Cellar Conversion Highley Shropshire (WV16): A cellar conversion can change that unwelcoming, dark cellar into a warm, dry and bright useable living space whilst also generating extra room in your Highley house. It also brings a fully functioning room closer to the main living areas of your property, which is useful for entertaining friends, to use as an office, a home gym or even a self-contained living space for an elderly relative.
A basement or cellar conversion can also be a good way to add more value your home in Highley, with the global estate agents Savills indicating that it can increase by 10-15% above the market value of similar properties nearby. A basement conversion allows you to generate extra living space, which if you have previously converted an attic space into bedrooms, is an important and attractive improvement to your house. Your everyday life is not only improved by an investment such as this but also positions your home more competitively in the Highley real estate market.
Before jumping into any basement conversion project, you ought to ask yourself these important questions: 1. Exactly what are you going to do with the additional living space? 2. How do you stay clear of dodgy builders and find a professional Highley contractor who can convert your cellar and supply guarantees for all of the work that's required? 3. What degree of work is necessary to convert your basement? 4. Are the costs involved in a cellar conversion worth the benefits that you gain from it?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Highley?
Unlike constructing loft conversions and extensions, a basement conversion does not normally need planning permission if you're merely making it into a useable living space, however if it is necessary to do any major construction works such as lowering the floor you must ask the local authorities what your options are. You will however have to check with the local council if your house is listed, if you live in a conservation area or if you share a party wall (requires different rules).
The capability to make full use of invaluable living space in their property is the number one reason that many householders in Highley choose to do a basement or cellar conversion. This is particularly true where space is limited such as in some areas of Highley. A cellar conversion could also be used to bring in a little extra cash by making it into a self contained unit which can be let out or registered with AirBnB.
The final design of a cellar conversion and what it's used for are dependent on what your own imagination comes up with, and what your spending budget allows. Maybe you have always wanted a games room or home cinema, or you could always install a bar and "voila", an instant pub for you and your friends. Another strong favourite, and perhaps more desirable given recent developments, is the creation of a home based study or office where you can escape from the daily commute and benefit from an area in your house where you are much less liable to be disturbed while you work.
What is Involved?
As mentioned previously, local authority planning permission may not be necessary in many cases, but you will have to get Building Regulations approval. These regulations provide you, and any subsequent purchaser of your home, the assurance that your basement conversion observes the recommendations and laws for electrical installations, ceiling height, damp proofing, fire escapes, ventilation, health and safety and water sources. These rules and regulations should be addressed as an integral part of the build process by your Highley basement conversion company.
Even if there are no visible indications of damp or mould in your existing cellar, it will still need some form of cementitious tanking or damp proof membrane in order to remain dry and make it acceptable for converting. Your Highley builder will help you choose which procedure is most suitable for your conversion and also make certain it adheres to the guidelines of the British Standards BS8102 regulations. For peace of mind, ask the building company if they offer an insurance supported warranty to cover water ingress due to the potential failure of the damp proof membrane.
The floor surfaces, lights, electrical installations, water sources, ventilation, insulation and heating will most likely also have to be upgraded or installed. An efficient way to warm up your basement and cellar conversion is to put in underfloor heating, which uniformly disseminates the heat around the area. This space saving method of heating is hidden beneath your basement flooring and requires a minimal amount of upkeep once installed.
Any sort of electric rewiring must be carried out by a certified electrician. Lighting systems are often sunk in to avoid height issues and there are plenty of cost effective and efficient LED fittings that look fantastic and will brighten your conversion to make it feel airy and light.
There are regulations relating to adequate ventilation and insulation to basement conversions and your conversion specialist will want to go over the different options with you in the early stages. The correct insulation ought to provide sufficient protection to stop cold spots and dampness arising in your conversion. Mould and damp can also be triggered by increased humidity levels if the quality of ventilation in your cellar conversion is poor.
Choosing a Cellar Conversion Contractor in Highley
Before choosing your contractor in Highley, get as many estimates as possible to enable you to compare the different prices and services available. Not all builders are alike in regards to cellar conversions and it is prudent to ask if you can see the relevant building and trade accreditations and memberships if you have any doubts about their expertise or workmanship.
