Do you have a growing family and need more space? Or just want a home that has the wow factor? Have you moved into a new home and are thinking about renovating to have your stamp on it? A garden basement may just be what you need. It’s unique and can be used for whatever you want; a playroom, a gym, a swimming pool, a kitchen-diner or a home office.
Not only will it add space to your existing home, but it has also proven to increase the value of property.
Here’ why should you build a basement under your garden & not under the existing structure.
A garden basement, allows for a brighter, lighter space as you can install roof lights, lightwells or terraces and flood the basement with natural light.
External openings directly into the garden allow for fresh air. Basements under the existing structure have limited scope for natural air and sunlight. Garden basements, on the other hand, by their very nature and position on your property are ideal to allow for fresh air and light.
A garden basement can be much bigger than a basement under your home if you have a large garden. There’s nothing to stop you (other than council approval) from creating a basement under your garden that spans across it.
Often, a garden basement is quicker to build than one that’s under the existing property simply from an ease of access perspective. Equipment for a basement conversion is large, heavy and cumbersome and much harder to manoeuvre inside a property than outside. Equipment like the conveyor belt and piling rig can easily be installed outdoors. Want to know how much your basement might cost? Find out here.
One of the most useful facts of a garden basement is its reduced impact to your and your neighbour’s properties from a structural perspective. And with no building added to the back of your house, it’s subtlety, protects your neighbour’s right to light.
We’ve probably got you excited about your garden basement now… is your head spinning with ideas and plans for that amazing space you are going to create? That’s wonderful and please do give us a call if you need someone to help you through it.
However, before you dive into the project, there are some elements you need to consider.
- Planning – Please speak to your local council to understand the basement planning policies in your borough. Different areas have different requirements and it’s important to be well-informed about what you can and cannot do. Find out more about basement building regulations.
- Is your property in a conservation area? If so, there are some very specific requirements that you need to adhere to.
- Trees- check if there are any Tree Protection Orders (TPO”s) on your property. You will also need to assess whether your basement will have an impact on the trees in both yours and your neighbour’s properties.
- Party Wall Awards –You will need a party wall award if your home is semi-detached or terraced as you will be digging close enough to your neighbour’s property. If you are in a detached home, other criteria come into play. Speak to a party wall specialist to assess whether you need an agreement.
- Hire a competent and experienced architect. Your architect is the single most important person when you are embarking on any extension or conversion project. Find out how you can find the right architect here.
- Of course, your building contractor is as important as your architect. Make sure you appoint a builder who is experienced with building basements. A builder who has never done a basement, may be perfectly capable of building an extension, but a basement has considerations that only an experienced basement builder will know.
At SDA Build London, we have worked on several homes across South West London and have built some stunning basements. Please do visit our Projects page to have a browse of the work we have completed.
If you are thinking about a garden basement or even a basement under your home, do give us a call on 0208 191 7595 or email us at enquiries@sdabuildlondon.co.uk or better still why not book a FREE consultation via our website. We’d be happy to visit your property, assess your needs and give you some recommendations and options. We look forward to hearing from you.
