Digging deep for living space

Property Care Association is urging homeowners to make sure their basement conversions are carried out by a reputable firm.

Basement conversions are on the increase, but the Property Care Association, the trade body representing professionals in the structural waterproofing industry, is urging homeowners to make sure their works are carried out by a reputable firm - to avoid their project becoming a washout.

Rising house prices, coupled with a general shortage of suitable building land, means householders are increasingly looking to make the best use of the space they already have.

As a result, the UK is seeing basement living become increasingly popular, as homeowners look underground to release valuable space to add to their property.

Yasmin Chopin, chief executive of the Property Care Association said: "Basement conversions are a superb way of creating more living space, but 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 use of the waterproofing method appropriate to the individual conditions of the build is vitally important and such a judgement can only be undertaken by a specialist waterproofing surveyor".

"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, their trading history, customer services, health and safety and environmental protection".

"Inspections are ongoing throughout membership, ensuring high standards are maintained following initial acceptance into the Association.

"All PCA members must guarantee their works and are bound to honour their guarantees, should any failure in the waterproofing take place".

"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".

The Property Care Association represents the UK's Waterproofing, Damp and Timber and Structural repair industries.

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.

To find a PCA member across the UK homeowners and developers can log on to the Property Care Association's web site and select the 'Find a Member' option.

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