If you have a cellar or basement space which just isn’t working out for you, it might be time to consider a conversion. As you can expect, cellar spaces can be ripe for damp conditions and potential flooding. This is all the more reason to consider getting a cellar conversion if you are in Sheffield or elsewhere. But what is the average cellar conversion cost, and is it really worth it in the long run?
If you’re considering ways to damp proof a cellar or basement space in your home, call LABS for a quote. Before you do, however, keep reading for more information on what to expect from pricing.
How Much Does a Cellar Conversion Cost?
At LABS, we price the average cost of a cellar conversion on the size and scope of a job in question. For example, it will likely cost you at least £8,000 to install a simple fail-safe waterproofing system, for what we refer to as a Storage Basement.
The next option is the Storage Plus, which means that we will add decorative features, plastering and more in order to make your basement more aesthetically pleasing. On average, this cellar conversion cost will normally come to at least £12,000, but sometimes as much as £17,000.
If you require a habitable room i.e. bedroom, cinema room, playroom, home office, there are extra requirements regarding fire escapes to make them comply with building regulations. For a typical terraced house basement circa 14 square metres, prices start from £18,000 up to £25,000.
What Goes into a Cellar Conversion?
The prices we charge for cellar conversions and damp proofing covers a full dimpled membrane covering. This means that we plug and seal membranes to your walls and excavate a chamber for a sump pump. This means that your cellar can continue to breathe and will drain water from the outside instead of letting it build up, causing damp and mould. We also install aluminium stud frameworks to make sure that everything is firmly in place.
We make sure that all of our work is conducted to standards set out in BS8102:2009 ‘Code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground’.
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%. That could be a fantastic increase on the overall price of your property in the long run!
However, this is assuming that you obtain a reputable and fair quote from a leading, regulated company. You must make sure that any company you obtain cellar conversions from is carrying out work in strict compliance with the BS8102:2009 standard. Otherwise, you may be left with more headaches than what you started with.
Our advice would be to measure the market carefully. There are going to be some cellar conversion companies who state that they will convert your basement for you for around £2,000 to £3,000. If they are keeping in line with regulations, this simply isn’t possible.
In order to make sure that cellar and basement conversions are safe, secure, and operable, we invest heavily in the best materials and the best equipment. Conforming with BS8102 means that we take genuine care with all the work we do, and we are proud to show off this certification through our website and online packages pages.
A cellar conversion cost is only going to be worth it if you can be sure that you are receiving regulated work which conforms to British safety standards. Just because it might seem as though you are getting a bargain with some companies, doesn’t mean you are getting a great value service. Shop carefully.
Do You Need a Damp Proof Cellar?
With the wet and windy seasons set to pull up in the next few weeks and months, the clock is ticking to get your cellar or basement proofed and protected against the threat of damp, mould, and flooding.
Make sure to reach out to LABS for more information about cellar conversion cost, and why a cellar conversion Sheffield or elsewhere is always going to be worthwhile in the fight against nuisance damp and rising mould. What’s more – why not turn your cellar into a whole new space?