Cellar Conversion Leicester Leicestershire (LE1): An effective way to generate useable living space in your home in Leicester without the need to resort to converting a loft or building an extension, is to transform that dark, inhospitable space beneath your house into a bright, airy room with a basement (or cellar) conversion. Having extra living space closer to the more used areas of your house can give you greater opportunities for entertaining friends, creating a home gym or creating a "granny annex" for elderly relatives.
According to the property specialists Savills, a converted basement (or cellar) can also add anywhere between 10-15% to the market price of your property. A basement conversion allows you to generate extra family living space, which if you've already converted a loft space into further bedrooms, is a much needed and important addition to your home. It's about more than just enhancing your everyday life; such an investment also positions your dwelling competitively in the Leicester real estate market.
Before you take the plunge it is certainly worthwhile to ask a few questions: 1. Are the costs involved in a cellar conversion worth the benefits that you will gain from it? 2. For what are you going to use the additional room or rooms created? 3. How do you choose a contractor that you can count on to do a top quality basement conversion in Leicester? 4. What amount of work will have to be conducted on your basement to convert it into a useable space?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Leicester?
If you're only going to renovate an existing basement without having to raise the ceiling height, then generally speaking you won't need planning permission. In most cases you are pretty much free to utilise a converted and refurbished basement with few constraints, but if your home is a listed structure, is within a conservation area or shares a party wall with a neighbour, there are completely different regulations that should be followed.
For many homeowners in Leicester, the reason that they want to have a basement or cellar conversion created in their property is to make good use of useful living space. This is particularly relevant where living space is limited such as in many parts of Leicester. A cellar conversion can also be used as a means by which to earn a bit of extra cash by transforming the area into a self contained apartment and charging rent for it.
To be honest the only limits to what you can do with your cellar conversion are your imagination and your budget. Perhaps you've always desired a games room or home cinema, or you could always put in a bar and "hey presto", an instant pub for you and your friends. With recent possibilities for home working, converting your cellar into a pleasant and isolated office space, where you are much less likely to be disturbed, could be just the ticket to get you out of that stressful daily commute.
What is Involved?
Although local authority planning permission may not need to be acquired there are specific Building Regulation approvals that you will certainly need. This will make sure that your new living area follows all the Health and Safety guidelines and laws for damp proofing, electrical systems, ceiling height, fire escapes, water supply and ventilation. Luckily your Leicester basement conversion specialists should deal with all of these rules and regulations as part of the build process.
To make sure your cellar conversion stays warm and dry through the course of its life, a waterproof membrane will need to be put in even if there aren't any visible signs of water ingress or damp. Your Leicester cellar conversion specialist will help you decide which technique is most suitable for your conversion and also make certain it adheres to the guidelines of the British Standards BS8102 regulations. Should the membrane fail at some time down the road then an honest contractor will be able to offer an insurance protected warranty of their workmanship, and give you the peace of mind you require.
The installation or upgrading of floor surfaces, water sources, electrical installations, lighting, ventilation, heating and insulation will all need to be talked over with your preferred builder. Under floor heating is increasingly popular in cellar and basement conversions in Leicester because it is efficient and spreads heat evenly. It requires minimal upkeep once it is installed and is a concealed sort of heating, which is an added space saving bonus.
A fully qualified electrician must be brought in to do all electrical testing and installations on your basement conversion project. Try to look for recessed lighting to reduce the worry about ceiling height issues, and with a wide variety of cheap LED light fittings available to buy, your cellar can feel bright and airy even where natural light is absent.
Insulation and ventilation are two vital issues that must be sorted out from the planning phase. The correct insulation should offer enough protection to stop damp causing cold spots from appearing in your basement conversion. Mould and damp can also be the result of heightened humidity levels if the standard of ventilation in your cellar conversion is inadequate.
Picking a Cellar Conversion Contractor in Leicester
Before selecting your conversion company in Leicester, get as many quotations as possible to allow you to evaluate the different services and prices available to you. If you've got any doubts about the credentials of a builder it should not be a problem if you ask if you can see their certificates of accreditation and membership of the appropriate construction trade bodies.
