In this blog post, we will be discussing storage basements, the science behind storage basements, the knock-on effect of saving and conserving heat, and the value that this kind of conversion might add to your property. Storage basements are a fantastic, cost-effective alternative to external storage at your property, and the conversion could raise the value by 5% to 10%!
The Science behind our storage basements
The first step of converting a basement for storage, is to achieve a reasonable head height for the client. This might include removing any existing flooring, or concrete that might already be in place. Storage basements are referred to as “Grade 2” conversions, meaning that the space doesn’t have to be habitable, but it still has to be worked to accommodate the British standard BS8102. This standard details that no water penetration is acceptable, however small damp areas are tolerated.
Regardless of this, we at LABS work to ensure that the basement doesn’t receive any damp patches after our works have been carried out. This is mostly thanks to our specialist dimpled membrane, which we fix to the walls with our sealed plugs, this is carried out in order to limit and prevent moisture. It also helps to improve airflow in the room, lessening the risk of condensation.
The next step is to dig out the floor (if required) to a comfortable head height for the client. This is a less rigorous dig than on a habitable basement, as there is no specific head height that we must reach to meet BS8102 requirements. Following the dig-out, we dig another 600mm deep by 600mm wide hole, where our sump pump chamber (along with the pump) can sit. This is then plumbed in to receive any water from the perimeter drainage channel, and discharge the water out of the property and away from the foundations. After the installation of the sump pump, the chamber is then concreted firmly in place. Once these steps have been completed, we install 50mm of rigid insulation over the new concrete slab and drainage channel. This will help to keep the room at a good temperature. Concrete is then poured to create a new floor, with wood around the edges, which will be removed to allow for our perimeter drainage channel.
This is then followed by the installation of the perimeter drainage channel, which sits at the bottom of the membrane inside the newly formed lanes around the edge of the room in the concrete – accepting any moisture that runs down behind the membrane. In all the corners of the drainage channel, we also install rodding eyes, so that the perimeter drainage can be maintained and tested, by our approved maintenance workers.
Bear in mind, that with a storage basement it is down to the customer to decide which parts of the conversion they would like. Some people, for example, might choose to leave out steps, such as the digging out of the old concrete slab, and installation of a new one.
Heat Recovery Ventilator Unit
The heat recovery units for single rooms have been specifically designed to eliminate excessive moisture and help to prevent condensation. This eliminates risks to property and health whilst retaining up to 80% of heat contained within the outgoing air. We tend to install these on the majority of our storage basements, as they are a very cost-effective way of mitigating the risk of condensation and eliminating any excess moisture in the air, which could lead to damp problems, or even mould growth.
Cost effectiveness
A storage basement is a more cost-effective way of damp proofing your basement space, rather than going for the more expensive Grade 3 habitable space.
Storage basements are also an efficient way to save money on external storage. A quick search for external storage solutions, showed that the average price for a mere 4 square meters of storage space, costs around £50 per week! Meaning that somebody who intends to store things all year round might pay £2600 for a unit, where they might be able to convert their unused basement space for just over double this. Our storage basements are also guaranteed for 20 years, so if a part of the system was to fail, the replacement would be free.
Certificate of Guarantee
LABS as a Wykamol Approved Contractor offers Certificates of Guarantee on all of our storage basement conversions, in order to give the customer peace of mind. With one of these guarantees, the works that we have undertaken will be guaranteed for 25 years, and as such if any of our systems have any issues, we will make time to come and service the system.
Call LABS Building Services today on 0114 2302865 for any basement enquiries, or to book yourself in for a free survey!