Basement Construction & Conversion Process

It can be tricky getting to grips with the process for completing a basement conversion, as like all trades there’s always going to be terms and reference that the average person is unlikely to have heard about before. Convert My Basement are entirely transparent when it comes to out lining the basement conversion of your London home, and are here to genuinely guide you all the way. We take serious pride in keeping our clients informed at where they’re at throughout the project, so here are the six steps towards converting your basement.

1) The Site Survey

This is the most important stage for any homeowner as it is where out surveyor will visit and take you through a detailed analysis of the basement. We know every property has it’s quirks and specific dimensions, so once they have carried this out they will explain what the options are and suggest what would best suit the space you have available. The estimates quoted can be adapted throughout the work to follow, and we present the prices in two parts: one for the excavation, the other for actually fitting the basement out.

2) Contract & Deposit

We will never ask for the entire balance up-front. Instead our team of experts will draw up an itemized contract that follows all the stages of designing, excavating and fitting your dream new basement. Upon agreement we exchange signatures and accept the initial part of the deposit.

3) Design & Planning

Should you have independently employed an architect and already have planning permission in place, we’re happy to skip this stage and happy to only quote for the construction aspect. However we do have our own architects who are exceedingly knowledgeable when it comes to making the best of what basement space you have available. They will work with you to draw up the plans, and assist throughout the planning stages.

4) Party Wall Agreements

Should your property share a wall with another home it is necessary to gain permission from them before any work can be undertaken. Bear in mind that this also extends to 3m beyond the wall that is affected so other buildings very nearby may also be included in this stage. This is called a Party Wall Agreement whereby you approach the other party and ask them to sign that they are happy for the project to continue. We are experts in Party Wall Agreements and have a specialized team including Party Wall surveyors who will guide and assist you through the process.

5) The Build

Now the paperwork is out the way it’s time to get really to work! We understand the importance of being kept up to speed at the progress of your project, and for this stage (the excavation stage) you will have your own designated foreman on site. They shall be happy to arrange regular meetings to update you with progress and keep the disruption down to an absolute minimum. Depending on the size of the project an excavation stage will take generally 6-10 months or so.

6) Completion

Once the work has been finished we then meet with you to ensure you are delighted with the work. Convert My Basement will collate and issue all documents pertaining to the development, especially those relating to build work completion. We shall issue the details of our 10-year insurance guarantee scheme (extended to 30 years for delta membrane systems employed on the building).