Following an on-site survey you might be given an initial price quote which assesses the standard cost of your conversion, covering aspects like access, flooring and damp proofing. During discussions with your building contractor you'll be able to incorporate your personal specifications, for instance you may need an area to be divided, have a kitchen or bathroom installed or to acquire more height of the ceiling by digging out the pre-existing floor.
You will agree on a final price with a definitive quote for all work to be undertaken including all the necessary documentation applicable to the Leicester area for the party wall agreements, building regulation applications and planning laws. So as to get a better understanding of the costs involved in each stage of construction, you should ensure that the final quotation also provides a full job-by-job breakdown of each section of the conversion.
The builder will be able to offer advice on all these issues and suggest ways to increase natural daylight to brighten the space by installing light wells or opening up the staircase. This is also the right time to speak to a qualified electrician regarding the installation of extra wiring for lighting, plug sockets, computer networks and entertainment.
If your access to the cellar is restricted it might have to be modified depending on what use you have in mind for your cellar conversion. All things considered, what's the point of designing a cellar conversion as a bar, gym or games room if it isn't possible to haul the equipment down the stairs.
Whatever you eventually choose to do with your basement conversion you want it to remain warm and dry regardless of the weather. In order for this to be readily guaranteed and achieved, you'll need a dependable cellar conversion company with the appropriate accreditation and membership of a professional building body.
You can check if your Leicester cellar conversion company is on the approved list of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to make certain you are employing a trusted and reliable builder. You are able to check out how effectively a construction company has performed in past times by visiting the highly respected TrustMark website and seeing the reliability figures it has attained. This is a Trading Standards Authority regulated scheme and it is approved by the government.
The majority of basement conversion companies in Leicester are genuine and legitimate businesses with a trained and qualified workforce. A genuine building company acknowledges the concerns of the general public, caused by a tiny minority of unethical traders, and will try everything they can to validate their trustworthiness in a friendly and responsible way.
Needless to say, such basement conversion services are not only available to folks living in Leicester itself, but may also be accessed by anybody residing in nearby places like Humberstone, Enderby, Beeby, Mountsorrel, Dane Hills, Birstall and Thurmarston, Keyham, Clarendon Park, Knighton, Spinney Hills, Beaumont Leys, Wigston, Belgrave, Anstey, Evington, Aylestone, Oadby, Ingarsby, Barkby Thorpe, Botcheston, Groby, South Croxton, Birstall, and in these postcodes: LE1 2AP, LE1 2DS, LE1 2JT, LE1 2DG, LE1 1LH, LE1 2PD, LE1 2EN, LE1 2AW, LE1 1SY, and LE1 1TR. Local Leicester basement conversion specialists will likely have the telephone code 0116 and the postcode LE1. Checking this out can ensure that you access local providers of cellar conversion. Leicester property owners can utilise these and numerous other related services. To get cellar conversion estimates, simply click the "Quote" banner.
The Importance of Waterproofing
One of the most critical elements of a basement conversion is making certain that your existing cellar is waterproof. Paying out a fortune on converting your basement or cellar and then finding out that it is still mouldy and damp isn't an experience that you'll want to go through. This is the reason you will want to find a reputable cellar conversion firm in Leicester to undertake the work. Essentially there are 2 main ways by which an underground cellar can be waterproofed. The seepage of moisture into your cellar can either be prevented by cementitious tanking, employed as a wet slurry type mixture to form an impermeable surface, or it may be rerouted into a cavity through the use of waterproof membranes, whence it is noiselessly pumped from the building. (Tags: Cellar Waterproofing Leicester, Basement Waterproofing Leicester, Waterproofing Cellars Leicester)
The Installation of a Wine Cellar
Wine cellar installation is a popular service provided by some basement conversion specialists in Leicester. Property owners can receive expert guidance on the design and installation of a bespoke wine cellar that caters to their specific requirements from such specialists. Wine cellars not only provide storage for wine bottles but also make certain that the wine is preserved and ages correctly.