After a site survey you could be given an initial quote which evaluates the standard cost of your basement conversion, and covers things like damp proofing, access and flooring. Follow up discussions with the building company will provide clarification of your requirements, i.e. increasing the ceiling height of your cellar by the excavation of the existing floor, or the installation of a kitchen or toilet in a separate room.
The final quotation should include all necessary building regulation, party wall agreement and planning application paperwork relevant to the Highley area before work is able to commence. So as to get a better perception of the costs involved in each stage of the work, you should make sure the final quotation also includes a complete breakdown of each element of the conversion projects.
The builder should be able to offer guidance and advice on all these issues and suggest ways in which to improve natural light to brighten the space by the installation of light wells or opening up stairs. If you require new electrical wiring for extra sockets, lighting or home entertainment and computing systems these will all be hammered out now.
Access to your cellar is of prime importance as subject to how you plan to use your newly created living area could mean that the entryways have to be adjusted. There is little point in planning for a gymnasium, bar or pool room complete with equipment if you have problems getting down a narrow, winding staircase while carrying a cup of tea.
It is clear that no matter what you decide to convert your basement into, you will need it to remain warm and dry in summer and winter. Hiring a trustworthy builder with membership, accreditation and assurances from the building and construction trade organisations will allow this to be achieved and give you peace of mind.
Hunt for Highley building companies who are signed up members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and if you've got any doubts you can ask the FMB that they're really on their approved members list. If you want to check out a building company's previous performance you can look to see if it is a part of the respected TrustMark scheme. This is a Trading Standards Authority administered scheme and it is endorsed by the UK government.
Happily a large majority of businesses who work on cellar conversions in the Highley area are trustworthy with highly qualified building and construction workers. A genuine conversion company will recognise the fears of the general public, due to a small minority of dishonest "cowboys", and will do everything they can to confirm their integrity in a friendly and responsible manner.
Needless to say, it's not just in the town of Highley itself where you can get basement conversions but additionally in Billingsley, Shatterford, Coppicegate, Birdsgreen, Buttonbridge, Upper Arley, Bagginswood, Kinlet, Romsley, Deuxhill, Baveney Wood, Alveley, Hampton Loade, Netherton, Woodhill, and other Shropshire towns and villages. Locally based Highley cellar conversion specialists will most likely have the postcode WV16 and the dialling code 01746. Checking this out will ensure that you access local providers of cellar conversion. Highley homeowners will be able to utilise these and numerous other related services.
Timber Preservation Highley
Preserving timber is a key element in any cellar or basement conversion endeavour in Highley. The naturally moist environment of cellars can lead to damp and rot in timber, including flooring, joists and beams. Treating the timber with preservatives that protect it from decay, insects and fungal growth is crucial to prevent this from happening.
Prior to starting your basement conversion or renovation, it's important to have a specialist inspect the condition of the existing timber. Damp or rot can be identified by a professional, who will also advise on appropriate treatment options. When some of the timber is damaged, it may need to be replaced or treated with specialist products to restore its strength and durability.
All new timber should be treated with a preservative before installation during the conversion process. To protect the timber from the cellar's moisture, this measure is necessary. You should also think about using pressure-treated wood, as it's infused with high-strength preservatives during manufacturing, offering long-term protection.
After the conversion is completed, maintaining good ventilation and controlling humidity levels is essential. This keeps the timber in good shape and helps to avoid moisture issues going forward. To ensure the longevity of the timber and the success of your cellar conversion in Highley, it is advisable to conduct regular inspections to identify any potential problems early on. (Tags: Timber Preservation Highley)
Planning Permission for Basement Conversions in Highley
If your home in Highley already has a basement that is currently being used as storage or something similar, and you would like to turn it into a livable room, it will be viewed as "change of use" and you'll not have to apply for local authority planning permission. If your current basement space does not have adequate head room to do what you want to do with it, you'll have to dig out the floor to raise the ceiling height, in the event of which planning permission will most likely be required, as you're increasing the total volume of the house. In most cases permission is hardly ever refused, as long as the exterior of your property isn't being altered to any significant extent. Any quality basement conversion company in Highley should be able to get you all of the relevant information regarding this, or if in any doubt get hold of your local planning section. A brief visit to the planning portal will provide you with almost all of the details you'll need - click here.
