Space in London is limited and if you start to outgrow your home, but yet don’t want to move, one of the best solutions is to look downwards. Often it is not feasible to build upwards, and building outwards can take up precious outdoor space that you value in your home.
Building downwards is a great solution, even if you don’t have underground space already. It can create an additional room in your house and add value to your property. Taking advice from a specialist London basement company should be the first step, and these are some factors you need to consider:
Access
If you are renovating downwards, where will you access your basement from? Think about the flow of your home and where you will enter the basement from inside. Consider whether you will need an external door to be included and how this will look from the outside of your property.
Light
Natural light can significantly affect the value of a basement conversion. If you can include natural light into the room, this will be a benefit. If not, can you use lighting alternatives to create a bright space?
Is an excavation required?
The fact that you do not already have existing space underneath your property is not necessarily a barrier to a basement conversion. Your London basement company will be able to advise on whether an excavation to create the space is possible.
Excavations do increase the cost of the basement works, and there are other things to consider including sewer and drain diversion, any difficult grounds and access for removing the materials.
Planning Applications
You will need to speak to your Local Authority to find out if you need a planning application for a basement conversion. There will also be a Buildings Regulation application needed. Your borough council will be able to advise on what you do need and how to make the application.
Your Neighbours
If you are planning a basement conversion on your home, you are in all likelihood going to be living at the property for many years to come in order to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Your neighbours will want to know your plans and be made aware of any disruption that may affect their home.
Depending on your property, it may also be that you need a party wall agreement from them to proceed with the build.
Waterproofing
Finally, you will need to look at how you want to waterproof your basement. Properties with well-waterproofed basements are worth much more than ones with damp basements. Ensuring your basement is sufficiently waterproofed will keep it in good care for the many years that you enjoy it.
So, these are the six things to consider when converting the basement of your residential home to ensure you have space to enjoy for years, which adds value to your property.