COULD A BASEMENT BE YOUR NEXT INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT? PART 1

It doesn’t take much keyboard tapping to find a plethora of gorgeous basement inspiration. Most of us are comfortable with building upwards but is digging down in a quest for extra space just a step too far? Read on to see if it’s going to be upwards or downwards for your next interior design project.

BASEMENTS VERSUS LOFT CONVERSIONS: DECISIONS DECISIONS

First things first and without stating the obvious: if you have already undertaken a loft conversion, then it’s safe to assume that it will be a basement for you. However, if you have both options available there’s definitely more to mull over.

Loft spaces lend themselves beautifully to bedroom suites and studies and the eaves and dormer spaces can be especially enchanting. Cinema rooms can also work on the top of the house, assuming that you insulate against sound seeping into the sleeping rooms below. Another factor to consider when designing a cinema in the loft is accommodating a screen. This can often prove a challenge in a room full of ceiling angles.

Clearly a pool in a loft conversion is out of the question, unless of course you have a massive roof and pots of money to bathe in.

Gyms can be a challenge in angled attic spaces too and be warned that every time someone drops a weight you may experience a symphony of swinging chandeliers in the rooms below. It will be like having your very own percussion section.

WHICH IS MORE EXPENSIVE A LOFT OR A BASEMENT?

Broadly, basements are more expensive. However, if you already have a basement and are simply perhaps doing a bit of waterproofing and some renovations, this may not be the case. If you are creating a brand new underground space, then a basement will cost more money and probably take longer to complete. This is something to add to your pros and cons list.

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A BASEMENT?

This is an area that we suggest you approach with care and caution. If in doubt check with your local authority. Clearly if you already have a basement and you are simply refurbishing and improving, you won’t need permission.

However, if you intend to create new access from outside or add light wells you really should consult your local planning department. It doesn’t cost anything to pick up the telephone and ask the questions to the experts. A general rule of thumb is that if it looks different from outside you will probably need planning. A very helpful resource and a good place to start is the planning portal (www.planningportal.co.uk). The LABC also has some very helpful guidance (www.labc.co.uk)

PARTY WALL SURVEYORS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND’S

I’m sure you have all seen the horrific pictures of collapsed pavements caused by basement construction. Skips, cars and vans have been swallowed whole and disappeared into the jaws of basement excavations. Entire terraces of houses have been rendered structurally unsound by over enthusiastic digging. Who can forget last November when dozens of residents in Chelsea had to be evacuated  due to a collapse during renovation work (www.standard.co.uk)  20/11/2020  Barney Davis & John Dunne). Make sure this isn’t your story.

Take heed and approach in a responsible and considerate manner. Always seek the expert advice of a party wall surveyor (unless your neighbour’s are in the land of far far away) and engage a structural engineer with relevant experience.

As with all building and home improvement projects, preparation is key. Do the homework and get the paperwork straight. Make sure that you have the correct insurances in place before anyone so much as picks up a shovel. Never try and extend or create a basement without a structural engineer on board!