Cellar Conversion Richmond upon Thames Greater London (KT2): Changing an unwelcome and dark basement into a bright and airy living area is a perfect alternative for those wanting to create more space in their home without having to build an extension. Having an extra room closer to the more frequently used areas of the house can present you with greater opportunities for creating a home office, entertaining friends or creating a "granny annex" for an elderly relative.
Converting your cellar or basement can also enhance the value of your property in Richmond upon Thames; the highly regarded estate agents Savills suggest this could be by ten to fifteen percent above the market value of similar properties in your area. A basement or cellar conversion permits you to generate extra living space, which if you have previously converted an attic space into bedrooms, is an attractive and important improvement to your house. Your everyday living is not only improved by this investment but also positions your property more competitively in the Richmond upon Thames real estate market.
Before you start any cellar conversion project, ask yourself these important questions: 1. How can you identify a local Richmond upon Thames based cellar conversion company that's trustworthy and efficient? 2. What will a conversion mean in terms of the amount of work required and disruption to the home? 3. What sort of expense is involved and what positive advantages can be attained from a basement conversion? 4. What precisely is your purpose for creating the added space with the conversion?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Richmond upon Thames?
If you are merely going to modernise a pre-existing cellar without needing to raise the height of the ceiling, then generally speaking you will not need planning permission. Generally speaking you're free to utilise a converted and remodeled basement with few constraints, however if your house has a shared party wall with a neighbour, is a listed building or is in a conservation area, there are various different rules that should be adhered to.
One of the main reasons given by property owners in Richmond upon Thames for renovating a pre-existing basement is to utilise the underused space for something practical. If like lots of other folks in Richmond upon Thames you find that living space is limited, this will be a major priority. If you do not really need the additional living space for you own benefit, a cellar conversion can be changed into a self contained apartment to bring in some welcome extra money.
The simple truth is the uses of a cellar conversion are limited only by your imagination.....and obviously your budget. Maybe you have always wanted a home cinema or games room, or you could always put in a bar and "hey presto", an instant pub for you and your family. If you happen to be somebody who works from home a cellar conversion can create the perfect home study by providing you with a custom-built space where you're much less likely to be disturbed.
What is Involved?
Even though planning permission might not need to be obtained there are specific Building Regulation clearances you will need. These regulations provide you, and any subsequent owner of your house, the confidence that your basement conversion observes the legislation and recommendations for electrical systems, fire escapes, water supply, health and safety, ceiling height, ventilation and damp proofing. Luckily your Richmond upon Thames basement conversion company will be able to address these legal guidelines as part of the construction process.
Even if there are no visible signs of damp or mould in your existing basement, it will still need some type of waterproof membrane or cementitious tanking so that it remains water-resistant and make it suitable for converting. Your chosen basement conversion specialists in Richmond upon Thames will discuss which waterproofing technique is most suitable for your property and make certain it is installed according to BS8102 recommendations. Should the membrane fail at some point down the road then a reputable contractor should be able to offer an insurance supported guarantee of their workmanship, giving you the peace of mind you require.
Consult with the conversion company regarding the upgrade or installation of the electrical installations, heating, floor coverings, lights, insulation, water supply and ventilation, to get the most appropriate products for your specific cellar conversion. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in basement and cellar conversions in Richmond upon Thames as it spreads heat evenly and is very efficient. Also, it is concealed underneath your chosen flooring style and needs very little upkeep.
An experienced electrician must be used to complete all electrical testing and installations on your basement conversion project. Effective and cost effective LED light fixtures can be sunk into the ceiling to provide maximum ceiling to floor height and guarantee your cellar conversion has a bright, natural feel.
Two important factors that your conversion specialist will discuss with you are how to provide the necessary ventilation and insulation. Inappropriate insulation can leave your conversion with cold spots which may increase the potential for damp. Also inadequate ventilation can cause issues, not just from stagnant air, but also by allowing a build up of humidity which is a serious concern where dampness is concerned.
