tommyflan

POLL: Basement or loft?

Tom Flanagan
9 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

It's no secret that we love extensions here in the UK and Ireland, but which would you prefer - a cool basement extension, or a trendy loft?
Leave us a comment and vote away!

Basement!
Loft!
Neither
Both!

Comments (80)

  • PRO
    nest
    7 years ago

    Loft is a much more cost effective way to gain extra space

  • PRO
    ParkerClark Architecture and Design
    7 years ago

    Its a context dependant issue but both can produce affective results.

  • PRO
    Designitures
    7 years ago

    Loft without a doubt. An amazing opportunities using daylight

  • PRO
    Architectural Studio
    7 years ago

    Loft conversions are always a great way to make extra useable space. Adding balconies and creating external areas with a view makes the project far more exciting.

  • PRO
    Emmet O'Donnell Architect
    7 years ago

    Well modified basement and loft spaces can enhance your quality of life

  • PRO
    Darragh Lynch Architects
    7 years ago

    Lovely room which makes it really easy to get out into the garden

  • PRO
    J.Robinson Building Contractors
    7 years ago

    We'd like either but the loft looks great

  • David
    7 years ago

    basements are cool, but you need deep pockets

  • PRO
    DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE DEVELOPMENT
    7 years ago

    The basement opens up lots of new space

  • PRO
    Central London Lofts
    7 years ago

    We find that our clients loved loft conversion..

    Lee Road, SE3 · More Info

    www.centrallondonloft.co.uk

  • PRO
    TOR Interiors
    7 years ago

    We at Tor Interiors are huge fans of a loft space - great light!

  • PRO
    Timbers Building Ltd.
    7 years ago

    It depends on your looking for. Basements offer more room, but can you beat the light and airy feeling of a loft?

  • PRO
    Insight Architects and Designers Ltd
    7 years ago

    We love loft space. Big or small they give light airy and flexible space - and they pay for themselves!

  • PRO
    Nicola Richardson Architects Ltd
    7 years ago

    Basement, great for usable space and adding more living space

  • PRO
    Progression Architects Ltd.
    7 years ago

    It really depends on what space you are looking at trying to create, they both have there own benefits and it's what you make of the space rather than the space itself!

  • PRO
    Dublin Design Studio
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Really depends on your particular site, however the end goal is the same - space and light - so go up, go down - it's all good!!

  • PRO
    BLD Contractors
    7 years ago

    We find our clients prefer loft conversion better than basements.

  • PRO
    Red Raven Design Ltd
    7 years ago

    Lofts are generally easier to convert but a basement may be more appropriate for a room use that is noisy or requires more seclusion.

  • PRO
    Keller Architects
    7 years ago

    Really bright basement spaces -difficult to achieve but can be very dramatic if successfully done!

  • PRO
    C-Side Architectural Design Ltd
    7 years ago

    I prefer a loft conversion as it can be a great source of light into other areas of the house.

  • PRO
    Lucas Construction Design & Build Ltd
    7 years ago

    Much more cost effective than Basement,shorter build time

  • PRO
    Barrie Simons & Associates
    7 years ago

    Loft conversions are generally cheaper and easier than basements.

  • PRO
    Loader Monteith Architects
    7 years ago

    We voted for basement

  • PRO
    Sara Connolly Architect
    7 years ago

    Light & views are always a possibility with a loft extension.

  • PRO
    Airedale Architects
    7 years ago

    Great space.

  • PRO
    Heath Coombe Architecture
    7 years ago

    I voted on the loft

  • PRO
    KPCL Architecture
    7 years ago

    Great simple loft design. Definitely an idea to show to our current client.

  • PRO
    User
    7 years ago

    Bright and nice!

  • PRO
    MatLab Architecture
    7 years ago

    Basement! I'm creating a cave for the kids at the moment!

  • PRO
    hales marshall design architects
    7 years ago

    voted for basement as these space can add more interest to the house and can be more inspirational

  • PRO
    Dulwich Design Kitchens Ltd
    7 years ago

    I voted on the loft.

  • PRO
    Yorkshire Fabric Shop
    7 years ago

    Lofts are a lot more creative

  • PRO
    Cupola Design Ltd
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Basements give the opportunity to develop spaces with greater flexibility where planning restrictions do not allow to grow higher or you have already developed your loft.

  • hounoc
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Basements feel claustrophobic. Also I'd worry about whether they are done properly (even more so as a neighbour) so that they won't cause settlement problems etc. Loft all the way.

  • PRO
    Conbu Interior Design
    7 years ago

    I'd love a basement to open onto a patio & wouldn't say no to a loft conversion too. The more space the better

  • PRO
    Love Shutters UK
    7 years ago

    I love loft conversions, great light coverage for the room and possibility of lovely views.

  • hounoc
    7 years ago

    Is it a basement extension if it opens to a patio or is it just a ground floor?

  • PRO
    Starlight Loft Conversions Ltd
    7 years ago

    Obviously I have chosen the loft. Always light and airy.

  • PRO
    DP Refurbishment Ltd
    7 years ago

    Basement! Great use of space

  • lisa77226
    7 years ago
    Why would you go underground and lose daylight if you have the option to go up and keep it?!
  • Stephen Edwards
    7 years ago

    I'm another who likes the idea of both. I do have two large basement rooms where I live now, it's a sloping site; if I can ever afford it (and get planning consent), the biggest one which faces the road will have the door widened so that it can be used as a garage. The loft is huge but I don't need any more rooms up there, as this was meant to be a downsize so they'd be unused.

  • PRO
    User
    7 years ago

    Loft Definitely - Light & bright perfect for the summer and cozy in the Winter!

  • PRO
    Richard Ruddick Architecture
    7 years ago

    Basement extensions with full height doors for maximum light are great.

  • PRO
    Parker Developments
    7 years ago

    I would normally recommend a loft conversion as it is a lot cheaper, but if you have the money basements are becoming more and more popular these days

  • PRO
    Exbury Homes Ltd
    7 years ago

    Loft conversion is straightforward Basements can be diificult

  • PRO
    HAMILTON COURT DEVELOPMENTS LTD
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    From a developer's l perspective basements can be a nightmare to build (and very costly)! We do normally try to incorporate them and the trend in London is to build mega basements. In most of our developments the basement will house the plant equipment so is a necessity but we have also built basements for clients that contain cinema rooms & games rooms. If you're thinking about doing a basement just make sure you check your costings!

  • PRO
    Martyn J Pearson & Associates
    7 years ago

    Effective use of space

  • PRO
    Essex and London Construction ELC
    3 years ago

    Basements are a great way to add a feature space to your home, such as a games room or home cinema! Our Clients in London, mainly Clapham, South Kensington, Greenwich and Hackney love them as they can gain extra space without moving home. If you want to work to more of a budget, lofts are far easier and cheaper options to create additional space.

    Tara Taylor
Project Manager
Essex and London Construction, Basements, Extensions and Loft Conversions Limited
tara.taylor@essexandlondonconstruction.com
www.essexandlondonconstruction.com

  • E D
    3 years ago

    Please stop spamming.

  • mii2
    3 years ago

    Have to say Tara you have had a busy day getting your company details on so many posts today, even to the point of raking back to 2015. Are these all business associates that you are name checking?

Ireland
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