A basement conversion can be a fairly simple or a very complicated job, depending on what type of living space you have in mind. Basement conversions are good improvements when adding extra storage, a playroom or cinema room. Loft conversions, on the other hand, are usually used for adding an extra bedroom.
The easiest basement conversions are those properties that already have a cellar beneath the house. That way you are only changing the space, making it habitable, and you don’t need planning permission, however you do need to apply for Building Regulations, as with all structural changes. Should you alter the floor level, the project is classified as an extension and it’s very likely you need planning permission, too.
Converting an already existing cellar takes only a few weeks to complete, whereas an excavation can easily take several months. In addition, if a basement is to be built from scratch, some of the work might include digging out an area by hand, which will push the price up considerably. Should the soil need to be carried through the home, rather than via the garden, you also won’t be able to live in your property while the builders are digging.
The best conversions are those that create the impression of being on ground level. Natural light is the most important factor here, which you can recreate with faux windows, computer controlled lighting and solar tubes. A common trap is to continue to dig, creating a bigger space than you actually need. A good rule of thumb is to keep the basement proportionate to the size of your house. Don’t build more than 25% of the above ground floorspace.
A simple basement conversion, will cost around £750-1,400 per square metre, roughly what you would expect to pay for a loft conversion. If you’re looking at something more complicated, you also need to take into account extra costs such as the digging, underpinning the foundations, diversion of drains, the ground conditions, as well as removing the subsoil. The cost would be about £2,000 – £2,500 per square metre for the structural work and fit-out costs would amount to £750-£800 per square metre.
The information contained within this article is strictly for guidance only. Rated People recommends that you always check current sources of information in case regulations have changed. Rated People cannot accept any liability for miscommunication of the law in the case of a change in regulation or any action done to a property based on the information held in this article. Rated People © 2013.
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