Most people need more space in their property, and many are opting for cellar conversions or having a new basement built under the existing foot print of their home. This adds both space and value to their homes and may also be less expensive than moving house.
A basement is the ideal location for additional family living space, such as a playroom, gymnasium, home entertainment room, utility room freeing up more valuable above-ground space.
Normally converting an existing cellar beneath a dwelling from a storage area to habitable space does not require planning permission. This will be covered by your home’s Permitted Development (unless you are in a Conservation Area or special designated area, or your home is a Listed Building.)
To increase the floor to ceiling height of a cellar is, however, treated as an extension and so may need planning permission. Under certain circumstances, however, modest extensions and alterations can be undertaken without the need to make a planning application. You will need to speak to your local planning department for guidance.
A self-contained flat is also an option with a newly formed lightwell and external steps thus creating its own individual entrance.
All basement conversions will need Building Regulations and in some cases Planning Permission from your local authority.
Design
A full survey of the property is carried out and a design for the proposed waterproofing to the basement (or newly constructed basement by others) is created. At this stage costings can be given for either a dry habitable basement or a dry storage basement depending on your requirements.
Waterproofing the structure and reconfiguring drain runs and existing manholes if necessary, to ensure that you are left with a waterproof shell.
The basement will be left finished, together with the laying of a chipboard floor or floor screed, ready to receive decoration by a third party.
Should you require any electrical and plumbing fittings within the basement this is to be carried out by a third party in conjunction with our scheduling.
How Long Will the Conversion Take?
A simple cellar conversion can be completed in a matter of weeks. Converting a single-room cellar using a membrane lining system can take up to four weeks, including digging out the sump and fitting the pumping system.
