CONVERTING A BASEMENT TO A BEDROOM
Is your family expanding? Do you need an extra guest bedroom for friends and family? Or perhaps you just want to increase the value of your home? Converting basement to bedroom is the best way to create more space and improve your property, particularly if you’re running out of room above ground. Danford, Brewer & Ives has years of experience converting basements into bedrooms, and our expert team is here to help you through every step of the process.
Can a Basement be a Bedroom?
Yes, you can convert basement to bedroom. In fact, converting basements into bedrooms is one of the most popular home improvement projects we undertake here at Danford, Brewer & Ives.
A basement conversion project allows you to make use of space below ground, and you don’t necessarily even need an existing cellar or basement area to create a new bedroom. Existing basements can be converted into bedrooms, or your house can be underpinned and a new basement bedroom can be excavated.
There are a number of advantages to be gained from converting a basement into a bedroom, including:
- Utilises often unused space below ground
- Allows you to create an entirely new bedroom to your specifications
- Increases the value of your home
How to Convert a Basement into a Bedroom
There are several steps that ensure your basement conversion project is completed safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. The process of converting basement to bedroom requires the following:
- Initial inquiry: An initial inquiry asks the basic questions, gathers information on the state of your current basement (if there is one), and makes cost and time estimates.
- Site Survey: If we believe a basement conversion is possible, we’ll organise a full site survey to provide more accurate estimates of the project’s requirements.
- Design and planning: Once we know exactly what you’re looking for in a basement conversion, we’ll organise for a full design to be drawn up by engineers and architects, while we begin planning for the construction phase.
- Construction: This stage varies from one project to the next, but will see your basement taking shape below ground. This stage may involve excavation and underpinning, as well as waterproofing.
- Decoration and furnishing: Once the basement has been built, it’s time to decorate and furnish your new bedroom.
Are Basement Bedrooms Safe?
Basement bedrooms are perfectly safe to live in. As with all construction projects, it’s best to use the skills and experience of a basement conversion specialist to ensure your new room meets all safety requirements.
Often, no planning permission is required, but you do need to ensure that building regulations are followed in order to make the new bedroom safe and enjoyable to live in. A basement conversion specialist can advise you on the safety requirements, and ensure that your new bedroom(s) follow the necessary rules.
Do Basement Bedrooms Need a Window?
It’s a legal requirement for bedrooms to have a window. Any bedroom has to be built with a window that can be used as a fire escape in the event of an emergency, and this includes a basement bedroom.
As this is a fundamental requirement by law, a basement specialist will need to ensure that it’s possible to build a window into the design before commencing a project. Laws aside, it’s also important to allow both light and ventilation into a basement bedroom, or else it won’t be a very attractive place to live and sleep.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Basement Bedroom?
The cost of converting a basement into a bedroom varies from one home to the next. The price depends on a number of factors, including the size of the project, the complexity of the work, and the existing infrastructure.
If a cellar space is already present, a simple conversion project will cost around £700 per square metre. If a property needs to be underpinned in order to build a basement space then costs will rise; you could be looking at £1,500 – £2,000 per square metre.
Contact Danford, Brewer & Ives and Find Out If We Can Convert Your Basement into a Bedroom
At Danford, Brewer & Ives we’re experts in the field of basement conversions. Our experienced team is on hand to make your basement bedroom plans a reality, and we’re ready to oversee your conversion project from start to finish.
We provide all of our clients with an insurance-backed guarantee and are happy to answer any questions you have about how to convert a basement into a bedroom. Contact us today for more information.