FAQ

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What is the advantage of using The London Basement Company?
We have over the years built up a skilled workforce and established a team of experts, including in-house surveying, planning & design, engineering and project management facilities, enabling us to offer a full design and build service, meaning our client’s have only one company to deal with. Our reputation speaks for itself.
Why a basement conversion?
One of the main reasons for choosing a basement conversion is the lack of suitable living space in many London properties, balanced against the cost of moving to a larger property, taking into account stamp duty, moving costs and of course, the cost of the larger property. Also, within London it is the only way to gain this amount of extra space.

Or, perhaps you just want to maximise on your property and create the leisure space you have always dreamed of, in which case you will have an investment that you can enjoy every day.
What are the most popular uses for a new basement?
What most London properties lack is sufficient living space and a basement conversion can provide a complete new floor level, providing multiple rooms that can be used for any purpose, i.e. Media Room * Playroom * Games Room* Gymnasium/Sauna * Bedroom * Nanny Suite* Swimming Pool * Bathroom * Utility or a combination of any of these – the possibilities are endless.
Must there be an existing cellar?
No, in most instances we can construct a basement where there is no cellar.
What if I have a solid floor?
London Basement has pioneered a method of basement construction below concrete floors.
How much head height can I have?
We consider 2.4M (8'0") to be a minimum comfortable ceiling height, but in most cases it can be as high as you want, although, of course, this will affect the cost.
Is it possible to create a basement of more than one level?
Yes, although this is dependant upon ground conditions and the location of the property.
Can I live in the property whilst the works are in progress?
The majority of our clients remain in their homes during their basement conversion, which is a major advantage. We excavate in the front garden, where the window and lightwell will be. We then construct a secure covered hoarding around the area and this opening is used as our point of access throughout the works.
Does a basement conversion require planning permission?
Planning permission is required when forming lightwells and creating new habitable space. As a design and build company, London Basement can carry out the design and planning submission on your behalf.
I live in a conservation area, would this prohibit me from having a basement constructed?
Very rarely, although it may have some affect on the design of the lightwell.
Do I need to advise my neighbours about the proposed basement construction?
Yes, Party Wall awards are generally required and we will arrange for a Party Wall Surveyor to act on your behalf.
Is it possible to take a basement construction beyond the footprint of the house?
Yes, we can continue the construction of a basement below front or rear gardens, including paved driveways, ground conditions allowing.
How long does a basement conversion take?
Dependant upon the size of the area and the extent of the works, approx. 12 – 24 weeks for a standard basement conversion, below the footprint, subject to size.
Do London Basement sub-contract the work out.
No. London Basement currently employs approx. 300 staff, many of whom have been with us for years, from surveying, design, project management through to the excavators/underpinners and fit out teams, which means that we can control the complete programme and quality of works.
How is the work supervised?
Each project has a dedicated Project Manager, a dedicated team of excavators/underpinners led by a foreman and at fit out stage, you will have a dedicated working carpenter foreman to liaise with all of the trades, all overseen by your Surveyor. The works are also inspected at every stage of construction by the local District Surveyor to ensure that they are being carried out in accordance with Building Regulations.
Are there any guarantees on the work?
As members of ASUC (The Association of Specialist Underpinning Contractors) we are able to offer a 12 year insurance backed guarantee on all of the works. The waterproofing works are also covered by our 10 year guarantee and the cavity drain membrane waterproofing system used is covered by a 30 year product guarantee.
What kind of insurances do London Basement carry?
The very highest levels possible – click here to view our Insurance Verification pdf.
And last, but definitely not least, what kind of costs would I be looking at?
Because there are so many considerations to be taken into account, we feel it could be misleading to provide any costs here, but if you would like to call and discuss your proposed project with Maggie Smith, in most instances we will be able to provide a verbal budget cost prior to booking a survey for a written estimate.