Guide to basement conversions

Basement conversions are a popular way of adding extra space or rooms to your property. Our guide to basement conversions will provide everything you need to know about the value of converting a basement, how to waterproof the area, planning permission and the cost of converting your basement.

With our basement waterproofing solutions Peter Cox can convert an unused, dark and damp space into a finished basement conversion, tailored to your needs, with a 10 year waterproofing guarantee. If you want to get your basement conversion off to the right start contact the basement experts at Peter Cox today or fill in the contact form below and we will get back to you.
 

Before going ahead with a basement conversion, it is essential to find out if your basement is suitable for the type of conversion you have in mind. An experienced and qualified surveyor from Peter Cox will be able to give the professional advice you need on your plans and how they can best be achieved.

A Peter Cox surveyor will be able to give you industry insight on building regulations and the level of work required in making your dream basement conversion a reality.

Peter Cox’s basement waterproofing specialists design a system specifically for your underground space. Typically this involves the installation of a waterproof membrane lining system to the walls and floors with an air gap behind.

The membrane is fixed with specialist plugs and the floor wall junction is sealed using a proprietary jointing compound. This waterproofing system allows any moisture ingress to be collected and then evacuated outside of the building via specialist drainage.

After the structural waterproof membrane is installed, the internal wall can be finished with a plasterboard dry lining system or plaster applied directly onto the membrane. The basement floor can be screeded or timber boarded, hiding any drainage from view. When these finishing touches are applied you can subsequently treat the basement or cellar as you would any other room in the house.

Our waterproofing installations that comply with BS 8102 (The British Standards Institute’s guidelines) typically carry a 10-year waterproofing guarantee.

Waterproofing is the cornerstone of any basement conversion project. Most basements are susceptible to moisture ingress, and this will eventually cause damp problems like black mould, odours and timber decay.

Take a look at the sections below to find out why basements leak and what can be done to make them dry and usable.
 

It is unusual that you would require planning permission to convert an existing basement in a residential property. There are some cases, however,  like when the project will result in a significant change to the appearance of the property then you will need to seek the appropriate planning permission.

A Peter Cox surveyor will be able to give you industry insight on building regulations and the level of work required in making your dream basement conversion a reality.

If you are converting a basement in England or Wales then you will need to ensure that the project complies with the Party Wall Act. This means seeking consent from your neighbours who share a boundary wall with you.

Get in touch with our basement waterproofing specialists today to find out how we can deal with obtaining party wall agreements and planning applications on your behalf.

When you request a basement waterproofing survey from Peter Cox, our specialist will present you with a full survey report that will provide you with a detailed quotation with the cost of converting your basement.

If you are considering adding value to your house, a basement conversion can be a cost effective choice. The typically accepted figure is that it can add around 10 - 20% to the value of your home.

Increasing property value is not the only reason to go for a basement conversion though. A well presented basement will add extra space to your home, making it a more satisfying place to live as a result. With the spiralling cost of homes, families are increasingly seeing that converting an unused basement or cellar is a more attainable way to provide the rooms they need.

Our basement and cellar conversion specialist will be able to advise you on the potential to renovate the space in order to create

A home office: A workspace in the home is becoming increasingly essential as people move to hybrid working models and there is a greater emphasis placed on flexibility and working remotely

Home gym: our structural waterproofing experts will provide all the guidance you need to create a well ventilated exercise space moderated to just the right temperature.

Cinema room: install a projector and get cosy with beanbags or other comfortable seating to settle down for the full cinema experience in your basement!

A basement conversion can be a difficult project to undertake, but with the help of our highly trained and qualified team of basement waterproofing experts, you can enjoy the benefits that come from adding a new room to your home.

If you are considering a basement conversion, call our Peter Cox today or contact us online to book a waterproofing survey.