5 Things to Consider Before You Get a London Basement Conversion

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Top 5 Things to Consider Before You Get a London Basement Conversion

What do you need to know before you undergo a basement conversion in London?

Basement conversions are an incredible way to add space and value to your home. A new gym, an extra bedroom, a home cinema - whatever you can dream of, building below can be a fantastic way maximise your home’s potential. Transforming your space is certainly a very enticing idea, but there are a few things to be considered before you begin:

What’s your type?

Before getting a basement conversion, you need to have a clear idea of 2 things. Firstly, what type of basement conversion are you looking to create; is it for an extra bedroom, a home cinema, a wine cellar, a gym? What you desire the purpose of the new space to be will affect which factors you need to consider. Natural light, for example - if it is a wine cellar, then a lack of access to natural light is no issue. But if you are looking for a bedroom or a living space, then this may be problematic and lead to costly problem-solving attempts.

Secondly, what already exists below your house? Typically, basement conversions are undertaken if a basement already exists. Many London houses, in particular, are old Georgian and Victorian buildings with underground space originally constructed as servant quarters or to add a stateliness to the property. Spaces such as this will need to be surveyed to assess the extent of work required - waterproofing, additional walls, individual installations and flooring, for example. Typically, however, these types of basement conversions are less expensive. If a whole new basement is required to be dug and constructed, the costs naturally rise. Excavation costs, planning permission costs, floor-level lowering, lightwell and external access construction - all these may be necessary, and more. However, the additional value this could add to your home often makes basement conversions well worth it. In conclusion, the cost per square metre can range from around £700-£1800 for a conversion, to £1900-£2700 for a shell place construction - so make sure you know which type you would require before committing.

What’s the low-down?

If you are looking to create a completely new basement space, you will need to find out what is below your property to know whether it will be feasible for you. Basements can be fitted under most conditions. However, there are a few speed bumps which could halt your plans. High water tables can pose a problem - the closer you are to a river, for example, the more difficult it is to obtain planning permission. Even if you do, building the basement will be a challenge. Additionally, there could be issues if your property is built on a solid floor, because this is normally too difficult to fit a basement into. It is also worth knowing that raft foundations can’t be underpinned, so if your structure is built on these a basement conversion will be impossible. Wiring or pipes underneath your property could be extremely expensive to move, additionally, so it is essential you are aware of their presence before you decide to build.

Seeing the Light

There is no point constructing a new basement, for the space to be unliveable or unsuitable for purpose. Basements, being underground, naturally have restrictions in their access to natural light and air ventilation. Therefore, in the design process, it is essential you work with an experienced architect who can advise you on how best to get natural light into your space. Parts of the room which are near external walls can access light most easily, with some carefully-placed windows. However, other parts of the space may require you to implement some more creative techniques, such as glazed flooring, a light shaft or maybe even a sun pipe. Keeping the space minimalistic and light-coloured can also help to maximise its brightness. With all these solutions, planning is everything - you don’t want to find out late down the line that you have spent a considerable amount of money constructing a dark, dingy basement out of a horror movie! We only work with the best people, so we can ensure that your space is exactly what you envisioned.

Party Wall Agreement

If you want to go ahead with a basement conversion, but you live in a semi-detached or terraced house, it is highly-advised, and sometimes mandatory, that you complete a party wall agreement. This essentially confirms that the condition of any shared walls between your neighbour’s house and yours is agreed to be satisfactory on both sides for work to go ahead, and avoids you being liable for any damage later on which actually was already existing. If your neighbour agrees immediately to a party wall agreement and signs the document, then work can commence without a surveyor. Similarly, if your neighbour misses the deadline to sign the document, work can commence. If your neighbour refuses to sign the document, then a surveyor will come in and deliver an independent decision - if permission is granted, it is known as a party wall award. To avoid nasty complications and tensions, we would advise that you always try to get a party wall agreement signed and confirmed before work begins - a surveyor could become involved at any point if issues arise, so it is best to have permission before things begin! We can help you every step of the way - don’t stress!

Planning Permission

Whether you end up needing to apply for planning permission or not, it is always worth checking the specifics before you undertake any work on your house. Often with a basement conversion, planning permission isn’t needed because the work is on the interior of the property. However, if there needs to be windows or entrances on the front of the property or digging up some pavement or road, planning permission will be required. Additionally, if you wish to undertake a completely new basement construction, then planning permission will certainly be required. This can be an extremely simple and stress-free process if you have the right people helping you - that is where we come in!

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