Cellar Conversion Biggin Hill Kent (TN16): An excellent way to generate useable living space in your house in Biggin Hill without the need to resort to converting a loft or building an extension, is to turn that dark, uninviting space beneath your property into bright and airy room with a basement (or cellar) conversion. In addition, it brings a fully functioning room closer to the main living space of your property, which is very handy for entertaining, to use as an office, a home gym or perhaps a self-contained living space for a teenager or elderly relative.
It is also a relatively easy means by which to add value to your house; the property agents Savills have claimed that it can raise the market value by up to about fifteen percent to equivalent homes in your neighbourhood. If you've already done a conversion on your attic to accommodate your expanding family, a cellar conversion allows you to create much needed additional family living space. Your day to day living is not only improved by this investment but also positions your property more competitively in the real estate market.
Before starting any basement conversion project, you should ask yourself these important questions: 1. What work is necessary to do a conversion on your cellar? 2. Is the expense associated with a cellar conversion worth the benefits that you gain from it? 3. How do you stay clear of "cowboy" builders and locate a professional Biggin Hill contractor who will be able to convert the basement and supply assurances and guarantees to all the work involved? 4. Just what do you want to do with the additional space you are going to create with your cellar conversion?
Why Choose a Cellar Conversion in Biggin Hill?
If your home has already got a basement, you do not need to put in for planning permission if you are basically turning it into a living space, but if it is necessary to dig out the floor to raise the ceiling height then you first need to check with your local council. Generally speaking you're pretty much free to utilise a remodeled and converted basement with very few limitations, but if your property shares a party wall with a neighbour, is in a conservation area or is a listed structure, there are different regulations that must be followed.
One of the main reasons given by property owners in Biggin Hill for renovating a pre-existing basement or cellar is to utilise the unused space for something functional. If like many other folks in Biggin Hill you find space is restricted, this will be a top priority. If you don't really need the extra living space for you own use, a basement conversion can be turned into a self contained unit to bring in some welcome extra income.
To be honest the only limitations to your cellar conversion are your budget and your imagination. You could create a pub for entertaining your friends by installing a bar, or perhaps you'd prefer a home cinema or a games room. Another strong favourite, and perhaps more inviting given recent circumstances, is the building of a home office or study where you can escape from the daily commute and benefit from a space in your home where you might be much less likely to be interrupted while working.
What is Involved?
As has already been mentioned, planning permission might not be necessary in many cases, however you definitely will have to get Building Regulations approval. These stringent Building Regulations, which have to be addressed by your builders will make certain that your basement conversion fulfills all the required building guidelines with regards to ventilation, health and safety, fire escapes, minimum ceiling heights, damp proofing, electrical wiring and water sources. Luckily your Biggin Hill basement conversion company will be glad to address these regulations as part of the construction process.
It matters not if your basement does not seem to be damp nor has any sign of mould; you'll still have to get an appropriate waterproof membrane put in to offer a dry, water-resistant area that is suitable for conversion. Any damp proofing and waterproofing that you choose to use has to adhere to the BS8102 guidelines which your Biggin Hill cellar conversion specialist is required to follow. For peace of mind, ask the construction company if they offer an insurance supported guarantee to cover water ingress due to the possible failure of the membrane.
Seek the advice of the conversion company regarding the installation or upgrade of the ventilation, heating, insulation, water supply, lights, floor surfaces and electric wiring, to to make certain you get the most suitable products for the selected use of your basement conversion. Under floor heating is increasingly popular in basement and cellar conversions in Biggin Hill as it is efficient and spreads heat evenly. Additionally it is hidden underneath your chosen flooring style and calls for little upkeep.
Only qualified electricians should be used to carry out any electric installations that has to be undertaken on your cellar conversion. Effective and cost effective LED light fittings can be installed within the ceiling to provide maximum floor to ceiling height and make certain that your basement conversion has a bright, natural feel.
Ventilation and insulation are two vital issues which must be dealt with from the planning and design stage. Possible cold spots and dampness can occur if your conversion is not effectively insulated. Inadequate ventilation can also lead to a constant increase in humidity which is known to trigger problems with damp and mould.
