Reclaim space

Basements are often unused, damp, smelly areas of a property. Often people fail to see the potential that exists right below your own lounge.

Do you have a basement at your property?

Have you ever wanted:

  • your own cinema room?
  • Your own gymnasium?
  • Office or Work Space?
  • Your own Sauna room?
  • Playroom for the kids? (Imagine the peace)
  • Man cave/Game Room?

With the necessary space, you can also create separate living space in your existing house in accordance with all building regulations and earn rental income from your basement.

All the different uses, as outlined above, will only add value to your property.

All of these, and more, are possible to achieve with a basement. Fylde Damp Proofing look at a basement like an extension on your property, only, you don’t need planning permission and more importantly, we feel, you don’t lose any of your garden or external grounds.

Existing basements and cellars can be fully transformed and made structurally waterproof. There are two systems available to achieve this.

Type A Tanking

Type A tanking is a cementitious, water proof slurry. Type A tanking will prevent water gaining entry to the basement all together and can withstand hydrostatic pressure. There are variations of tanking slurry available, the product we use below ground is BBA certified and can withstand negative pressure at 15 bar. 15 bar is the equivalent of 150 metres below ground.

If you can imagine a swimming pool, only its inside out, that is similar to what Type A tanking will achieve.

Type C Tanking

Type C tanking is a water management system, unlike Type A, it will allow water to gain entry to the premises, then manage it thereafter. Type C is a plastic lining on the walls and floor, beneath the lining, or membrane, are drainage channels. These channels are directed to existing drains (if achievable) or to a sump and pump station, then pumped to existing drains.

Sump and pump stations today are very reliable, some have alarms that will sound if the pump becomes blocked or faulty. Some will also send a message to your phone to let you know if they are not working properly.

Back up pumps are used in the event of this happening however, regular maintenance (we recommend annually) will prevent this.

These two systems can provide a fully habitable living space in what is often, an unused area of a property. All basement conversions conform to British Standard 8102 and local authority planning regulations.

What are the benefits of remodelling your basement?

There are numerous compelling reasons to rebuild your basement. The main reason is that it provides you with more room while remaining close to your other living areas in your home.

This makes it great for families searching for additional living space, first-time buyers in a small house, small businesses to allow working from home to keep overheads as low as possible and people who have downsized and are struggling to find a place for everything.

Rising real estate prices have also resulted in children staying at home for more extended periods while saving for their own homes.

Basement conversions are an excellent choice for creating a separate living space. You might even use this separate living space for your aged parents.

Basement conversions are also excellent for storage, freeing up crucial above-ground space. Having a home gym is a terrific way to remain in shape, and more and more individuals are doing so. Basements make excellent stand-alone offices for self-employed workers or those who can work from home.

In brief, a basement conversion consists of the following steps:

You have more room

A new basement will provide additional unused space, allowing storage or an additional bedroom.

Value Increase

Helps to raise the value of your home and makes it easier to sell when the time comes.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing your basement keeps mildew and fungi at bay, which can cause significant damage to your home.

Simple Procedure

The procedure is more straightforward than you think. Call our team today to start your project.

How long does it take to rebuild a basement?

The size of your basement and what you want to accomplish dictate the length of time it takes to remodel your basement.

Converting a simple one-room basement with a watertight cavity system (more on that later) can take as little as two or three weeks, including excavation and pump system installation.

However, rebuilding and removing the basement, as well as lowering the floor, can take months.

If you’re wondering when you should undertake the work, summer is an excellent time to accomplish it.

Can I rebuild my basement on my own?

Some components of a basement redesign are probably doable on your own, while others will almost surely necessitate the services of a professional. It all depends on your abilities and the type of basement remodelling project you’re working on.

What can I do with my basement conversion?

Of course, the choice is yours, and you most likely already have a specific purpose in mind for your basement finishing. However, for those looking for ideas, here are some of the most typical applications:

  • Bedroom
  • Bathroom
  • Toiletry room
  • The game room
  • Fitness centre
  • The home office
  • Room for Entertainment/Media
  • Study
  • The recording studio at home

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you start remodelling your basement, check with your local authorities to determine if a building permit is required.

