Basement Conversions
Basement conversions are becoming more and more popular, as people realise the benefits of having a large space to do what they want. But before you get started with your conversion, it’s important to think about all of the pro’s and con’s that come with this kind of project. At Essex Conversions, we have been doing basement conversions for years, so if you need advice or anything else just give us a call!
What is basement conversion?
A basement conversion is the process of converting a basement into a living space, adding additional needs including bedroom(s), bathroom and more.
Different ways you can convert your basement
Below are some different ways in which Essex Conversions have converted basements:
Additional Bedroom(s)
If your family is getting bigger, you’ll need more bedrooms. Essex Conversions can add another bedroom for you to meet your needs
PlayRoom/Nursery
Essex Conversions will create a playroom or nursery for the little ones, with plenty of light and soundproofing
Bar
Unsurprisingly this is another popular basement conversion that can also be turned into an office or home cinema if you prefer
Sauna
This is an optional piece that Essex Conversions can install, and it’s a small space in which you can relax after a long day of work. It provides comfort and relief from sore muscles or aches
Home Gym/Fitness Room
This is the most popular conversion we’ve seen in recent years with clients who want room for their equipment as well as to stretch out on some mats when they’re done working out or at any time during the day
Basement
If your basement has enough space, then this could be a great use for it! Essex Conversions will convert one end into just about anything you need: studio space, hobby area, games room-whatever suits your needs.
Studio/Hobby Room
For a studio or hobby room, Essex Conversions would create a room with plenty of windows and natural light, as well as the best soundproofing in place to keep your space private.
Home Office
Essex Conversions will transform your basement into a home office with the best natural light and soundproofing, as well as ample storage for all of your equipment
Dining Room
This could work really nicely alongside a bar area when converting your basement! The dining table has ample storage underneath while still allowing the room to be used for other purposes
Teenager/Granny Suite
Essex Conversions know that teenagers need their space, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up your living room for them! Essex Conversions can create a bedroom and bathroom with access from the hall or another area of the house
Family Room
This would be ideal as a TV/Media/Cinema room when converting your basement – Essex Conversions will make sure there’s plenty of soundproofing in place so everyone doesn’t get woken up if they’re watching something late at night
TV/Media/Cinema Room
Essex Conversions can create a TV/Media room for your basement conversion – Essex Conversions will take care of the wiring and soundproofing so that you’re not disturbed by other people’s noise
Kitchen
A kitchen will usually come at the end of one side, so Essex Conversions will always position it on that wall where there’s enough room for running water – we’ll need to drill through bricks or put up some sheetrock before installing appliances and/or plumbing fixtures
Additional Bathroom
There’s nothing worse than not having enough toilets or showers in the house when everyone has a full day of work and activities planned! Essex Conversions can convert this space into one, which will make it much easier for people to get ready in the morning.
Wet Room
The wet room is an area that Essex Conversions have been installing more often lately as they’re very popular among clients who want a spa-like experience at home without breaking their budget and without spending hours on end just trying to take care of all those pesky little details like shampooing hair or shaving legs
Games Room
Essex Conversions know how important it is to have somewhere to escape, even if just in your own home or garden! Essex Conversions can design a games room where all the walls are padded (for safety), there’s lots of space for different activities, and there’s plenty of entertainment options
Living Room
Essex Conversions can include a living area too, which could serve as another bedroom with its bathroom and kitchenette – perfect for teenagers or grandparents who live close by and don’t want their independence taken away from them while they age in place
Self-Contained Apartment
Essex Conversions can provide the perfect way for a growing family to stay in their home without being cramped. Essex Conversions have created designs of this kind with an open plan living room, kitchen and dining area that includes bedrooms on one side, and bathrooms on another
Pros of basement conversion
The pros of basement conversions include:
More Space
Some people find that the basement conversion gives them more space for their needs, and can provide a way to accommodate visitors or teenagers in your home without having to take up precious living room space. The family may be able to clear out their bedrooms upstairs if they convert the basement into another bedroom with its own bathroom and kitchenette, freeing up valuable floor space on the upper levels of your house.
Higher Value
Converting a lower level is one of the most popular ways homeowners have been adding value to their property over recent years, which makes it an excellent option if you want to sell your property in Essex down the line as well. Converting to a lower level will not only add value and space to your property, but will also give you the opportunity to create a more modern living environment that suits today’s needs.
Aesthetic Appeal
A renovated basement provides you with an excellent way to make use of what would otherwise be wasted ground level area in Essex for gardens or patios and can even enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Cons of basement conversion
There are a few disadvantages of basement conversions such as the cost and time it takes to convert a basement. The process can be expensive even if you do the work yourself, so factor this in when considering whether or not you want to continue with your conversion project in Essex.
The time is also a concern because of how much effort will go into the renovation including obtaining all necessary permits as well as searching for contractors that specialize in Essex conversions. Furthermore, once construction begins on your property there are going to be many delays due out of your control which could cause an inconvenience for events such as Christmas shopping.
As always, we encourage everyone interested in converting their lower-level space to reach out and speak about their situation with one of our experts at Essex Conversions before they make any decisions.
The process we employ for basement conversions
The process first starts by taking measurements of the space you would like to convert to determine how many square feet are available. Essex Conversions will provide a professional drawing as well that includes two options for your new layout; single level conversion and multi-level conversion.
After that Essex Conversions will provide you with a free quote and design that is tailored to your needs. Essex Conversions does not charge for the initial consultation or drawing, but we do ask for 50% of our estimate to start working on your project.
Frequently asked questions
Will the value of my property increase?
This largely depends on the location and the demand for homes in that area. Essex Conversions has found through experience, however, that property will generally increase by £30k to £70k per bedroom if a basement conversion is done correctly with good materials such as brick or stone veneer.
Who will arrange my basement conversion plans and planning permission?
Basement Conversions Essex are experts in arranging the necessary planning permission for your project with Essex County Council. We can also guide you through the process of obtaining everything else that is required to get a basement conversion underway including builders, bricklayers, plumbers and electricians etc.
Do you guarantee your work?
Throughout Essex Conversions we pride ourselves on our professionalism and excellent customer service; this starts from the first consultation until the completion of your project. In Essex Conversions’ history, there has never been an instance where someone was not satisfied with our work! We offer all of our clients a lifetime warranty which means they can call us at any point during their homeownership should something need repairing due to water leaks or cracks in foundations etc.
Can I see a completed basement conversion?
Currently, we have two sample projects available which showcase our work and what it would look like if you came to Essex Conversions for your own home! The first one being an office space on Church Street in Chelmsford which was converted into three bedrooms; this property has a five-star BER rating so prospective tenants will be happy knowing their living environment meets all British safety standards! In addition, we have a finished conversion on a property in Essex which was split into three bedrooms and two bathrooms; this home features some stunning exposed brickwork to give the conversion a modern feel, while also keeping with traditional roots.
Will my basement conversion be dry?
By Essex Conversions, all of our basement conversions will be dry and with a five-star BER rating.