Cellar Conversion Canterbury Kent (CT1): Transforming a dark and uninviting cellar into a bright and hospitable living space presents property owners in Canterbury with an excellent method to gain additional valuable square footage without the necessity of an extension. The addition of a functional room to your existing home through this transformation improves flexibility and ease of access. From stylish guest quarters to dedicated office spaces, calming home theatres, or comfortable living areas for your aging family members, the transformation unlocks a world of possibilities.
According to the estate agents Savills, a converted basement can also add between ten and fifteen percent to the value of your house. For people with expanding families, who could have already converted their attic for extra bedrooms, a basement conversion offer them a means by which to add that much needed extra space which is vitally important for comfortable family life. Such an investment doesn't just improve your daily life; it also places your dwelling in a stronger competitive position in the the real estate market.
Prior to taking the plunge it's worthwhile to ask a few questions: 1. What sort of costs are involved and what positive advantages can be gained from a basement conversion? 2. Just what do you want to do with the additional space you are going to achieve with the conversion? 3. Just how much work will need to be carried out on the cellar to turn it into a functional area? 4. How can you track down a local Canterbury based cellar conversion company that is dependable and reliable?
Why Choose a Cellar Conversion in Canterbury?
In contrast to constructing extensions and loft conversions, a basement conversion does not normally require planning permission if you're merely making it into a functional living space, but if you have to do any major construction works like lowering the floor you should ask the local authorities precisely what your options are. In most cases you're free to utilise a refurbished and converted cellar with very few constraints, however if your property shares a party wall with a neighbour, is inside a conservation area or is a listed structure, there are some different regulations that have to be followed.
For a lot of people in Canterbury, the reason they want to have a cellar or basement conversion created in their house is to make use of valuable extra living space. This is particularly true where space is restricted such as in many parts of Canterbury. If you do not actually need the additional living space for you own use, a cellar conversion can easily be turned into a self contained unit to bring in some welcome extra income.
The final design of your cellar conversion and its uses are dependent on what your imagination comes up with, and what your budget allows. Perhaps you have always dreamt of a home cinema or games room, or you could always put in a bar and "hey presto", an instant pub for you and your buddies. If you are somebody who works from home a basement conversion can create the ideal home study by providing you with a custom-built space where you are much less inclined to be disturbed by children and family.
What is Involved?
Although local authority planning permission may not have to be acquired there are particular Building Regulation approvals that you will need. These Building Regulations, which have to be followed by your builders will ensure that your cellar conversion satisfies all the necessary construction guidelines and health and safety laws. Fortunately your Canterbury cellar conversion company will be able to deal with all of these rules and regulations as part of the construction process.
To make certain your basement conversion stays dry and warm throughout its life, a damp proof membrane or cementitious tanking will have to be installed even if there are no visible indications of damp or water ingress. Your chosen basement conversion specialist in Canterbury will discuss which damp proofing technique is most suitable for your project and ensure it is installed according to BS8102 guidelines. For peace of mind, ask the construction company if they can provide you with an insurance protected warranty to cover water ingress due to the possible failure of the damp proof membrane.
The installation or upgrading of water sources, floor surfaces, lights, electrical installations, ventilation, heating and insulation will all have to be discussed with your preferred contractor. Increasing in popularity is under-floor heating which circulates heat evenly around the space and is extremely efficient. Additionally it is concealed beneath your selected flooring style and needs very little upkeep.
Any sort of electric re-wiring must be completed by an experienced electrician. Efficient and low cost LED light fittings can be recessed into the ceiling to provide the maximum possible ceiling to floor height and make sure that your basement conversion has a natural, bright feel.
There are regulations relating to adequate ventilation and insulation to basement conversions and your builder will want to discuss the various options with you in the early stages. The appropriate insulation ought to provide sufficient protection to stop damp from cold spots occuring in your basement conversion. Substandard ventilation can also bring about a constant build up of humidity which can easily cause issues with mould and damp.
Selecting a Cellar Conversion Specialist in Canterbury
As is the case with all major construction projects, it's best to obtain more than one price quote to give you the opportunity to evaluate different company's prices. Ask to see appropriate building trade membership and accreditation certificates, if you've got any concerns about their expertise.
After an on-site survey you might be given a preliminary quote which evaluates the standard cost of your conversion, covering elements such as floors, access and damp proofing. Follow up conversations with the builders should look to provide clarification of your requirements, i.e. the installation of a toilet or kitchen in a separate room or increasing the height of your cellar by the excavating of the existing floor.
An exact quotation from a nearby Canterbury basement conversion specialist should include any appropriate planning laws, party wall agreements and building regulation applications required before work can begin. So as to get a better idea of the costs involved with each phase of the work, you need to ensure the final quotation also includes a full breakdown of each part of the project.
