Basements refer to spaces under houses, that are built with the intention of adding rooms to the property, historically mainly used for storage purposes. They can broadly be subdivided into five categories, depending upon their location, time of construction relative to the main property and depth.
Types of basement -
Refurbishment -
A refurbishment generally describes alterations that are made to an already existing space below ground. Refurbishments tend to require lowering the floor, to increase head room, improving ventilation and lighting, and from time to time underpinning of walls. Typically you would also expect new finishes and fixtures, as well as a waterproofing system. The benefits gained from a refurbishment are threefold: it adds value to your property, gives you additional usable space for rooms such as gyms, games rooms or extra storage and it addresses any potential problems with damp.
New Basement Garden -
A new basement garden refers to a basement that is adjacent to an existing property which is usually in a garden space, hence the name. The new structure will be below ground level, and will normally have a planted green roof or terrace at garden level. Access will be granted from the main house via a staircase down. The benefits will generally be the same as a refurbishment, offering extra value to the property, additional space for rooms such as gyms, offices or games rooms. However, it also adds extra potential for natural daylight to other areas of the property through roof lights.
New Basement Under New House -
This type of basement refers to a new basement that is purpose-built in conjunction with the building of a new property. This style of basement takes a little more consideration as it has to fit the spec of the building that is being built on top of it. Windows and internal and external access will always vary from property to property. Each basement will be designed to suit the current and future requirements of the house. Benefits include, added value and desirability for future sales, added space, future adaptability, reduction of a house’s footprint and increased production of thermal performance.
Retrofit -
A retrofit is a new space that has been created through excavation underneath an already existing property. Although underpinning works are required for this type of basement build, it allows for the creation of additional space under a business or home without the need to build elsewhere. It can also enhance the preservation of an existing building, for example a listed building. As well as naturally adding value to the property, it allows the owners to develop in the same location and can release the property from potentially becoming empty.
Deep basements -
Spaces that are more than one story deep. Most commonly used for car parking, storage under large residential developments, plant service space and other commercial, retail and urban uses. Benefits include optimising the building’s footprint above ground and allowing for additional parking.
1st Option Basements -
Here at 1st Option, we always pride ourselves on representing the best of the best when it comes to location homes. Because of this, we are privileged enough to have an array of basements on our books ranging across the whole spectrum of basement types. Check out Hadlow, Bell House and The Manor which are your more classic deep basements. We also have Lotus, which is a new basement garden and locations like Harper, Sage and Astral which are your refurbishment style basements.