Selecting a Basement Conversion Contractor in Biggin Hill
Before picking your conversion company in Biggin Hill, obtain as many price quotes as possible to enable you to evaluate the different services and prices available. Not every builder is the same when it comes to basement conversions and it's judicious to ask to see appropriate building and trade accreditations and memberships if you have any doubts about their expertise.
If you are given an initial price quote after a site survey it might only apply to the basic elements of your basement conversion, for instance damp proofing considerations, access issues and the floor. Follow up conversations with the builders should look to provide some clarification of your requirements, i.e. 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 will agree on a final price with an accurate quotation for all work to be completed which includes all of the appropriate paperwork pertaining to the Biggin Hill area for the building regulation applications, party wall agreements and planning laws. The final quotation should also provide a task-by-task breakdown of the individual parts of the conversion to give you a true idea of the costs involved in each stage.
In Biggin Hill, a competent builder can guide you with valuable insights and recommendations, particularly on how to boost natural light in your cellar conversion, possibly through altering staircases or installing light wells. These changes can transform the space, making it brighter and more inviting. If your conversion requires new electrical work like better lighting, additional sockets, or installations for home entertainment and computing systems, these needs will be addressed at this stage. The builder's expertise ensures that all these aspects are thoughtfully planned and executed, enhancing both the practicality and visual appeal of your conversion. Such careful planning is vital for integrating modern features effortlessly while preserving the character and style of the original structure.
If your access to the cellar is restricted it may have to be adapted subject to what you have planned for your conversion. Your design may be based on turning your basement into a designer bar, games room or gym, but if access is limited how will you get the equipment down there?
Making certain that your cellar is dry, warm and free from damp is a priority against whatever the UK weather can throw at it. Using a competent builder with accreditation, membership and assurances from the building and construction trade associations will allow this to be accomplished and give you peace of mind.
Try to look for Biggin Hill basement conversion companies who are registered members of the FMB (Federation of Master Builders) and if you're in any doubt you can always ask the FMB if they're really on their list of approved members. Yet another good way to check up on a conversion company's dependability is to see if it's listed on the Trustmark website. The Trading Standards Authority run the scheme and it is approved by the government.
Most cellar conversion companies in Biggin Hill are legitimate and genuine businesses with trained and qualified tradesmen and women. A reputable conversion company will acknowledge the doubts of the public, caused by a small minority of unethical traders, and will try everything in their power to validate their trustworthiness in a responsible and friendly manner.
Cellar conversion can also be provided in Tatsfield, Otford, Halstead, Dunton Green, Green Street Green, Westerham, Keston, New Addington, Sundridge, Shoreham, Downe, Woldingham, Warlingham, Knockholt, Brasted, Caterham, in these postcodes: TN16 3BL, TN16 2DB, TN16 3BY, TN16 3DJ, TN16 3HL, TN16 3DE, TN16 3NT, TN16 3FJ, TN16 3PN, and TN16 3EP, and other villages near to Biggin Hill. Locally based Biggin Hill cellar conversion specialists will probably have the telephone code 01959 and the postcode TN16. Verifying this will guarantee you are accessing local providers of cellar conversion. Biggin Hill homeowners can utilise these and numerous other comparable services. Click the "Quote" banner to make enquiries and get basement conversion quotes.
Cellar Planning Permission - Do I Need It?
If you have already got a cellar under you property, and are concerned about whether you'll require planning permission for a cellar conversion in Biggin Hill, the likely answer is "probably not". The reason is that this will generally be considered as a simple "change of use". If your current cellar space doesn't have sufficient head room to accomplish what you want with it, you will need to dig out the floor to increase the ceiling height, in which case planning permission will probably be necessary, since you're expanding the volume of your house. If you are not changing your home's external appearance to any serious degree, this should not be a huge concern and planning permission will nearly always be approved. If you're in any doubt you will need to communicate with your local planning department or get your Biggin Hill basement conversion company to get the relevant information on your behalf. A quick visit to the planning portal should provide you with almost all of the details and information you'll need - click here.
Small Cellar Conversions Biggin Hill
Develop a unique new living space, even if your existing basement or cellar is fairly small, by using a specialist Biggin Hill basement conversion company to design, plan and build it. It may for instance be used as a utility area, freeing up much needed space in the kitchen by shifting your washing machine and tumble dryer out of the way.
