The first and most important thing to do is to make sure you choose a reputable company to carry out the project.
If you can, get a personal recommendation from someone who has used the firm before – preferably a friend, member of your family or colleague. That way, you can rest assured your conversion will be completed with the minimum of fuss and the maximum efficiency.
Even if you can’t call on someone’s personal experience, thoroughly check out the company’s website, read their testimonials and, if possible, contact someone who has used them before.
Don’t underestimate
Underestimating the time a project will take, how much it will cost and how much stress it will cause you and your neighbours is a common mistake.
If possible, obtain a few separate quotes from different companies first. Remember not to automatically choose the cheapest – false economies often come back to haunt householders.
Another time factor which should not be underestimated is the length it could take to secure planning permission, should any be needed. Again, a reputable company can take care of this for you.
Don’t, whatever you do, start work on a basement conversion in London before you have the necessary paperwork. Any issues encountered afterwards could be expensive to sort out.
Keep the neighbours happy
Any building work will affect those living around you, and the last thing you want is to upset your neighbours with unnecessary noise or mess.
Make sure you keep immediate neighbours well informed about your plans, both before and whilst work is being carried out. After all, they will be affected by the work almost as much as you will.
Secondly, ensure your construction firm works when possible within normal working hours. Evening and weekend work should be kept to a minimum, and neighbours kept informed of when there is going to be excess noise.
Thirdly, don’t turn your garden into a builder’s yard or rubbish tip. Your builders should ensure rubble or debris is removed promptly, and that the outside of your house is kept as tidy as possible.
Again, using a reputable and experienced construction company will ensure these stipulations are maintained.
Water, water everywhere
One of the most pressing issues with basement conversions is getting the correct waterproofing for your new rooms.
If a basement is not constructed in the proper way, with the right waterproofing put into place, you will soon find out. Leaks and damp are not easy to repair once they appear, and in the worst cases can lead to structural damage and collapsing walls.
So make sure your builders use the most up-to-date waterproofing methods, if you want peace of mind while enjoying your new space. Do your research first, then consult with your construction firm to ensure they are using the techniques you desire.
Taking all these issues into consideration, it makes sense to employ the best firm you can afford for your basement conversion. After all, peace of mind is priceless.