In Canterbury, a proficient builder can offer expert suggestions and advice on a range of factors, such as methods to increase natural light in your conversion. Options like light wells installation or staircase alterations can be proposed to brighten the area. Furthermore, should your cellar conversion need new electrical work for additional sockets, lighting, or computing and entertainment systems, these requirements will be addressed at this point. The builder's skill ensures every detail is thoughtfully planned and implemented, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your conversion. Such meticulous planning is crucial for integrating modern features while preserving the conversion's original character and style.
Depending on how you plan to use your cellar conversion it would pay you to think seriously about the width and height of your entry points. Your fancy design might be based on turning your cellar conversion into a snooker room, designer bar or gym, but if the access isn't suitable how will you get the equipment down there?
It's crystal clear that regardless of what you choose to convert your cellar into, you'll want it to remain dry and warm at all times of the year. For this to occur you need your cellar conversion company to be certified and endorsed by accreditation and membership to professional building associations.
Search for Canterbury conversion companies that are signed up members of the FMB (Federation of Master Builders) and if you're at all doubtful you can always ask the FMB to check if they're really on their list of approved members. If you wish to check a conversion company's past performance you can look to see if it is included in the respected TrustMark scheme. This is a helpful scheme founded by Trading Standards with approval from the government.
There are many legitimate and dependable builders in Canterbury who will be able to help you convert your cellar with the assistance of a highly qualified and trained workforce within the building trade. However it takes only a small number of unethical companies to create distrust, and a professional company will recognise your concerns and help allay your worries in any way possible.
Cellar conversion companies don't of course just offer services in Canterbury itself, but also in nearby locations such as Littlebourne, Chartham, Broadoak, Chartham Hatch, Aylesham, Hoath, Fordwich, Lower Hardres, Rough Common, Blean, Bridge, Harbledown, Chilham, Tyler Hill, Bekesbourne, in these postcodes: CT1 1JH, CT1 1JR, CT1 1HU, CT1 1EZ, CT1 1LT, CT1 1PL, CT1 1DX, CT1 1LB, CT1 1LH, and CT1 1PJ, and other areas of the region. Locally based Canterbury cellar conversion specialists will likely have the postcode CT1 and the phone code 01227. Checking this out will ensure that you're accessing locally based providers of cellar conversion. Canterbury householders will be able to utilise these and lots of other similar services. By simply clicking on the "Quote" banner you can obtain basement conversion quotes from providers nearby.
Basement Planning Permission - Do I Need It?
If you already have a basement below your home, and are concerned about whether you will require planning permission for a basement conversion in Canterbury, the answer is "probably not". This will usually be considered to be a simple "change of use". If you have to expand the volume of the house by digging up the cellar floor to lift the ceiling height, you could then need to have planning permission, since it will be treated as similar to an extension. If you aren't changing your property's external appearance to any significant degree, this shouldn't be an issue and your planning application will almost always be granted. If you are at all doubtful you'll need to communicate with your local planning office or get your Canterbury cellar conversion company to get the information on your behalf.
Cellar/Basement Conversion Surveys Canterbury
A lot of households in Canterbury will think about converting their basement or cellar into an additional living area at some point in time. A professional survey is needed to see if your particular cellar/basement is actually suitable for conversion, before any work is started.
As soon as the surveyor, who will be certified in underground construction, understands the planned usage of the converted space he or she will be able to carry out a detailed survey. This will allow them to establish exactly what measures must be taken to safely and legally do a conversion on your basement.
There will be a full evaluation of floor, wall and ceiling construction, as well as allowing for the demands for ventilation, electricity and drainage. British Standards guidelines and building regulations are specific where basement and cellar conversions take place, and your surveyor will address each stipulation that is relevant. Such regulations include factors like minimum ceiling heights, fire escapes and party wall agreements, and standards of damp and waterproofing. If you need a cellar conversion survey in Canterbury, there are several accredited surveyors in the region who will be happy to do this for you.
The Importance of Waterproofing
One of the most critical aspects of a cellar conversion is waterproofing your existing basement. You surely do not want to spend all that cash converting your basement or cellar, only to discover that the space you've created is damp and mouldy. This is precisely why it's essential to use a highly experienced conversion team in Canterbury to manage the project. There are basically two methods that can be used for waterproofing an underground cellar. Moisture can be checked from getting into your cellar by either impeding its ingress using a water impermeable cementitious tanking material that's put on as a wet slurry, or by installing waterproof membranes which reroute water into a cavity and then pumped out.
Cellar Excavation Canterbury
To extend an existing cellar space or create a new one, the lower levels of a building undergo excavation in the cellar. Property value is increased and storage or living areas are expanded through the use of this complex construction procedure. The excavation is managed by skilled professionals who guarantee structural integrity, waterproofing and effective support systems. Cellar excavations offer valuable opportunities to convert underused spaces into functional and habitable areas, thereby enhancing the property's overall appeal and utility. Meticulous planning and the strict observance of safety standards are vital elements of an effective cellar excavation project. (93420 - Basement Excavation Canterbury)
Family & Friends
It is invariably extremely useful to ask whether friends and family members have any recommendations when searching for a builder for your project or undertaking in Canterbury. Word of mouth referrals are generally the most effective way identify someone who's suitable for your requirements, and can equally weed out an inferior builder or a company with an awful service record.
