Basement Bargains
May 6, 2008
Many traditional sandstone houses both north and south of the river benefit from significantly deep basements which more often ten not are used to store general household bits and pieces.
With some imagination and specialist advice these basement areas can be transformed into granny flats, childrens bedrooms or playrooms, workshops, studies, utility rooms, and even games rooms, often adding significant value to the property as well as enhancing the enjoyment of the property. Often homeowners are discouraged from converting their basements because of the perceived or actual presence of dampness in the floors and surrounding walls - a problem which can be rectified completely in virtually all instances.
Modern basement water management systems allow for both moving and static water within the walls and floor fabric and in most
cases be overcome by specialist wall and floor membranes using an air gap technology to conduct any moist air from behind the membrane to be removed to the external atmosphere. In extreme cases the moving water can be conducted into purpose built sumps fitted with modern self-checking pumps which again would evacuate any moving water into the external drainage system.
Following the installation of the air gap membrane system normal wall and floor coverings can be fitted giving dry internal accommodation which with the addition of 
daylight facilitated through new windows in the basement walls can provide an airy spacious and attractive area for regular use. Water management systems are installed daily in commercial premises in particular banks, pubs and restaurants, and solicitor offices and so forth, often increasing both the working space and the value of the property significantly particularly in city areas.
This is no more than a general outline and, as always, expert guidance should be sought in these situations. For more information, contact Wise Basement Systems on 0800 65 22 678.
