Basement Designers

If you live in an older property you may be lucky enough to already have a basement or cellar as part of your home, but chances are you aren’t making the best use of this space yet. It might be filled with clutter, or it may be barely more than a hole in the ground! With the help of qualified basement builders, basement construction contractors and designers your cellar could soon be converted into a showpiece basement conversion that increases both living space and property value. Some people may be put off by basement conversion costs, but it they might not be as much as you think, plus the benefit of your investment will soon be clear. Think double height kitchen-diner, low-lit lounge, basement bar, surround sound home cinema, office manhole or home gym; the possibilities are endless when you start to look at basement conversion.

If, on the other hand, your home doesn’t yet have a subterranean space, basement excavation and construction is becoming increasingly common, especially in cities where the ability to go upwards or sideways is limited. A basement construction created expressly for the purpose of adding living space can provide an extra floor of living space and with modern basement construction techniques your new space can become a bright, warm and airy heart of your home.

What can a basement designer or specialist basement construction contractor do for me?

Your basement designer will help to assess if a basement excavation or construction is feasible – both structurally and financially – as well as advising you on the cost of underpinning if required, ease of access and escape, basement waterproofing or tanking, damp proofing, safe heating options, the drainage system, your insulation requirements, electrical connections, and the most appropriate basement lighting options, as well as interior decoration. Basement builders and designers will also be able to tell you if the Party Wall Act applies and whether planning permission is required for basement conversion: if you live in a conservation area, you intend to carry out a basement excavation or create a new separate unit of accommodation, or you alter the external appearance of your home by adding a light well, then it is likely you will require planning authority sign off.

What is involved in a basement conversion project?

Start by getting a your basement builders or designers to assess the feasibility of a conversion or basement construction. Basement conversion, and basement excavation, is a highly specialised job and engaging specialist basement builders will ensure the job is completed safely with the least disruption to your neighbours and family. Always ask for an estimate on the basement conversion cost before beginning to make sure it’s feasible for you. You’ll also need to ensure before a project commences that you have all the required permissions and consents. If your basement construction requires the lowering of an existing basement floor to create more headroom, or building a brand new basement, then your basement designer’s first step will be to underpin the foundations for additional structural support. The basement will then need waterproofing by lining it with a studded membrane, then building a secondary wall inside the lining. A well-designed basement will blend seamlessly with the rest of your home but can also use clever tricks like creating an internal balcony or mezzanine level to help connect the spaces together. Creating sufficient light for your basement is a crucial concern and so many basement conversions will now be completed with additional excavations of surrounding land to create light wells or even a sunken terrace around the basement.

Important questions for your basement builders or cellar conversion specialists

• How long have you been working in basement design?
  
• How will the consultations run? What is your basement design process?
  
• Do you offer basement conversions or basement excavation and construction?
  
• Do you handle the building survey and structural engineer’s report? Are those costs included in your quote?
  
• Can you give me a written estimate of the total basement conversion cost?
  
• Is a deposit necessary and what payment scheme do you suggest?
  
• Who is responsible for submitting planning application and seeking building regulations approval?
  
• Will I be able to see CAD drawings/designs or sketches?
  
• Will you be able to help with recommending builders and contractors and outlining cost-saving measures?
  
• Will you provide support, either on the phone or in person, while work takes place?

Find basement builders and designers on Houzz. Get started now by searching for basement excavation and construction specialists in the Find a Pro section of Houzz. Add your favourite basement images and basement conversions to your Ideabook and then contact the relevant designer or contractor who worked on them.