Getting the feedback of an acquaintance or family member also means that you can find out if anything went wrong, how speedily faults were put right, and what the contractor's attitude was like. Additionally you can get first hand experience of the time keeping and reliability of the builder involved. You can get a notion of how precise was the initial quote when compared to the final price. which can often be hard to get from the contractors themselves unless they offer a guaranteed price promise.
You can depend on your friends and relatives to be truthful and honest, so they should be your first point of reference in regards to advice. If they have had an unsatisfactory experience in dealing with a particular contractor or building company, you may well discover that they'll not want to chat about them. It's frequently the case that a lot of people will be perfectly willing to speak about a decent quality contractor and less likely to talk about a mediocre one. They might even endorse an alternative company, rather than 'slag off' a below par one that they have dealt with.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Canterbury
Things like obtaining planning permission for basement conversions in Canterbury, cellar conversion ideas, basement flooding solutions, residential basement conversions, basement waterproofing, damp proofing, basement damp proofing, budget cellar conversion Canterbury, cellar conversions, condensation control, cellar plumbing, budget basement conversion Canterbury, cellar damp proofing in Canterbury, cementitious tanking in Canterbury, basement surveys, basement refurbishment, cellar architectural design, basement surveys in Canterbury, cellar tanking in Canterbury, timber preservation, small cellar conversions, basement excavation in Canterbury, basement electrics, wine cellar installation, bespoke basement conversion in Canterbury, cellar conversion, basement lighting, sprayed concrete, cellar conversion quotes, basement tanking in Canterbury are just a few of the tasks and services that your local Canterbury basement conversion specialist can offer. This is just a taste of the services that could be available from somebody doing cellar conversion. Canterbury providers providing these sorts of cellar conversion services, will provide a full list if you need one. If there happen to be other Canterbury cellar conversion requirements that you need but don't find here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided.
Basement Conversion Near Canterbury
Also find: Harbledown cellar conversion, Fordwich cellar conversion, Littlebourne cellar conversion, Bekesbourne cellar conversion, Chartham cellar conversion, Blean cellar conversion, Broadoak cellar conversion, Hoath cellar conversion, Chartham Hatch cellar conversion, Lower Hardres cellar conversion, Chilham cellar conversion, Rough Common cellar conversion, Aylesham cellar conversion, Tyler Hill cellar conversion, Bridge cellar conversion and more. There are builders who do cellar conversion in just about all of these places. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of expertise and know-how to the table, making them well-equipped to transform your basement into a welcoming and functional living space. Turning your dreams into reality, whether it's an extra bedroom, a cosy basement lounge or a home cinema, is something these experts excel at. Local home and property owners can get cellar conversion price quotes by clicking here.
Cellar Conversion Services Canterbury
- Canterbury Residential Cellar Conversions
- Canterbury Basement Flooring
- Canterbury Basement Surveys
- Canterbury Basement Damp Proofing
- Canterbury Cellar Conversion
- Canterbury Basement Refurbishment
- Canterbury Rising Damp Control
- Canterbury Basement Conversion Quotes
- Canterbury Basement Conversion
- Canterbury Cellar Remodeling
- Canterbury Cheap Cellar Conversions
- Canterbury Cellar Refurbishment
- Canterbury Basement Tanking
- Canterbury Basement Remodeling
More: Basement Makeovers, Basement Damp Proofing, Cellar Surveys, Cheap Cellar Conversions, Cellar Conversion Specialists, Basement Conversion Specialists, Basement Conversions, Cellar Conversions, Cellar Surveys, Cellar Makeovers, Cellar Conversion Contractors, Conversion Specialists, Cellar Damp Proofing, Conversion Companies, Cellar Conversion Specialists, Basement Makeovers, Cellar Conversion, Cementitious Tanking, Cellar Makeovers, Cellar Surveys, Bespoke Basement Conversions, Cheap Cellar Conversion, Cheap Conversions, Basement Tanking, Cellar Refurbishment, Cellar Waterproofing, Cheap Basement Conversion, Cementitious Tanking, Basement Refurbishment, Cellar Damp Proofing.
Cellar Conversion Jobs Canterbury: Browse basement conversion jobs in Canterbury by going here: Cellar Conversion Jobs Canterbury
Basement conversions in CT1 area, and dialling code 01227.
TOP - Cellar Conversion Canterbury
Cellar Waterproofing Canterbury - Basement Conversion Canterbury - Basement Remodeling Canterbury - Cellar Remodeling Canterbury - 01227 - Cellar Conversion Quotations Canterbury - Basement Conversions Canterbury - Cellar Conversions Canterbury - Basement Refurbishment Canterbury