Basement conversion Post Reply

[Nina_Clapham]

Hello all,

I've discovered a few basement conversion companies that specialise in Wandsworth and its vicinity. However I'm weary with going ahead with any of them without a first hand account. I've had a look through the site and I can't find any recent feedback hence I would appreciate any recommendations.

[tooposhtopush]

You should start with recommendations but the building teams these companies use are so variable that one "good one" can be a nightmare for others.

This is what one of my friends did and it seemed to work?

1. use recommendations to draw up a short list
2. ask the the shortlist for a list of recent clients.
3. ask the shortlist if they've been engaged in any legal action (get this in writing) with any customers
4. ask the short list who is legally responsible for finishing the job. This may seem an obvious question but some of the contracts these firms use push you back on to a subcontractor so you end up chasing their subcontractor, I'd aks them to put in writing the answer to the question

'If any contractor or subcontractor fails to finish work to a standard that I deem to be adequte who has the legal responsibility to complete the task? Are there ANY circumstances where the legal responsibility to finish a task might sit with a sub contractor and not the firm on the short list?"

Check they are properly insured.

This cannot be overstated.

A family in North London lost their home because of this

Check these posts

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 7&p=147549

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 46&t=56750

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 4&start=15

[mertonmum.lmart]

Totally agree with tooposhtopush. We had a real hard time pinning down More Space as they pushed all problems (and there are many with basement projects!) onto their subcontractors as their contracts with their clients state that the subcontractors carry all legal responsibilities. They did end up fixing the issues, well it took a year! but this does complicate things and in my opinion could seem a little sneaky if not properly explained prior signing contracts. Definitely make sure you know who legally has to fix the issues that arise during and after the build. Good luck!

[walesdavies]

We had our basement done (full front to back excavation) with Qualitas, formally Pure Basements & we were very happy with the work & still are 3 years on. I do agree with the above posters as one of the reasons we chose them is that they are responsible for the whole job, ie no sub contracting out. We have friends who used another company that when a big problem did arise the 'dig out' & the 'fit out' teams (ie sub contractors) were blaming each other / passing the buck & therefore refusing to come back & take responsibility, & therefore fix the problem. Yes, you will pay more for a one stop shop approach, but when you are taking on such serious structural work then IMO it's worth making sure you do it ONCE & do it properly! Do PM me if you would like to come around / have a chat.

[Ensoul.co.uk]

Hi Nina, we (www.ensoul.co.uk) act as the Project Manager and Interior Architecture/Designer for clients to support them through this minefield with basement design/construction (we also live in Wandsworth and recently did a 1,000 square foot basement in our own garden so have lots of hands-on experience).

The list of what to-do before even approaching potential ground works/basement firms is significant, if you want to discuss, I would be delighted to have a call with you. Best regards, Mike Lander, Director

[Working Mom]

We had our basement done with UHM basements and I would recommend them. We did full front to garden, which is rare in the area, and UHM did a brilliant job for us. They do sub contract out the 'fit out' but the sub contractor has been working for UHM for long time, so we didn't have any problem.
UHM don't spend money on Marketing like some other local basement companies do, so they are cheaper than competitors but the quality is still great. I visited 3 houses UHM did basements (on my own so I can ask questions to the owner) and everyone was very happy.
PM me if you have any question and I hope all goes well!

[bel35]

Very happy to recommend DM General Builders. No subcontracting. They delivered against cost, spec and on time. I had full confidence in them. super basement!

[cavendishbasements]

We would like to introduce Cavendish Basements, who has been providing high quality planning and building services for residential homes for more than 10 years now and has considerable experience of basement conversions and basement extensions throughout London. We specialise in all aspects of basement work, from extending and converting existing cellars to completely new basement excavations.


Our Services

Cavendish Basements is a complete end to end service and includes:
• Basement planning applications
• Architectural Design
• Dig out and all construction work
• Structural Engineering
• Interior Design
• Project Management

Alternatively if you have submitted your plans, we are in a position to offer you a free no obligation quotation, should you wish to forward a copy of your plans with the structural engineer’s calculations to info@cavendishbasements.com.

The quotation would be subject to a site visit should you wish to take your project to a full proposal. We are currently running a marketing campaign in your area, where your planning costs would be deducted from our final invoice.

[belld]

Please get your design and layout sorted first, using a Professional Design Team (Architect, Engineer). at this stage you should be informed of all constraints and options to maximise the quality of the space, and the ROI.
you are in control.
only then should you consider taking your project to builders. your design team should have good working relationships with excellent builders.
this allows you to be best in control, and have the time to really best plan all the nice touches than can make your basement streets ahead of others.
you are about to commit to a big spend, make sure you get the design that works best for you and the property.
choice of contract is paramount - make sure you don't simply agree to the T&C's of a builders contract. architects can advise on all this to help best ensure your project is delivered on time and to cost.
some may perceive that using a design team adds costs - but of course, basement companies have to pay for engineers, architectural designers etc.
we did something special for a client on mallinson road.
http://www.atelierdb.com/architect-lond ... andsworth/
Hope this helps.

[PoshFox]

Nina,

I would highly recommend Battersea Builders who are reputable, reliable and local.

Their website is www.batterseabuilders.co.uk or phone 020 7100 5463 and ask for Will.

All the very best with the works.

[firsttimerSW11]

I've just had a full basement done, the builders have done an amazing job, cannot recommend them highly enough. If you want their details please pm me. Regards, FT

[Arthur]

Hi I would recommend my work https://www.gumtree.com/p/business-serv ... 1150539717
I have a profile on Facebook where you can see more of my work :
https://www.facebook.com/artur.kanikula.73
ragards Artur 07424731125 ,
arthurbuilder@live.co.uk

[Fairylights]

We used Advantage Basements for ours. They're based on East Hill. I can't recommend them highly enough and they've since worked on 2 houses for people I know nearby who are really happy with them too.

[mstclare]

A word of warning about Artur, the builder; the guy who 'recommends his own work' above. Beware, as he is not a trustworthy individual. He committed to a job and did not deliver. He left me with unfinished, shoddy job having taken my money. I don't recommend this person; he is a crook and he seems to be learning on the job.

[mstclare]

A word of warning about Artur, the builder; the guy who 'recommends his own work' above. Beware, as he is not a trustworthy individual. He committed to a job and did not deliver. He left me with unfinished, shoddy job having taken my money. I don't recommend this person; he is a crook and he seems to be learning on the job.