Frequently Asked Questions
My engineer has suggested that the property foundations will need to be underpinned or taken as deep as the cellar?
In general, you need not worry about adapting or enhancing existing or planned foundations. The cellar will be encircled with a concrete ring, which gives the cellar its own structural integrity and handles incoming surcharge from adjacent footings. Post-deposit, your engineer will be provided with all the relevant technical information.
Do I need to get planning permission to have a Spiral Cellar?
In the UK, planning permission is not normally required because the Spiral Cellar is not considered a habitable space, but it may be requested by a local North American building authority.
My preferred location for the Spiral Cellar is in a room that adjoins my neighbour’s house. Is there anything I need to consider?
Considerations for a party wall are applicable to a Spiral Cellar installation if the excavation is planned to be within 10′ of a neighbouring owner’s building or structure. This is generally a straight forward process, and is typically not comparable to obtaining planning permission.
What about Building Regulations?
Building regulations approval is required when installing into a habitable space such as in the home or an attached garage. A Spiral Cellar is generally not considered a habitable space (in the UK) so the cellar does not need to comply with certain regulations, such as requirements for a handrail and the ‘rise’ and ‘run’ of the staircase treads. This may not be the case for every North American site. Investigation into your local building code is recommended.
I love the glass doors but am concerned about scratch marks.
All of our glass doors feature scratch-resistant, toughened glass to ensure they look as good as possible, for as long as possible. With just a little care they remain in excellent condition for years.
I’m building a new property. What do I need to consider to include a Spiral Cellar?
We would encourage you to call us as soon as possible to ensure that the Spiral Cellar ties in with the project plans. This will reduce the chance of duplicating certain costs and will guarantee we are able to fit into the program.