Having more space or an extra room has proven to be very useful. That is why basement conversion has become very famous. You can convert an extra room into a beautiful space that you can live in without spending much. However, basement conversion involves many processes, and this guide will cover all of them.
How Much Time Does a Basement Conversion Require?
The time required to carry out basement conversion is determined by what you want and the size of space or room you want to utilize. Converting an extra room in the cellar using a waterproof membrane cavity system will take three weeks, including sump digging and pump fitting. But converting and extending the cellar can take a few months. The suitable time to carry out a basement conversion is during the summer.Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Before going on with a basement conversion, you need to check with your local authority if planning permission is needed or not.1. Planning Permission for Basements
Most times, planning permission is not required when you are converting an old basement or cellar. Converting an old cellar only requires a \’change of use\’ and not planning permission. However, planning permission is needed if you want to build a new basement, extend an old basement into a bigger one, or add a light well that changes the house’s exterior outlook.2. Building Regulations for Basements
When converting a basement into a living area, you need to have a Building Regulations approval. It ensures that your basement is energy efficient and okay to live in. Building Regulations deal with specific areas like fire escape routes, heating, ventilation, ceiling height, waterproofing, electrical repairs and water supplies.Basement Conversion Costs
You don’t need to spend a large amount of money before you can carry out a basement conversion. Below are what the costs for a basement conversion include.- Flooring
- Heating
- Waterproofing
- Decorating
- Lighting
Things to Do Before Carrying Out A Basement Conversion
Before you convert your basement or prepare for waterproofing, you should do the following:- Clear your basement
- Rid it of dirt, dust and debris.
- Check the walls in case of any damage. You need to fill the holes or dents before you convert the basement or waterproof it.
Heating a Basement
If you want to create a comfortable environment in your basement, you must heat your basement one way or the other. There are several means you can warm up your basement. However, your requirements and cash level will determine the ones that are available to you.- Underfloor heating: Underfloor heating is very famous for basement conversions. It is usually created in screeds over your waterproofing membranes. It is an ideal heating option that spreads the heat across your basement floor equally.
- Radiators: Another heating method you can consider is fitting a radiator in your basement.
- Electric heaters: Even though plug-in heating units aren’t always cost-effective, but they can provide a temporary solution to your heating problem.
- Oil heaters: These are portable and cheaper than electric heaters.
Insulating a Basement
When you insulate a basement, it ensures that your home is more energy-efficient. This means you can save money on heating bills, as it will help you create a habitable environment that is moisture-free. Insulation is often installed when constructing a new basement and not with an old one. When insulating your basement, you need to focus mainly on the walls other than the ceiling. Below are some affordable ways you can insulate your basement.- Blanket (batt and roll) insulation
- Foam board insulation
- Loose-fill insulation
- Sprayed foam insulation
Ventilating a Basement
It is necessary to ensure that your basement is well ventilated to convert it into a habitable space where fresh air can easily enter. It is also equally important that you reduce humidity. You can also ventilate your basement using windows (if available), staircases, fans, vents and ventilation units.How to Waterproof a basement?
To waterproof your basement efficiently, you need to know the several types of waterproofing systems that exist. Below are the three major types of basement waterproofing systems that you can use together for an efficient solution.- External waterproofing
- Tanking
- Cavity Drain Membranes
