Cellar Conversion Stanmore Greater London (HA7): Turning a dark, dusty and unwelcoming cellar into an airy, bright living area is a perfect alternative for anyone in Stanmore wanting to create extra space in their house without the need to build an extension. Whether you would like to use the additional space as a games room, bar, home gym or even change it into a self-contained flat, a basement conversion brings useful space closer to the living area of your property than a loft conversion can do.
A cellar or basement conversion can also add significant value to your property in Stanmore, with Savills estimating an increase of ten to fifteen percent above the market value of comparable houses in your locality. Families who have already converted their attics for extra bedrooms may find that a cellar or basement conversion is the perfect way to gain that much-needed additional space for comfortable family living. An investment like this doesn't just improve your everyday life; it also places your home in a stronger competitive position in the the real estate market.
Prior to taking the plunge it is worth asking a few questions: 1. Precisely what do you hope to accomplish with the additional space created with a cellar conversion? 2. How do you avoid dodgy builders and locate a top notch Stanmore contractor who can convert your cellar and provide warranties for all work that's involved? 3. Are the attributes of a cellar conversion actually worth the costs that are associated with accomplishing it? 4. What level of work is involved in converting your cellar or basement?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Stanmore?
If you're only going to refurbish a pre-existing cellar without having to raise the height of the ceiling, then in most situations you are not going to need local authority planning permission. There are various different protocols if your home shares a party wall with a neighbour, is listed or is in a conservation area, however in most cases you're free to utilise the space as a living area with very few restrictions.
One of the main reasons given by householders in Stanmore for converting an existing basement is to change the underused space into something functional. This is particularly true where living space is restricted such as in many areas of Stanmore. If you do not really need the additional living space for you own benefit, a basement conversion can be turned into a self contained unit to bring in some welcome extra income.
In all honesty the only limits to what you can do with your basement conversion are your imagination and your budget. Maybe you've always wanted a home cinema or games room, or you could install a bar and "hey presto", instant pub for you and your family. With recent developments and the opportunities for working from home, converting your cellar into a quiet and out of the way office space, where you're not as likely to be disturbed, could be just the thing to break you out of that stressful daily commute.
What is Involved?
Even if your basement conversion requires no planning permissions, there are a set of approvals and certificates needed from the Building Regulation authorities, to make certain it's legal. This will make sure that your newly built living area observes all the Health & Safety legislation and guidelines for minimum ceiling heights, water supply, ventilation, damp proofing, fire escapes and electrical wiring. These regulations and rules will be handled as part of the build process by your Stanmore cellar conversion specialists.
Even if there aren't any visible indications of mould or damp in your cellar, it will still need some sort of cementitious tanking or damp proof membrane in order to remain water-resistant and render it suitable for converting. Your Stanmore cellar conversion specialist will help you decide which procedure is better for your conversion and also make sure it observes the guidelines laid down by the British Standards BS8102 regulations. To put your mind at ease, ask the conversion company if they can provide you with an insurance protected guarantee against water ingress due to the potential failure of the membrane.
The heating system, floor surfaces, water sources, insulation, electric wiring, ventilation and lights will probably all need to be upgraded or installed from scratch. Underfloor heating is increasingly popular in basement and cellar conversions in Stanmore as it spreads heat evenly and is extremely effective. Additionally it is concealed underneath your selected flooring and calls for very little upkeep.
Only professional electricians should be used to carry out any electrical installations that has to be done on your conversion. Effective and cheap LED light fittings can be installed within the ceiling to give maximum ceiling to floor height and ensure that your basement conversion has a bright, natural feel.
Insulation and ventilation are a couple of crucial factors which must be sorted out from the design stage. Inadequate insulation leaves your conversion with cold spots which might increase dampness. Additionally a lack of ventilation can cause issues, not only from stale air, but also by encouraging increased humidity which is a big concern where dampness is involved.
Selecting a Basement Conversion Specialist in Stanmore
Before picking your conversion company in Stanmore, obtain as many estimates as possible to allow you to evaluate the different services and prices out there. Every contractor is not alike when it comes to basement conversions and it is prudent to ask to see relevant building and trade memberships and accreditations if you've got any doubts about their expertise or workmanship.
If you receive an initial quotation after a site survey it might only apply to the basic elements of your cellar conversion, such as the floor, access issues and waterproofing considerations. Follow up discussions with the builders will provide clarification about your requirements, i.e. increasing the ceiling height of your cellar by the excavating of the existing floor, or the installation of a toilet or kitchen in a separate room.
