Cellar

[6beachlover]

Thinking of doing a conversion, current dumping ground, one half drier than other half, however our cellar floor space isn’t as big as our rooms above it looks like it’s blocked off a bit with a wall I think that’s used structurally, there seems to be space/rubble behind the wall. 1800 built middle terrace, has anyone had similar and removed wall with support put in place? Any advice if you have TIA.

What would you be using it for?

I love a house project but if it’s for living space I’d think very carefully. Most I have seen (friends/ looking round houses) have been expensive and unsuccessful. For a bedroom they are often dark and inconvenient and if an en-suite is added the plumbing is a nightmare. Plus fire regs are quite rightly very onerous. Kitchens can be better but only when there’s a nice high ceiling and windows. Playrooms the kids don’t want to be down there. Offices the internet reception can be terrible and they can be cold/ damp/ far away from the front door.

They can also be prohibitively expensive and cause months of disruption to you and your neighbours, plus if it needs tanking (likely) it can cause damp in the rest of the house. Very rarely would you expect to get your money back unless it’s an amazing conversion in the middle of London where space is at an absolute premium.

I think if you do it, do it for you. We have a lovely cellar which is dry and which I adore because I put all manner of crap down there and don’t have to look at it in the rest of the house! And some wine! IMO that’s when they work best.

Thanks for your response. It has good head high wouldn’t need to dig down at least! Was thinking utility to have washer and dryer together etc! Maybe extra shower room with a macerated up toilet system! Was thinking the tanking / drainage system is what would be required, we have some coal shoots I thought if we used a fan system then we can replace concrete outside with glass to allow some natural light! I know it’s a big job, our kitchen doesn’t need replacing so it’s more for better storage! Coats and boots without it causing them to get damp etc! Maybe have to have a good think and weigh up the pros and cons! I love the idea myself of a good project but it needs to be worth while also cost wise and I’d of hoped it would add something to the house value!

All extra space is good in a property! Even if it's just obviously a useable space with stairs and storage, and better if you plumb for a washing machine, I would expect it to add value. Like you people would view and think about what they could use it for.

Hi,
We have a basement in our house where half had an okish head height and half not. We tanked the whole basement. Had to dig down a bit and underpin the property (was wasn’t underpinned correctly from the 1970s). Also took down several supporting walls and replaced with steel beams which are hidden in the ceiling (need structural surveyor and builders who know what they are doing). You will need wall party agreements. As in with any building work it is stressful.

It’s warmer than the rest of the house as modern insulation and the underfloor heating is amazing and very cost effective to run.
It was pricey but for a large house in London so worth it. I absolutely love it. We have a kitchen and pantry installed here, cinema room, laundry room, small bathroom. There is no damp at all and it’s lovely.

Sounds great, I love the idea of what we can do with this space! I’ll do some
further research and look at companies, thanks.