Cellar Conversion London

According to the property agents Savills, a converted cellar can also add anywhere between 10-15% to the market value of your house. If you've already done a conversion on your loft to provide space for your ever expanding family, a cellar conversion enables you to create welcome extra space. An investment like this, while improving your day to day living, also strategically positions your property in the competitive real estate market.

Should you be thinking about doing a cellar conversion make sure that you have asked yourself these important questions before starting: 1. For what are you going to use the extra living space created? 2. Are the attributes of a basement conversion really worth the expense that is involved with accomplishing it? 3. How do you stay clear of "cowboy" builders and locate a professional London company who'll be able to convert your basement and supply warranties for all of the work that's needed? 4. What will a conversion mean in terms of the amount of work required and disturbance to your home?

Unlike doing loft conversions and extensions, a basement conversion doesn't normally require planning permission if you're just making it into a functional living space, however if it is necessary to do any major construction works for instance lowering the level of the floor you need to ask your local authorities precisely what is required. You will however have to check with the local council if your building is listed, if you live in a conservation area or if you share a party wall (requires different regulations).

One of the main reasons given by home owners in London for remodeling an existing cellar or basement is to transform the underused space into something functional. This is particularly true where space is restricted such as in many areas of London. A basement conversion can also be used as a means by which to earn some extra money by transforming that largely unused space into a self contained flat and putting it up for rent.

The final layout of a basement conversion and how it's used are down to what your own imagination comes up with, and what your budget can allow. Maybe you have always desired a games room or home cinema, or you could always install a bar and "hey presto", an instant pub for you and your pals. Another firm favourite, and maybe more inviting given recent circumstances, is the creation of a home based office or study where you'll be able to escape from the stressful daily commute and enjoy an area in your house where you might be less liable to be interrupted while working.

What is Involved?

Despite the fact that local authority planning permission might not need to be obtained there are particular Building Regulation clearances that you will definitely need. These regulations give you, and any subsequent buyer of your property, the confidence that your basement conversion follows the recommendations and legislation for damp proofing, electrical installations, water sources, fire escapes, ventilation, minimum ceiling heights and health & safety. Thankfully your London cellar conversion specialists will be able to deal with all of these regulations as an integral part of the construction process.

It matters not if your basement does not seem to be damp nor has any indication of mould; you will still have to get a suitable damp proof membrane put in to offer a dry, watertight area suitable for conversion. Your preferred basement conversion specialists in London will go through which damp proofing method is best for your house and make sure it is installed according to BS8102 guidelines. Should the membrane fail at some point down the road then a professional company should be able to provide you with an insurance supported guarantee of their work, and give you the peace of mind you require.

Take advice from the building company regarding the upgrade or installation of the water supply, heating system, floor coverings, ventilation, electrical installations, insulation and lighting, to get the most suitable products for your particular cellar conversion. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in basement and cellar conversions in London because it is efficient and spreads heat evenly. Also, it is concealed beneath your chosen flooring and needs very little maintenance.

A certified electrician must be used to undertake all electrical installations and testing on your cellar conversion project. Lighting should be recessed to prevent height issues and there are plenty of cost effective and efficient LED fittings that look fantastic and will brighten up your conversion to make it seem light and airy.

Two vital elements that your contractor will will want to discuss are how to provide the necessary insulation and ventilation. Insufficient insulation can leave your cellar conversion with cold spots which might increase the potential for damp. Substandard ventilation can also trigger a constant increase in humidity which is known to lead to problems with damp and mould.

Before selecting your conversion company in London, get as many estimates as you can to allow you to assess the different prices and services on offer. All contractors are not the same with regards to cellar conversions and it is prudent to ask if you can see the relevant building and trade accreditations and memberships if you feel in any doubt about their working standards.

An initial estimate may be given after an on-site survey for a basic basement conversion with flooring, access and waterproofing considerations being evaluated. Follow up discussions with the builders should provide clarification of your requirements, i.e. increasing the ceiling height of your cellar by the excavating of the existing floor, or the installation of a kitchen or toilet in a separate room.

You will sign off on a final price with a definitive quotation for all work to be completed which includes all the required paperwork pertaining to the London area for the party wall agreements, planning laws and building regulation applications. The final quote should also include a task-by-task breakdown of the individual parts of the basement conversion to give you an accurate understanding of the costs involved in every stage.