An exact quote from a locally based Stanmore basement conversion company needs to contain any necessary planning laws, party wall agreements and building regulation applications required before work can begin. It is also better if it is divided into independent parts of the overall conversion project so that you are able to get a better perception of the final price.
A decent builder will be able to offer help and advice on all of these matters and suggest ways to improve natural daylight to brighten the space by the use of light wells or opening up staircases. If you need new electrical wiring for additional plug sockets, lighting or computing and home entertainment systems these should all be addressed now.
Access to your cellar is very important because subject to how you wish to use your newly generated living area may mean the entryways have to be modified. Your fancy design may be based on transforming your cellar into a designer bar, gym or snooker room, but if access is restricted how will you transport the equipment down there?
Ensuring that your basement is dry, warm and free from damp is a priority against whatever the British weather can throw at it. For this to happen you need your cellar conversion company to be qualified and endorsed by membership and accreditation to professional building associations.
A Federation of Master Builders (FMB) membership and accreditation by your Stanmore conversion company shows their professionalism and reliability in the building industry. If you would like to check out a building company's past performance you can look to see if it's included in the respected TrustMark scheme. This is a helpful scheme developed by the Trading Standards Authority with support from the government.
Fortunately a large majority of building companies who undertake basement conversions in the Stanmore area are highly qualified and trustworthy building and construction workers. A professional company will understand the concerns of the general public, caused by a tiny minority of unscrupulous "cowboys", and will try everything in their power to confirm their trustworthiness in a friendly and responsible way.
Kenton, South Oxhey, Burnt Oak, Wealdstone, The Hale, Broadfields Estate, Queensbury, Belmont, Edgeware, Canons Park, Headstone and more parts of Greater London, are within the range of most Stanmore basement conversion companies. Locally based Stanmore cellar conversion specialists will probably have the postcode HA7 and the telephone code 020. Checking this out will guarantee you access local providers of cellar conversion. Stanmore homeowners can benefit from these and numerous other related services.
Cellar Tanking
If your basement in Stanmore is damp or contains water, you should think about basement tanking. This type of waterproofing is more affordable and easier to install than you might think. Additionally, tanking can make extra space in your property usable. Here is why: tanking helps keep moisture out while at the same time making extra living space.
Firstly, remove loose mortar joints and materials. You could also add a salt inhibitor to prevent problems in the future. If you are unable to remove the loose material, you can try applying a physical or chemical bond. Once the coating has dried, you can put plaster over the top. Be sure to use a sulphate-resistant cement.
Membrane-sealed tanking can be installed in a basement or cellar in Stanmore. This type of tanking requires you to clear all interior walls of all items, including pipes. You must also secure the pipework to the membrane. This is often done using plyboard. As soon as this is done, perimeter channels are installed around the base of the walls. These channels lead to a sump and pump system that transports water away from the house.
When selecting a cellar tanking system, you should consider the depth of your cellar. For example, if your cellar is five metres deep, the hydrostatic pressure head will be significantly higher than if it is only two meters deep. This is why you need to choose the right covering for the depth of your cellar. You should also check the manufacturer's usage guidelines to determine the right covering for your cellar.
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.
Timber Preservation Stanmore
An essential aspect of converting a cellar or basement in Stanmore is the preservation of timber. Cellar timber, such as joists, flooring and beams, is at risk of rot and decay from the damp conditions. Treating the wood with preservatives that shield it from fungal growth, insect damage and decay is crucial to preventing this from happening.
It's advisable to have an expert evaluate the condition of existing wood before starting your basement conversion or renovation. Damp or rot can quickly be identified by a professional, who will also advise on appropriate treatment options. Should some of the timber be compromised, it may require replacement or treatment with specialised products to regain its durability and strength.
Throughout the conversion process, all new timber should be treated with a preservative before installation. Treating the timber with a preservative safeguards it from the cellar's humid environment. Moreover, consider using pressure-treated wood, which is infused with high-strength preservatives during manufacturing for protection that lasts much longer.
It's vital to maintain good ventilation and efficiently control humidity in the cellar after the conversion has been done. This helps to maintain the good condition of the timber and prevent future problems with dampness. Conducting occasional inspections is recommended to detect any potential issues early on, thereby ensuring the timber's long-term durability and the success of your cellar conversion in Stanmore. (Tags: Timber Preservation Stanmore)
Small Basement Conversion Stanmore
Even an existing small cellar can be converted into a useable space with the appropriate design, and a reputable Stanmore cellar conversion company should be able to create the perfect new room just for you. It may for instance be transformed into a utility area, creating more much needed space in your kitchen by moving your tumble dryer and washing machine out of sight.
