Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Basement recommendations - architects?
Having had the ‘should we try to convert our basement to create extra space rather than move’ debate for some time now we are looking for recommendations for architects who can help us see if our imaginings are indeed feasible. There certainly is a lot of it about... so recommendations would be gratefully received. Thank you
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by kotkas on
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Interesting - I did some desktop research and the per sqm costs were half that. Aware of the need for underpinning and structural work required but struggle to see what exactly justifies a 100k+ price tag. In my humble experience from a recen refurbishment and ~8 separate quotes some contractors tend to price whatever they can get away with. I also highly doubt a ft of added height would get you anywhere near the water table..
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Permalink Reply by Paul Harding on
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I had quotes ranging from £75k from a really dodgy guy right through to a company from West London who wouldn't consider anything under 150k. I saw one being done in Crouch End when I was looking at doing ours and that build was £150k.
I had test digs done in my basement to check how far down the foundations were on each side, and to see how far down we'd need to dig before we hit water. In one case we had a hole fill up with water less than 20cm's below the surface of my existing basement floor. It was quite weird as we're on a bit of a hill and that was on the high side.
The thing I found with nearly every basement company that actually markets themselves as one is that they're all middlemen who sub contract out every aspect of the job. With patience and time I guess you could project manage it yourself and find people to do each stage.
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Wow. I did run into some issues with drainage in our garden which I attributed to rain water but sound similar to what you discovered in your basement. We did have to do some remedial work which required digging 30 cm into our cellar with no wetness but I guess that's going to vary across the 35sqm footprint of the whole thing...
You are right - many so called specialists effectively subcontract to a rotating cast of people... I did some project management of a pretty extensive refurbishment last year but don't know if I have it in me to do it all over again. It's also helpful to deal with 1 contractor who can accept liability for the whole job, rather than 2-3 contractors who start blaming each other if something goes wrong... We do live in a flat so going down is very much the only option short of selling and buying bigger...
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Permalink Reply by Rob B on
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Ooh a flat. Even more issues. Are the foundations and subsoil demised within your lease? If not will you have to purchase them from your freeholder? Even if “share of freehold” (which is legally no such thing) the other Flat owners could hold you to ransom. Surrender and regrant your lease? (Lender will have to be involved).
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Yes they are - went through a lot of pain in the purchasing process to get it added on to the lease.. and got the seller to foot the bill.
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Permalink Reply by Emma on
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So helpful thanks. We think we’d recoup the costs but not profit any in the long run. It is a mostly dry void already tho not full height. We would save on moving costs but expect the work to be a nightmare. So by no means a done deal.
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When I was looking at buying a house on the ladder I saw 2 with converted basements and maybe 5 without. The difference in price was neglible. Personally I think it's something you would spend the money on if you wanted it for your own pleasure, but by no means would your property be worth 100k more if you spent 100k on doing it.
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A very helpful discussion thanks everyone. I have a gut feel about it which this has helped to galvanise. Think we’ll start by having an initial chat with an architect along the lines of helping us to make the most of the space we currently have. I guess with someone else looking at it you never know what they might come up with. Then eat can see if we need to delve deeper. Thanks again.
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Permalink Reply by Ahson Umar on
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We have just completed our basement. You are wecome to come and have a look. I can help you put together cost estimates. I can also give you the architect, structural engineer and builders contact info.
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HI Ahson - we would quite like to have a look and learn from your experience...
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Please send me a text on 07766176405 and we can set-up a time. There are quite few things to consider before you start-It is a major piece of work.
Kind regards
Ahson
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