Why go for a Basement Conversion in London? 

In the most desirable and costly parts of the world, basements are a luxurious solution to a shortage of building space. One of the smart ways to obtain more accessible space and get the full benefits from the process of extension is Basement Extension. At the same time, the value of the property can be increased, usually about 20 percent of its value.

A basement conversion is ideal for an extra living space  when it is not possible to extend upwards or outwards. Converting a basement, especially in London, where space is an extremely valuable commodity, can create that extra room that can really change your family life. It can be a very cost-intensive process to build a space under your building particularly if excavation and damp-proofing are needed, as it is more expensive per square metre than a typical above-ground extension. There are two major ways to use the room below your property to make it a livable environment -

• Renovating the current cellar or basement;
• Fresh construction of the basement underneath the building.

Technology and materials have advanced in such a way that a basement with low ceilings is no longer a dark space. When you rely on the right experts, basements for waterproofing and damp proofing are never a problem. It can be a whole floor of living space devoted to the way you enjoy cooking, relaxing, or just catching up with the newspaper and a cup of coffee, enjoying a meal with friends.

What to do with a Basement Conversion?

A basement is ideal for creating more living space, particularly extra space for the family, in a house in London. Building an independent entrance is one great choice that a basement provides you, so you can build a self-contained unit.

Usually basements are converted into -

• cinema room
• kids playroom
• games room
• wine cellar and wine tasting room
• cigar room / walk-in humidor
• gym
• sauna
• swimming pool
• spa
• massage room
• sanctuary
• nanny, granny and teenage flats
• bar
• nightclub dance floor
• bowling alley
• recording studio
• luxury car park

In built-up urban areas where outdoor space for extensions is minimal, basement conversions are a great way to build extra living space. Basement Conversion is a great way of adding more functional living and entertaining space.

Do basement conversions add value to your property?

To see whether a basement conversion is financially viable depends on the cost of the work in relation to the value of the property. In high-value areas, such as central London and other sought-after urban centres, it almost always makes financial sense to add lower ground floor space.  Keep in mind that if you go all out and spend a lot of money on your conversion, it will impact your return on investment. Life Conversion London should be able to provide you with an estimate of how much room in your area is worth per square foot.
 

Do I Need a Planning Permission to Convert my Cellar?

Converting an existing cellar beneath a dwelling from a storage area to habitable space does not require planning permission. This will be covered by your home’s Permitted Development.
However, reducing the floor level of a cellar to increase the height of the ceiling is regarded as an extension and so planning permission may be required. However, modest extensions and improvements can be performed in some conditions without the need to make a planning request. The basement planning policy varies, but it is very difficult for a local authority to find rational grounds for rejection, especially if the work does not alter the appearance of the building significantly.

To complete a simple cellar conversion, it may take only two to three weeks, including digging out the sump and fitting the pumping system.

In general, a conversion takes from 12 to 16 weeks for a small project structural shell, to 24 to 30 weeks for a larger renovation, and up to one year for very large conversions.

If you want to make use of space below you home, you can follow three main methods -

• Creating a basement as part of a new build
• Renovating an existing cellar or basement
• Creating a new basement in an existing home by extending out into the garden, front or side of the house or directly building underneath

Things to Know Before Remodeling Your Basement -

1. Figure out how low you can go -

You will need to figure out how much digging you'll have to do before you do something. The smartest way you can really do to begin is get an architect's opinion, who will be able to consult the building's original plans and check how low you should go.

2. Get the right permissions -

If you are considering a full-on excavation, then you will need planning permission from your local authority. You can also consider entering a party wall agreement if you share a wall with your neighbours to avoid any disagreements. A party wall agreement will involve a surveyor visiting both properties and assessing the condition of any shared walls.

3. Work out your payback -

Here’s where you have to figure out whether your pros outweigh your cons. Converting a basement can be much more costly and complicated than a loft conversion, for example, so you should carefully consider how much this home improvement is going to set you back and then estimate if you’ll recoup the costs when you come to sell your house.

