How will you damp proof the
basement?
When you come to damp-proof your
basement, there are two main methods –
make sure that you choose the best for
your project.
- Cement-based system. This stops any
water from entering your basement. It
sets a bond with the masonry substrate,
creating an impervious barrier.
- Water membrane system. A membrane
is sealed to the walls, ceiling and floor and
then covered with plasterboard, screed or
a floating timber floor. This system allows
water to drain away, often with the help
of a pump and drainage channel. This is
particularly suited to waterproofing old
Victorian basements.
But is it all worth it. Living months with
dust, noise, and angry stares from the
neighbours, will a basement conversion
add value to your home? Well first and
foremost it’s only worth doing a basement
conversion on high-end properties, and
although there is no exact calculation the
average a basement conversion adds is in
the region of 25%.
So if you want to live like an oligarch and
crave a certain lifestyle then it seems that
going down is just the tip of the iceberg in
home development..
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