Tag: basement conversion

Renovating a basement? These tips are exactly what you need

Renovating a basement? These tips are exactly what you need

In the UK, basements are commonplace in older buildings. Typically, most homes built after the 1960s lack basements, and for this reason, they’re unlikely to be found in many properties unless you’re on uneven ground or in a period home, such as a Georgian or Victorian home, as the basement was likely built for servants’ quarters.

If you’re considering renovating a basement, what do you need to know, and how can you ensure that your basement is safe and fit for purpose?

You need to meet regulations

Homes with basements don’t typically need planning permission unless they’re in a conservation area or the floor level of an existing basement is being lowered.

You’ll need to acquire building regulation approval if you’re turning your basement from an unusable place to one that is habitable or if you’re changing its use, i.e. from a cellar to a living space. These regulations pertain to waterproofing, ventilation, safe access/means of escape, smoke alarms, electrical wiring and plumbing. It’s important to understand what you need before embarking on any renovation work so you can be sure you meet all the necessary requirements, especially for a change of use.

Address moisture issues

It should come as no surprise that basements are more prone to damp than other areas of the house. This is due to their underground situation, where water can accumulate. If you want to make your basement functional or protect your property from the structural damage caused by a damp basement, then you need basement tanking. Basement tanking is where you make your entire basement waterproof and seal it with a membrane that prevents external moisture from penetrating. This can protect both the basement itself and the entire building structure.

Ventilation

Your basement won’t be subject to the same amount of ventilation as the rest of the property, so you’ll need to factor in airflow when it comes to converting it into a safe, usable space for any purpose. This will help control moisture content and create a desirable environment. If possible, consider installing windows for a natural ventilation system, like you would upstairs. Adding doorways to expose the basement externally can also help, as can mechanical ventilation systems in situations where windows and doors aren’t possible or practical.

Lighting

Lighting can be a tricky feature to address for basements; after all, their location doesn’t exactly allow them to be bathed in natural light for the most part. Consequently, allowing in as much natural light as you can is vital. Whether or not the construction of your room allows for skylights or other lighting options to illuminate the space, i.e. patio doors if your basement leads to a garden, you can introduce artificial lighting that mimics natural lighting internally. You need to create the illusion of natural light in order to avoid the room being a dark space that isn’t a pleasant space in which to spend time.

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Basement, garage or loft conversion – which is best?

Basement, garage or loft conversion - which is best?credit

Are you ready to make a change to your living situation? It might be that spending the past year going in and out of lock-down has left you feeling tired of staring at the same four walls. In which case, perhaps now is the perfect time to do something about it.

However, with the UK’s average house price increasing by 8.6% over the year to February 2021, you may decide this isn’t the most opportune moment to be scouring the market. As an alternative, can you convert a space within your existing property?

It’s undoubtedly a major decision that will require careful consideration and financial planning but once it’s done you might just find that you’ve rediscovered your love for your humble abode. So, which room is best for conversion? Your basement? The garage? The loft? Here are the pros and cons of each conversion option.

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Basements

You can find many ideas for a London basement extension online. If done right, converting your basement has the potential to add significant value to your property.

If done right, converting your basement has the potential to add significant value to your property. They can be large areas with high ceilings, which offers a much wider range of possibilities, while there’s also the chance to create a separate access and make it a standalone space. This could be perfect if you have visions of turning it into a self-contained flat that could be rented out. On the negative side, it can be difficult to secure planning permission for basement conversions and if there is lots of work to do in terms of damp proofing and insulating, then the costs can soon mount up.

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Garages

Is your garage little more than a glorified storage cupboard? If so, why not add some value to your home by converting it into an office, a gym or even a games room? Garages can make for an easier renovation while they also offer separate access to the house as well as a natural link to the garden. Like basements, however, it can sometimes prove tricky to get the permission you need from the authorities, and it could make life more difficult if you’re forced to park your car on the street as a result. It’s also important to think about the practicalities of the space, and whether you are opting for a brick built garage that’s attached to the house or separate, you may find it easier to think about how it should work with your home. A small footnote when it comes to the planning and prep, but an essential one nonetheless.

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Lofts

If you don’t have the room to build outwards, why not convert upwards? Loft conversions are a popular option and it’s easy to see why – it’s typically easier to secure planning permission and the end result can create a beautiful space filled with plenty of natural light. The flip side, however, is that you may be forced to deal with smaller dimensions and low ceilings, while the only access is via the rest of the house, which may not be desirable.

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