A basement conversion can add a lot of value to a property but it can be much more costly and complicated than a loft conversion. Calculate if your  pros outweigh your cons.

4. Ensure it’s dry -

You should make sure you consult a damp-proofing expert to figure out how to tackle the issue ensuring it’s dry or whether you should use a waterproof membrane or tanking slurry or will a damp injection course suffice?

5. Lighten up -

After employing some sort of damp-proofing techniques, you need to ensure your basement is not dingy and dark. Select proper lightning to reduce the darkness and ensure that the place looks more welcoming. This will also increase your chances of gaining any planning permission.

6. Furnish it wisely -

Once you have done it all, it is now time to add furniture and fittings to your basement. Carefully select the right furniture and you can also introduce some floor-to-ceiling storage to make the most of your new living area.

Factors that will raise your basement conversion cost -

• In case you have a need to divert drains beneath your house;
• If access to the site is poor and your home has solid concrete rather than timber sub floors;
• If your house is sited on difficult ground conditions like clay, sand, made-up ground, or mars;
• If the local water table is high and further leads to the necessity of constant pumping;

The pros of basement conversions in London

A basement conversion may add significant value to a house, both financially and in terms of quality of life. It is necessary, though, not to rush into something without first consulting an experienced builder.

• Create Extra Room - The obvious benefits of converting is that you will get a more living space where you can use that space for anything. It can be used as a home gym or a playroom for your kids or can be an entertainment area.
• Making your property more profitable and saleable - Another perk of having a basement conversion is that it attracts homebuyers when you decide to sell.A converted basement can add up to 10% to the value of your property and gives you a better chance at getting the asking price.

The cons of basement conversions -
One of the biggest disadvantages of a basement conversion is the cost, particularly if it includes  installing waterproofing, moving earth, and doing extensive foundation work. It’s costly and there is always a chance that you might not recover the expenses when you sell.

Even if you’re renovating an existing basement, you still have to contend with ventilation and plumbing, which adds time and money to the project.

You need to get at least an annual inspection of the pump and drainage.  In addition, if you live in an environment that is prone to flooding, or if your water table is high, you will need to put solutions in place that will prevent water from rising during the rainy season or when snow melts off in your home.

Experts and Specialists -
Trust the experience and professionalism of Loft Conversion London and convert, extend your house or get fantastic bespoke furniture for your interiors.

Builders experience -  The experience of the builder in this field matters a lot and impacts on the efficiency of the work. With us, you can be assured that our ample experience will build good quality space for you. The designers and architects know how to use the latest tools and apps and are world-class and trained professionals who understand the journey of dream to reality.

Value of money - Loft Conversion London specialists ensure you are getting for what you are paying. Basement conversion is a significant investment which you are considering to make, so just for saving a little, do not compromise with quality. We always work with 100% transparency and give you the same thing which we quote on papers, and do not believe in any hidden charges. All the approvals concerning basement conversions will be assisted and dealt with by the team of Loft Conversion London.

Quality assurance -  Basements are big spaces that don’t have much access to natural light, and without the advice and supervision of an architect, you’d end up with a basement that doesn’t have sufficient ventilation. We understand that. As being one of the most reputable and trustworthy builders, we assure our clients with 100% of quality work. We always take each step with your consent and invite you regularly to inspect our work. The number of homes which we built and maintained is a reflection of our scale of performance, reliability, quality and artistry.

A well-coordinated team -  We have a well experienced and well-coordinated team of professionals who are able to give satisfactory, complete, truthful and complete information to you on the various queries that you may have related to your project. Our team coordinates with each other and does not make you rush from person to person due to lack of knowledge.

Accreditations and licenses - Having legal authenticity and certification from local and reputed associations is an important aspect to consider. Our work certification reflects our professionalism and commitment to the local planning regulatory agencies.