Basement Tanking Highley
The technique that is used to waterproof basements and cellars to prevent damp and water ingress is known as basement tanking. The job requires applying a special waterproof coating to the basement's walls and floor. By forming a waterproof barrier, this coating prevents moisture infiltration, maintaining a dry and functional basement.
The basement tanking process typically commences with the preparation of the surfaces to be treated. The process involves cleaning the walls and floors, removing any paint or plaster that exists, and repairing damage or cracks. Once the surfaces of the basement are prepared, the waterproof coating is usually applied in several layers to fully protect against water ingress.
Basement tanking can be truly tranformational, significantly increasing the value and functionality of a property in Highley. A waterproofed, dry basement can be converted into extra living space, such as an office, a bedroom, a home entertainment centre or a gym. Basement tanking helps prevent mould and damp, contributing to a much healthier indoor environment and protecting both the building's structural integrity and the well-being of its occupants. (Tags: Basement Tanking Highley)
Installing a Sump Pump
Protect your home from water damage by installing a sump pump. A sump pump is a cylindrical device that helps to remove water that has accumulated in a crawl space or cellar. This is critical because too much water can cause mould growth, structural damage, and numerous other complications. Sump pump installation generally involves digging a pit in the basement or crawl space's lowest point and then placing the pump inside. The pump is then connected to a discharge pipe that redirects the water away from the home. Householders might prefer to install a battery backup system to ensure the pump's continuous functioning during power cuts or other emergency situations. It is critical to have a trained specialist install a sump pump to ensure proper placement and configuration for effective water management in the house. Overall, sump pump installation is a worthwhile investment in protecting a home from the damage that water causes.
Small Cellar Conversion
Even small basements can be converted into usable spaces with the appropriate design, and a professional Highley cellar conversion company will create the perfect new room exclusively for you. Perhaps it could be turned into a utility area and somewhere to keep your tumble dryer and washing machine hidden away and create valuable extra space in your kitchen.
You don't need a lot of space to create a home office, and purpose built office furniture can be constructed in even the smallest of cellar conversions in Highley. Your small basement could quite easily be converted into an oasis of peace, where you can forget about work pressures and listen to your favourite music or enjoy a decent book. Add some cozy seating, gentle lighting and a media centre or bookshelf and you'll be in business. You're limited only by the scope of your imagination for the design of a small cellar conversion in Highley. (Tags: Small Basement Conversions Highley, Small Cellar Conversion Highley, Small Cellar Conversion Ideas Highley).
Coming Soon:
Low ceiling cellar conversions (article 1743).
Skip Hire Highley
When you're carrying out any sort of home refurbishments or garden revamps in Highley, you are likely to produce quite a lot of waste. Whether or not lots of waste is created by your basement conversion will be determined by the particular circumstances of your project, sometimes there'll be a lot of waste, sometimes not much at all. Some contractors make allowances for the removal of waste in their quotes, and if this is not itemised ask if it's included, if not you'll need to make your own arrangements.
The simplest way to get rid of this waste is to hire a skip. You ought to be able to get a skip which is suitable for you, given that they come in a multitude of sizes. Generally speaking mini-skips can take roughly 2-3 cubic yards of waste, midi-skips can take roughly 4-5 cubic yards of waste, builders skips can take roughly 6-8 cubic yards of waste (65 bin bags) and roll-on-roll-off skips can take roughly 20-25 cubic yards of waste. Skip bags generally take approximately 1-1.5 cubic yards of waste.
To find out the current skip hire prices in Highley CLICK HERE.
