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Case Studies

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1. Rachael and Stephen

Rachael and Stephen live in the highly sought after area of Highgate in North London. This is one of London’s most sought after addresses, with the area being steeped in history, culture and with a reputation for elegance and sophistication. Highgate offers Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, and of course the famous Highgate Cemetery with none other than Karl Marx is buried! Some of London’s top schools are located with the N6 postcode!

So, when our couple realised that they needed more space for their growing family and changing lifestyle, it was no surprise that they really did not wish to move!

Rachel and Stephen are both working professionals and have two teenage children who live the life of young teenagers to the full, with a love of music and plenty of noisy friends!

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2. Kim and Ben

This basement conversion was completed for this young couple with two children under the age of six, living in the North London suburb of Friern Barnet which is located within the Borough of Barnet, bordering on Finchley, Muswell Hill and Southgate.

The family home is a beautiful period property, terraced with three bedrooms and located in a pleasant, peaceful suburban road. The family love the area they live in and have built good relationships with neighbours and the local community. Also, the schools in the area are great, which is one of the reason why this couple chose to move to this area to begin with.

However, Kim and Ben found themselves needing more space in their home, with their growing family, they really wanted more room for their children to play, and more space to come together and relax as a family.

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3. Martin

Martin: South/South East London (Property Developer)

Martin is a builder and property developer and owns several properties across South/South East London. Like all developers he always seeks ways to get the best return upon his investment.

We were invited to tender on two new proposed two bedroom basements flats, to be built below an existing purpose built mansion house. The footprint of which was an area of approximately 290 m2 . The design and planning application process was already in hand, along with the structural design by Martin’s own engineer.

What was immediately bought to our attention was the very poor ground conditions, together with the high water table. The makeup of the ground was what we refer to as River Terrace Gravel, a gravelly sand, with little firm soil to build upon. Worse than that, there was standing water from about two meters below the ground.

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FAQs

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About Basement Masters & Our Services

Are Basement Masters recognised by any reputable trade organizations?

Yes. We are members of a number of trade federations e.g. BASW & FMB. We are also accredited Members of the Basement Information Centre.
What services do Basement Masters offer?

We offer a full basement package, starting from consultation and design onto a full range of construction services that will leave you with a total turn-key finish. Should you require only a part of our services e.g. build or design only, we would be happy to discuss your requirements.
Can you guarantee your work?

Yes, all our work is covered by a 10 year guarantee (Not Insurance Back). If you require an insurance back guarantee we can arrange quotations. Your deposit can also be covered by the insurance company
Are you insured to carry out work on my premises?

Yes, we have full range of insurance cover for all the works we undertake.
Can I see a completed conversion?

Of course! It will be our pleasure to show you a recent or on-going conversion at the home of one of our many satisfied customers.
Why should I choose Basement Masters to convert my basement?

Basement conversion is an expensive and major construction project. It is essential, for safety and financial reasons, that it is built correctly. Basement Masters have the experience and capability of building you a basement conversion you can rely on, whilst showing care, respect and concern during what is to be a reasonably long project.

Planning & Legal Queries

Who will arrange my plans and planning permission?

Rest assured, Basement Masters will draw up your plans and liaise with the local authority for all the planning permission and building regulations required.
Do I need planning permission?

In most instances where a habitable living area is to be created, planning permission should be sort. However, in some circumstances, where a cellar already exists and the work will not alter the façade of the property, planning permission may not be required. If in doubt, we will seek confirmation from the planners on your behalf.
What is Building Regulations and will I need approval?

Yes, almost certainly, unless your basement work is only of a cosmetic nature. Building Regulations are provided under powers provided in the Building Act 1984, they contain dealing with definitions, procedures, what is expected in terms of the technical performance of building work and how the building should comply in the interests of the health and safety of the building users.
What is a Party Wall Notice and will I need to serve?

Most likely, it is possible to be living in a detached property up to six metres away from the adjacent property and still require to serve notice. We will be able to give you some guidance on this, we can also introduce you to Party Wall Surveyors if needed.

