Basement Conversion Guide
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Sterlingbuild - Advice & Guidance
- 27 Mar 2018
- 19views
- Reading time: 4 minutes
The Sterlingbuild Guide to Basement Conversions
Why you should convert your basement
If your current living space is sparse
and you are looking for somewhere to build that gym room or office space you have forever been longing for, the solution you are seeking may be right under your nose, well feet anyway.
The majority of basements can be excavated or converted and can provide you with often the most attractive and largest living area in your home,
adding value to your property at the same time.
If you already own a cellar, renovating it could be a sensible move to gain room while not having to sacrifice any exterior or garden space. In most cases, a basement conversion will not require basement planning permission, but be sure to double-check this with your local planning authority.
If you’re more the Indiana Jones type and are planning on a basement excavation
to create a new basement, planning permission will
likely be needed.
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Basement ideas
Walk-On rooflights, able to be installed internally and externally,
are very popular with basement conversions as they enable
daylight to reach
areas of
the building which might otherwise be dark
by introducing light from above. We have a range of walk-on rooflights available from Signature and FAKRO which are perfect
for internal and external use and provide useable floor space.
If your cellar conversion
or extension is part of an open-plan design running through the building, Korniche roof lanterns
could be the perfect choice for you due to their ability to optimise the amount of light that enters from outside –
creating a much stronger source of illumination and lessening the needs for bulbs.
If situated on a slope, you could include REAL
aluminium bifold
doors or
sliding doors
opening out onto a courtyard.
Available to be made to measure, you can find the perfect fit for your project or budget.
To enquire about our made to measure products, click here.
Basement lighting
With basements synonymous as being dark and unwelcoming places, whatever type of room you are designing with your basement remodel, implementing the right lighting is essential to creating a bright and welcoming environment.
Letting natural light into your basement is always the preferred option as this goes a long way to not only making the space inviting, but healthier too.
Investing in natural lighting can also be a way to save ongoing costs, due to reducing energy bills and improving the home’s thermal efficiency.
As explained above in our ideas section, a great way to let daylight into your new room is with walk-on rooflights, possibly the best, and sometimes only, choice for basement extensions and conversions.
A sun tunnel can be a fantastic addition to any
windowless space, making them the way to let the light into any basement. Sun tunnels are renowned for
providing plenty of natural light without the need to switch on the lights during the day. We have a range of
sun tunnels available, from top brands such as the VELUX Group and our lower cost Sterlingbuild option.
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How much does a basement conversion cost?
If you are converting an existing basement space and do not need to do anything structural. According to Checkatrade,
the cost of renovating a basement can total around £1,600 per square metre, although naturally this will go up should you need to raise or lower floors.
For more up to date pricing click here.
A basement excavation would be
more expensive due to the extra work needed.
As well as building costs, other outgoings that need factoring in include,
basement waterproofing, underpinning walls and rerouting sewers or drains.
The cost
of building a
basement can range between £2,500-£4,000 per square metre. Prices will vary depending on area. A London basement, for example, will cost more to build.
Important things to consider
Creating a safe working environment for building is a necessity when expanding or converting a basement, especially if excavation work is being carried out. It is a high-risk job that if not carried out safely can lead to injury and the stability of the existing building being ruined.
An example plan can be viewed online on the Health and Safety Executive
along with guidance on best practice.
Fire safety also needs considering. This can be managed by an external door or window suitable for exit from the basement or a protected stairway leading from the basement to a final exit.
Contact a ‘building control body’ (BCB) for a full list of building regulations appropriate to your property. This can be done by visiting Gov.co.uk.
For help finding basement builders and basement construction firms, visit the
British Association Sites.
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