DEEPER AND DOWN: WHY A BASEMENT COULD ANSWER YOUR SPACE PROBLEMS

When seeking extra space in a property, most people think of adding an extension at ground level or converting the loft. If those things have already been done or there’s no room to extend, where do you go? The answer might well lie beneath your feet. If your property has an existing basement or cellar that you’re not using, you …

BASEMENT DEFECTS ON THE RISE

72 per cent of the nation’s basement developments are believed to be undertaken in London, with nowhere else suffering from the same shortage of space and inflated land prices. If you believe the newspapers, you could think these developments are all extravagant playthings for those with money to burn; in fact, most are commissioned by people desperate for more space …

Positively The Biggest London Basement Ever

Generally speaking, open-cast mining on greenbelt land, construction of enormous sub-basements and supporting runway extensions are three things likely to be unpopular with both the planners and the neighbours. A new development in Hounslow, given planning approval in July, is therefore a bit of a surprise. Abandoned farmland The 110-acre site, formerly known as Rectory Farm, is adjacent to Park …

BASEMENT EXCAVATION PROJECTS – NOT JUST FOR THE RICH

How to go from 500 to 1,200 square feet As an example, take a basement excavation in Wimbledon Park reported by Metro in June. An enterprising flat dweller had a one-bedroom ground floor flat with a total area of 500 square feet with creaky steps leading down to a cramped garden. First, the owner went for planning permission, which was …

“ORDINARY” LONDONERS ARE BITTEN BY THE BASEMENT BUG

A watching eye over the planning permissions being granted in London confirms a trend that’s been obvious for some time. The basement bug has bitten those Londoners who are living in ground floor flats, in ordinary areas (if such a thing as an ordinary area exists in London). In fact, this is part of a general movement among architects and …

VARIETIES OF LONDON BASEMENT

Basement construction in London is often the most practical way of acquiring additional living space. Expanding a home into lofts and attics often involves conflict with building regulations, as do plans to swallow green garden space. Moving home entirely can be the most disruptive option of all, taking years to adapt to new spaces and neighbourhoods. Some property owners are …