Be inspired
If you currently reside in a property in the West or South West London it is likely you have witnessed a surge in house renovation and extension come across various home improvement fads, a hot one at the moment being the “Don’t move improve” so it has probably crossed your mind about extending down and creating a basement to form a more space below ground for a more spacious, versatile, valuable home.
But there is no clear cut guide on how to get started doing this.
In this blog article, we’ll explore the most inspiring, unique and practical basement conversion ideas. We’ll also offer technical suggestions to consider when it comes to converting your basement.
There are numerous ways you can use your basement space to enhance your home. In fact, ideas for basement conversions are only really limited by a lack of imagination. With the right designs, your basement can be anything you want it to be!
To help with your decision, we’ve listed some of the most popular and practical basement conversion ideas below.
What’s the cost?
What is the cost we hear you shouting, patience waning… In general, the cost of a basement conversion in London is between £4,000 and £6,000 per square metre.
Things that will impact on the cost include:
- The size you want the basement to be
- Pre-existing Cellars
- Garden soil type – certain soils and a high water table can also drive up the cost.
Can the basement expand out into the garden?
Yes the basement can expand out underneath your garden in London this project type can vary greatly depending on the size required and garden space. However, since there is no underpinning required in the garden, the area extending underneath the garden can cost as little as half the cost of under property area, making it a great option to consider.
Additional garden basement room costs include architect fees if you need one, structural engineer fees, planning applications and surveys.
Entertainment
A basement home cinema is perfect for a family that really loves entertainment. As a space with very little or no natural light, a basement is the perfect space for creating an environment for watching films and cinematics.
Furthermore, you’ll add an extra and dedicated social branch to your home meaning family members have more options as to where they hang out.
This can be a dedicated space to indulge in personal hobbies, games or to simply relax.
Accommodation
Converting a bedroom does however come with its own specific challenges. Building regulations officers have to consider lighting, ventilation and waterproofing.
These elements are crucial, as a sleeping space without windows or little natural light is more likely to suffer from damp issues. With the right approach to basement waterproofing, basements can make excellent bedrooms.
Create a basement games room
If you’re an avid gamer, there’s no better way to use your basement space than by creating a basement games room. When kitted out with a combination of different consoles, cosy furniture and accessories, a basement is a great option for a games room. The lack of natural light means gamers can get in the zone and enjoy hours of uninterrupted gaming.
If board and card games are more your thing, a basement can easily be designed to store your favourite games and create a social playing environment. Whether its collaborating in a game of Pandemic or going head to head in a poker tournament, basements rule!
Basement studio/study
Finding a space to study, create, work or write can be difficult in a busy home. A basement is an ideal space for building a study, home office or studio. With many more of us looking to spend time working from home, we need to make sure we are set-up to work. Having a dedicated space makes this so much more productive. It also helps separate work life from leisure time.
If you’re a creative, having a distraction-free work space to write & produce artwork is similarly essential.
Install a bathroom in the basement An extra bathroom can add a huge amount of value to a property and is especially useful for houses converted into flats with multiple occupants.
At APT Renovation, we have over 20 years of carrying out basement conversions across the South West of London.