Basement advice Post Reply

[roadsw123]

We are in the early stages of contemplating digging a basement on our terraced between the commons house. We have a large cellar already under the front half but would be digging down to add ceiling height and going back under the full footprint of the house to create a playroom / ensuite bedroom / storage / utility etc. 

Really looking for general advice and experiences from those who have undertaken something similar - any dos / dont's / regrets / thoughts on what you would do differently if you were to do it all again? Indeed - would you do it all over again?! 

Grateful for any experiences shared! Thanks! 

[Annabel (admin)]

Hi
If you can email me at annabel@nappyvalleynet.com with your postal I'll post a copy of our freeguide which has tons on information about just this sort of thing.

No charge!

 

[ClaphamMum199]

Hello,

We had our basement finished just last year and one of the best things to do at this early stage (if you haven’t done it already) is to try and go and see as many basements as you can and ideally in the neighbourhood so they are in similar types of properties. Either see if you can arrange some visits via references from your builders or otherwise if you have some neighbours in the area that have had their basements done ask if you can visit theirs. It’s really the only way to get a real feel for what you want/don’t want. Am very happy for you to arrange to come and see ours if you want.

Otherwise ceiling height is probably one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Obviously some personal judgment here but if you go too high you can end up with a bit of “monster basement” that might feel a bit out of sync with the rest of the house while if you go too low it can all feel too much like a cellar and makes it all feel a smaller / cramped. We were originally going to go for 2.5m and our builders convinced us to go for 2.7m and I have to say we are super happy (not too high and not too low) but again you definitely need to see some basements to get a feel for that too.

Other thing is to make sure your sump pumps are outside (for example under the tiles in the outside lightwell). They need to be serviced 1-2 times a year and can be v smelly when they open them up so much better if they are kept outside.

Lastly we had a plant room put in under the front porch of the house to put the boiler, water tank, electrics etc. We were v pleased our builders advised us to do that because we have saved a lot of space by having all that stuff out the way.

I’m sure there are many more things (!) but those are the major things that spring to mind. Very happy to chat further and as I said also happy if you want to take a look at our basement if it helps!

[maryrose]

Hi roadsw123,

If you are looking for more of a game room type area then you might consider only semi-finishing it like I did in our basement - it was inexpensive and only took a few weekends to do it myself.

1) Painted the concreted floor with special epoxy paint

2) Put area rugs on the floor. With the area rugs and painted floor if there is ever a water leak then it will not be a big deal.

3) Repainted the concrete walls with sealing paint, and then made storage areas with shelving about 18" deep with sliding doors all around most of exterior concrete walls. This leaves the concrete walls accessible so that if there are any leaks or moisture it can be seen and dealt with easily.

4) Drop ceiling with acoustic tiles

5) Hired someone to do the wiring.
+ add a proper ventilation, we had to fix ours in the end and got a lot of problems not installing a fan in the first place 

It is nothing fancy but it is fine for kids to hang out in for a few hours at time. Otherwise it can be used as a home theater. 

[Yummymummy69]

I can recommend Nick Woodworth of Qualitas. Have known him for a number of years and the quality of his work is excellent. My personal experience of his building work was a happy one and his basements are impressive
+44 7788 440801
All the best!

[constantin1308]

Our design and build company (w w w . c o n y s. co . uk) will be more then happy to help you out. Please get in touch on contact @ conys. co. uk or at 07585 664161

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Constantin

[ClaphamMum199]

Hi roadsw123 - only just saw you sent me a private message in March following my feedback above. Have just responded!

[Tealover]

Hi ClaphamMum199 - I have a few questions that I’m wondering if you could answer. 

1. We also planned to put a boiler in the plant room under the front path but we have been told the boiler cannot vent into the light well. Is your boiler doing this or how did you get round this?
2. Did you live in your house while the dig was going on? If so - how noisy & messy was it?
3. Did you have the same company do the dig and fit out?
4. Did you have any movement in your house or the neighbours properties? If so how much?
5. Finally - any other tips in dealing with the dig and fitout?

Many thanks

[popkitmax]

hello

we did our basement a couple of years ago and I cannot tell how pleased we are  to have done it.  It really has come into its own during the lockdown.  I'm an interior designer and worked hard to get as much planned and thought through to ensure it met our needs.  As it's such an expensive project you need to get it right first time!

There are some pictures on our website - under @77 at studioogee.co.uk

Be very happy to give you some pointers, general or specific.  The space needs to really work for your needs, so best to really think about how you intend to use it now and in the future.

Do get in touch if you'd like some thoughts - no charge of course, just happy to pass on some top line thoughts.

Enjoy the sun

Debbie