Basement Conversion Q & A

Despite the recession, the Property Care Association reports that conversions have increased by at least 100 per cent over the last three years. So what does a typical basement conversion cost – and why should such a project be carried out? Here, Steve Hodgson, Deputy Director of the Property Care Association (PCA), gives an insight into some commonly asked questions.

How much does a basement conversion cost?

It is very difficult to give an accurate price, but

for £25,000 a typical terrace in London can have a new basement converted from an existing structure. This would include electrics, walls, floors and plumbing extension works. To dig out a new basement is much more

difficult to price as there are many variables. Looking at the London area again as an example, some areas of the city are on clay, some are on silt, and that alone will affect the construction process. Whatever the project, it has been shown time and time again that the creation of a new basement is a rewarding and cost-effective investment.

How popular are basement conversions in the UK?

The number of basement conversions, both

the creation of new basements and the conversion of existing cellars into dry useable rooms, has increased dramatically - I'd estimate

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by 100 per cent in the last three years alone – even in the current downturn, basement conversion figures are rising. That figure might be even higher. This growth is because of the tried and tested

technologies now available to create basement conversions, the demands on land space in the UK and the fact that the space created is flexible and very usable.

What factors are supporting their popularity?

The current government emphasis for building development is on increasing housing density, whilst reducing the amount of development on green belt land. For these reasons many people have been looking upwards when increasing the size of their properties, with developers building taller three-storey properties and loft conversions. However, such properties do not suit every situation and planning permission can be difficult to obtain for three-storey buildings, especially in rural areas where they can be seen as dominating. A basement can enlarge the floorspace of a

two-storey property by up to 50 per cent, without increasing the footprint of the building.

Basements can actually suit building works being undertaken on brownfield, or previously developed sites, because much of the poor substrate beneath the building is removed and on contaminated sites the cost of reinstatement with good soil is much reduced.

What makes basements an attractive prospect?

Unlike the dark, damp coal cellars often found in older properties, modern basements are light, airy living spaces which can even incorporate windows or light tubes to allow use of natural light. Older basements can be modified into modern-day living spaces and it is even possible to retrofit basements into existing properties. In addition to providing extra living space,

creating a basement is also an environmentally friendly way of saving insulation material. Below-ground living space is naturally insulated by the surrounding soil and there is some evidence that the existence of a basement can have thermal benefits over identical properties that do not have a basement. It is no wonder then that basement fitting and conversions are becoming a popular way of increasing living and working areas.

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