Maybe you need an office where you can work from home; even a small room can be effectively used with custom furniture designed and installed by a professional Stanmore company. A tiny cellar could also be transformed into an oasis of tranquillity, where you can hide yourself away from the worry of work and daily life, and enjoy a good book or listen to some music. With the addition of subtle lighting, comfortable seating and a place for storage you will have all that you need to chill out and while away the hours. You are limited only by the power of your imagination for what you can accomplish with a small basement conversion in Stanmore.
Coming Soon:
Low ceiling cellar conversions (article 1743).
Stanmore Skip Hire
Garden makeovers and home improvements make us feel a lot better about our lives and our properties in Stanmore, however, as with almost everything that make us feel good there are downsides, and in this instance it is the piles of waste that are created. Whether or not lots of waste is created by your cellar conversion will be determined by the particulars of your specific project, sometimes there will be lots of waste, other times not much at all. Some tradesmen make allowances for waste removal when they prepare their quotes, and if this isn't mentioned ask if it's included, if not you will have to make your own arrangements.
The most popular technique that homeowners in Stanmore use to dispose of such waste is to rent a skip from a nearby skip hire company. Different skip sizes are available to suit the volume of rubbish that you've got. You can choose from a mini-skip, a midi-skip, a builders skip or a roll-on roll-off skip, or for smaller home projects you could even hire a skip bag.
To hire a skip for your project in Stanmore, GO HERE for a quote.
Basement Conversion Tasks Stanmore
You most likely came here looking for basic basement conversion, but your local Stanmore basement conversion specialist can deliver a wide range of additional tasks and services, and these may include domestic cellar conversion, cellar damp proofing, basement surveys, low ceiling basement conversions Stanmore, positive input ventilation (PIV) Stanmore, basement tanking, cellar conversion design, cellar waterproofing, cellar refurbishment, condensation control, cementitious tanking, basement conversion, basement surveys, basement refurbishment, sump pump installations, damp proofing, timber preservation, cellar conversion quotations, basement floor restoration, structural waterproofing, woodworm treatment in Stanmore, basement soundproofing in Stanmore, basement remodeling in Stanmore, basement underpinning, bonded sheet membranes, commercial basement conversion in Stanmore, cellar tanking in Stanmore, small cellar conversions, and others I can't think of right now. In terms of what is actually available, this is in no way a comprehensive list of what can be offered by someone doing cellar conversion. Stanmore companies offering these sorts of basement conversion services, will supply you with a full list if you need one. You could always click HERE and fill out our simple quote form, if you have cellar conversion requirements in Stanmore, that you can't find here.
Basement Conversion Near Stanmore
Also find: The Hale cellar conversion, Kenton cellar conversion, Queensbury cellar conversion, South Oxhey cellar conversion, Belmont cellar conversion, Canons Park cellar conversion, Broadfields Estate cellar conversion, Edgeware cellar conversion, Wealdstone cellar conversion, Burnt Oak cellar conversion, Headstone cellar conversions and more. The majority of these places are served by companies who do cellar conversion. Stanmore householders can get quotes by clicking here.
Basement Conversion Services Stanmore
- Cellar Conversion Price Quotes
- Cellar Damp Proofing
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- Basement Remodeling
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- Rising Damp Control
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- Domestic Cellar Conversions
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Other Useful Services and Trades in Stanmore Greater London: Needless to say, whenever you are doing home remodeling in Stanmore, Greater London, you'll probably be in need of all types of different tradespeople and as well as a basement conversion specialist in Stanmore, Greater London, you could also need basement surveys in Stanmore, condensation control in Stanmore, a carpenter in Stanmore, a stonemason/bricklayer in Stanmore, a flooring specialist in Stanmore, black mould removal in Stanmore, loft conversion in Stanmore, an electrician in Stanmore, a plasterer in Stanmore, timber preservation in Stanmore, a plumber in Stanmore, cellar waterproofing in Stanmore, a painter & decorator in Stanmore, a building contractor in Stanmore, SKIP HIRE in Stanmore, a home extension in Stanmore, waste removal in Stanmore, damp proofing in Stanmore, and other different Stanmore tradesmen.
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Basement conversions in HA7 area, telephone code 020.
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