If you have concerns about how to get more natural light into your conversion, your selected contractor will be able to offer solutions such as opening up the staircase or the use of light wells, and should also address any other worries you might have. If you need new wiring for additional electrical sockets, lighting or computing and home entertainment systems these should all be addressed now.

Dependant upon how you plan to use your conversion it would pay you to seriously think about the width and height of your access points. There is no point in planning for a fully equipped gymnasium, pool room or bar if you have problems getting down a narrow, winding stairway while carrying a cup of coffee.

Whatever it is that you choose to do with your basement or cellar conversion you want it to stay dry and warm throughout the year. For this you need your cellar conversion tradesmen to be qualified and endorsed by accreditation and membership to professional trade associations.

A Federation of Master Builders membership and accreditation by your London building company indicates their reliability in the building trade. You can check up on how well a building company has performed previously by accessing the TrustMark website and looking at the trustworthiness figures it has accomplished. This is a Trading Standards Authority regulated scheme and it is backed by the UK government.

There are many honest, legitimate companies in the London area who will be glad to help you convert a cellar or basement with the help of a highly qualified and trained workforce within the building industry. A reputable conversion company recognises the concerns of the general public, caused by a small minority of dishonest traders, and will do everything they can to affirm their trustworthiness in a friendly and responsible way.

Even while this blog page is largely for householders searching for cellar conversions in London, it should still be helpful for anyone living in adjacent towns and villages such as Vauxhall, Haringey, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Kensington, Brent, Covent Garden, Whitehall, Southwark, Mayfair, Havering, Churchill Gardens, St James's, Victoria, Shepherds Bush, Camden, Knightsbridge, Waterloo, Islington, Pimlico, Belgravia, or in these postcodes: NW1 5EW, NW1 5HL, NW1 5AQ, NW1 4SN, EC4A 2NN, NW1 4RJ, NW1 5ED, NW1 5BB, EC4A 2JQ, and NW1 5BT. Locally based London basement conversion specialists will most likely have the postcode SW1 and the dialling code 020. Verifying this will make sure that you access locally based providers of cellar conversion. London home and business owners can benefit from these and countless other similar services. By clicking on the "Quote" banner you can obtain basement conversion estimates from local providers.

Cellar Tanking

If your basement in London is damp or contains water, you should consider cellar tanking. This kind of waterproofing is easier to install and more affordable than you might believe. In addition, tanking can make extra usable space in your property. Here is why: tanking helps keep moisture out while at the same time making extra living space.

First, remove loose mortar joints and materials. You can also add a salt inhibitor to prevent problems in the future. If you are unable to remove the loose material, you could try applying a chemical or physical bond. As soon as the coating has dried, you can put plaster over the top. Make sure to use a sulphate-resistant cement.

Membrane-sealed tanking can be installed in a cellar or basement in London. This form of tanking requires you to clear all interior walls of all items, including pipes. You must also secure the piping to the membrane. This is often done using plyboard. Once this is done, perimeter channels are installed around the base of the walls. These channels lead to a sump and pump system which carries water away from the property.

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.

Basement Conversion Surveys

Converting a cellar or basement into an extra living area is a project that many householders in London will look at at some point in time. The initial step that must be taken is to make sure that your cellar is actually suitable for converting, and this involves a professional survey of your cellar/basement area.

A surveyor who visits your home must be certified in below-ground construction, and will have spoken to you before arriving regarding the planned usage of your basement/cellar. This gives the surveyor an inkling of what systems need to be installed to satisfy your requirements.

The construction of walls, ceilings and floors will all be evaluated, taking into account the requirements of plumbing, ventilation and electricity. There are specific building regulations and British Standards requirements relating to cellar conversion which your professional surveyor will also need to evaluate. These regulations include stuff like minimum ceiling heights, fire escapes and party wall agreements, and guidelines of damp proofing and water resistance.

Installing a Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump is an essential step in protecting your home against water damage. A sump pump is a mechanism that aids in the elimination of water accumulation in crawl spaces and cellars. It is essential to understand that an excess of water can cause mould growth, structural harm, and various other issues. The process of installation usually requires excavation of a pit in the crawl space or basement's lowest point and then placing the sump pump inside. The pump is then connected to a discharge pipe that carries the water away from the home. The installation of a battery backup system might be chosen by property owners to maintain the pump's functioning during power outages or other emergency situations. For efficient water management in the home, it is essential to have a qualified professional install a sump pump to ensure proper placement and setup. Overall, sump pump installation is a worthwhile investment in protecting a property from water damage.

