As affluent Londoners often have limited space above ground, they have turned to basement construction in order to extend their homes. These projects can add up to two floors of extra luxury living space, with clients wishing to have extra bedrooms, swimming pools or cinema rooms.
A recent study has found that the boom in megabasement development is a sign of a profound plutocratisation of London. Researchers have mapped 7,328 basement construction projects in 32 boroughs and the City of London between 2008 and 2019.
Design
In the last 20 years, basement construction has become a popular option for homeowners looking to increase the amount of living space in their homes. It’s also a cost-effective way to create an additional room without having to move into a larger property.
The basement design process is the first step in the building of a new basement and will involve the appointment of a structural engineer to develop the optimum solution for your basement. This will incorporate survey information, your project timescales, budget constraints and CDM (Construction Design & Management) requirements.
The finished basement will need to meet all head height regulations, be waterproofed and have good ventilation so that the space can be used for living and working purposes. If your basement is in a residential area, you should check with your local council for any restrictions that may apply. They may include a requirement to put in a party wall agreement with neighbors. This construction company in Jaipur has the best people to create a perfect design.
Planning
Basements are an effective way of adding additional living space to your property. Whether you’re looking to increase the size of your bedroom, add a swimming pool or cinema room, basement conversions can be a great way of transforming your home.
The planning of a basement construction in London is important to ensure that the project meets all local requirements and guidelines. This process can be complex and requires specialist knowledge, experience of local planning policy and a sound understanding of the technical implications.
A site survey will need to be carried out before work starts, a drains’ survey may also be required. It will also be important to look at any trees in your and your neighbours’ gardens and consider the required root protection zone.
Building Regulations
If you want to build a basement in London, you’ll need planning permission. The building regulations of a basement construction can vary between boroughs, but in general, you’ll need to meet safety, hygiene and energy efficiency requirements.
In addition, you’ll need to get approval for the basement’s drainage, thermal insulation, ventilation and ceiling heights. You’ll also need to ensure that the basement doesn’t have a damp problem or is safe from flooding, so make sure you hire a professional surveyor.
You’ll need to work closely with a structural engineer to ensure your plans comply with the relevant building regulations. They’ll make key calculations, prepare designs and drawings and liaise with your architect. They’ll also provide a report that will help you achieve Building Regulations approval.
Construction
Basement Construction in London is becoming increasingly popular as an effective way to add space and value to your property. However, a successful basement build requires the expertise of an experienced contractor who can design and build an outstanding space that meets all the relevant building regulations and health and safety requirements.
The UK capital’s well-heeled residents are turning to the basement as a solution for their increasing home size requirements, often resulting in extra living space and leisure facilities. These can include cinemas, gyms, wine cellars, golf simulators and swimming pools.
According to Newcastle University professor Roger Burrows, the number of basement additions in London has increased significantly over the last decade. He estimates that a huge volume of soil has been extracted from the city’s prestigious neighborhoods, mainly in west London.