A to Z Guide of Basement Conversions

Why go up when you can go down?

Basement conversions are growing in popularity. This laymans guide offers a useful insight in how to build one.

Basement Conversion Planning

The first issue to consider is the style of the house, does it have an existing cellar that you would like to restore or convert? If your property is a listed building then read no more.

The initial stages entail planning, designs in detail and engineering. The structural engineering involves structural drawings and calculations, the calculations is about the weight bearing and the engineer draws up the whole scheme.

Once the drawings are complete you would then have a party wall surveyor drafted in who inspects the foundation, any adjoining walls and will consult with your neighbours. Once your neighbours have been consulted they will also be given copies of the structural design. The planning stage which also includes consultation with the council and local authority could take up to 4 or 5 months, your space would then be ready for excavation (digging).

Excavation

Once planning is improved, this is when the hard work begins, where the team start to excavate around the perimeters of the house and start the underpinning. They dig about 3 metres below and steel rods are put in place around the perimeter of the house where the original foundation is. Those rods serve as protection to its original structure and foundation. Once the perimeters is excavated and structures are put in place to support the house, then excavating the middle of the foundation begins, taking out all the spoil or earth or dirt.

Once the space is dug out it wil the be ready for the waterproofing stage. Where a cavity drain membrane system combined with a sump pump is installed. The membrane is a heavy plastic marerial that is applied to to the walls and floors of the basement and will protect the space from water trying to leak in from above or anywhere else. The pump will serve as a mechanism to drain any other water out.

Once the waterproofing stage is complete you will arrive at the ready to decorate stage. This is where the walls are plaster boarded, dry lining and plastering process begins. The floor is entireiy your choice, it could be tiled, carpeted or you could have a broad range of wooden floors fitted. It could be that you want a bathroom, kitchen, games room or swimming pool in your space, it is entirely up to you. One thing is gauranteed is that you are adding substantial value to your property.

It is estimated that the entire basement conversion process can take up to nine months where the space is ready for habitual usage.

Contact us today to talk about your basement conversion requirements.