A basement conversion is a good way of adding extra living space without compromising your garden or changing the external appearance of a home. ‘Basement conversions can simply cover the area directly under your home or, if desired, run the entire length of your garden,’ says Casey Daniel, one of our home experts.
In the US, basements have long been used as play and utility rooms, but it’s only in recent years that British householders have started making good use of the same space. Basements can house everything from home cinemas, gyms and pools, to more traditional living areas such as bedrooms and kitchens. Clever use of windows and roof lights can make previously dull underground (or partially-underground) spaces appear as bright and airy as the rest of the house. Even if it’s not practical to include large windows, a state-of-the-art lighting system can be used to good effect. A basement can even be converted into a self-contained flat.
Most basement conversions are single storey but it is possible to add extra floors. If that’s what you’re after, we can recommend companies who have experience in conversions of that scale, so call to discuss your plans with one of our experts.
Is your home suitable for a basement conversion?
Decide what you want the space for and then get a specialist company to assess your home’s feasibility for a conversion. Call us for a list of top professionals who we recommend in your area. Older properties with suspended timber floors lend themselves to basement conversions better than concrete floors, but modern techniques mean those can also be converted. If you already have a cellar, the conversion will be easier, not to mention cheaper, because you won’t have to pay for the entire area to be dug out. If headroom is restricted, the floor can be lowered.
Who will do the work?
There are basement conversion companies that can carry out the entire project, including designing and arranging planning applications to applying the final lick of paint. You may prefer to hire an architect to draw up plans and oversee the build, or simply get an architect to do the plans and then project manage the job yourself. We can recommend specialist companies, architects and tradesmen in your area, so call us to discuss your options.
Planning permission and building regulations
If you have an existing basement and don’t need to dig anything out, you may not require permission to turn it into a usable part of your home but it’s always best to check with the local planning office. If you are changing anything externally, such as digging window wells to allow light into the basement, you will require planning permission. All work must conform to the latest building regulations. And if you live in a terraced or semi-detached property you will need party wall consent from your neighbours. If a basement is being created from scratch and covers a large area, the excavation work can take months and the resulting noise and vibrations have a great effect on neighbouring homes. Speak to neighbours to alleviate their fears and if they’re still not happy consider reducing the size of the conversion so that work can be finished quicker. A specialist basement conversion company will have the local knowledge and experience to know what plans are more likely to be granted permission.
The finishing touches
Whether you intend to house a pool in your basement, a state-of-the-art home cinema, a wine cellar or a kitchen, we can help you find the relevant experts to make your dream a reality. Call us to discuss your requirements.
