Three important considerations when converting your basement

These basements have become the ideal solution for homeowners searching for ways to increase the value of their homes, while expanding their living space.

Basement conversions also come at a relatively moderate financial investment, where the increasing red tape and costs implicated in building extensions and rising property prices make basement conversion a wise home improvement project.

Before you begin planning and designing the basement of your dreams, it is crucial that you conduct some research and talk to specialists such as a basement company in London about basements. 

Communication with neighbours

Basement conversions are not small projects, and the range of processes and work involved, such as flooring installation, wall plastering and waterproofing causes noise, especially if you live in close terraced housing. This can naturally lead to dissatisfaction among neighbours, which can cause conflict if the project is not well managed. 

The most effective way to keep your neighbours happy and avoid arguments during your basement conversion is to ensure that a clear communication line is maintained from the start. This includes informing them of your plans throughout the project, with the type of work that will be taking place and when it is likely to commence. This ensures that there will be no surprises for your neighbours along the way, and will go far in demonstrating to your neighbours that you have considered them in your project. 

Importance of lighting

People choose to convert their basement for a wide range of reasons, and the potential uses for the space are endless. Whether you are hoping to turn the basement space into a lounge, kitchen, bedroom, workshop, gym, cinema or office, the installation of a suitable and good quality lighting system is essential to make the space habitable and suitable for its intended use.

Basements, unlike rooms which are situated above ground in the home, get no to very little natural light for the most part. It is therefore essential that the lighting design is taken into account, and creates the appropriate atmosphere for the use of the basement. 

For example, if your basement is being converted into a home cinema, less formal and warm lighting works well.

Damp proofing

A comfortable and habitable basement begins with the capability of keeping out water. A basement company in London will ensure that your basement is watertight.

Creating a space with adequate ceiling height could include removing floor depth, and the more the ground is dug, the closer you are to the water table, which is the area of water saturation formed from river runoff and fallen rain. Basements must be completely watertight in order to prevent this moisture from penetrating through the walls of the room and the floor.
Stone and concrete are porous, which means it will absorb moisture, so a damp proof, high quality membrane must be installed to the inside of walls.