Basement Conversion Kensington

What is a Basement Conversion?

Several houses have cellars that are usually overlooked. It is always that dark, wet and dank spaces that are hardly suitable for storage. Basement conversions is the process of converting the dark, wet and dank space into an inhabitable room. Indeed, a perfect way to have an extra space in your home without losing your garden or with an inconvenience of moving. From a basic conversion to one that requires excavation and expansion, there are varying degrees of basement conversion to build sufficient height to be habitable.

Depending on the footprint of your house, your basement may provide one wide functional space, a home office, a fully separate living suite, or even a storage facility if you do have ample of space in your house. Basement conversion will not only give you an extra room, but will also increase the value of the property.

Basement Conversion can be a cost-effective way to add space to your home to turn an existing cellar into a living area, particularly if you are unable to expand into the loft or construct an extension. It can be a costly and disruptive endeavour to build a whole new basement and you would be expected to get planning approval.

Do I need planning permission?

You do not need a planning permission if you're just turning your cellar into a living room. You will need planning permission if you need to excavate the floor in order to have more headroom. You would need approval if your house is in a protected area. You will also need to comply with building regulations in case of creating an emergency escape route or achieving sufficient levels of insulation.

If you are unsure, seek advice from loft conversion specialists.

Common problems with basement conversions

1. Ventilation - Many cellars smell dank and are badly ventilated. Carpets and soft furnishings can go mouldy if you do not tackle this issue. Windows can open whenever possible, but you can need to use a dehumidifier or a built-in mechanical ventilation system if the issue persists. To include the new basement spaces, you may want to expand your heating system, so you will need to ensure that your boiler is capable of dealing with extra radiators.
    
2. Dark - Some cellars are damp because of a lack of ventilation and some are damp because water courses run below them. Various measures can be used to prevent moisture but it is invariably better to consult an expert. Get this right, because nobody wants to spend time in a damp basement. Check your flood risk too. If it’s high, it might be wise to take extra steps to avoid any potential for flooding.
    
3. Damp - To avoid the gloomy space, a good design is a must. In case if you are using the space as a storage area or a utility room, less light would work. However, if you are planning a kitchen, bedroom, or a living room, you will have to find ways to bring in natural light. To increase the light, glazed ceiling panels, light wells, and skylights can be effective. You can also use the space for an indoor swimming pool or cinema room if your budget allows.

4. Drainage - The construction of a bathroom or tub will require the drainage system or plumbing. There might also be a need of installing pumps or the drains might have to be redirected. 

Do we have to move out?

Moving out depends on the amount of work to be done. In case you don’t have any basement or you have solid floors, the work will be extensive. 

Factors affecting the basement conversion cost in Kensengton?

If there is no excavation needed to create the underground space from scratch or increase the headroom in an existing basement, a basement conversion will always work out cheaper. Major difficulties with excavation can include -

• sewer and drain diversion
• concrete oversite slabs at the ground floor
• a high water table
• difficult ground conditions, e.g. rock, clay, sand, peat, marsh
• access for removing excavated materials

How do Loft Conversion London specialists work?

• Architectural Drawings

• Planning applications

• Building Control

• Project cost estimation

• Detailed architectural CAD / 3D designs

• Construction

Right from actual construction to fit out of the basement conversion, the loft conversion specialists combine clients’ ideas with expertise and offer a full design & build service.

Why choose Loft Conversion London?

Loft Conversion London can take care of all aspects of bespoke basement conversions in London tailored to your requirements. We create premium quality basements and offer homeowners and developers a high-quality service to increase value of home. Our specialist designer strives to explain the very best way to fulfil their demand and operate on budgets and time scales..

From the design, groundworks, the excavation of a core base, tanking, waterproofing, and under-structure construction, to renovations. As experts in this industry, Loft Conversion London’s unrivalled depth of knowledge offers an  informative, comprehensive, and practical consultation to create or transform any space for potential customers.