This conversion was carried out in Eccles and was one of our first conversions.

Sian & Phil wanted a new shower room, gym, utility room and some storage. The basement comprised of three main rooms plus a small corridor under the hallway. Due to the lower floor level to the kitchen which was above the rear basement the room head height was restricted. This room was turned into the utility room. The gym was put in the front room and the shower room was located under the dining room.

The original floor was removed along with the original stone staircase to allow extra head room, especially in the gym where the gym equipment requires extra height.

The walls and floors were waterproofed with Oldroyd Xv Clear cavity drainage membrane system. This system was chosen over a cementitious or epoxy-based system, as it redirects any water entering the basement to a sump or drain, rather than physically holding back the water pressure. This means that the system does not rely on the integrity of the soft, Victorian brickwork for its success. It also allowed the contract to be completed more quickly, as there was no need to sand-blast the walls in order to provide a key. An Aqua drain drainage channel was laid around the perimeter of the basement at the floor-wall junction, leading to a sump and pump. This provides additional drainage at what is usually considered to be the area most susceptible to water-ingress in basements. The Oldroyd Xv membrane was then applied to the basement walls and floors. Special self-sealing "Oldroyd brick plugs" were used to fix the membrane to the walls of the basement, whilst on the floor no fixings were required. Holes in the back of the brick-plugs, the walls were then fitted with a timber stud and plaster boarded. All external walls have an added insulation layer to conform to building regulations. New ceilings, lighting, sockets and plumbing were installed, as well a mains linked fire alarm and a humidistat-controlled extractor fan. This fan is intended to increase ventilation in the basement and ensure that the levels of relative humidity do not rise above those recommended for a Category III basement in BS8102.

The Result

A great gym with jogger, cross trainer a man you can punch and TV. with a satellite feed. A gorgeous shower room with a fabulous walk-in shower and modern style w.c. and basin. A utility room which also houses the boiler and a storage room.