Cellar Conversion Oxford Oxfordshire (OX1): A basement (or cellar) conversion can turn that unwelcoming, dark cellar into a dry, warm and bright living space while also generating extra room in your Oxford home. Having extra living space closer to the more frequently used areas of your home can provide greater opportunities for creating a home gym, entertaining friends or building a "granny annex" for an elderly relative.
A cellar or basement conversion is also a way to add value to your house; the highly regarded estate agents Savills have said that it is usually in the region of ten to fifteen percent above the market value of similar properties in the Oxford area. If you've already converted your attic to accommodate your ever expanding family, a cellar conversion gives you an effective way to create welcome extra space. Enhancing your everyday living is just one element of this investment; it also strategically positions your home in the competitive Oxford real estate market.
Before rushing into this process it's worthwhile to ask a few questions: 1. What will a conversion mean in terms of work required and the disturbance to the household? 2. Just what do you want to do with the extra space you will be able to create with the conversion? 3. Are the attributes of a basement conversion really worth the costs that are associated with accomplishing it? 4. How do you identify a local Oxford based cellar conversion firm that's trustworthy and efficient?
Why Pick a Cellar Conversion in Oxford?
In contrast to constructing loft conversions and extensions, a cellar conversion doesn't normally require local authority planning permission if you are just making it into a functional living space, but if you've got to do any construction works such as lowering the floor you need to ask your local council exactly what your options are. You will however need to check with the local council authorities if you live in a conservation area, if you share a party wall (requires different regulations) or if your property is listed.
The chance to make good use of invaluable living space in their house is the number one reason many householders in Oxford wish to do a basement or cellar conversion. This is particularly relevant where living space is restricted such as in some areas of Oxford. A cellar conversion can also be done as a means by which to earn extra income by turning that largely unused space into a self contained apartment and renting it out.
The final design of a basement conversion and its uses are based on what your imagination comes up with, and what your spending budget can allow. You could create an instant pub for your friends and family by installing a bar, or maybe you would prefer a home cinema or a games room. If you happen to be somebody who works from home a basement conversion can become the ideal home study by providing you with a custom-built area where you're much less likely to be disturbed.
What is Involved?
Even though planning permission might not have to be acquired there are particular Building Regulation clearances that you will definitely need. This will ensure that your new living area abides by all the Health and Safety legislation and guidelines for fire escapes, ceiling height, ventilation, water sources, electrical systems and damp proofing. Thankfully your Oxford basement conversion specialists will be glad to deal with all of these regulations as an integral part of the construction process.
To ensure your basement conversion remains warm and dry throughout its life, a damp proof membrane or cementitious tanking will have to be installed even if there isn't and visible indication of dampness or water ingress. Any damp proofing and waterproofing technique that you choose to use must adhere to the BS8102 guidelines which your Oxford cellar conversion specialist is obliged to follow. For peace of mind, ask the conversion company if they can provide you with an insurance backed guarantee against water ingress due to the possible failure of the damp proof membrane.
The upgrading or installation of ventilation, insulation, lighting, floor coverings, heating, electric wiring and water supply will also have to be talked over with your selected builder. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in basement conversions in Oxford as it's efficient and spreads heat evenly. It needs very little maintenance once put in and is a hidden sort of heating, which is an extra space saving bonus.
Electrical installations must be left to a certified tradesman. Efficient and low cost LED light fixtures can be sunk into the ceiling to give the maximum possible ceiling to floor height and guarantee that your basement conversion has a natural, bright feel.
Insulation and ventilation are important factors that must be discussed from the design phase. The appropriate insulation ought to provide sufficient protection to stop damp causing cold spots from developing in your basement conversion. Damp and mould can also be attributable to increased humidity levels if the level of ventilation in your conversion is poor.
Selecting a Basement Conversion Contractor in Oxford
As with all major building projects, it is a good idea to obtain more than one quotation to allow you the chance to evaluate different company's prices. Not all contractors are alike when it comes to cellar conversions and it's wise to ask if you can see the relevant building and trade accreditations and memberships if you have any doubts about their credentials.
A preliminary price quote may be provided following an on-site survey for a standard cellar conversion with access, flooring and waterproofing considerations being assessed. Follow up consultations with the building company should provide clarification about your requirements, for instance increasing the height of your cellar by the digging out of the existing floor, or the installation of a toilet or kitchen in a separate room.
The final quotation should contain all required building regulation, party wall agreement and planning application paperwork applicable to the Oxford area before work is able to start. It also needs to be divided into individual parts of the overall project so that you can get a better understanding of the eventual price.
