Digging down into the basement is becoming more commonplace in London, as space is at a premium and homeowners don’t want to go through the hassle of moving. A basement extension is a major project, and the work can be particularly disruptive.
Basement conversions are all different, and it can be difficult to give a precise view on how long the work will take, but you can get a rough idea by looking at the process that needs to take place.
Planning and Design – Once you’ve researched basement companies in London and found the contractor that you want to employ, the planning and design stage can begin, which on average will take from four to six months. This will depend on the area you live in, the complexity of the plans and if any objections are raised by your neighbours.
A professional basement construction company will understand the planning regulations of the local authority and develop a design that works for your requirements but is also more likely to be approved.
It’s also beneficial to talk to your neighbours in advance to try and gauge their opinions and answer any of their queries, so they will be less inclined to raise objections that could slow the process down.
Building Stage – When the plans have been approved and you’re happy with the designs, the construction phase can begin. This will involve digging the structural elements, waterproofing and underpinning and will be the part of the process that will cause the most amount of disruption.
Generally, basement companies in London will take around three to five months to complete this stage, and some homeowners find it less stressful to live elsewhere for this part. Even with a professional and considerate basement conversion company, there will be large amounts of dust, mess and noise created by the work.
Fit-out Stage – After the major building work has been finished, your basement conversion will almost be ready, but first you need to have it fitted out to suit your intended purposes. The length of time this takes will vary according to the complexity and size of the space involved but will usually be from two to four months.
It’s at this stage that you can start to see the conversion taking shape and your ideas coming to life. The space can be used for a wide range of purposes, and you will generally have set this out at the design stage – such as using it for a kitchen or family area, an additional bedroom and bathroom or a home office.
These timings are only designed to give you a rough guide to how long the work will take, and you’ll need to have an in-depth discussion with your basement company to develop your plans and get a more accurate schedule. The better prepared you are and the more extensive your plans are, the less likely it is that any major disruptions to the work will occur.