To make sure that the wine is stored in perfect conditions, a professional wine cellar installation can include humidity and temperature control, proper insulation, and ventilation features. Professional wine cellar installation also involves aesthetic considerations, with specialists offering advice on shelving, lighting and decoration to create a practical and inviting wine storage area.
In addition to the initial installation, a wine cellar specialist can offer regular support and maintenance to ensure the cellar remains in perfect condition.
Cellar Conversion Surveys Leicester
Converting a basement or cellar into additional living space is a project many householders in Leicester will think about sooner or later. A professional survey is required to see if your particular basement is actually suitable for conversion, before any work is started.
Taking into account the intended usage of your converted space, the surveyor, who must be qualified in underground constructions, will carry out a detailed survey of your cellar area. This will allow them to establish what measures must be implemented to safely and legally convert your basement.
The construction of your cellar or basement will be checked over, and the demands for ventilation, electricity and drainage will be taken into consideration. Your certified surveyor will also need to assess the particular British Standards guidelines and building codes relating to cellar conversion. These measures include factors like ceiling height, damp proofing and fire escapes, and whether any party wall agreements have to be satisfied. If you are looking to get a basement conversion survey in Leicester, there are several registered surveyors in the area who can undertake this for you. (Tags: Basement Survey Leicester, Basement Conversion Surveys Leicester, Cellar Conversion Surveys Leicester).
Home Cinema Conversions Leicester
Out of all the various ideas about what you can do with your new basement conversion in Leicester, one of the most popular at present is to turn it into a home cinema or home entertainment centre. For folks who really enjoy watching box sets or movies a home cinema is an ideal alternative. A basement or cellar is an ideal setting for a home cinema, being usually dark and having an absence of natural light. More importantly, this kind of addition to your home delivers much needed extra social space where your whole family can gather together and spend quality time in a relaxed informal setting.
Cellar Tanking Leicester
Before tanking your cellar in Leicester, you should make certain that all joints, loose materials 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 add a salt inhibitor if needed. These steps are essential to tank your cellar and prevent future damp patches.
Tanking your basement in Leicester can be really expensive. The cost depends on the size of your cellar, the kind of substrate, and the level of dampness. A qualified damp proofing expert in Leicester will visit your home and provide you with a customised quote. If you're unclear about whether tanking is the right thing your cellar, ask a damp proof expert to determine its suitability.
Cellar tanking usually costs around £60 per square metre (2022). However, you can get materials at low prices and do the tanking yourself. It's important to get several quotes for the job to make sure you're getting the best deal. A good place to get a few quotes is through job comparison sites.
Tanking is a process where waterproof cement is applied to cellar floors, ceilings and walls. It prevents water from seeping into these surfaces and makes them watertight permanently. Because basement walls are frequently below ground level, water from the surrounding ground can permeate the walls and carry salts to the cellar. Therefore, the tanking slurry is created especially to eliminate these issues and create a water-proof barrier.
Installing a Sump Pump
Protect your property from water damage by installing a sump pump. To remove water accumulation in cellars and crawl spaces, sump pumps are commonly used devices. The importance of this cannot be overstated because excess water can give rise to mould, structural damage, and various other issues. To install a sump pump, a pit is dug in the basement or crawl space's lowest part, and the pump is then placed inside the hole. Afterward, the pump is linked to a discharge pipe that diverts the water from the property. The installation of a battery backup system by homeowners may be preferred to maintain the pump's 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 property. Sump pump installation provides a valuable safeguard against the damage that water causes, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Leicester Skip Hire Services
Garden makeovers and home refurbishments make us feel better about ourselves and our properties in Leicester, but even so, as with almost everything that make us feel great there are negative aspects, and in this case it's the mounds of waste that are generated. Depending on your specific situation, basement conversion will create varying amounts of waste. When you get your price quotes you should ask if waste removal has been included, otherwise you'll have to arrange this yourself.
