Extending your property makes sense in so many ways – it adds value as well as much needed extra space. But when you can’t build up or add an extension to the rear or side of your property, the only other solution is to dig down. What are the pros and cons of going underground?
It can seem like a huge home extension project but digging down and using the cellar or basement space at your property can make sense. The complexity of it can put some people off. You’ll probably need planning permission and there are still a whole host of building regulations that need to be met. Add on the complex technical needs such as a steel reinforcement structure, and you can see why some homeowners are put off.
The results, however, are more than striking. What was a dark, dinky and probably damp, spider-infested basement can take on a whole new life. Giving you extra valuable space for everything from storage to living space, the versatility and value the basement level of your home will give is incredible.
A popular means of extending a home
In some areas, extending a property by digging down is far more common than you think. In built-up cities where above-ground space for extending is at a premium, up to 50% of home extensions can be underground.
There are factors you’ll need to consider, however.
1 Suitability
Just because your property has a basement doesn’t mean it is ripe to be converted, renovated or extended. Basements can be cavernous spaces with its walls and footings providing the strength for the structure above.
In older properties, they are often no damp proof and were originally a space intended for servants to either live or work in.
In modern times, they make great storage spaces but if you have plans to make it into a more usable, livable space, you’ll need to have the suitability of the basement assessed.
2 Waterproofing
Most basements are not built with waterproofing I mind and certainly would not be enough to meet current regulations. With suitability assessed, if you decide to continue, the foundation will need underpinning with waterproof concrete.
Likewise, you may also need to invest in bolstering the structure and strength of the property at underground level with prefabricated steel reinforcement cages and the like.
3 Planning requirements
Planning permission is usually needed when excavating under a property, simply because the structure of the property will need strengthening and shoring up. It may be a growing trend in cities across the country but making significant changes to a basement will need serious thought and work. It is likely, for example, that you’ll be digging down deeper than your neighbours’ foundations.
How long does a basement renovation take? And what costs are involved?
It depends on the size, structure and technical aspects of adding underground space to your home. It is a large project and one that will need project managing from start to finish, a process that can be anything from 12 to 20 weeks, sometimes more.
The complexity of the project will also impact on the budget. Simple renovation of existing space will be far less thana larger project that involves digging down, improving foundations, waterproofing, shoring walls and so on. But the value a renovated basement will add should exceed the cost.
Once complete, you’ll have a superior space perfect for a range of activities from a home cinema to a games room, living room and more!
