What to consider when adding a basement to your home

Abtech Basements has provided a step-by-step guide explaining what must be considered when having a basement installed in your home.

Firstly you must decide whether or not you will need to enlarge the building – if you do need to then you will require planning permission.

If you do not need to enlarge the building then planning permission isn’t necessary. However, as some development rights have been removed from a few properties it is always good to contact your local planning authority before proceeding. 

For listed buildings, consent may be required.

Things to consider are:

Structure

Is the building adequately built to allow the conversion to take place? The ideal basement has solid, strong soils, and the building’s foundation or footings must be placed on solid ground or undisturbed soil. There should never be settlement cracks and the basement must be waterproof.

Existing walls

To prevent interior air from contracting cold basement surfaces, basement walls must be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation.

Soundproofing

Depending on what you are using your basement for it may be worth considering if you need to soundproof your basement. For instance, if you are planning on using drums or any instruments in there, soundproofing would be beneficial.

Smoke alarms

Fire safety is important throughout your home, having smoke alarms in your basement could help save your life in the event of an emergency.

Electrical work

It is of utmost importance that you get your electrical wiring checked as part of Building Regulations.

Heating

It is worth considering installing a heating system in your basement if you intend to spend a lot of time there, otherwise you will be cold during the winter.

Party wall agreement

A party wall agreement may help prevent disputes when a wall is jointly owned by two neighbours.

Waterproofing

It is important to get the correct type of damp system in place from the beginning to ensure that water and drainage do not ruin the basement. In addition, a dry basement is less likely to have pests or termites.

Lighting

Having the right type of lighting is also important. You can utilise the natural light you already have, or opt for a certain style.

Contact Abtech Basements for further information on how to build a new basement for your home.