A basement or cellar conversion can be an expensive job but the returns can be excellent if you can add a new room to your home. On average you can expect to pay around £2000-£5000 per square metre. So to calculate your overall costs you should muliply the size of your basement by these potential figures.
Our estimated prices are based on the average home, and depending on your location, foundations and required quality these estimates can go up or down. How much you pay is going to depend on your personal preferences in style and quality but this guide should give you enough information to make an informed decision when accepting quotes from tradesman.
If you want to instantly increase your home’s value, convert the basement to usable/livable space. Make it a game-room, use it as a guest-room, or make it the man cave/bar you’ve always dreamt of having inside your home.
The overall cost of the project can vary a lot depending on multiple factors but expect to pay in the region of £2000-£5000 per square metre.
Okay, these projects are all fun in theory, but require a little more (financially/time) to complete. So, let’s take a look at what will go into converting a basement into usable space if it is simply collecting dust, or storing old coats that don’t fit anyone in your home anymore.
Initially, a survey of the basement has to be conducted. Is the ground level? Does it have running water, plumbing, lighting, etc., in place? Is it legal to be used as a room (zoning)?
Upon discussing these issues with a contractor, you are ready to start the development, design, and ultimately construction, when converting the basement area. So, decide how you will utilise the space.
A guest bedroom is a great idea; but, so is that dream bar/mancave, you’ve always wanted. Consider your family size, and whether or not you have guests visiting frequently. If you do, it might be time to design a guest bedroom space, which will be inviting for any visitor.
At this point you must also consider if the space requires heating and cooling, running water, plumbing, internet, cable, etc. Because the intended use of the space will dictate how much work is required, all of these aspects must be taken into consideration when designing, and ultimately building the basement, and converting it into a usable space.
Now is a good time to add a bathroom to the basement, or install washer and dryer hookups. Since construction is about to take place, you might as well do everything at once. You can typically finance the project, and when you do all of the work with one contractor, you will pay a lower price for the completion of the conversion as well.
If you need to do leveling/foundation work, fix the siding, fix the walls, or if there is a faint smell of mould in the area, take care of all of these tasks before you start any conversion/construction. Doing so will eliminate the need for tearing down and rebuilding in the future. It will take less time, cost less money, and will be far less of a headache for you in the future, since you know the space is safe for guests, regardless of the way you intend on using the converted basement space.
Painting, new décor, furniture, and other items you want to add to the converted basement, should be considered and purchased at this point in time as well. Why not do everything at once? It is easier, you can use the space immediately, and, there’s no looking back/room for regret, once you see the completed space, and realise just how much you’ve increased your home’s value by adding the converted space to it.
Nothing in life ever goes by perfectly, right? So, why would this project? There are possible setbacks you should account for. If installing HVAC, water, gas, or another wiring, consider the potential for delays, and increased costs. If additional drilling, tearing down, or new installations are required, it will setback/delay the project, and will end up costing you more money.
If there are problems with the foundation/leveling, this is another major setback. This is a major concern in older homes. So, hope for the best, but brace yourself, as there might be the additional cost of having to level the home, or perform work to the base/foundation, prior to being able to commence the conversion project with the basement.
Licensing or permit issues might arise. If they are required for the project, cities/towns might delay the processing, or require additional costs, prior to the contractor being able to gain clearance to perform any conversion work. If you need this work done in a time-sensitive manner, make sure you begin early, and expect delays, as they typically occur with projects of this nature.
As a homeowner, you always have to account for additional budget concerns as well. If you don’t have enough set-aside, or if issues arise, this typically comes with higher costs. If you aren’t ready or don’t have the funds available, contractors will stop work, until you pay them. So, keep this additional financial implication in mind, with major conversion projects.
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Here is a list of commonly asked questions in regards to having a basement converted into a living space.
At the base level, expect to spend a minimum of £1000. This is for a small space requiring, lighting, water, heating/cooling, etc. Of course, larger spaces, and major construction, improvement projects, are going to incur higher costs as the project unfolds, and conversion work commences.
Any conversion project is going to require a minimum of 2-weeks to a month for completion. It is best to set aside at least double the time (1-month to 2-months), as setbacks are bound to arise, and delays are usually going to occur, with projects of this magnitude.
In simplest terms, the returns. By adding usable space to your home, you can increase asking price if you sell your home. A guest room, laundry room, or even a game-room, will increase appeal and value instantly.
It is advised to hire contractors. Plumbing, installation of wiring, electric work; these are all dangerous, costly, and difficult projects to perform. If you aren’t experienced, it will lead to more headaches and increased costs along the way.
It is your home, so yes. As long as it is level, you perform all checks and perform a survey prior to construction, you can convert your basement space, for many of the above detailed uses you have considered designing in the past.