If you have concerns about how you can get more natural light into your conversion, your selected builder will be able to offer recommendations such as opening up stairs or the installation of light wells, and should also take care of any other worries you might have. They will also be able to advise how best to adapt the cellar and electrical wiring for extra lighting, electrical sockets, computer networks and entertainment systems you require.
If your access to the basement has limitations it might have to be adapted subject to what you have planned for your cellar conversion. Your fancy design may be based on transforming your cellar conversion into a designer bar, home gym or snooker room, but if access is limited how will the equipment get down there?
Making certain that your cellar is dry, warm and free from damp is the main concern against whatever the UK weather decides to do. If this is going to be readily accomplished, you need a dependable basement conversion specialist with the appropriate accreditation and membership of a professional building organisation.
A FMB (Federation of Master Builders) membership and accreditation by your Oxford contractor illustrates their reliability in the building trade. You are able to check out how efficiently a building company has performed in the past by visiting the TrustMark website and looking at the integrity figures it has achieved. This is a helpful scheme developed by the Trading Standards Authority with approval from the UK government.
It is a fact that the overwhelming majority of companies who carry out basement conversions in the Oxford area are trustworthy with highly qualified builders and construction industry workers. A professional building company will help you in any way possible to give you evidence of their credibility, and respond in a fair manner in order to build trust and a unified working relationship.
Cellar conversion can also be provided in places around Oxford, like Wytham, Sandford, Risinghurst, Marston, Cumnor, Garsington, Iffley, Whitecross, Cowley, Kennington, Summertown, Chawley, Sunningwell, Littlemore, Barton, Osney, Wolvercote, Headington, in these postcodes: OX1 1NE, OX1 1EW, OX1 1AE, OX1 1SG, OX1 1DB, OX1 1HD, OX1 1DZ, OX1 1QL, OX1 1LQ, and OX1 1EN, and other nearby villages. Locally based Oxford cellar conversion specialists will probably have the telephone code 01865 and the postcode OX1. Checking this out will confirm that you access locally based providers of cellar conversion. Oxford householders will be able to utilise these and countless other similar services. By clicking on the "Quote" banner you can get cellar conversion quotations from nearby providers.
Planning Permission for Cellar Conversions
If you already have a cellar under you property in Oxford, and just want to convert it from a damp, dingy storage area into a useful living space, you won't require planning permission from your local authority, as it is regarded as "change of use". If you have to expand the volume of the house by excavating the basement floor to lift the ceiling height, you might need to have planning permission, because it will be treated more like an extension. In most cases this kind of planning application is seldom refused, provided that the external appearance of your property is not being altered to any significant extent. Your chosen basement conversion company in Oxford should be able to get this information for you, or you can chat to your local council planning office.
The Installation of Sump Pumps
Installing a sump pump is an essential step in protecting your home against water damage. Sump pumps are submersible devices that assist in removing water that has gathered in cellars or crawl spaces. This is vital since an accumulation of water can bring about structural damage, mould growth, and other related complications. The installation process generally involves digging a pit in the lowest part of the crawl space or cellar and installing the sump pump inside. Afterward, the pump is linked to a discharge pipe that diverts the water from the building. The installation of a battery backup system might be chosen by householders to maintain the pump's functioning during power cuts or other emergency situations. It is important to have a qualified professional install a sump pump to ensure it is properly placed and configured to effectively manage water in the property. Overall, sump pump installation is a worthwhile investment in protecting a property from the damage that water causes.
Wine Cellar Installation
Wine cellar installation is a service that is widely that is offered by specialists in basement conversion. Design and installation of a custom wine cellar that caters to the householder's specific preferences and requirements can be provided by these specialists. The purpose of a wine cellar is not only to store wine bottles but also to create ideal conditions for aging and preserving wine.
A professional wine cellar installation can include features such as humidity and temperature control, proper ventilation and insulation to make sure that the wine is stored in the best possible conditions. Wine cellar specialists can provide advice on both the visual and functional aspects of cellar design, such as storage options and lighting, to create an attractive and efficient wine storage area.
Creating a wine cellar as part of a property renovation can offer a unique selling point and add value to the home. After the installation, a wine cellar specialist can offer support and maintenance services to make certain that the wine cellar is functioning effectively and that the wine collection is being stored correctly.
Cellar Conversion Specialist Help and Advice
To see cellar refurbishment imagery and related social media marketing, check this out. To find accredited and recommended cellar conversion companies in Oxford you could head over to Trustmark or the Federation of Master Builders. Get tips on the various stages of basement and cellar conversion on You Tube here. If you need to learn more info on about basement conversion options check this out. You could have a look at the Wikipedia basement webpage to read about drainage considerations, design & structural concerns, the uses for basements and cellars, the different forms of basement and basement finishings and culture.
