Hertfordshire Basement Cellar Conversions Services. Builders specialising in converting basements and cellars

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A cellar or basement conversion can be the perfect solution when more space is required in your family home. Especially when moving home is not an option. A basement or cellar conversion can add value to your property around 20% to 30%.Not all properties are suitable for cellar or basement conversions and a survey would be better undertaken before any expensive plans are drawn. Older properties are generally more suitable for a basement or cellar conversion than recent builds because they have suspended timber floors.

Existing Cellar or Basement
There does not necessarily need to be an existing cellar or basement because excavation may be possible. Clearly a survey is required to discover what lies beneath in terms of drains and other utility works.

Planning Permission
If you have an existing cellar or basement, planning permission may not be required for a standard cellar or basement conversion. However it is likely be required when a change of use such as converting the cellar to a garage or an office is involved.

Contact your local council offices if the property is a listed building, or is in a Conservation Area as it is highly likely that planning permission will be required.

Building Regulations
Be mindful that even if you don't need planning permission for your basement or cellar conversion you will need to comply with Building Regulations. Expert advice should be sought because these regulations cover health and safety issues such things as fire escape routes, ventilation, damp proofing, electrical wiring and water supplies.
There is also structural underpinning and foundation work will require attention. Look at the Party Wall Act 1996 and ensure you inform your neighbours about cellar basement conversion intentions or they could legally stop the work.
Heating and Ventilation.

Heating and ventilation is a major aspect of your basement conversion. The area will need to be waterproofed and air bricks plus one or more extractor fans need to be included in the design to ensure adequate ventilation. Any work involving gas must be carried out by a Corgi registered fitter, an alternative would be electric heaters or additional radiators to your existing boiler but check it has sufficient capacity to cope with the new radiators.

A builder may give you a good sales pitch but a specialist cellar/basement conversion company with a long list of checkable references would be preferential.