Do I need planning permission?
The good news here is that most basement projects don't need planning permission because you are only changing the inside of your property.
However, if you choose to add a new entrance or windows at the front of the house, dig an entirely new basement, or need access to dig up parts of the road or pavement outside your home, you will need planning permission from your local council.
You may also want to check out the specifics of planning permission for basement conversions in case you want to extend or change your room structure in the future.
If you live in a listed building, however, then remember that all renovations require permission before you begin any work - even if they are completely out of sight from the outside. This is because the features in listed buildings are protected for historical reasons.
Whether or not you need planning permission, you will need to comply with the current building regulations for extensions - these are simply legal requirements for any new living space, which exist for your own safety.
Are there any financial benefits?
Apart from the extra space for you or your family, a basement conversion can earn you a packet in additional rental income. Most simply, you could rent the converted basement to a lodger, who would then share the kitchen and bathroom with the family. Or, alternatively, you could convert the basement into a self-contained studio apartment, with its own front door if so desired. If that sounds appealing, however, you should be aware that you will need planning permission if you plan to create a separate entrance to your home. But even if you decide not to rent out your converted basement, a simple conversion can also add on thousands to the value of your property when selling it on.
Is my cellar suitable for a conversion?
It may sound a tad obvious but your property is only suitable for a basement conversion if you actually have a basement or cellar under your home. Digging a new basement under an existing property is usually not a financially viable solution, though small numbers of people do try to pursue this option. Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for cellar conversions, as the work can often be carried out from outside, which means you can easily continue to live in your property while the renovations are taking place. A word of warning, however, some older houses may have shallow foundations, so in order to create a safe living space below, you may need to underpin your property first. If this is the case for your property, then the easiest thing to do is to talk to an underpinning firm or specialist builder who can advise you on feasibility and cost of the job. Remember – while a basement conversion may seem like a dream come true, always make sure that a cellar conversion is a realistic venture for your property before forking out any cash.
How much will it cost ?
Back To Basement charges between £10,000 and £18,000 for a small terraced house, depending on whether it's an existing cellar or a retrofit basement dug out from scratch.
What else do I need to know?
Converting your basement can be the most exciting home improvement you may ever undertake – but don't forget the boring necessities! A living area downstairs will not be much fun without the obvious services such as plumbing, electricity, heating, ventilation, storage, and phone or TV points. Your builder will be able to advise you about connecting your basement to your existing services upstairs. It's important not to forget the safety of your basement either. You should install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in the basement, and ensure you have an alternate means of escape if your stairway down into the basement became blocked by fire. Try to ensure also that your window can be easily opened in an emergency, and a handy tip is to try and keep an item of furniture such as a stool in the basement, which will help you climb out the window if needs be.