Cellar storage conversion

xander000

Can anyone help with where to start with possibly converting my cellar into a more pleasant storage area?

We live in an end terrace with a 2mx5m approx vaulted cellar with stone floor and brick walls.

I won't be using it as a living space so I'm not bothered about complying with building regs. But I do want it to feel like a room (walls, floor, nice cupboards, possibly some heating down there so we can use it to dry clothes etc).

We have lived in the property for nearly 10 years and it's never flooded. It does feel a bit damp but I don't know how much of that is down to lack of air circulation. E.g. a box of photos left on the floor down there weren't in the best condition after a couple of years. I don't know what damp proofing options are available but I don't think we need the full works?

As I'm not keen on paying to conform to building regs, I don't really want to use a proper cellar conversion company. What tradesperson/contractor is best to contact? I'd ideally like one person to do everything (any damp sorting, flooring, cupboards, plastering etc).

Finally, has anyone done anything similar before and about how much did it cost (storage conversion, not full living space)? We're in Yorkshire if that helps.

Thanks in advance!

Furts

What do you expect people to advise? Your proposals are illegal, you do not wish to use a professional company and you do not wish to make an application for Buildings Regulations.

You are proposing a habitable room and this is subject to Regulations. However, it is your choice regarding what you wish to do

Gloomendoom

How do you do a storage conversion on a space already intended for storage?

FreeBear

Probably find the stone flags are laid on bare earth and the walls are solid brick - Tanking and laying a suspended wooden floor may sound like a good idea, but it will rot very quickly and push the damp problems elsewhere.

The space needs to be properly ventilated and the correct materials used. Find a builder who has the experience and recommendations of working on period properties.

If building regs are involved, failure to notify Building Control could lead you open to prosecution and heavy penalties. It would also make it difficult to sell the property at a later stage and add all sorts of costs & headaches to the process.

Do the job correctly (with the appropriate materials & consent), and save yourself endless grief in the future.

tacpot12

Severn Trent tanked my cellar for me following some problems with drainage in the local area. Their contractor did a super job with very basic building materials, and I would say that the difference between half a job and doing it properly is very marked. It will add value to your home to create warm, dry space in the cellar. I would install a constantly running fan to ventilate the cellar.