Whether you are left with doing this job yourself, or the tradesperson is sorting it out, a skip will usually be required. Skips are available in all shapes and sizes, so there's certain to be one out there to suit your exact needs. Skips range from skip bags to mini-skips, midi-skips to builders skips, and for major projects or commercial use - roll-on roll-off skips.
CLICK HERE to get skip hire quotes for the Leicester area.
Cellar Conversion Tasks Leicester
The number of services and tasks that can be undertaken by your local cellar conversion specialist are wide and varied, and will include things like condensation control in Leicester, basement refurbishment, cellar conversion ideas, basement conversion, cellar excavation, cellar flooring, basement surveys, positive input ventilation (PIV), basement architectural design, cellar lighting, residential basement conversion, low ceiling basement conversions Leicester, obtaining planning permission for basement conversion, cellar conversions, cellar refurbishment, cellar conversion underpinning, basement conversions, basement remodeling, basement conversion quotes in Leicester, small basement conversions, budget basement conversion Leicester, commercial cellar conversions, low ceiling cellar conversion Leicester, basement conversion design, cellar damp proofing, cellar tanking in Leicester, cellar waterproofing in Leicester, small cellar conversions, black mould removal, cellar plumbing, and others not mentioned. These services are just some of those available from somebody doing cellar conversion. Leicester companies will be more than happy to tell you about their whole range of cellar conversion services. If there's something basement related, that you need but don't see listed here, you could go to this QUOTE FORM and tell us what you are searching for.
Family & Friends
Whenever you're looking for a contractor for your project or undertaking, it is invariably a great help to get recommendations from relatives and friends. Together with weeding out second-rate contractors and companies with an unsatisfactory record for service, personal referrals are generally the best way to identify somebody who is suitable for your needs.
If you are aware that a friend or member of your family has used a particular builder, you can get a bit of first hand insights into their time keeping and reliability. They will also be able to let you know if anything went awry, and how speedily any faults were resolved. You can get a notion of how the final price for the work when compared to the original estimate they were given, which, unless they've got a guaranteed price promise, is normally difficult to obtain directly from the builders.
You can rely on your friends and family members to be honest and truthful, hence they should always be your first point of reference in relation to advice. If they're unwilling to discuss a specific contractor or company it's probably down to an unsatisfactory experience. And, rather than 'maligning' a second-rate builder, a lot of people might even offer an alternative company, because generally speaking most people will be perfectly happy to speak about a good contractor and less inclined to talk about a mediocre one.
Cellar Conversion Near Leicester
Also find: Ingarsby cellar conversion, Dane Hills cellar conversion, Beeby cellar conversion, South Croxton cellar conversion, Aylestone cellar conversion, Spinney Hills cellar conversion, Anstey cellar conversion, Humberstone cellar conversion, Beaumont Leys cellar conversion, Barkby Thorpe cellar conversion, Birstall cellar conversion, Knighton cellar conversion, Oadby cellar conversion, Evington cellar conversion, Birstall and Thurmarston cellar conversion, Mountsorrel cellar conversion, Clarendon Park cellar conversion, Belgrave cellar conversion, Botcheston cellar conversion, Keyham cellar conversion, Wigston cellar conversion, Groby cellar conversion, Enderby cellar conversion and more. Contractors who do cellar conversion can be found in most of these localities. Well-equipped to turn your basement into a welcoming and functional living area, these skilled professionals bring a wealth of expertise and know-how to the table. These professionals can transform your concepts into reality, be it an extra bedroom, a home cinema or a cosy basement lounge. By clicking here, local residents can obtain cellar conversion quotations.
Cellar Conversion Services Leicester
- Cellar Tanking
- Residential Cellar Conversions
- Cellar Remodeling
- Cellar Conversion
- Basement Flooring
- Cellar Refurbishment
- Basement Conversion Quotes
- Commercial Cellar Conversions
- Basement Refurbishment
- Basement Conversion
- Cheap Cellar Conversions
- Cellar Surveys
- Rising Damp Control
- Basement Waterproofing Services
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Basement conversions in LE1 area, phone code 0116.
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