We are the basement company, which focuses on the needs and expectations of every customer. That is why we offer coordination on each stage of the project realisation – starting with adjustments to the initial project, through all of the changes according to your vision, up to final improvements and even the tiniest corrections. Our teams have successfully conducted numerous basement extensions in London, which allowed them to gain experience in remodelling the space in traditional or modern style, implementation of innovative technological solutions, as well as transformation of space of very different types and sizes. What is more, the cost is always adjusted to the customer’s possibilities, without compromises in terms of quality of our work.
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Midas has friendly and knowledgeable staff that can be reached in a number of ways. If you would like to discuss requirements in person, you can book a visit online. Alternatively, we are contactable by phone or email to the contact details displayed.
Most people think of basement conversions as a method by which storage spaces are made dry and warm, but the possibilities are endless! Creative types may wish for a home recording studio, an artist’s den or a private library. If you run your own business, a basement conversion could mean you have your own home office and order processing area. Or for families, it could give you that essential safe and dry space if you have accumulated too many toys or clothes over the years! Whatever your needs, Midas Basements can help you with design, planning and conversion every step of the way.
Waterproofing
If water wants to get into your Surrey basement – through joints or right through the walls or floor – you need a good basement waterproofing system to keep you dry. There are many systems available, but some have distinct advantages over others including cost, how invasive the installation is and simple effectiveness. Whether you live in Surrey, or London, we can help you dry your wet basement.
Some of the solutions are:
- Exterior Excavation
- Interior Subfloor
- Interior Baseboard System
- Negativeside Sealant
Among the best of these methods is to install either an interior subfloor drainage system or a baseboard drainage system along the perimeter of the floor. There are a few challenges to this method however. One is to keep the drain from being clogged by mud over the years. Many homeowners go years without a water problem and then develop one due to the existing subfloor and subsurface drains clogging with mud.
Popular Questions
In most cases it is not needed, as the changes are conducted only on the inside of your building. However, in case of some projects it might become a necessary requirement. For instance, when the plan involves adding an entrance or windows on the front side of the property, digging completely new basement or digging up a pavement or part of the road outside your house, the local council must first provide you with a planning permission.
When you think of extending your rooms or changing its structure in the future, it is advised as well to familiarize yourself with planning permission specifics for basement conversions.
Different regulations apply to a listed building. Before starting any work it is necessary to acquire planning permission, also in the case of changes not visible from the outside.
It is required because such properties are under protection for, for instance historical reasons. Remember, that even if you do not need a planning permission, the conducted work must always comply with building regulations. They are a set of regulations, which apply for all new living space and guarantee the residents’ safety.
Adding additional living space to improve the comfort of life of you or your family is not the only benefit you can get from such an investment. Basements can be rented to a lodger, sharing
bathroom and the kitchen with you, or you can turn your cellar into a completely separate studio or apartment, with independent entry.
Remember, that in the case of creating another entry to your house, you will have to apply for planning permission. What is more, even without planning to rent the new space in your home, the value of your property might gain thousands in the moment of its selling.
To state the obvious – your building is ready for basement conversion only when… you actually have a basement. Although it is possible to dig new basement under an existing building, it is usually not recommended because of very high costs of such solution. Despite of that it is chosen by some people, determined to increase living space in their existing homes.
In most cases, older types of buildings with timber-suspended floors, Victorian houses are perfect for such work. All of the work may be conducted from the outside, allowing you to stay in the house during the whole time of renovation. Sometimes, when houses have quite shallow foundations, it might be necessary to underpin them first to ensure the space is completely safe. To establish the costs and time of such operation, contact experienced builder or underpinning company, who will provide you with all the information you need. It might seem like a fantastic solution, but always remember to make sure basement conversion is possible in the case of your building before losing tons of time and money.
Be sure you do not get overenthusiastic when planning basement conversion and remember about the technicalities. To be as comfortable and functional as possible, the new living space must have access to heating, electricity, plumbing, phone, TV point, ventilation and other services.
Midas Construction experts will advise you on the best ways to connect the basement to your existing installation. Do not forget about the safety as well and install alarms, smoke detectors in the cellar. Also make sure you have alternate escape routes in case of the stairway being blocked by the fire. Ensure as well, that your windows can be easily opened in the case of an emergency and always keep down there a stool or similar piece of furniture, helpful in climbing out of the window when necessary.