You don't need a lot of space to create a new home office, and purpose built office furniture can be designed for even the smallest of cellar conversions in Biggin Hill. Why don't you change your little basement space into a reading or music room, making it somewhere to chill out and get away from the stress of everyday life. All that you'll really need is a comfortable chair or two, subdued lighting and somewhere to store your books or music. The options for a small basement conversion in Biggin Hill are only limited by the power of your imagination. (Tags: Small Basement Conversion Biggin Hill, Small Basement Conversion Ideas Biggin Hill, Small Cellar Conversions Biggin Hill).
Basement Tanking Biggin Hill
Preventing damp and water ingress, basement tanking is a method used to waterproof cellars and basements It includes the application of a specialised waterproof coating to the basement's walls and floor. To maintain a dry and functional basement, this coating prevents moisture infiltration by creating a waterproof barrier.
Usually, the initial step in the basement tanking process is preparing the surfaces to be treated. This process involves cleaning the walls and floors, removing any old paint or plaster, and repairing any damage or cracks. After preparing the surfaces, the waterproof coating is applied, typically in multiple layers, to ensure complete protection against water penetration.
The value and functionality of a property in Biggin Hill can be greatly increased by using basement tanking. Converting a dry and fully waterpoofed basement allows it to be used as extra living space, like a home cinema, an office, a gym or a bedroom. Basement tanking offers dual benefits: protecting the building structure from damage caused by damp and mould, while also enhancing the health and comfort of its inhabitants. (Basement Tanking Biggin Hill)
Cellar Conversion Surveys Biggin Hill
A lot of families in Biggin Hill will think about converting their basement or cellar into an additional living area sooner or later. The initial step that must be taken is to ensure that your particular basement is actually suitable for converting, and to do this requires a professional survey of your underground space.
Any surveyor who does an inspection of your house should be certified in below-ground construction, and will have spoken to you before arrival regarding the planned usage of your basement. This allows them to establish what measures need to be taken to legally and safely convert your cellar.
The structure of your basement or cellar will be assessed, and the requirements for electricity, plumbing and ventilation will be taken into consideration. There are particular building regulations and British Standards guidelines concerning basement conversions which your professional surveyor will also need to consider. Such regulations include factors like party wall agreements, fire escapes and minimum ceiling heights, as well as levels of damp and waterproofing.
Cellar Excavation
The extension of an existing cellar space or the creation of a new one is achieved by cellar excavation, involving the process of digging and expanding the lower levels of a building. A complex construction procedure is employed to increase living or storage areas and enhance property value. Skilled professionals, ensuring waterproofing, structural integrity and effective support systems, handle the excavation. Valuable opportunities are presented through the excavation of a cellar, enabling the transformation of underused spaces into functional and habitable areas, enhancing the overall appeal and utility of the property. Meticulous planning and the strict observance of safety standards are vital elements of a successful cellar excavation project. (37425 - Basement Excavation Biggin Hill)
Potential Ideas For a Cellar Conversion
- Extra Bedroom
- Laundry Room
- Study
- Kitchen
- Gymnasium
- Man Cave
- Indoor Plunge Pool
- Granny "Annexe" Apartment
- Bar
- Playroom
- Snooker Room
Family & Friends
It's always extremely helpful when you are trying to find a professional contractor for your project to ask if friends and relatives have any recommendations. Along with weeding out substandard contractors and companies with a poor performance record, personal references are often the best way to identify a tradesperson who is ideal for your needs.
Getting the feedback of a family member or friend also means that you can discover whether anything went wrong, how quickly faults were put right, and what the contractor's attitude was like. Additionally you can get an insight into the reliability and timekeeping of the builder involved. They'll also be able to give you information about the quote process and how close the original estimate was in comparison to the eventual price that was demanded by the builder.
Finally, in regards to advice, your friends and relations are individuals you know and trust to be truthful and honest. If you find that they're not wanting to talk about a certain contractor or building company it's probably because they have had a poor experience. And, rather than 'casting aspersions on' a poor contractor, many people might even offer an alternative company, because generally most people will be more than happy to recommend a decent quality contractor and less likely to mention a mediocre one.
