How to Stop Basement Leaks - Photo

How to Stop Basement Leaks

Learning how to stop basement leaks is essential if you want to avoid water damage, damp and flooded cellars.

Basement floods need to be contained before they cause further damage or damp in your property, and basements need to be fully waterproofed to ensure leaks don’t occur again.

If you need to know how to stop basement flooding, the expert team at Danford, Brewer & Ives is here to explain everything.

How to Solve Basement Flooding

If you don’t know how to stop basement leaks, then your home could be seriously affected by flooding, damp, water damage and many more issues.

If your basement is leaking or has already been flooded, the first step is to isolate the source of the leak or the cause of the flooding. The leak needs to be contained, any damage repaired, and the basement then needs to be fully waterproofed to ensure the problem doesn’t persist.

A specialist can identify the cause of the leak and carry out the most appropriate fix. They may suggest one or a combination of the following in order to solve basement leaks:

  • Fix pipes and gutters: Leaks may be caused by broken pipework and guttering which fails to channel away water. Once broken pipes or gutters are identified, they need to be fixed immediately.
  • Fix or install a damp-proof course (DPC): A DPC is one of the best ways to waterproof a basement. If it’s broken, then it needs to be repaired or a new DPC needs to be installed.
  • Lower the ground level around the building: If topsoil is located above the DPC, then water can seep into the basement. The ground level needs to be lowered to a depth below the DPC to avoid this.
  • Fully waterproof the basement: Basements need to be fully waterproofed to stop leaks and floods. This can mean tanking the basement so it’s fully protected against groundwater or floods.
  • Improve ventilation: Pooling water can be caused by a lack of ventilation that allows condensation to build up over time. Improving ventilation or installing dehumidifiers can stop this from being a problem.

How Much to Fix a Basement Leak?

The total cost to repair a basement leak will vary from one home to the next. You’ll need to contact a basement waterproofing specialist like the team at Danford, Brewer & Ives for an accurate breakdown of costs, following a professional survey.

Costs could range from a few hundred pounds to find and repair leaks, to several thousand in order to tank and waterproof a flooded basement as well as repairing extensive water damage.

The main factors that will affect the total basement leak repair cost include:

  • The size of the basement
  • The extent of the leaks
  • The damage caused to the basement
  • The complexity of the repair and waterproofing work

Contact‌ ‌Danford,‌ ‌Brewer‌ ‌&‌ ‌Ives ‌to‌ ‌Find‌ ‌Out‌ ‌How to Stop Basement Leaks

For‌ ‌more‌ ‌information‌ on how to stop basement leaks,‌ ‌please‌ ‌contact‌ ‌our‌ ‌friendly‌ ‌team‌ ‌on‌ 01765‌ ‌804050‌ ‌or‌ ‌fill‌ ‌in‌ ‌our‌ ‌‌online‌ ‌contact‌ ‌form‌.‌ ‌ ‌

Our‌ ‌experienced‌ team ‌will‌ ‌be‌ ‌on‌ ‌hand‌ ‌and‌ ‌ready‌ ‌to‌ ‌offer‌ ‌expert‌ ‌advice‌ ‌tailored‌ ‌to‌ ‌resolve‌ ‌your‌ basement leak problems.‌


Do You Need Planning Permission for a Basement?- Photo

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Basement?

You’ve got your new basement conversion all planned out. You’ve designed the ultimate underground games room, or maybe you’re excited to build an extra bedroom, bathroom or living room.

You’ve picked out the flooring, furnishings and decor, but wait, do you need planning permission for a basement? Before you get carried away, it’s important to know which planning laws and building regulations you need to follow when converting a basement. Otherwise, you could be in trouble with your local authority.

If you’re designing your dream cellar conversion, the expert team at Danford, Brewer & Ives is here to explain everything you need to know about basement planning permission.

What Is Planning Permission?

In the United Kingdom, planning permission is the consent that may (or may not) be required from your local council or authority in order to build a new structure or property, or to alter an existing one.

Planning permission exists in order for the local authority to control building standards, to ensure there are no conflicts with an existing property, and for many other reasons. Failure to secure basement planning permission when needed may result in prosecution and fines, and you could be forced to remove any changes that have been made to the property.

However, not every change or building project requires planning permission. It largely depends on the extent of the change or construction, and what the new or altered structure will be used for.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Basement in the UK?

