Basement Conversions

If you are looking to create more space in your property, it can be easy to overlook the potential of your basement. Basement conversions in London are becoming a popular way to add a functional room, and value to your property, when you might otherwise have thought that you had exhausted the potential space of your home.

We regularly get asked about a basement conversion or a basement extension, they have certainly become more and more common in London especially as a lot of homes are looking to maximise the footprint of their property, its financial potential, and their enjoyment of their home.

Basement Conversion or Basement Extension?

The term basement conversion and basement extension sound extremely similar but in our world, there is a difference between the two, and this small difference can in fact have larger knock-on effects. We use basement conversion when there is a pre-existing space under the house that we intend to convert to a more practical use, a basement extension however when there is no space at all, and we are creating a basement from new or when we are adding further basement space to an existing basement.

For as example a basement conversion in London is quite common, some houses have existing cellars beneath their homes that historically may have been used for the storage of coal, these spaces are an ideal starting point for a basement conversion and can tap into a whole world of space underneath your property to maximise its financial and enjoyment potential. At times a basement conversion cost in London can be relatively low provided now additional construction work is needed.

An example of a basement extension that we are regularly engaged with is a property has already built up into their loft that wants to increase the footprint of the property without taking up anymore amenity space. Garden space is always at a premium and therefore a basement extension in London becomes even more valuable as it allows this space to be maintained.

Basement Conversion & Basement Extension – Planning & Building Control

If you are looking to undertake a basement conversion only with no additional space to be added, then the works from a planning perspective are very straight forward. As you will not be altering the property you will not likely not need planning permission, but you will need to consider building control approval as the works will still need to comply with the building regulations.

A basement extension is a little more complicated as you will need to ensure if you are adding further basement space to your property that you have planning permission granted. Basements can have a large impact on the property and the neighbouring houses, and the local authority will want to ensure that these concerns have been considered in the early phase of the project. Similarly, a basement extension needs to be properly detailed particularly with regards to structural and drainage elements to comply with the building regulations.

Basement conversions in London and Basement Extensions in London follow the exact same line, some local authorities in London have put in place additional resistance to these works due to the impact they have on the area of the work especially considering London’s vast subterranean world!

Basement Conversion Specialists

At GBS Architectural, our team of architectural designers are experienced in helping you to make the most of your unused basements. Although the idea of living below ground might conjure up images of a dark, damp and unloved space, a basement conversion executed well can leave you with a light, airy room that you’ll instantly fall in love with.

Our team can help with every stage of this process. It is important for us to understand what you might want to use your basement for; a kitchen or living space, home cinema, study or children’s playroom, can all work well below ground but the design for each will be different.

As an experienced basement conversion company, we make it our job to understand how you and your partner or family live, to ensure we include concepts within our design that will make your daily life a joy.

To discuss your ideas with a member of our team, call GBS Architectural today for a no-obligation free of charge chat on 020 3384 9464.

Bringing the Outside In

If your property has a garden, you may be keen to incorporate access to the garden from your new basement room. Bi-folding doors coupled with stepped access are a popular way to give a great flow to your green space, and, when fully open, can give the feeling of being outdoors even when you are still within the house. Whether cooking, working, or relaxing, you can make the most of your outdoor space.

Basement Conversion & Basement Extension – Effective Design

Basement extensions and basement conversions in London have at times gained a poor reputation for being dark, damp areas of the house where you shove all the rooms that you want to keep away from guests such as the utility rooms. We here at GBS Architectural believe that shouldn’t be the case and with a well thought out design process the basement can become a prominent feature of the home

Keeping the Space Light

There are many clever ways to ensure basements don’t feel dark and can in fact be just as light as any other room in the house. Light tunnels and the addition of egress windows will ensure natural light gets into a basement. Depending on your property, adding glass doors or additional windows can keep a room naturally well lit.

Maximise your Property

If you are looking to create more space in your property, it can be easy to overlook the potential of your basement. Basement conversions in London and basement extensions in London are becoming a popular way to add a functional room, and value to your property, when you might otherwise have thought that you had exhausted the potential space of your home.

Basement Conversion & Basement Extension in London Cost

It is important for us to point out that cost of a basement extension & basement conversion in London is a different story than elsewhere outside of the capital. Sadly, the truth is the works are likely to be more expensive than a basement conversion or basement extension outside of London.

Our standard estimate is that a basement extension in London will cost 2-3 times more than comparative works above ground, this is largely due to extra expense associated with the excavation of the ground and the structural support of the works.

A basement conversion in London cost can vary quite dramatically, this all hinges on the condition of the existing space. If there is evidence of moisture ingress into the basement this will need to be dealt with as part of the works to ensure to future issues do not occur.

When it comes to cost considerations it is always worth allowing for a little more than you initially estimated the very nature of a basement conversion or basement extension means you will be dealing with a slight unknown.

To discuss your ideas with a basement conversion specialist, call GBS Architectural today for a no-obligation chat on 020 3384 9464.