Finding a Cellar Conversion Company in Richmond upon Thames
Before choosing your contractor in Richmond upon Thames, get as many price quotes as possible to allow you to evaluate the different prices and services available to you. If you are at all in doubt about the expertise of a company it shouldn't be an issue if you ask if you can view their proof of membership and accreditation of the appropriate construction trade organisations.
If you receive an initial quotation after an on-site survey it may only apply to the basic aspects of your cellar conversion, for example waterproofing considerations, the floor and access issues. Through discussion with your contractor you'll be able to add your own personal specifications, for instance you might need a room to be split up, have a kitchen or bathroom installed or to increase the ceiling height by digging out the current floor.
An accurate quotation from a nearby Richmond upon Thames basement conversion specialist should contain any appropriate building regulation applications, planning laws and party wall agreements required before work can begin. So as to get a better understanding of the costs involved with each stage of construction, you should ensure that the final quotation also includes a full task-by-task breakdown of each section of the conversion.
With so many stuff to think about, a reliable basement conversion specialist should be able to provide solutions to any questions you may have and also suggesting ways that you can introduce more natural daylight by installing light wells or opening up the staircase. This is also the time to talk to a fully qualified electrician about the installation of extra wiring for electrical sockets, lighting, computer networks and home entertainment.
Access to your basement is of prime importance because depending on how you wish to use your newly created living area could mean that the entryways need to be adapted. Your design might be based on transforming your basement into a home gym, games room or designer bar, but if the access isn't suitable how will you get the equipment down there?
It is obvious that regardless of what you elect to convert your basement into, you will need it to stay warm and dry in summer and winter. In order for this to be readily accomplished, you need a reliable conversion specialist with the necessary membership and accreditation of a trade body.
A FMB (Federation of Master Builders) accreditation and membership by your Richmond upon Thames conversion company indicates their reliability and professionalism in the building and construction industry. Another excellent way to check a company's reliability is to find out if it's included on the Trustmark website. TrustMark is a beneficial scheme that enjoys full backing of the government and was created by the Trading Standards Authority.
The majority of building companies in Richmond upon Thames are legitimate and genuine businesses with qualified tradespeople. But it only takes a tiny number of dishonest firms to ruin trust, and a professional conversion company will understand your fears and help to ease your worries wherever possible.
Towns and villages in the Richmond upon Thames area where you're also able to access basement conversion services: Gunnersbury, Ham, North Sheen, Grove Park, Shepherds Bush, Hampton Hill, Mortlake, Kingston-upon-Thames, St Margarets, East Sheen. Local Richmond upon Thames basement conversion specialists will probably have the telephone code 020 and the postcode KT2. Checking this out should confirm you access local providers of cellar conversion. Richmond upon Thames householders can utilise these and numerous other similar services.
Cellar Tanking Richmond upon Thames
The method that is used to waterproof basements and cellars to prevent damp and water ingress is known as cellar tanking. This task involves applying a special waterproof coating to the walls and floor of the cellar. This coating ensures the cellar stays dry and usable by creating a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping through.
The first step in the cellar tanking process typically involves preparing the surfaces to be treated. Cleaning the walls and floors, removing old plaster or paint, and repairing damage or cracks are included in this process. The waterproof coating is applied in several layers after the surfaces are prepared to provide thorough protection against water penetration.
The value and functionality of a property in Richmond upon Thames can be greatly enhanced by using cellar tanking. Converting a dry and fully waterpoofed cellar allows it to be used as additional living space, like a bedroom, an office, a gym or a home cinema. Moreover, by preventing mould and damp, cellar tanking helps maintain a much healthier indoor environment, protecting both the building structure and the well-being of its occupants. (Cellar Tanking Richmond upon Thames)
Timber Preservation Richmond upon Thames
Preserving wood is a crucial component of any project involving cellar conversion in Richmond upon Thames. The naturally moist environment of cellars can lead to rot and damp in timber, including beams, flooring and joists. To prevent this, it's crucial to treat the timber with preservatives that protect it from fungal growth, decay and insects.
