- One way to make use of your cellar space, which requires the minimum cost and complexity, is to simply convert it into a dry and useable area.
- This would require applying a waterproof render to the walls to ensure the environment is damp proofed.
Besides, Do you need planning permission to convert a cellar? Converting an existing residential cellar or basement into a living space is in most cases unlikely to require planning permission as long as it is not a separate unit or unless the usage is significantly changed or a light well is added, which alters the external appearance of the property.
Are cellars always damp?
Cellars are often damp and unusable beyond storing the odd bottle of wine and old tin of paint. If you want to make full use of your cellar or basement, then you will need to keep it dry. Tanking systems provide an impermeable waterproofing coating to the walls and floor, helping keep cellars dry.
What do you do with a cellar room? 10 Basement and Cellar Conversion Ideas
- Wine Cellar. One of the most popular cellar conversion ideas is to transform the space into a wine cellar, perfect for the wine connoisseur who only wants the best conditions for their bottles. …
- Gym. …
- Cinema. …
- Living Space/Guest Accommodation. …
- Games Room. …
- Studio. …
- Workshop. …
- Study/Office.
Hence, How do you get rid of damp in a cellar? Luckily, there are a variety of ways to dry out your basement, and many of them can be used in combination to get even better results.
- Install a Dehumidifier. …
- Ventilate the Area. …
- Reseal Your Concrete. …
- Attend to Air Leaks. …
- See to Downspouts and Grading Issues Outside. …
- Inspect Driveways and Other Outdoor Construction Features.
Does a cellar add value?
It said: “Transforming an existing cellar into a living or storage space can boost a property’s value by up to 30 per cent – so long as the build cost per square foot is less than the price per square foot of the area.” Turning a cellar into a living space increases the size of a property and the potential to add a …
Do cellar conversions add value?
There is no reason your basement conversion should not add serious value to your home. It is generally accepted that it can add from 10% to 20%.
Do you need building regs to tank a cellar?
Building Regulations for Basements Converting a basement into a habitable space will require Building Regulations approval even if it only involves a change of use of an existing cellar. Building Regulations will ensure your newly converted basement is safe and energy efficient.
How do you turn a cellar into a room?
Converting a single-room cellar using a membrane lining system can take just two or three weeks, including digging out the sump and fitting the pumping system. Converting and extending the cellar beneath an entire house, involving underpinning of the existing structure, is likely to take several months.
Does a cellar need planning permission?
If you are converting an existing basement or cellar into living space, without any exterior alterations, you are most likely not require planning permission. However If the basement is going to be used as a separate unit of residential accommodation it will require full Planning Permission.
Is cellar worth converting?
Is a Cellar Conversion Cost Worth It? Absolutely – the average cost of cellar a conversion will be more than offset in the value that’s added to your home. Studies carried out by the Nationwide Building Society have found that homes could benefit from a revenue boost of between 15% and 20%.
How deep can I dig without a permit UK?
In the UK, you can dig 100 mm or less without needing a permit. The Permit to Dig is essentially security insurance that you will not penetrate or disturb the existing ground level.
Why you shouldn’t live in a basement?
Basements have features that expose the people living in them to certain risk factors, like mould, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and radon. Risk of flooding, sewer backup, etc.
Can you get sick from living in a basement?
If you’ve ever noticed a stuffy smell when you’ve entered a basement, that odor is most likely the result of poor ventilation. While stuffy air below-grade won’t affect anyone living upstairs, it can trigger asthma attacks or other respiratory problems in those who spend time in a basement bedroom or rec room.
Can you sleep in a basement without windows?
The IRC requires habitable basements to have emergency egress points, but these need not be in the form of windows. However, some local codes may amend this to prohibit such dwellings. Living in windowless basements protects furniture and privacy, but can lead to health problems.
Does living in a basement affect mental health?
Liz Sinclair Kruth, a registered psychotherapist in Guelph, Ont., says that living in a basement apartment can potentially exacerbate, or even cause mental health challenges. “There is often less natural light in basement dwellings, which can lead to feeling depressed,” says Sinclair Kruth.
Should you open windows in basement?
Always Shut Basement Windows It could mean downtime and disruption to your normal life. Moisture buildup can also damage your floor covering and insulation. Your air conditioner will suck this moist air through the subfloor. When this air gets into the rest of the house, it will warp your wood floors too.
How do I purify my basement air?
Are you wondering how to improve air quality in the basement? There are several ways. Use an air purifier, dry the moisture out, keep windows closed, seal cracks and gaps, remove VOC’s, test for radon, and monitor carbon monoxide.
What is the difference between a cellar and a basement?
By definition of the dictionary: A basement is the floor of a building which is partly or entirely below ground level. A cellar is a room below ground level in a house that is often only used for storing wine or coal, it is used for a specific purpose.
Can a basement bedroom not have a window?
In most cases, the answer is yes. A finished basement project must incorporate an Egress window if any portion of the space will be used as a bedroom, or if you are creating another habitable space (a family room, for example) that does not already have an Egress window or a door.
Is it unhealthy to live in a basement?
Hazards commonly found in basements include toxic chemicals, pests, mold, indoor air quality issues (such as dangerous gases) and fire hazards that can affect all rooms of the home.
Can I sleep in my own basement?
It is not illegal to have a bedroom in the basement. That said, there are certain requirements that the bedroom must meet in order to be up to code. Poor construction and cut corners can expose a home and its occupants to many dangers, including collapse of the structure, toxic chemicals, electrical problems and fires.
Can you sleep in a finished basement?
People sleeping in basements can become trapped from smoke, fumes, flame, etc. and firefighters are put in danger trying to rescue them. It’s just not safe. You may not need one but if you do please don’t sleep in the basement until you add the egress window which allows you to climb out.
Does adding a bedroom in the basement add value?
Does adding a bedroom in the basement add value? Absolutely. Buyers are all about usable space and are willing to spend a little extra to have more of it. According to Remodeling Magazine, a midrange basement refinish yields on average 70% ROI.
What do you do with a basement with no windows?
An air purifier can help with that if your basement has no windows. In fact, it’s the only way to cycle the air without installing an expensive ventilation system. Air purifiers also remove pollutants from the air to improve the air quality in your basement.
