Basement / Cellar Conversion
The Process:
So now you have read the previous basement chapters, the biggest decision is to decide upon what system to incorporate into your project.
A) The traditional tankng slurry/rendering system
OR
B) The Cavity Drainage Membrane System (CDM)
The easiest way to decide is have a basement survey carried out by Dynamic. Click here to arrange a free survey. Another easy way to decide upon the system is as follows:
Traditional Method = Brickwork walls are all in excellent conditon with NO cracks or failure points/ There is no evidence of flooding (tidal marks on walls etc./ eye witnesses-ask the neighbours if you have just moved in) then this system could work for you.
CDM = All other basement types
Keep the neighbours happy
Neighbours will understandably be nervous if you're digging next to their foundations. The Party Wall Act must be complied with, which means neighbours sharing a wall must be consulted. They can request a written report answering any questions about subsidence or other issues.
Avoid complaints by talking to all neighbours about your plans before any official correspondence so they know what to expect. Digging out a new basement or lowering cellar floors means moving earth away from the site, causing more disruption.
Basements are good for:
- Television/Cinema Room
- Games room/playroom
- Gymnasium
- Utilty Room
- Teenagers with Drum kits
- Violin Practise
And bad for:
- Bedrooms: fire regulations mean bedrooms must have egress windows
Points to remember
Planning permission is not usually needed for a conversion unless the external appearance is substantially altered or the building is listed.
Digging a new basement involving major work is likely to need permission. See www.planningportal.gov.uk
Building regulations apply to turn a basement into a habitable space, including ventilation, fire escape routes and ceiling height.
Do consider using a specialist company with expertise in basement damp proofing.
Don't cut corners. If damp gets in it's very difficult and expensive to correct.
Do get as much natural light in as possible by adding windows near ground level, light wells and stairwells.
Ventilation, lighting and colour schemes are crucial so use ceiling lights and light, bright décor. Avoid cosy clutter in favour of airy, modern minimalism.
FINAL WORD
Dynamic will work with you from start to finish on all basement projects. We can implement all the plumbing, electrical and plastering work into any quotation. Or we can carry out just the Damp Proofing (or should i say Waterproofing) works and leave you to use your own contractors to do the rest of the works nesssary. The only problem with this is that the length of the project can greatly increase as you have to fit in around all the other tradesmen busy schedules, but you could save a few £££.
We aim to keep all jobs tidy,work to the set timescale (provided no problems are discovered) and will always keep the customer informed of works progression.
For a Free no obligation basement conversion survey in and around Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, Stafford, Crewe, Telford, Wolverhampton and all other areas then freephone 0800 019 9553 or click here.
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Video : What is Rising Damp? How is it treated? (by Safeguard Europe) >>
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