The idea of more space is tempting for many Londoners. If you want an extra bedroom, a home cinema, or a games room, a basement conversion is one answer to the lack of space. Last week, we gathered some inspirational basement solutions, today we want to introduce the process of getting a basement done in West London.
1. Site visit with a surveyor
When you have decided with a design and build construction company to carry out your basement project in London, a surveyor will visit your home to carry out the site survey. This is one of the most important steps as surveyors advise you on what type of basement and layout is achievable for your home. They will take the measurements required for the quote as well.
Quotations are usually split into two parts. One for the structural part and one for the fit-out costs.
2. Contract
Once you are happy with the quote and agreed on a budget with the design and build company, you will need to sign a contract and place the deposit. Once you have paid the first instalment, the planning can start.
3. Design and planning
At this stage, an architectural designer will visit your home and take the measurements the planning application needs. Design and build companies, like NU Projects, take care of the planning permission for you, along with soil drilling and testing, the structural engineering calculations, flood risk assessments and eco home assessments. They will assign a project manager who oversees the whole process of your basement project. If you have appointed your own architect, construction companies will quote you for the construction part of the basement.
4. Party wall agreement
Each neighbour will have to be informed before you start your construction works and obtaining a Party Wall Agreement is also required if your home has at least one wall connected to another property on either side. If you own a detached house, you still have to apply for a Party Wall Agreement if the basement conversion comes within 3m of your neighbours’ property. Each London borough has its own regulations. Design and build companies like NU Projects can help you obtain a party wall award and other documents, saving you time and money during the process.
5. Building phase
Once you have all the permissions and documents required for a basement conversion, the building phase can start. A basement conversion can take six to ten months, depending on the size of the basement and what goes into the fit out.
The typical phases of the building process are
Structural works
Waterproofing
Contracting the shell and core
Glazing
The design and build company will assign a trusted site foreman for the whole duration of the basement conversion who will be in charge of keeping your project on time and budget.
6. Interior design
Most basement contractors focus strictly on delivering the shell and core of a basement, not including any fit-out or interior design service. If you sign up with a design and build construction company like NU Projects, you can include the fit-out and interior design in your basement conversion project. The interior design steps include picking
- wall formation, finishes, colours
- sanitary ware, tiles, paint colours
- windows, external and internal doors
- light fittings, lamps
- plumbing
- heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC)
- joinery
- furniture
- decoration
A professional interior designer can help you make the most of the new space, and save you from costly mistakes.
7. Completion
Once the basement is complete, you receive all the relevant certificates. NU Projects hands over a guarantee and a warranty on the finished work, and comes back for the defects period afterwards.
If you have a question about a basement conversion, call us on 020 7731 6841 or email info@nuprojects.co.uk. You can also book a site visit.
Published 5 May 2021. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.