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FAQ's -BASEMENT
I have an open space under my house, what sort of accommodation can I have? Is it habitable?
In residential properties any activities undertaken in the home can be accommodated in a basement conversion with the appropriate provision of services.
Popular uses include play rooms, kitchens, bedrooms with bathrooms. Swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gyms are all possible.
You decide. You can make it totally self contained and rent it out if you like.
Is it possible to dig a basement in an existing house?
Yes! It wouldn't be impossible, but it would be very costly. This would be no different to underpinning the existing foundations and creating a new basement, but if you already have a basement or a cellar.
Is it dangerous or detrimental to my existing house?
No! Not actually, unless you had someone who doesn’t know what they were doing carry out the work for you. GP Project is a well qualified contractor and well experienced in basement conversion work and they can appoint to do the work for you. Underpin bays (approx.1200mm long) are constructed to a pre-determined sequence to protect the integrity of the existing structure. The works can be carried out internally or externally depending on specific requirements. There is another method called pilling, that is also used depending on the circumstances.
What if I have a basement but the ceiling height is not enough to create a habitable room?
Then you would have to make the basement deeper and the same process applies as digging out a new basement, only half the work is already done for you.
I asked my friend at the pub and he told me this! In some regards it might be cheaper to tear the house down and build a new one with a basement or tear it down, then leave one foundation wall up so you can still claim it as a 70 year old house instead of a brand new one. Some places will allow you to still claim it as the old house as long as at least one foundation wall is still being used. Or you could add an addition to the house and build a basement under the addition.
This is exactly the type of advice you should not be listening to. Just about any project is doable with the proper engineering and construction practices. But as for cost -- well, that's a different thing altogether. If the house prices in your area are cheaper to sustain a move then do that, or if you simply want to create a storage space then a wooden shed at the end of your garden (if you have one) should suffice.
How then will I benefit from a new basement?
Increases the living space of your existing property without the expense or hassle of
moving house. It will add value to your existing property. It creates an additional unit for you to rent out giving you an extra income to help with the mortgage issues. Should I go on…..
I have heard I can have water leak and flooding problems?
A home may have had a dry basement for years, but start to have water seepage problems during a wet spring. There are proven technology methods that are currently being used by professional that involve putting in special membranes and drains to ensure that basements are not only dry at all times but also damp free. Pumps are installed and operational in basement designs that make it virtually impossible to flood. I say “virtually” because if a river bursts its banks or the whole area is 10ft under water, then even your ground floor accommodation is under threat of flooding. Certain circumstances have no solutions unless you live on the 5th floor.
Do I need an existing basement?
No, in many cases basements can be created where none existed before.
How much space is needed?
For habitable space 2.4m minimum is required.
Do I need an architect?
GP Projects team can recommend an architect experienced in basement conversion work.
Do I need a structural engineer?
A structural engineer is required where structural work is required. GP Projects team can recommend a structural engineer experienced in basement conversion work.
What planning permission is required?
Where lightwells and new habitable space is concerned planning permission is required. GP Projects can help for this process on behalf of the client.
Do I need my neighbours consent?
Where party walls are involved it is advisable to get the shared party agreement to any works.
Is the property habitable during construction works?
Usually the property can be used as the works progresses. The work will be organised to minimise the affect on the main parts of the property. Work areas will be cordoned off with hoardings; where possible excavation and underpinning work will be accessed through the lightwell.