Planning Permission for Basement Conversions London

If your home in London already has a cellar that's currently being used as storage or similar, and you wish to transform it into a livable space, it's going to be considered as "change of use" and you will not have to apply for local authority planning permission. If you have to increase the total volume of the house by digging up the cellar floor to raise the height of the ceiling, you may need planning permission, because it's going to be viewed as a sort of extension. This type of planning application will nearly always be approved, provided that you aren't modifying your property's external appearance to any serious extent. Your selected basement conversion specialist in London will be able to help you with this, or you can consult with your local council planning office. A quick visit to the planning portal will provide most of the help and advice you'll need - click here.

Basement Conversion Tasks London

The selection of services and tasks that can be completed by your local basement conversion specialist are varied and wide, and should include things like budget basement conversion London, basement conversion ideas, basement conversion design, woodworm treatment, small cellar conversions, low ceiling cellar conversion London, basement plumbing, basement excavation, cellar flooring, bespoke basement conversion, sump pump installations in London, cellar surveys, cellar conversion in London, basement architectural design, basement surveys, positive input ventilation (PIV), basement damp proofing, commercial basement conversions, basement underpinning, bonded sheet membranes, waterproof membranes, cellar rendering, basement conversion quotes, basement conversions, basement lighting, cellar floor repair & restoration in London, cementitious tanking, cellar remodeling, obtaining planning permission for basement conversion, basement refurbishment, and others not mentioned here. Listed are just a handful of the activities that are handled by someone doing cellar conversion. London companies will will be more than happy to update you with their whole range of basement conversion services if you call them. You can always go to this QUOTE FORM and submit your details, if there are additional London cellar conversion conversion requirements that you're searching for but don't see here.

Cellar Conversion Near London

Also find: Southwark cellar conversion, Kensington cellar conversion, Whitehall cellar conversion, Waltham Forest cellar conversion, Pimlico cellar conversion, Shepherds Bush cellar conversion, Mayfair cellar conversion, Islington cellar conversion, Churchill Gardens cellar conversion, Waterloo cellar conversion, Haringey cellar conversion, Camden cellar conversion, Brent cellar conversion, Vauxhall cellar conversion, Havering cellar conversion, Victoria cellar conversion, Hackney cellar conversion, St James's cellar conversion, Covent Garden cellar conversion, Belgravia cellar conversion, Knightsbridge cellar conversion and more. Builders who do cellar conversion can be found in all of these areas. With a wealth of expertise and know-how, these skilled professionals are well-equipped to transform your cellar into a functional and inviting living area. Whether you envision a home cinema, a cosy basement lounge or an additional bedroom, these experts can turn your dreams into reality. Local homeowners can get quotes by going here.

Cellar Conversion Services London

Basement Conversion in London

• Cellar Conversion
• Basement Remodeling
• Basement Conversion
• Cellar Surveys
• Basement Waterproofing
• Basement Flooring
• Commercial Cellar Conversions
• Cellar Refurbishment
• Residential Cellar Conversions
• Basement Damp Proofing
• Rising Damp Control
• Cheap Cellar Conversions
• Basement Refurbishment
• Cellar Remodeling

Other Useful Trades in London Greater London: Undoubtedly, when you are doing home improvements and repairs in London, Greater London, you are likely to need all types of different tradesmen and together with a cellar conversion specialist in London, Greater London, you could also need damp proofing in London, a tiler in London, a flooring specialist in London, garage conversion in London, timber preservation in London, an electrician in London, a carpenter in London, a builder in London, condensation control in London, a plumber in London, rendering in London, a painter & decorator in London, SKIP HIRE in London, loft conversion in London, black mould removal in London, cellar waterproofing in London, cellar surveys in London, a handyman in London, and other different London tradesmen.

London Cellar Conversion Jobs: Find basement conversion jobs in London by going here: London Cellar Conversion Jobs

To obtain local London information go here

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Basement conversions in SW1 area, telephone code 020.

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