Advantages of Getting a Basement Construction
Basements
or cellars are an investment and if you are going from having no basement to
building a completely new basement or having an existing basement or cellar and
getting a conversion, there is a lot of work involved in the design, planning
and construction process. Because it is such a big project that takes time and
labour, you should think carefully or at least consider the benefits of
basement construction.
Of course,
like anything, with benefits come some cons or disadvantages. Some properties
such as apartment buildings and houses with not enough room or no planning
permission, will not likely benefit from a basement conversion because some
properties are just not made for a basement conversion.
Whatever
the case, whether you are looking to invest in a full basement conversion, semi
basement conversion, a basement refurbishment or a basement expansion, you will
need to know the pros of basement conversion.
Below are
some benefits of a basement construction for residential as well as commercial
properties. We also list some possible disadvantages to think about before
getting a basement conversion.
Benefits of Basement Conversion
More Space for Big Families
If you are living in a household with
more than four people or if you are a member of a big or growing family, then
you will understand how important space is. This is especially the case when
everyone’s belongings take up more space than you have, it can feel crowded and
overwhelming, causing stress particularly for the homeowner paying the bills.
A basement conversion is perfect for
big families and growing families because it opens up more space in your home.
It is perfect for growing families who are not looking to move into a new home,
but instead want to expand the space they have in their home. A basement
conversion allows families to stay in the home that they love and in the
neighbourhood they have roots in. This is an ideal solution to families who
have invested their money and hearts into their current home and do not want to
or can’t afford to move into a completely new house.
Better
Utilisation of Space
Having a basement will allow you to
make better use of the space in your home, by having more space to use for
living, activities, leisure and storage. Think of all the things you could use
the extra space for.
It is also makes more economic sense
from a contractor or builders perspective if they are having to build a new
home or dig deep foundations for any reason, it would be the ideal time to
convert your small cellar into a fully functioning basement room at this point.
Digging deeper foundations cost more on top of a basement conversion; therefore
expenses would be saved in a situation like this.
Maximum
Use of Land with the Same Footprint
Since the population is always
growing, it is a big concern that we will run out of land space sometime in the
future. Sources have estimated that in the United Kingdom alone, we will need
around four million new homes in the next 20 years.
A natural solution would be to
conserve the land we haven’t yet used for future generations who need the space
to build housing and facilities. But what about those who need more space to
live in? A basement is a perfect solution. Having your basement converted
allows you to make more space in your home without taking up more land. This is
because with a basement, the main feature is that it is an underground room,
this means that no more land will be used up, instead of building outwards, you
are building downwards. A basement conversion will allow you to have more floor
room without increasing your footprint or sacrificing garden space.
Building contractors are often
limited when working on above-ground storey buildings because of the footprint
caused. However, having a basement constructed allows for further living space
without breaking any planning requirements or building regulations. Having a
basement also allows you to free up space from above-ground storeys for
facilities such as a garden or garage.
As available building land becomes
more and more scarce, builders and contractors are starting to make great use
of sloping land and other sites that require deep foundations. As mentioned in
the previous point, if a building site’s foundations are necessary to be deeper
than one metre, then it would make more economical sense to include a basement
conversion in the project.
Energy
Efficient Home
Any home with a basement has fewer
walls that are externally exposed, which means that it is better at insulating
heat and sound. Walls and floors will
have improved insulation and the materials used in construction will add to the
additional mass. It will save money spent on heating bills and improve your
home’s efficiency.
Increase
in Property Value
One big added benefit of getting your
basement converted is to increase your property’s value. Having a three storey
home will definitely add more value when it comes to the time of putting your
home on the market.
Cons of Basement Construction
One of the biggest fears of hopeful
homeowners is paying a cowboy builder without knowing and getting a shabby half
done job. This is one disadvantage that may discourage homeowners to get their
basement converted or constructed, however there are plenty of excellent
basement companies out there, you just have to look for them.
You should make sure that the
building company is fully qualified and insured to carry out the work needed on
your property. Knowing that they are professionally trained will put your mind
at ease and will result in a better done job.
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