Top 6 Considerations to Keep in Mind before You Start Basement Conversion.
You might have dreams of building your dream cinema to enjoy Saturday nights with your friends at home, or you might be thinking about taking your passion to the next level by building a gym 
or a music studio in your basement.
If you want to make the most out of your basement by converting it into a more useful space, then make sure that it is not an impulsive decision. Make sure that you go through our list of considerations that you should keep in mind before starting with your basement conversion project.
1. Consult a Professional before Starting
You might be excited and all pumped up to start a conversion project as soon as possible; however, it is essential to consult a professional to ensure that your house’s structure allows you to dig into the basement or not.
It is necessary to know how deep you can go into the ground because not all homes are built with a basement plan. So, rather than starting a project impulsively and regretting it later, you should consult an experienced architect, engineer or contractor and discuss the possibilities with them.
2. Don’t Miscalculate Your Budget
Once you start a basement conversion project, you cannot leave it halfway. Make sure that you get all the estimates from professional, experienced builders to avoid miscalculation. You cannot afford any miscalculation, thus consult a professional to ensure that you know how much money you would need to complete a project. Make sure that you keep a surplus amount just-in-case.
3. Get Legal Permission
Make sure that you consult the legal authorities to know whether you have legal permission for a basement or not. Checking if you need planning permission from the local authority is essential, as is compliance with Building Regulations and The Party Wall Act.
A company experienced in basement conversions would be able to guide you about how much time it requires for you to get legal permission and what terms you will have to agree with according to the legal agreement.
4. Make Sure That It Is Water-Proof
If your property is located in an area where the underground is usually damp, then you need to get help from a professional, ensuring that your basement is dry. Making sure that your basement is waterproof will help you protect your house from structural damage.
It doesn’t matter if you are planning to make a music studio or even a swimming pool, you need to ensure that your basement is completely waterproof.
5. Sufficient Lighting
Depending on the possibilities, you need to make sure that you make all efforts for maximum natural lighting in the basement. Moreover, if you have planned to convert your basement into a living area, bedroom, annexe, or a kitchen, then natural light will provide the basement with a refreshing environment, making it more welcoming.
6. Décor is Important
It is a horrible idea to overload your basement with furniture and decorative items. Basements are already considered dark and dingy; so overloading it with furniture will not be a good idea when looking for basement conversions. Thus, you should focus on keeping it simple and fresh.
Danford Brewer & Ives are basement conversion experts. With many successful projects completed, we are the perfect partner for anyone looking to have a basement conversion.
To discuss your plans further simply contact DBI and book an appointment for one of our qualified site surveyors to visit you and run through the options with you.