Basement Conversion Tasks Biggin Hill
There is a wide range of work that can be accomplished by your local Biggin Hill basement conversion specialist including the installation of wine cellars in Biggin Hill, structural waterproofing, cellar remodeling, the installation of waterproof membranes, cellar rendering, bonded sheet membranes, low ceiling cellar conversion, woodworm treaments, cellar electrics, basement soundproofing, basement remodeling, budget cellar conversion, cementitious tanking, basement tanking, condensation control in Biggin Hill, obtaining planning permission for cellar conversion, basement waterproofing, basement damp proofing in Biggin Hill, sprayed concrete, basement refurbishment in Biggin Hill, basement conversions, cellar plumbing, positive input ventilation, timber preservation, damp proofing, basement conversion ideas, low ceiling basement conversions, cellar conversions, small basement conversions, basement surveys, and lots more. This is in no way an exhaustive list of what's available from a builder doing cellar conversion. Biggin Hill companies, when contacted, will will be happy to update you with the entire range of basement conversion services which are available. If there are some other Biggin Hill cellar conversion requirements that you need but can't see here, you can mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided.
Biggin Hill Skip Hire Services
When you're doing any type of garden makeovers or home improvements in Biggin Hill, there is probably going to be a lot of waste created. Different levels of waste will result from a basement conversion, depending on your individual circumstances. Although some building contractors will be glad to take away any waste materials, some will leave it for you to deal with.
One of the easiest and most hassle-free ways to dispose of this waste is to hire a skip. Skips come in a range of different sizes, so you ought to be able to get one that's ideal for you. Skips are available in the following styles: skip bags (1-1.5 cubic yards), mini-skips (2-3 cubic yards), midi-skips (4-5 cubic yards), builders skips (6-8 cubic yards), roll-on roll-off skips (20-25 cubic yards).
GO HERE to get a skip hire quote in Biggin Hill.
Cellar Conversion Near Biggin Hill
Also find: Westerham cellar conversion, Knockholt cellar conversion, Caterham cellar conversion, Otford cellar conversion, Sundridge cellar conversion, Brasted cellar conversion, Woldingham cellar conversion, Keston cellar conversion, Dunton Green cellar conversion, Green Street Green cellar conversion, New Addington cellar conversion, Shoreham cellar conversion, Warlingham cellar conversion, Halstead cellar conversion, Downe cellar conversion, Tatsfield cellar conversion and more. There are companies who specialise in cellar conversion near to all these places. These seasoned professionals can convert your basement into a welcoming and functional living area, thanks to their wealth of know-how and expertise. If you're dreaming of a snug basement lounge, a home cinema or an extra bedroom, these specialists can make your ideas come to life. To get cellar conversion estimates, local homeowners can click here. Don't hang about. Kickstart your basement conversion project today!
Basement Conversion Services Biggin Hill
- Biggin Hill Basement Tanking
- Biggin Hill Cheap Cellar Conversions
- Biggin Hill Commercial Cellar Conversions
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- Biggin Hill Residential Cellar Conversions
- Biggin Hill Cellar Flooring
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- Biggin Hill Rising Damp Control
- Biggin Hill Basement Surveys
- Biggin Hill Cellar Remodeling
- Biggin Hill Basement Conversion
Other Useful Trades in Biggin Hill: Needless to say, when you happen to be doing various home remodeling in Biggin Hill, you'll likely be in need of all sorts of different tradesmen and aside from a cellar conversion specialist in Biggin Hill, you might additionally need condensation control in Biggin Hill, SKIP HIRE in Biggin Hill, a painter & decorator in Biggin Hill, a heating engineer in Biggin Hill, basement flooding solutions in Biggin Hill, woodworm treatment in Biggin Hill, cellar surveys in Biggin Hill, cellar waterproofing in Biggin Hill, a bricklayer in Biggin Hill, a joiner in Biggin Hill, damp proofing in Biggin Hill, black mould removal in Biggin Hill, loft conversion in Biggin Hill, and other different Biggin Hill tradesmen.
To find out local Biggin Hill information check here
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Cellar Conversion Jobs Biggin Hill: Get basement conversion jobs in Biggin Hill by going here: Basement Conversion Jobs
Basement conversions in TN16 area, telephone code 01959.
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