Plans for cellar conversion

[CharlieB1981]

i'm looking to convert our 1920's cellar to room to be used an office and to submit a full works plan to building regs.

the problem i have is finding someone who can do the plans- i've approached 4 local companies but all have said they don't have the knowledge around cellar conversion floor insulation which is the key point (structural changes are fine)

the 2 Cellar conversions specialists ive spoken to won't offer a plans only service, and are quoted stupid amounts to do the full work. I have trusted builders locally that know they could do the Structural work for around half the price.

I live in the east midlands (notts) can anyone recommend a company either local to me or nationally that could create the plans for submission or where i can find someone to do this.

for info-the question over the floor insulation is depth- there's been mixed views as to what thickness would be needed with it being retro fitted- including on the brick stairs, this then dictates what work is needed with the floor.

thanks

 

[frutbunn]

I would find out who the LA building control surveyor is for the area, give him a call and ask him if he will give the names/nos of some local plan drawers. Officially they don't do this, but unofficially I've always done as has everyone else I've worked with. Local BCO's know all the idiots and rip off agents.As far as the insulation goes, b regs has some discretion on conversions as to what is required, what is practical. feasible etc.

 

[^woody^]

I can't believe that they can't do floor insulation!

Any competent architectural technician should be able to do cellar plans.

If they don't know about the waterproofing then they can specify a suitable specialist system and either include that or arrange for specialists design to be appended to their plans.

Bear in mind that cellar waterproofing is not that difficult, but is important to get right - both in design and workmanship. However good the system and the plans, and however good you think the builder is, there should be allowance for the primary waterproofing to fail, so a secondary method is good practice and wise.

I would not ring a BCO unless you are confident that they won't just be fixing you up with one of their mates or BCO friends who draws plans, and then will be lenient with his inspections of his mates work.

 

[tony1851]

The main issues are damp-proofing and thermal insulation, both of which should be straightforward.
Depending on what height you've got, you may need to excavate a little to get more headroom, but without exposing the footings too much.
Damp-proofing is achieved by using the dimpled plastic sheeting run across the floor and up the walls; a small sump is formed and any water collecting pumped out at intervals.
For floor insulation, PIR is used, though it will be thinner so as not to use up headroom - inspectors are usually realistic about what can be achieved.
For plan-drawers, why not look on the council's web site showing planning applications for local domestic work - you'll usually see the plan-drawers' details on the drawing.