Basement Extension London Architects
Basement extensions London are becoming more common as the capital becomes short of space and as we all need the space to improve the quality our work and life balance.
Extending up and out is sometimes not enough in a growing family’s home and a property developer can find a healthy return from increasing the size of the property – perhaps as renting a basement extension in London out for office space or a residential letting.
The complexities of a basement extension London and particularly the management of dampness mean it can be labour intensive, so we recommend hiring the right people and that basement conversion cost is kept under control; please see our fees here.
To learn how AURA won an award from Build in 2019 as the ‘Most Trusted Architecture Practice Greater London’, and why our online reviews are 4.9/5 on Google and 5/5 on Houzz please follow the links.
Is my Basement Extension Financially Viable?
As mentioned above, basement extensions and renovations are a good way to increase the value, and you do not have to be a property developer to want to see a return on your investment! But how much value will it add?
It is difficult to calculate and will depend on a multitude of different factors such as your area, quality of finish, and need for more space.
In very sort-after areas of London such as Kensington, Chelsea, Richmond or Hammersmith and Fulham where we have completed several projects, space is becoming harder to come by. This means that every square foot on the floor plan will add extra value. As most of these homes cannot build up and out, basement extensions are a great idea.
Examples of the types of rooms used in basement conversions would be:
- Home Office
- Cinema Room
- Gym
- Reception Rooms
- Bedrooms,
- Swimming Pool or Sauna
- Utility Room
- Wine Cellars
Doing your research on other homes along your street and in your postcode will give you a good idea of home much value it could add.
Calculating the cost for a basement extension can be slightly more challenging to work out than for example a loft conversion. By speaking to a trusted architect like AURA, you can tell them your budget, requirements, and how you want to use the space, they will then be able to provide an anticipated cost based on previous experience.
Contact us for a friendly discussion about your needs.
AURA’s 10-stage process for a perfect home design
We know that choosing an architect is just the start of a process, and the journey from there to a home extension, loft conversion, basement conversion, refurbishment, or even a full new build property with a high-end finish, is a long one.
That’s why we’ve also created our 10-step Home Design Guide that you can download below. This walks you through the process, setting out how our architects and home designers can help you to bring your vision to life. We want to create a space that is perfect for you.
>>Download your free 10-Step Home Design Guide here<<
In summary, this is the process our Putney Architect team will follow:
1 – CONTACT: The first step is for you to make initial contact with us. The simplest way to start is by submitting your design requirements online using this form, or you can ring or email us if you prefer.
2 – RESEARCH: We will then research in depth to learn what we can about your home (known as a desktop study), so that we understand it’s history as well as the planning permissions and planning policies for your area of Putney.
3 – CONSULTATION: After this, we will then visit your home to discuss your needs. Or else we can set up an online consultation at this stage if you prefer. We’ll then provide you with a written quote, fully itemised, with no hidden extras, in line with our transparent fixed architect fee policy outlined in detail here.
4 – CONCEPT: When the work is agreed, we come up with three design concepts for you to assess. Each design concept includes floor plans and sketches. Or you can upgrade to our 3D service so that you can completely visualise how everything will look, and select the option you want.
5 – PLANNING PERMISSION: The next step is the planning application (where necessary) and we will act as agents, working with Wandsworth Borough Council on your behalf. Our Wandsworth architect team have plenty of local experience, and will work hard to ensure there are no delays or refusals.
6 – BUILDING CONTROL: We then prepare all documents and drawings you need to submit to show the project complies with Building Regulations as set out by Wandsworth Council, who oversee this for Putney.
We can also leverage our great relationships with Party Wall Surveyors, Measured Building Surveyors, Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, etc, to get you provide a reliable and cost effective service.
7 – DETAILED DESIGN: Once regulatory processes have been dealt with, we provide a full Specification of Works. This covers interior design, finer finishes and fittings, to commence the tender process.