So, do you need planning permission to build a basement? The answer to this question isn’t straightforward, so it’s important that you seek the advice of a basement conversion specialist like Danford, Brewer & Ives when you start planning your dream conversion.

There are several, often complex factors to consider. The UK government explains that there are three instances when ‘you’ll probably need planning permission’:

  • When you build something new
  • When you make a major change to your building
  • When you change the use of your building

This means that if you are building a brand new basement that involves digging down and underpinning a property, you will most likely require planning permission. However, if you already have an existing cellar space that you intend to either renovate or extend, it will be unlikely that basement planning permission is needed.

Things get more complicated if you are planning to use the basement space as a dwelling. If the basement is going to be a new residential unit where somebody lives, then you will need planning permission to build this. This means that if you have an existing cellar space that you are converting into a studio for a lodger, for example, you would need to secure planning permission.

There are other instances where you may also need cellar planning permission, so it’s always important to check with a professional. For example, if you live in a listed building or in a conservation area, you will also need basement planning permission.

If you’re unsure and are still asking the question, ‘Do I need planning permission to build a basement?’ then always seek professional advice before beginning a project. In fact, even if you’re certain that you do or don’t need planning permission, given the complexity and potential penalties involved, we always recommend seeking professional advice first.

How Long to Get Planning Permission in the UK?

Applications for planning permission are either approved or denied by the local planning authority in your area. However, all applications can now be made online through a dedicated Planning Portal.

This speeds up the process, but it may still take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks for the local authority to process your application. In busy times, this could take even longer, so make sure you start planning early!

How Much Does It Cost to Get Planning Permission in the UK?

When you’re budgeting your basement conversion, you need to factor in the cost of securing planning permission, if needed. Each planning application incurs a fee, which is paid to the local planning authority to cover the costs of processing the application.

This fee is set by the UK government and is standardised, but it may change each year. Different types of building work may also incur different fees. Currently, these fees start at £96 per application.

What Happens If I Don’t Get Basement Planning Permission?

If you forget to apply for planning permission or discover later that you require planning permission for work that’s already been completed, it is possible to apply retroactively.

This retroactive application process means that, in theory, it’s possible to begin building a basement without permission, thereby saving time on the project. But you’ll need the expertise of a professional to ensure that nothing is missed that would result in the application being denied.

If you don’t secure basement planning permission for your new conversion, you could find yourself in serious trouble. If it transpires that you do, in fact, need planning permission and the planning authority denies this retroactively, then you will be asked to remove the alteration or change. This would mean undoing the work that’s been completed, which in the case of a basement could be as complex as the installation. You could also be subject to fines and prosecution if you fail to abide by the planning rules or fail to remove the completed work when asked.

Contact‌ ‌Danford,‌ ‌Brewer‌ ‌&‌ ‌Ives ‌for More Information on Basement and Cellar Planning Permission

For‌ ‌more‌ ‌information‌ on how to get planning permission for a basement or cellar conversion,‌ then‌ ‌please‌ ‌contact‌ ‌our‌ ‌friendly‌ staff ‌on‌ 01765‌ ‌804050‌ ‌or‌ ‌fill‌ ‌in‌ ‌our‌ ‌‌online‌ ‌contact‌ ‌form‌.‌ ‌ ‌

Our‌ ‌experienced‌ team ‌will‌ ‌be‌ ‌on‌ ‌hand‌ ‌and‌ ‌ready‌ ‌to‌ ‌offer‌ ‌expert‌ ‌advice‌ ‌tailored‌ ‌to‌ ‌resolve‌ ‌your‌ problem.


Cellar Conversion Ideas - Photo

Cellar Conversion Ideas

If you are done using your basement as a dump – somewhere to throw everything you don’t find useful in the house – but you don’t have the heart to throw your stuff away, converting your basement into a usable space is ideal.

If you’ve decided you want to turn your property’s basement into a useful space, which not only makes it more functional but also adds value to your home, we have nine ideas for basement conversions that can’t fail to impress.

Read on to discover the best cellar conversion ideas, and to learn how to maximise your underground space.

1. Gym

If you’re a fitness fanatic or just hate going to the gym every day, then why not bring the gym to your home? With a basement gym, you’ll save thousands on gym membership every year.