Basement Conversion Tasks Oxford
The number of tasks and services that can be accomplished by your local cellar conversion specialist are wide and varied, and will include stuff like cellar remodeling, basement flooding solutions, bonded sheet membranes, basement conversion quotations, timber preservation in Oxford, low ceiling basement conversions Oxford, commercial basement conversions, cellar conversion, cellar conversion ideas in Oxford, structural waterproofing, cellar conversion design, cementitious tanking, obtaining planning permission for cellar conversions, basement tanking, positive input ventilation (PIV), basement plumbing, cellar electrics, cellar waterproofing, wine cellar installation, condensation control, waterproof membranes, basement rendering, basement conversion, basement damp proofing, small cellar conversions in Oxford, bespoke basement conversion, basement waterproofing, cellar surveys, basement soundproofing, basement refurbishment, and others not mentioned here. Listed are just a few of the tasks that are performed by someone doing cellar conversion. Oxford specialists offering these types of basement conversion services, will supply you with a full list when requested. You could maybe go to this QUOTE FORM and enter your details, if you have additional Oxford basement conversion conversion requirements that you need but cannot find here.
Friends & Family
Any time that you're trying to find professionals for any project or service, it is always a good idea to look to friends and relations for recommendations. It's generally accepted, that personal referrals are an excellent solution when it comes to identifying a tradesperson who's suitable for your needs, and can also help in pointing a finger at builders who aren't up to standard, or Oxfordshire companies with far from glowing service records.
Getting the feedback of a family member or friend also means that you can discover if anything went wrong, how quickly mistakes were rectified, and what the contractor's attitude was like. In addition you can get an insight into the reliability and time keeping of the builder concerned. They will be in a position to let you know how the final price in comparison to the original quotation they were provided with, or if the builder offers a guaranteed price promise.
You can depend on your friends and family members to be honest and truthful, so they should always be your first point of reference when it comes to advice. If they have had a poor experience in their dealings with a certain contractor or company, you may well find that they'll not want to discuss them. It is frequently the case that a lot of people will be more than willing to recommend a good quality builder and less inclined to mention a mediocre one. They might even suggest an alternative company, rather than 'bad mouth' far from ideal one that they have previously dealt with.
Cellar Conversion Near Oxford
Also find: Sandford cellar conversion, Wytham cellar conversion, Headington cellar conversion, Risinghurst cellar conversion, Iffley cellar conversion, Osney cellar conversion, Summertown cellar conversion, Marston cellar conversion, Kennington cellar conversion, Garsington cellar conversion, Cumnor cellar conversion, Wolvercote cellar conversion, Sunningwell cellar conversion, Littlemore cellar conversion, Cowley cellar conversion, Barton cellar conversion, Chawley cellar conversion, Whitecross cellar conversion and more. Most of these localities are serviced by companies who do cellar conversion. These seasoned professionals, well-equipped with a wealth of expertise and knowledge, can transform your basement into a functional and inviting living space. Whether you envision a snug basement lounge, a home cinema or an extra bedroom, these experts can turn your dreams into reality. To get cellar conversion quotes, local residents can simply click here.
Cellar Conversion Services Oxford
- Cellar Conversion
- Basement Remodeling
- Cellar Refurbishment
- Domestic Cellar Conversions
- Basement Surveys
- Cellar Conversion Quotes
- Basement Conversion
- Cementitious Tanking
- Basement Damp Proofing
- Basement Refurbishment
- Rising Damp Control
- Cellar Waterproofing Services
- Commercial Cellar Conversions
- Basement Flooring
Other Useful Trades in Oxford Oxfordshire: Of course, when you're doing home remodeling in Oxford, Oxfordshire, you are likely to need all types of different tradesmen and along with a cellar conversion specialist in Oxford, Oxfordshire, you may additionally need a carpenter in Oxford, basement waterproofing in Oxford, a tiler in Oxford, a flooring specialist in Oxford, timber preservation in Oxford, black mould removal in Oxford, a handyman in Oxford, cellar surveys in Oxford, a plumber in Oxford, SKIP HIRE in Oxford, a builder in Oxford, a plasterer in Oxford, damp proofing in Oxford, condensation control in Oxford, a house extension in Oxford, loft conversion in Oxford, a painter & decorator in Oxford, an electrician in Oxford, and other different Oxford tradesmen.
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Oxford Cellar Conversion Jobs: View cellar conversion jobs near Oxford by going here: Oxford Cellar Conversion Jobs
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Basement conversions in OX1 area, (dialling code 01865).
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