Utility Room
- Children's Playroom
- Indoor Swimming Pool
Skip Hire Ashford
When you are undertaking any sort of garden revamps or home improvements in Ashford, there is likely to be a lot of waste produced. Different levels of waste will be created by a cellar conversion, subject to your particular circumstances. Now some contractors will be prepared to take away this waste for you, and recycle it in an environmentally friendly way, whilst others will leave you to dispose of it on your own.
Hiring a skip is the simplest way to get rid of this waste. You should be able to get a skip that's ideal for you, as they come in a range of sizes. Skip sizes range from skip bags to mini-skips, midi-skips to builders skips, and for really large domestic or commercial projects - roll-on roll-off skips.
CLICK HERE to get a skip hire quote in Ashford.
Cellar Conversion Near Ashford
Also find: Beaver Green cellar conversion, Shadoxhurst cellar conversion, Hinxhill cellar conversion, Challock cellar conversion, Bilting cellar conversion, Kennington cellar conversion, Wye cellar conversion, Brook cellar conversion, Mersham cellar conversion, Hothfield cellar conversion, Willesborough cellar conversion, Great Chart cellar conversion, Westwell cellar conversion, Kingsnorth cellar conversion, Little Chart cellar conversion, Smeeth cellar conversion, Boughton Lees cellar conversion and more. There are building contractors who specialise in basement conversion in practically all of these villages and towns. These skilled professionals have a wealth of expertise and know-how, making them well-equipped to convert your cellar into an inviting and functional living area. These professionals can transform your concepts into reality, be it an extra bedroom, a cosy basement lounge or a home cinema. By going here, local residents can get cellar conversion price quotes. Don't delay. Kickstart your cellar conversion project at once!
Basement Conversion Services Ashford
- Cementitious Tanking
- Basement Flooring
- Basement Waterproofing
- Cheap Cellar Conversions
- Cellar Surveys
- Basement Refurbishment
- Basement Damp Proofing
- Basement Remodeling
- Cellar Conversion
- Commercial Cellar Conversions
- Domestic Cellar Conversions
- Cellar Remodeling
- Basement Conversion Quotations
- Basement Conversion
Other Useful Trades and Services in Ashford: Of course, when you are doing various home improvements and repairs in Ashford, you will likely need all kinds of different tradesmen and together with a basement conversion specialist in Ashford, you may additionally need disability access installation in Ashford, house extension in Ashford, home improvements in Ashford, a carpenter & joiner in Ashford, a loft conversion specialist in Ashford, a painter & decorator in Ashford, an odd job man in Ashford, a tiling specialist in Ashford, woodworm treatment in Ashford, rendering in Ashford, a bricklayer in Ashford, metal staircase installation in Ashford, a general builder in Ashford, and other different Ashford tradesmen.
Cellar Conversion Jobs Ashford: Get cellar conversion jobs in Ashford by clicking here: Ashford Cellar Conversion Jobs
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Basement conversions in TN23 area, telephone code 01233.
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