Basement Conversions - What Lies Beneath?

As the economic downturn takes it toll on house sales, a leading trade body has launched a new free online resource centre to highlight the space that a basement conversion can free-up.

What Lies Beneath? brings together a wealth of information within one easy-to-navigate web page, to show what a basement conversion involves.

http://www.property-care.org/basement-conversions pulls together a wealth of information online, including in-depth technical background data, case studies, a short video and images.

Developed by the Property Care Association, the trade body representing professionals in the structural waterproofing industry, it also highlights the importance of getting expert help to stop water levels taking their toll on such structures.

Yasmin Chopin, executive director of the Property Care Association said: “Homeowners who are reluctant to move house in the current economic climate could look to a basement conversion as a superb way of creating more living space.

“Such work can create flexible space suitable for a wide variety of uses, which will ultimately add value to a property in the long term.

“However, care needs to be taken when undertaking the work to ensure the project is a success.

“In extreme cases a poorly waterproofed basement can be subject to catastrophic flooding, which could destroy all the contents of the room, but more commonly simple dampness of the atmosphere can make the space cold, uninviting and cause deterioration of items sensitive to damp.

“The expertise of PCA members means they can use the latest innovative techniques to make basements bright and airy, with the days of dark, damp conditions confined to history.

“To achieve a successful result, the use of a waterproofing method appropriate to the individual conditions of the build is vitally important and a specialist waterproofing surveyor can offer the necessary guidance.

“A good start in the search for such a person can be made by contacting the PCA.”

By choosing a PCA member to undertake basement works a developer or homeowner can feel secure in the knowledge that members must satisfy strict criteria for the employment of qualified staff.

Regular inspections, which include checks on the contractor’s customer service record, ensure high standards are maintained. 

All PCA members are insured and committed to honour their guarantees and additional long-term guarantee protection insurance is available through GPI, which is regulated by the FSA.

Furthermore, the Association is a member of TrustMark, the scheme supported by Government, to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements.

As well as delivering a trusted repair procedure, PCA members are able to carry out specialist surveys – to identify potential problems - together with a range of other services and expertise ultimately designed to preserve and protect homes and buildings across the UK.

Biocraft is a member of the PCA and can be contacted on 0800 781 8358 or for more information on Basement conversions please visit our website at www.biocraft.co.uk.