Project : Basements

Dyer Grimes

Today, the humble basement has been elevated far beyond a space for wine storage and junk so if you’re going to do it, think big. ”Don’t just create storage but make it habitable,” says Steve McStea of Pro-Dry. “Waterproof it with a membrane system and then it’s classified as a habitable space and adds to the value of your property.” Qualitas agrees: “What would once be considered a luxury is now de rigueur in a family home,” says director Jonathan Woodcock. And the sky’s the limit for what the space can be used for. “Within our basements we are increasingly creating invaluable extra space, for cinema/media rooms, gyms, games rooms as well as the necessary utility and plant rooms,” says fellow Qualitas Director Nick Woodworth.

By extending into the garden, this basement is flooded with light through a glass ceiling –
Dyer Grimes Architecture

BASEMENTS, AND SOME…

When designed and built in conjunction with ground floor extensions, basement projects save time and money. There are no missed opportunities when the ground and basement are designed as one. Often we can create a WC and boot room on the ground floor to enhance everyday life, and gain space in your kitchen by creating a utility-come kitchenette
in the basement.

70% of our basement projects involve us simultaneously building rear extensions, thereby improving safety and allowing us to seamlessly sequence the processes. Many side returns are now being revisited as they were done on a low budget without thought of any future improvements. Now, the effective design looks at the way the property works as a whole, rather than just the increase in square footage.

Source: Advantage Basements

Crittall doors flood daylight into this lightwell – Granit Architecture.

Bar, billiards and cinema room – Ensoul

Plenty of chill-out space and stairs to the
garden – Estbury

In basement corridors keep lighting interesting – Stanza Interior Design

Games rooms are perfect for basements, loved by kids and adults alike – Ensoul

Full access to the garden complete with living wall – Dyer Grimes

Bifold doors flood light into the basement – Advantage Basements.

BASEMENT CHOICES

Converting a damp and frankly useless cellar makes perfect sense. Choose from:

1. Dry storage (typical cost £15-25k). This is a matter of tanking with a high pressure waterproof render system, then adding light, heat and shelving.
2. Functional rooms such as a wine cellar, utility room, shower room or similar (typical cost £45-65k). This involves minor excavations, waterproofing and drainage, then fitting out a habitable room with lighting, heating and furniture.

Source: Pro-Dry

“BASEMENT GAMES ROOMS ARE NOT JUST FOR KIDS BUT FOR GROWN-UPS TO PLAY AND PARTY”
ENSOUL

Award-winning, double-height Balham basement – Advantage Basements

Sleek, all-white basement kitchen with on-trend Crittall doors – Simply Basements.

Up the glam stakes with a night-time bar- Clara Bee.

THE BASEMENT REVOLUTION CONTINUES WITH BIGGER, BRIGHTER ROOMS, EXTRAORDINARY LIGHTWELLS AND BOLDER DECOR

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN APPOINTING A BASEMENT CONTRACTOR

• Appoint a well-established basement specialist
• Ensure they have the correct basement insurance
• Ensure they are approved waterproofing installers
• Confirm a 5-10 year build guarantee
• Check memberships and credentials
• View previous projects
• Ask for references
• Obtain a fixed price contract
• Confirm reputation as a considerate contractor

Source: Estbury

Vast glass doors, an enlarged patio space and stacked storeys create a dramatic extension – RDA Architects

An unusual run of bifold doors – Advantage Basements.

The basement becomes a cinema and games room – Barbara Genda Bespoke Furniture.

A tree in a lightwell adds a focal point and natural light to a basement – Minale + Mann.