If you hire a specialised contractor to design and build a basement, they will handle the design, building code approval, and, if necessary, party consent.

In most circumstances, converting an existing basement or cellar does not necessitate acquiring a building permit or planning applications. Converting an existing basement into a residential space is merely a “change of use” and thus does not necessitate a construction permit.

A construction permit is required if you build a new basement, drastically enlarge its size, or “significantly change its function or add a light well that changes the exterior aspect of the property,” according to the government’s planning portal.

Even if minor additions and renovations come under the right to allowed development, a building permit may be required if you need to reduce the floor level of a basement to raise the ceiling height.

Even if you live in a historic building, you will almost certainly require any interior or exterior maintenance permit.
Contact your local building authority in writing so that they can legally affirm that you can go ahead with the work – having proof that no planning permission was necessary is useful when selling your property.

Even if it’s merely a change of use of an existing basement, converting it into a habitable space requires building regulation permits from your local authority. Check the Building Regulations in Blackpool here.

Building codes ensure that your freshly converted basement is both safe and efficient.

Ventilation, ceiling height, moisture insulation, electrical wiring, and water supply are all covered by building rules.

The Basement Information Center has updated its guide on this subject. More information is available on their website.

The building code does not cover renovation of an existing habitable basement or repair of a basement that does not require a use change.

Fire safety considerations are included in the building code. Notably, the requirements for fire escapes in basements. A “suitable method of exit from the building in a fire” is essential.

The regulations define a basement first, then clarify whether it is an inside or a separate fire-rated structure. If there is a habitable room in the basement, you must offer one of the following:

An exterior door or window is suitable for exiting the basement (dimensions in the Basements for Dwellings document).

A secure stairwell leading from the basement to the final exit.

The basement is flooding.

Trying to figure out where the moisture is coming from in your basement can be a difficult task. You are vulnerable to floods if you do not know the source. Low-lying locations, particularly those below the flood plain, are particularly vulnerable.

The most typical causes of basement flooding are as follows:

1) Groundwater – an essential process in which rainfall wets the soil, resulting in a wet basement wall.

2) Surface flooding – produced by a heavy storm or overland floods

3) Burst water pipes – water leaked from broken or damaged pipes.

4) High water table – Flooding is more likely in locations with high water tables.

5) Inadequate landscaping occurs when the earth slopes toward the house rather than away from it for the first 10 feet, as needed.

6) Poor concrete flooring quality – cracks or defects in the flooring

7) Drainage system issues, including sump pump issues.

The goal of most basement remodels to provide you with more usable space that is fully dry and inviting. As a result, waterproofing the basement is an essential aspect of any basement remodels.

Basement waterproofing is all about keeping water out of your basement. With a variety of approaches, this can be achieved, such as exterior waterproofing and cementitious waterproofing (both of which prevent water from entering the basement) or by installing a cavity membrane drainage system, which allows you to direct water that enters to an appropriate drainage point.

Renovation of your basement should begin with a thorough cleaning of the area this is what you need to do and preparing for basement waterproofing:

– Take everything out of your basement.

– Clean up your basement of clutter, filth, and dust.

– Examine the walls for any signs of damage. Before beginning basement waterproofing, you may need to put in any holes or dents.

Who should be in charge of basement waterproofing?

When it comes to basement waterproofing and remodelling, make sure to choose a professional firm or individual to finish the job. They can recommend a basement waterproofing procedure tailored to your specific requirements.

Planning Applications to your local council may be needed. A competent Basement Conversion specialist will sort this for you, as well as any party wall agreements if necessary.

When selecting a specialised basement contractor, please pay close attention to the assurances they offer for their services.

They must honour their warranty if you encounter problems in the future.

A warranty backed by insurance will cover the cost of repairs even if the company goes bankrupt.