You should have a professional check the condition of any pre-existing timber before initiating your basement conversion or refurbishment. They are capable of detecting any indications of damp or rot and can recommend the optimal treatment techniques to address the problem. If any of the timber is already compromised, it may need to be replaced or treated with specialist products to restore its strength and durability.
Before installation, all new wood used in the conversion process should be treated with a suitable preservative. Protecting the timber from the basement's dampness is achieved through the use of preservatives. Moreover, it is advisable to use pressure-treated timber, as it is infused with preservatives during manufacturing, offering long-lasting protection.
Maintaining good ventilation and controlling humidity levels is vital after the conversion has been completed. This will ensure the timber remains in good shape and prevent future dampness issues. Regular inspections are advised to identify any potential problems early, ensuring both the long-term durability of the timber and the success of your basement conversion in Richmond upon Thames. (Tags: Timber Preservation Richmond upon Thames)
Cellar Conversion Planning Permission Richmond upon Thames
If you currently have a cellar under you property in Richmond upon Thames, and just want to transform it from a damp, dingy storage room into a practical living area, you will not require local authority planning permission, as it's considered to be "change of use". If you have to expand the overall volume of your house by excavating the basement floor to raise the ceiling height, you may need planning permission, because it's going to be viewed as a form of extension. In most cases permission is hardly ever refused, assuming that the exterior of your house isn't being altered to any significant degree. Any genuine cellar conversion company in Richmond upon Thames will be able to give you all of the relevant information regarding this, or if uncertain get in touch with your local planning section. You could also check out the planning portal herefor more info.
Design Consultation and Planning
To make a basement a habitable living area, it is necessary to undertake design and planning consultation. Working with a professional designer can help you optimize the available space when creating a home office, guest room, or comfy den.
The identification of your needs and goals for the space is the first step in design consultation and planning. You'll want to consider factors such as lighting, ventilation and insulation, as well as any necessary electrical or plumbing work.
To establish the best layout for the space, a designer can factor in elements such as windows, access points and ceiling height. To create a consistent look and feel, a designer can help you choose fixtures, furnishings and finishes.
The planning stage should encompass consideration of the project's timeline, budget, and any required permits and approvals. Transforming your basement into a stunning and practical living area that caters to your every need is achievable with meticulous planning and professional guidance.
Basement Conversion Surveys
At some point most homeowners in Richmond upon Thames with a basement or cellar will think about converting it into a space that can be lived in. You will need to have a professional survey completed to make certain that your cellar/basement is suitable for conversion.
Once the surveyor, who'll be qualified in underground construction, understands the planned use of the converted space he can perform an in-depth survey. This allows them to establish what measures must be implemented to legally and safely do a conversion on your cellar.
There will be a comprehensive evaluation of ceiling, floor and wall construction, together with allowing for the needs for drainage, ventilation and electricity. Your certified surveyor will also have to assess the particular British Standards guidelines and building regulations related to basement conversion. Such regulations include things like minimum ceiling heights, party wall agreements and fire escapes, as well as guidelines of damp proofing.
Small Basement Conversion
Build a perfect new living space, even if your existing basement or cellar is a small area, by using a professional Richmond upon Thames cellar conversion company to plan and then build it. Perhaps it could be turned into a utility room 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 bespoke furniture can be designed for even the tiniest of cellar conversions in Richmond upon Thames. Why don't you turn your modest cellar space into a listening or reading room, making it a place to escape from the stresses of daily life and relax. All that you really need is lighting, a comfortable armchair, and somewhere to store your music or books. The design and usage possibilities are varied even for the tiniest cellar space in Richmond upon Thames.
