We are in an age where space is premium making converting your basement a valuable way to add extra living space. Converting your space below ground is a fantastic way to really gain space from your basement. You may not have the opportunity to convert a great deal of space above ground, but even if you do; a basement conversion …

Basement construction can refer to a number of methods and some methods are used more than others. The foundations of a basement must be strong in order to keep the foundations overall robust in severe weather conditions. The elements can cause never-ending problems for homeowners, but with the right guidance and support you can choose the most suitable method to …

Beware builders who assure you it is safe to start your basement conversion without planning permission. There have been recent cases of builders bamboozling clients by saying they are approved to BS8102, so everything is okay. BS8102 is a code defining adequate waterproofing, and that’s all it is. By no means does it cover all the regulations you need to …

Havona House in Pembridge Villas is on sale, and has become Notting Hill’s most expensive property listing. It’s on the market at £25m and one of its key selling features is its amazing two level basement conversion, reckoned to be one of the largest in London (that is until another billionaire comes along determined to have a bigger one).  The …

A new study by the University of Newcastle has exposed the secrets of London’s mega-basements, which include cinemas, swimming pools, and even an artificial beach. The planning application data, collected from seven London boroughs for the period between 2008 and 2017, shows blueprints for 115 staff rooms, 456 cinemas, 376 pools, 381 wine cellars and 1,000 gyms hidden below the …

One question everyone planning a basement construction asks is: “How long will it take?” Obviously, this depends on the scale of the project and whether it is a new-build, beneath an existing property or a basement extension under adjoining land. One thing is certain, however: it is a lot quicker than it used to be. A cubic metre of soil …

Finished surfaces and decoration should never be an afterthought in a basement conversion or construction design. Decorative materials and fittings are not merely a matter of taste; in addition, they inform and enable the ways the space can be used and should therefore influence your design from the outset. Not all building companies know much about finishing and fitting out, …

Basement conversions that provide extra living accommodation and bathrooms are nothing new. In the nineteenth century, Parisian houses often contained an “oubliette”. Somewhat fancifully entitled a dungeon, up to the late twentieth century these basement spaces were used as lavatory and bathroom spaces. When not in use, the trap door entrance was covered by a rug.  In a modern-day equivalent, …

A basement conversion project is a great opportunity to improve your living space, particularly in terms of the quality of air inside. Most people look for a basement lighting scheme that will enhance the available natural light, but it’s surprising how few take the next logical step and look at how to enhance the natural available air.  The air we …

More people than ever are choosing to become self-employed and work from home – over 1.5 million at the last count. For some, it’s the ideal way to work flexibly around home life, but for others, it’s all too easy to lose focus. That’s why creating a dedicated home office may be the difference between success and failure. In the …