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Basement builders in London

Basement conversions are one of the best ways to maximize your home ownership and increase its value, but where should you start a project? Is basement conversion a viable option?

If extending your home into the attic to create a loft or stepping out into the garden isn't an option for you, digging may be the only viable way to extend your home. Adding an underground level to your property can be a surprisingly cost-effective way to increase area, especially if you already have a basement or coal mine, as much of the excavation required has already been done.

Basements are common in many historic buildings, but because they were designed primarily as storage spaces, converting this dark and often cramped area into attractive, livable accommodation can present some challenges. Headroom is often one of the biggest obstacles to overcome, as a minimum clearance of 2m is required.

Additional structural work, sealing, and insulation may also be needed, not to mention you'll probably want to incorporate ways to let in natural light. Here you will learn more about the 5 most important steps to successfully complete a basement remodel and transform it into a new habitable apartment.

Maximize Clearance in a Basement Remodel

Don't make the mistake of skimping on ceiling height in your new basement renovation, or the room will never benefit from the same light, airy feel as the rooms on the upper floors of your home. "We recommend at least 2 m," says Katerina Spetsiou, project manager at Scenario Architecture. "For a basement remodel, you could get by with about 8 feet, but ideally you'd need 8 feet or more."

Even if the existing floor-to-ceiling height provides sufficient standing room, installing additional floor insulation and new finish above may result in excessive loss of overall height. If there is not enough space in the existing basement, additional excavation work may be necessary.

This significantly increases basement conversion costs. Therefore, it is important to consider this aspect at the beginning of your project. “For a finished basement conversion, depending on what is done, we would estimate between £1,500 and £3,500 per m² for a simpler scope project,” says Katerina. “With excavation costs, we would save between £4,000 and £6,000 per m².” Factors such as access, soil conditions, and labor costs in your area also play a role.

2. Excavation and preliminary construction work for the transformation of the basement.

Much of your basement renovation budget will likely go toward additional structural and excavation work, which may include measures to strengthen the structure and ensure the floors are supported. According to (Essex and London Construction: Builders for Basements, Lofts and Extensions), there are several key structural changes that homeowners typically want to make when carrying out basement conversions. “The first is to remove an internal retaining wall to create an open space. A gate/patio will then be created at the rear of the property which will lead out to the garden,” she says.

The third step is to lower the existing basement to create additional free space. Scenarios A and B require RSJ columns and steels, while the latter requires excavation and subfoundations.

3. Make sure your basement conversion is waterproof

A high-quality, durable waterproofing system is essential if you want your basement to look like any other room in your home. Barrier solutions are designed to keep water completely out of the building structure, while others assume that water will penetrate. This latter type of system allows water to drip into internal drainage channels before being removed through a sump/pump system.

Keep in mind that insurers typically require two types of waterproofing, designed and installed by specialists, so there is an alternative recourse if the first line of defense fails. “There are lots of different options. You need to evaluate the location and type of basement to decide which is best.”

The only way to get it right is to involve a professional waterproofing specialist in the early planning stages, certainly well before arriving on site. The floor must also be sealed and provided with cisterns. “Sealing is a crucial element and is very expensive to repair if it is not correct from the start.”

4. Follow building regulations

If you are converting your basement into a living area, you must adhere to the standards set out in Building Regulations. “The key requirements for basements are fire safety regulations (Part B), waterproofing/moisture resistance (Part C), ventilation (Part F) and soundproofing (Part E).” A key requirement is that you must ensure a clear escape route, ideally via an additional staircase leading from the basement in case the main hallway is blocked.

5. Hire the right professional for your basement remodel

There are several 

Basement conversions are one of the best ways to maximize your home ownership and increase its value, but where should you start a project? Is basement conversion a viable option?

If extending your home into the attic to create a loft or stepping out into the garden isn't an option for you, digging may be the only viable way to extend your home. Adding an underground level to your property can be a surprisingly cost-effective way to increase area, especially if you already have a basement or coal mine, as much of the excavation required has already been done.

