Overview

What Can Be Achieved?

An entire new area from the footprint of your existing home can be created – with extra features to continue out into the garden area, or drive.   More than one floor can be created although this process would be very expensive. However, depending on the area in which you live, house prices and space available – the alternative could still be within your grasp.  Any design is achievable. Using structural supporting beams, the living space can be very open plan or divided into individual rooms in a more conventional manner.  Light is not an issue. By using light wells, light and natural ventilation is introduced to create an airy environment.  Access achieved with stairways and retaining walls down to patio doors or large bay windows.

Uses for the Basement Area

Once the basic underpinning has been completed, the area can then be designed to suit your requirements for either just an extra room or a new living space incorporating a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and living area.   You could create a self-contained floor to gain extra income or to sell for your retirement fund.   Utilise the space as a granny flat or teenage retreat. Use the space to further your business requirements and operate from home. The opportunities are unlimited.

Planning

Generally planning will not pose any problems, unless you have a listed building or are in a conservation area.  We can assist you with planning issues.  A Structural engineer will be required to draw the plans for presentation.  The 3rd Party Wall act of 1996 agreement should be in place before any works commence. The Act formalises agreements between neighbours where one owner is undertaking work that may affect another’s property. A building surveyor can advise you on this.

Building regulations.

This can include ensuring the structure is safe, and that there is adequate ventilation, safe access to the cellar in the form of a fitted staircase, and an appropriate fire escape route, such as an escape door or window. Building regulations differ between Scotland and England.

Services

Such as gas, electrics and water will be assessed before construction takes place and building inspectors will be notified when works commence for regular noted visits.

Construction Stages

Before any works commence, the driveway and gardens are protected to ensure minimal damage to gain access into the building for the excavation.  When an existing basement is present, our machinery can access through a door and remove all the spoil (earth) for removal from site.  If there is no form of access, we can create an opening to excavate down until we reach a suitable level to commence full works.  When a building has joisted floors excavation can be performed underneath without any disturbance/disruption to normal every day existence.  When a concrete solid floor is present, excavation starts through from the top down and is underpinned in sequence to the plans presented.