Cellar conversion - is it worth it? How much trouble and cost is involved? Please share your wisdom here!

[greenday]

I'm for the idea. But DH is dead against it.

We live in a ground floor flat (in an Edwardian terraced house) with a reasonably sized cellar that's quite damp.

He thinks its too expensive to bother, too much hassle with the damp, planning permission, and too many people involved in the decision (such as neighbours, council, etc), too many factors to consider.

Better to move, he says. But we haven't been able to find anywhere else that fits our requirements. We love where we are so are reluctant to move too far.

So here I am thinking again, that converting the cellar may be the way to go. But I haven't enough backups to present my case to him.

Any wisdom, experience, opinions you have ... please please do share with me. What are the possibilities and contraints that I need to know? Is my husband right?

Thank you!! x

Getting a surveryor in to give you a quote won't cost anything (says she from very recent experience!). Find a property care firm which will project manage and provide the relevant labourers (builders, plasterers, electricians etc) as they will not only oversee the work but help you with all the pre-planning, council stuff, approvals etc. With a surveyor in charge they know about where there may be potential problems structurally and the like, as well as how much it will add in value to your property.

We are in the midst of costing a basement conversion and it's a bit scary / exciting.

It can be expensive because you may have to dig out the cellar to increase the head height in order to meet planning/building regs.

It is entirely possible to get rid of the damp, if you get the right builder.
Disclaimer: I'm not an professional in this field.

As for planning permission you don't need it merely to damp proof walls and floor. If you want it to be a "real" room, then natural light may be the main planning issue, and of course a practical one as well.
I'm assuming thatyour access id through your house, not outside ? If so, not sure why your neighbours will care.
Again I'm not an expert, but this strikes me a a building control issue, not planning, unless you want windows. Thus the issues are things like not threatening the safety of the house or your neighbours.

Many councils do leaflets on planning and control issues which will be far more authoritative than me, it's worth asking.

It won't be cheap to do it properly, I'd bet money you end up getting new steps down there for instance.
But if you get it done right, will add to the value.

Damp is an issue in all cellars, indeed my relatives who survey houses for money tell me that a vague "indications of damp in lower areas" is a frequent backside covering phrase in reports.
Is the damp "fresh" water ? As opposed to leaky drains which may cause smell and maybe even health issues.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. The cellar conversion would require windows so I think it would be a big job.
I will take up all your advice and seek more info from councils and getting a surveyor.
Thanks again!