Basements are common in many historic buildings, but because they were designed primarily as storage spaces, converting this dark and often cramped area into attractive, livable accommodation can present some challenges. Headroom is often one of the biggest obstacles to overcome, as a minimum clearance of 2m is required.

Additional structural work, sealing, and insulation may also be needed, not to mention you'll probably want to incorporate ways to let in natural light. Here you will learn more about the 5 most important steps to successfully complete a basement remodel and transform it into a new habitable apartment.

Maximize Clearance in a Basement Remodel

Don't make the mistake of skimping on ceiling height in your new basement renovation, or the room will never benefit from the same light, airy feel as the rooms on the upper floors of your home. "We recommend at least 2 m," says Katerina Spetsiou, project manager at Scenario Architecture. "For a basement remodel, you could get by with about 8 feet, but ideally you'd need 8 feet or more."

Even if the existing floor-to-ceiling height provides sufficient standing room, installing additional floor insulation and new finish above may result in excessive loss of overall height. If there is not enough space in the existing basement, additional excavation work may be necessary.

This significantly increases basement conversion costs. Therefore, it is important to consider this aspect at the beginning of your project. “For a finished basement conversion, depending on what is done, we would estimate between £1,500 and £3,500 per m² for a simpler scope project,” says Katerina. “With excavation costs, we would save between £4,000 and £6,000 per m².” Factors such as access, soil conditions, and labor costs in your area also play a role.

2. Excavation and preliminary construction work for the transformation of the basement.

Much of your basement renovation budget will likely go toward additional structural and excavation work, which may include measures to strengthen the structure and ensure the floors are supported. According to (Essex and London Construction: Builders for Basements, Lofts and Extensions), there are several key structural changes that homeowners typically want to make when carrying out basement conversions. “The first is to remove an internal retaining wall to create an open space. A gate/patio will then be created at the rear of the property which will lead out to the garden,” she says.

The third step is to lower the existing basement to create additional free space. Scenarios A and B require RSJ columns and steels, while the latter requires excavation and subfoundations.

3. Make sure your basement conversion is waterproof

A high-quality, durable waterproofing system is essential if you want your basement to look like any other room in your home. Barrier solutions are designed to keep water completely out of the building structure, while others assume that water will penetrate. This latter type of system allows water to drip into internal drainage channels before being removed through a sump/pump system.

Keep in mind that insurers typically require two types of waterproofing, designed and installed by specialists, so there is an alternative recourse if the first line of defense fails. “There are lots of different options. You need to evaluate the location and type of basement to decide which is best.”

The only way to get it right is to involve a professional waterproofing specialist in the early planning stages, certainly well before arriving on site. The floor must also be sealed and provided with cisterns. “Sealing is a crucial element and is very expensive to repair if it is not correct from the start.”

4. Follow building regulations

If you are converting your basement into a living area, you must adhere to the standards set out in Building Regulations. “The key requirements for basements are fire safety regulations (Part B), waterproofing/moisture resistance (Part C), ventilation (Part F) and soundproofing (Part E).” A key requirement is that you must ensure a clear escape route, ideally via an additional staircase leading from the basement in case the main hallway is blocked.

5. Hire the right professional for your basement remodel

There are several Basement builders in London for basement conversions that offer the expertise of structural engineers and waterproofing and drainage consultants under one roof. Or if you hired an architect to design your basement and manage the project, he or she can appoint any of them on your behalf. Whichever route you choose, it is important to work with a team that has a lot of experience in this type of construction.

For example, if you are inclined to demolish the basement, a thorough investigation of the site is required and you need the advice of a specialist engineer. “It may be necessary to dig test pits to check the height of the home’s foundation or to ensure that digging the pit will not impact existing services,” says Katrina.

 for basement conversions that offer the expertise of structural engineers and waterproofing and drainage consultants under one roof. Or if you hired an architect to design your basement and manage the project, he or she can appoint any of them on your behalf. Whichever route you choose, it is important to work with a team that has a lot of experience in this type of construction.

For example, if you are inclined to demolish the basement, a thorough investigation of the site is required and you need the advice of a specialist engineer. “It may be necessary to dig test pits to check the height of the home’s foundation or to ensure that digging the pit will not impact existing services,” says Katrina.