The Party Wall Act provides the framework for the resolution of any neighbour related construction issues. It cannot be used by your neighbour as a means to prevent you installing a basement.
Do I need an existing cellar space or basement?

No, you do not need an existing cellar or basement area below your existing property. Complete basements can and have been installed without the need for this, in fact most of our basements have been installed where no previous space existed below the property.

Cost

How much will a basement conversion cost?

No two basements are exactly the same we therefore carry out an initial survey to give you a budget cost.
Does the cost include the architect and engineer design services?

Yes, the price we provide you with allows for a complete package. However, party wall costs will not be included in our price.

Timeframe

How quickly can work commence?

Generally within four to six weeks of permission being obtained.
How long will it take for a basement to be completed?

This will vary depending on type and size of basement but the average basement to a builders finish i.e. complete less decorated would be 7-9 months (please see our processes page).
How long do the legal and planning aspects normally take?

Ideally at least 4 months should be allowed for this (please see our processes page)

The Work

How disruptive is the work? Can we still live in the property during the work?

Yes, you can, clients nearly always do.

A full retro basement installation is a major construction project on your home but with our past experience, knowledge, and co-operative approach, disruption is kept to the absolute minimum.

The site access and entry area is hoarded off from the rest of your home. We will have separate temporary rest room facilities. Noise and dust pollution will be kept to the absolute minimum, your Health & Safety is of paramount concern.
Who supervises the work?

Our Contracts Manager, as well as regular site visits from your local authority / approved building inspectors.
Will you arrange for installation of plumbing and electrics?

Yes, this is all included in our total price.

The Process

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1. Initial Process
- Initial Discussion - To establish feasibility and possibly an indicative budget cost.
- Appointment - At your proposed site.
- Quotation/Contract Offer – sent within 7-10 working days.
- Offer Acceptance – a full comprehensive survey carried out, full set of planning approval drawings.
- Plans Submitted – The Local Authority should make their decision within 8 weeks however, this could take longer.
- Exploratory Tests & Trials – The information complied is used in the structural design.
- Preparation of Full Set of Building Regulation Drawings – along with structural details, specifications and calculations.
- Appoint Party Wall Surveyor – this time could vary immensely. If required details and package are fully prepared this could speed up the process
- Set Start Date – once all preliminary and legal work is complete.
- Pre-commencement Meeting – this is fundamental to the success of the whole project.
- Commencement on Site – We secure the site and make it safe before any construction work is carried out.

2. Construction Process

Week 1	Erect independent hoarding and access area. Provide temporary weather-proofing and supports. Supply external washroom facilities. Supply temporary electrics.
Week 2 - 8	Commence excavation and underpinning.Install any below slab concrete padstones.
Week 9-11	Excavate the bulk of soil and dispose of accordingly.
Week 12-13	Cut into existing brickwork. Prepare to receive structural steel bearing spreader plates/concrete padstones. Install heaving duty steel beams and universal beams.
Week 14	Create new reinforced basement floor slab incorporating sump and drainage system.
Week 15-16	Supply and fix a cavity drain waterproofing system.
Week 17-22	Construction and formation of external light wells. Install Cat ladder in light well. Metal stud dry line around external wall perimeter. Cavity to be filled with quilted installation. Internal partitions to be formed. New suspended ceiling to be constructed. All first and second fix electrics and plumbing.
Week 23-27	Seal existing doorways. Install new stairwell. Close tread softwood string staircase.Complete all second fixing (including electrics, plumbing, skirting, doors and architraves).
Week 28	Arrange Building Control Final Inspection to approve works. Clear site and handover job.

3. Completion Process
- Inspection – Final inspection carried out.
- Certificates Issued – Membrane, Structural Waterproofing, Electrical and Gas Certificates.
- Servicing – Basement Pump Service.

Welcome to Basement Master's gallery page. The following images are made up of a small sample of basement solutions we have recently carried out. More projects will be added to this page in the coming months. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on: 020 3535 6655