-
1
Preparation - The first stage of the project is to clear the cellar and decide on how access for the works will be provided. In some cases, if there is an existing or proposed window or door to an external wall, this could be used for day to day access or you may have to use the existing internal doorway. Your property will also need to be protected as required.
- 2
Excavating - In most cases, excavation works will be required to form a new light well or enlarge an existing window area. In the example shown here, external steps will be provided from a new doorway to the cellar.
- 3
Excavating - If the headroom is insufficient within the cellar, the floor levels will need to be reduced which will also involve removing the existing floor. Be careful not to excavate below the existing house foundations without professional structural advice. Removing the existing staircase and any other stripping out can be done at this stage.
- 4
Drainage - In some cases, where you are installing a bathroom or kitchen, you may need to install new drainage and is a good idea to get this done as soon as possible.
- 5
Joists - The existing floor joists may need repairing and are also likely to need to be cut back and trimmed where the new staircase is being provided. If you are removing existing internal walls in the cellar, you may also need to add new steel beams.
- 6
Floor - If the existing floor has been removed, then the new floor can now be installed which will usually be in concrete.
- 7
Sumps - if your cellar is particularly damp or prone to flooding, you may need to install drainage channels or pipes around the perimeter and a sump unit in the corner of your cellar.
- 8
Windows and External Doors - new windows and door openings can be formed or existing opening enlarged to suit the new units you are installing.
- 9
Windows and External Doors - in some cases, where you are installing large glazed areas as shown in the example here, new steel beams will need to be installed. Note also the extensive excavation works to the rear garden.
- 10
Windows and External Doors - new windows and doors are fitted which will ensure that the conversion is secure.
- 11
Waterproofing - now comes one of the most important parts of the conversion - providing the waterproof membrane to the walls and floor. In the example shown here, an integrated system is used which links the walls and the floor membrane to form a complete waterproof barrier.
- 12
External finishes - if your property is finished externally in rendering or other finishes, these can now be completed.
- 13
First Fix Services - The electrician and plumber can now complete their 'first fix' services including installation of pipework, cables, etc. First fix refers to works that are completed prior to plastering.
- 14
Insulation and Plasterboarding - New thermal insulation can now be added to the floors and walls prior to plasterboarding. With the insulation in place, any plasterboarding can be completed and in most cases this will require special fixings to avoid water penetration.
- 15
Flooring - Most cellar utilize a floating floor such as this tongued and grooved chipboard which avoids and fixings penetrating the damp proof membrane.
- 16
Internal Walls - If your conversion includes new internal walls then they can be formed and these are often built in studwork directly off the new flooring.
- 17
Plastering - The ceilings and walls can now be plastered.
- 18
Floor screeding - If you are raising the floor with a sand:cement screed, this can now be completed to provide a smooth and level surface.
- 19
2nd fix electrics- With plastering complete, the electrician will now fit the switch plates, sockets and light fittings.
- 20
2nd fix plumbing and heating - The plumber will now fit any new sanitaryware and the new radiators. If you are having a new boiler, it is usually fitted at this stage.
- 21
2nd fix carpentry- The carpenter will now fit internal doors, architraves and skirtings. New cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen units can also be fitted at this stage.
- 22
Staircase - As part of the second fix works, the new staircase and balustrading can be fitted.
- 23
Other finishes- Tiling, decorating, laminate or other floor finishes can now be completed.
- 24
Finishing touches- The final touches to your new conversion can now be added such as furniture, curtains and blinds and pictures.
- 25
Completion - With the works complete, you can now enjoy the use of the additional space for many years to come.
How can we help?