The Importance of Waterproofing
With regards to doing a conversion, the waterproofing of your cellar is just about the most important element of the process. Discovering that your new area is mouldy and damp 12 months after doing your conversion is definitely a thing that you want to avoid at all costs. This is precisely why it is essential to use a highly professional conversion team in Richmond upon Thames to manage the project. When you're waterproofing a pre-existing underground cellar, there are basically two ways that you can do it. Moisture can be prevented from getting into a basement by either blocking its incursion using an impermeable cementitious tanking material that's applied as a watery slurry, or by the use of waterproof membranes which redirect water into a cavity and then silently pumped out. (Tags: Cellar Waterproofing Richmond upon Thames, Basement Waterproofing Richmond upon Thames, Waterproofing Cellars Richmond upon Thames)
Coming Soon:
Low ceiling cellar conversions (article 1743).
Cellar Conversion Tasks Richmond upon Thames
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Richmond upon Thames Skip Hire Services
When doing any almost renovation work on your property or garden in Richmond upon Thames, there's almost certain to be a certain amount of waste created which will have to be taken away. For your basement conversion, varying quantities of waste will be generated, subject to your individual circumstances, and the scale and scope of your project. Now some builders will be glad to take this waste away for you, and dispose of it in an eco-friendly way, whilst others will just leave you to dispose of it by yourself.
If you're like most homeowners in Richmond upon Thames, you will hire a skip to dispose of this waste. Skips come in different sizes according to your requirements, and choosing which skip to order is essential. Mini-skips generally hold 2-3 yards of waste, midi-skips hold 4-5 yards of waste, builders skips hold 6-8 yards of waste and roll-on-roll-off skips hold 20-25 yards of waste. Skip bags typically hold 1-1.5 yards of waste.
You can GO HERE for the latest skip hire prices in Richmond upon Thames.
Possible Uses For a Cellar Conversion
- Bathroom
- Man Cave
- Home Office
- Extra Bedroom
- Pool/Games Room
- Home Gym
- Guest Room
- Pub
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Laundry Room
- Child's Playroom
Cellar Conversion Near Richmond upon Thames
Also find: East Sheen cellar conversion, Shepherds Bush cellar conversion, St Margarets cellar conversion, Kingston-upon-Thames cellar conversion, North Sheen cellar conversion, Grove Park cellar conversion, Ham cellar conversion, Gunnersbury cellar conversion, Hampton Hill cellar conversion, Mortlake cellar conversions and more. All of these areas are catered for by companies who do cellar conversion. Richmond upon Thames homeowners can get estimates by going here.
Basement Conversion Services Richmond upon Thames
- Commercial Cellar Conversions
- Cellar Remodeling
- Cellar Conversion
- Cellar Flooring
- Cellar Conversion Quotations
- Rising Damp Control
- Cellar Tanking
- Basement Remodeling
- Basement Damp Proofing
- Cellar Waterproofing Services
- Domestic Cellar Conversions
- Basement Conversion
- Basement Refurbishment
- Cellar Surveys
Other Useful Trades and Services in Richmond upon Thames Greater London: Of course, when you happen to be doing home repairs and improvements in Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, you are likely to need all types of different tradesmen and as well as a basement conversion specialist in Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, you could also need timber preservation in Richmond upon Thames, an electrician in Richmond upon Thames, a plasterer in Richmond upon Thames, a heating engineer in Richmond upon Thames, a carpenter & joiner in Richmond upon Thames, a building contractor in Richmond upon Thames, a loft conversion specialist in Richmond upon Thames, a painter & decorator in Richmond upon Thames, a tiler in Richmond upon Thames, a house extension in Richmond upon Thames, condensation control in Richmond upon Thames, basement flooding solutions in Richmond upon Thames, home improvements in Richmond upon Thames, SKIP HIRE in Richmond upon Thames, cellar waterproofing in Richmond upon Thames, black mould removal in Richmond upon Thames, basement surveys in Richmond upon Thames, damp proofing in Richmond upon Thames, and other different Richmond upon Thames tradesmen.
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Cellar Conversion Jobs Richmond upon Thames: Browse cellar conversion jobs in Richmond upon Thames by clicking here: Cellar Conversion Jobs Richmond upon Thames
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Basement conversions in KT2 area, 020.
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