More Information
See an in depth You Tube guide to basic waterproofing solutions for a cellar conversion here. To see the trends on social media websites, check this out. To read an enlightening article about 30 top cellar and basement refurbishing ideas check this out. The dedicated Wikipedia "basement" page is the spot to head over to for facts on structural & design considerations, basement culture and finishings, the usage of basements and cellars, the different sorts of basement and drainage concerns. To do a search for approved and recommended cellar conversion companies in Highley you could head off to Trustmark or the Federation of Master Builders.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Highley
There is a wide range of work that can be undertaken by your local Highley cellar conversion specialist including cellar conversions in Highley, cellar refurbishment, basement refurbishment Highley, basement electrics, condensation control, basement conversion planning permission, basement remodeling, basement flooding solutions, cellar floor repair, cellar soundproofing, bonded sheet membranes in Highley, basement conversion, basement lighting, cellar damp proofing, timber preservation, budget cellar conversion Highley, cellar conversion Highley, basement conversion design Highley, basement surveys, basement damp proofing Highley, waterproof membranes Highley, cellar conversion quotations Highley, sump pumps, cellar flooring, structural waterproofing, basement staircases, damp proofing, cellar conversion ideas, and lots more. This is simply a sampling of what you can expect from someone doing cellar conversion. Highley specialists who are operating in the area will tell you about the entire range of basement conversion services that are offered. You can always go to this QUOTE FORM and submit your details, if you have additional Highley basement conversion requirements that you need but do not see here.
Family & Friends
When you're searching for a builder for your project or undertaking, it is invariably really useful to get recommendations from friends and relatives. These person to person references can be one of the most effective ways to point a finger at second-rate builders and companies that have terrible reputations, and help you single out a tradesperson who is the perfect fit for what you need.
Getting this form of feedback from an acquaintance or member of your family will also give you insights into the builder's timekeeping and reliability, and if things went awry, how they were dealt with and how rapidly they were rectified. They should also be in a position to provide you with information about how the final price charged measured up in comparison to the original quotation that was given, details which can be tricky to obtain from the contractors directly.
Finally, in regards to advice, your friends and family members are folks that you know and can trust to be honest and truthful. If they are not wanting to discuss a certain contractor or building company it's likely due to a poor experience. And many people, rather than 'bad mouthing' a poor company who they have dealt with previously, might even suggest an alternative builder, because they're happier recommending a good quality business than a mediocre one.
Basement Conversion Near Highley
Also find: Billingsley cellar conversion, Birdsgreen cellar conversion, Woodhill cellar conversion, Bagginswood cellar conversion, Coppicegate cellar conversion, Netherton cellar conversion, Shatterford cellar conversion, Baveney Wood cellar conversion, Upper Arley cellar conversion, Romsley cellar conversion, Hampton Loade cellar conversion, Buttonbridge cellar conversion, Alveley cellar conversion, Kinlet cellar conversion, Deuxhill cellar conversions and more. All of these areas are serviced by companies that do cellar conversion. Highley business and home owners can get quotations by clicking here.
Basement Conversion Services Highley
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- Cellar Flooring
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- Cellar Tanking
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Other Useful Trades in Highley Shropshire: Needless to say, whenever you are doing home improvements in Highley, Shropshire, you'll probably be in need of all types of different tradesmen and together with a cellar conversion specialist in Highley, Shropshire, you may additionally need home improvements in Highley, damp proofing in Highley, basement surveys in Highley, a heating engineer in Highley, black mould removal in Highley, a joiner in Highley, condensation control in Highley, garage conversion in Highley, woodworm treatment in Highley, basement waterproofing in Highley, a painter & decorator in Highley, an electrician in Highley, a loft conversion specialist in Highley, a flooring specialist in Highley, a builder in Highley, a bricklayer in Highley, rendering in Highley, SKIP HIRE in Highley, and other different Highley tradesmen.
Highley Cellar Conversion Jobs: View basement conversion jobs near Highley here: Highley Cellar Conversion Jobs
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To get local information on Highley, Shropshire go here
Basement conversions in WV16 area, telephone code 01746.
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