Digging Down

Basement developments are undergoing a revival in the capital due to rising land costs. It’s really that simple. Unable to build from scratch, developers and homeowners alike are seeking to maximise the space they’ve already got. And, when the cost of a basement conversion is considered against the costs associated with moving into an entirely new home, the saying “dont move, improve” begins to make a lot of sense.

Basements have traditionally been nothing more than dark undercroft spaces that offer plenty of additional storage, but little in the way of home comforts. Well not any more. Modern building technology has literally opened up a new world in terms of what a basement can mean for your family, and do for the value of your property.

Developing a basement offers numerous benefits, first and foremost being an increase in living space, whether this is new or as part of improvements to existing ground floor spaces through the insertion of a double-height connection.

Basement developments can avoid the retrofitted feel of other home improvements. While the nature of their construction offers opportunity beyond the new internal spaces they provide. A development that continues out into the property’s garden, for example, can be naturally lit using lightwells, these extruded rooftlights can offer a delightful sculptural addition to an existing landscape. The level of excavation required can also provide the opportunity to include ground source heat pumps to passively generate heating or hot water for your property through harnessing natural heat from underground.

Yet despite the numerous benefits, developing the basement might not be the most cost efficient way of adding space to your home. A modern conversion might average about £3200/m2 to get a plumbed and wired shell ready for decoration and finishes – but if improvements to the existing property are substantial you could make money back on the value it adds.
An architect can help you extend your property to provide the additional spaces your require, as well as making suggestions on how to improve and reorganize your current living spaces. They will also be able to navigate you through the initial steps of understanding what kind of development is possible – as well as how to approach negotiations with your existing neighbours.

Expert consultants will need to investigate the existing soil condition in order to establish the relevant soil properties for the foundation and retaining wall design. They will also be able to advise you on potential environmental systems you could install during the works, like the ground source heat pumps. Most importantly, however, a builder must also be employed to cost and build the design. The construction will require quite specialist techniques, so it is important to approach a company with relevant experience in basement development.

The process of building under your home is both complex and technically exciting. It requires more preparation and detailed design than other types of development to minimize the obvious risk – but the results will often make it all worthwhile.

Words:
Nick Wood
Architect / Founder How About Studio