Moreover you won’t worry about hygiene, as you won’t need to share your equipment with others. There are tons of benefits to having a home gym, including working out at your own pace without worrying about scheduled gym timings.

The best thing about converting your basement to a gym is that you won’t have to invest too much money for the conversion. You have the option of either starting with a complete gym set or just a few essential pieces of equipment.

2. Music Studio

A basement is a perfect place for a music studio, because it is easier to soundproof a basement than other parts of a house.

This is especially true if you have a high ceiling, allowing for wonderful acoustics. A basement studio allows you to disconnect from the world and focus entirely on creating musical masterpieces. You can play instruments for as long as you like without annoying the neighbours!

3. Cinema

If you want the perfect cinematic feel at home, converting your basement into a cinema is a fantastic idea.

If your basement doesn’t let in much light, then converting it into a cinema would be an ideal option, because you wouldn’t have to pay extra money for lightproofing your cinema.

With your own basement cinema, you can invite friends over and enjoy cinematic surround sound and high-resolution 4K display at home at any time of the day, and on any day of the week.

4. Underground Parking

Parking is always a plus! It’s not only the ultimate solution to the limited parking space in front of your house, but it also adds value to the property. If you are worried about having limited space in your basement, you can extend parking space by a double-tier lift, and park two vehicles in the same place instead of a single vehicle.

5. Bedrooms

Basement into bedroom - PhotoThis conversion idea might sound a bit boring, but if your primary goal is to add value to your property without spending too much on the conversion, then you should invest in converting the basement into bedrooms.

Houses are usually valued on the number of bedrooms they have; each decent-size bedroom can add thousands to a property’s value.

You can make one or more bedrooms depending on the amount of space available, or you can even convert the basement into a large studio apartment or annexe.

6. Utility Room

Okay, so we’ll be the first to admit a utility room isn’t the most exciting of cellar renovation ideas. But it is one of the most practical and popular cellar conversion ideas in the UK.

While it might not be as glamorous as an underground cinema or personal gym, a utility room adds extra space that can be used for washing machines and tumble dryers, can be used as a pantry, or as a simple storage area.

An added utility room not only makes your home more practical and easy to live in, but it will free up space above ground that can be turned into more exciting rooms. As a generic conversion idea, a utility room also makes your home more marketable in the future and increases its value.

7. Home Office

With remote work becoming more popular, home offices have become increasingly sought after by professionals. A home office is one of the best cellar conversion ideas, and it’s an excellent way to build a workplace that’s secluded and separate from the rest of the house.

Your new home office can have all the equipment and tools you need to work from home. You can install a desk, ergonomic chairs and lighting that keeps you comfy while you work, as well as having plenty of space for televisions screens, computer monitors, printers and filing cabinets.

8. Playroom

Are the kids running you ragged in the living room? Have you run out of space for their toys or do you just need some peace and quiet in the afternoons? Then why not consider turning your cellar space into a playroom?

A playroom is a great use of your basement, and it’s a useful place to store your kids’ toys or to set up their PlayStation. Basements are easily soundproofed, and that means the children can be as loud as they want without disturbing the adults upstairs!

9. Wine Cellar

A wine cellar is a simple concept, but in our opinion it’s one of the best basement conversion ideas. You can keep your household and guests happy with an endless supply of wine that’s easily accessible, and easily topped up when running low.

A wine cellar is the perfect way to convert small basement cellars into a useful space, and it can be as easy to complete as installing wine racks against the walls. Of course, if you take your wine seriously, you can add modifications that allow for temperature control to keep those vintages in the best possible condition.

Other Ideas

It all starts with an idea. Music studios, gyms and home offices are just the start; there are so many more basement renovation ideas to inspire your new cellar conversion. You can create an underground kitchen, art studio, entertainment or party hosting venue, and so much more.

Some people may also look at using the space within the basement to create a swimming pool or transform it into a self-contained flat. With enough space and budget, most things are possible.

Contact Danford, Brewer & Ives to Make Your Basement Ideas a Reality

At Danford Brewer & Ives we’re basement conversion experts. With many successful projects completed, we’re the perfect partners for anyone looking to have a basement conversion.

To discuss your plans further, simply contact DBI and book an appointment for one of our site surveyors to visit you and run through some options.