How is natural light brought into a basement?

Through lightwells, glazed pavement lights, sunken courtyards and carefully positioned internal glazing. Good lighting design, layering natural and artificial light, is a core part of our basement schemes, so the finished space feels like a natural extension of your home rather than a cellar.

Is a basement conversion worth the investment?

In areas where space is at a premium and moving costs are high, basements are often the most valuable square footage you can add, commonly used for gyms, cinema rooms, home offices, utility rooms or self-contained guest suites. Whether the numbers stack up depends on local property values, and we're always honest with clients about whether a basement makes financial sense for their street.

What types of basement conversion are there?

There are three main types: a half basement, which converts or extends a partially below-ground space such as an existing cellar; a garden basement, built out beneath the garden with lightwells or a sunken courtyard; and a full basement, excavated beneath the entire footprint of the house. The right option depends on your property, how much space you need and your budget. Our basement conversion process guide covers each in detail.

Are basements damp? How do you keep the water out?

Modern basements are dry, warm, comfortable spaces. We use waterproofing systems designed to BS 8102 (the UK’s governing code of practice for waterproofing below-ground structures), which is typically a cavity drainage membrane with a sump and pump, sometimes combined with tanking, giving two independent forms of protection. Properly installed systems come with long-term guarantees - and ours do, of course.

Do basement conversions need planning permission?

Converting an existing cellar into living space usually doesn't, as it's a change of use of existing space within the home. Excavating a new basement or enlarging one, adding lightwells, or altering the external appearance generally does require permission, and some London boroughs have specific basement policies. We'll confirm the position for your property before any work begins.