Basements, the facts to know

On the residential streets of Fulham, you will come across multiple basement conversions. Some are in their construction stage. Others are finished. Basements are a great way to add square footage to your property. They therefore increase your property’s value. This article will introduce you to the pricing of a basement conversion. It also offers some design tips to think about in the planning stages.

Prices for basement work differ all over the country. This article is about London.

Our published rates for basement work are on the cost calculator, by specification tier. You need to think about more than the construction figure. VAT at 20 per cent and professional fees come on top. Most of the cost is the excavation and the waterproofing. The underpinning of the existing foundations is part of it too. That is why a basement is dearer than an extension above ground.

One should also take into consideration that issues can arise with home renovations. The cost could be more than expected.

A lot of London terraces take a basement of around 4m by 9m. That is 36 square metres. Take the construction rate for that area off the calculator. Then add VAT at 20 per cent. Add professional fees at 10 to 15 per cent of the construction figure. That arithmetic, not a headline rate, is the number to budget against.

Remember that party walls also have to be in place. This must happen before any work is started on your basement. This can take time and costs money, so take it into account.

It is always good to get a professional architect and quantity surveyor in. They can work on your individual project. Every house is different, and professionals will be your first contact. At NU Projects we take the stress out of the whole process. We do everything from start to finish. It is a lot easier sticking with one contractor than having many.

Basement finishes

It is important to think about key factors like lighting. Do this when creating your basement plan. Save the brightest spots in your basements for your main socialising areas. Natural light will draw people in. You may be placing a bedroom in the basement. If so, place this at the front or the back perimeter. This gives you a window egress. Building control will also want a means of escape from a bedroom below ground. In practice that means a window into a lightwell.

The darker rooms are in the central area of your basement. They can be used for a cinema room, a gym or a children’s playroom. They can also be used for a utility room or a wine cellar.

Downlights and LEDs are a sound choice. Basement ceilings are not as high as your ceiling above ground level. They are normally at around 2.5 metres. You don’t want lights that hang down and take up important head space. If you want decorative lighting, think about wall pendants or floor lamps. They are still super chic and add a bit of glamour.

Natural light will always be lacking. So think about wall colours that will be welcoming and warming.

Use bright contrasting fabrics to add personality to your room. Rugs, decorative curtains, or wall fabrics instead of paint and wallpaper can really help. They make a room with no natural light feel cosy and comfortable.

A basement adds to the value of the house. It also gives the family the space without moving out of the street. If you are thinking about one and want a quote or some advice. Tell us about the house. You can also call us on 020 7731 6841.