8 – TENDER: We handle the tender process ensuring there is a range of competitive quotes from trusted suppliers for all work, and that contracts cover all critical information. Again, the local knowledge of our Putney team is invaluable at this stage.
9 – SITE MONITORING: We monitor the build process, resolving any issues that arise and reporting back to you regularly.
10 – ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!
Or, for a more involved option, we offer a Concept Feasibility Package where we’ll meet you at your property, produce some concept designs and provide a Preliminary Cost Plan!
Click here for more info!
Our Online Reviews
Scott RobertsonJune 20, 2023Professional, reliable, great to work with. Highly recommended if you are renovating your house.Carina Isabel Lopes De CarvalhoMay 2, 2023It is a company of excellenceEmily StuartJanuary 25, 2022I used Aura for a side return and rear extension, and a renovation of my first floor bathroom. I wanted something unique and characterful, with lots of natural light. Aura really went above and beyond my expectations, creating me a space that truly is more than I could have imagined. From the initial consultation, where I felt immediately at ease with the team, to the transparency in their costings, all the way through the design process and project management, Aura have been consistently professional, communicative and flexible. It certainly hasn’t been an easy time for anyone in the industry, but Aura’s solution-first attitude and their adaptability made it so easy to work with them through lockdowns, supply chain challenges, pingdemics and everything in between. It was a true pleasure to work with the team - they really do their utmost to make the process as straightforward, simple and enjoyable as possible. I’d not hesitate to recommend Aura. They team are the perfect balance of creative and practical, imagination and solutions, to make whatever dream you have come to life.Rob BirkinNovember 18, 2021GeorginaFebruary 9, 2021I chose to use Aura based on their reviews in June 2020. At first it was a really good experience and I was impressed with their professionalisim. I received my drawings and wasn't completely happy with them. The 4 options I was given were all basically the same thing. They never came to my property to see the space or get a feel for where the light was coming in etc. The bathroom on the drawing didn't make sense as it was so small. (See below). The snug was also like a meter so again didn't make sense. I tried to escalate this to Ben, and I was offered another call but I had lost confidence in them. My neighbour was also doing work on her flat which is a similar layout and in contrast her drawings were really well thoughtout. In the end I had to pay again to get my drawings redone. (Attachment P&S - one example of my new drawings below - the more detailed drawings). I asked Aura for a partial refund as I never actually received a final drawing from them (despite paying for them) and they refused. It was just a disappointing and expensive experience.Anthony EganMay 22, 2020I recently contacted Aura Homes Ltd to discuss a small development project. The project was unusual and a lot of factors needed to be taken into account due to the location, site surroundings and practicality of the proposal. I originally discussed it with Ben Richards who I found to be helpful, knowledgable and very accommodating in that he listened intently to give a fair assessment of feasibility. Iris Kouneni was assigned to me and met with me to thoroughly discuss and understand what my intentions were. Like Ben, she digested my layman’s view and proceeded to give me her professional opinion. Iris and Ben were an absolute delight to work with, professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and communicative to mention just a few of their qualities. Unfortunately due to the COVID19 lockdown we have had to shelve the project. It's been a pleasure to work with Aura Homes Ltd, refreshingly honest and professional. I look forward to working together with them in the future.Brendan QuinnMay 20, 2020Thanks for reading this review. Ben is one of my monthly sponsors of the Property Events that I have run and also of the National Development Summit earlier in 2020. In a business setting I really appreciate Ben's support, particularly during COVid19- Ben had the option of pulling out of my events as a sponsor- as I have had to pivot- moving them online. Ben has continued to support these events as a sponsor, when he could have easily turned his back and moved on. Also at the National Development Summit 2020, Ben could see the effort I had put in to make the event, a great event, and himself and his team also equally put in huge effort. When you organise events, you ideally want things to go smoothly in terms of presenters turning up on time/before time, and with slides which are hassle free, and this Ben has done so. I have been to Ben's office several times and the staff have been really friendly. Ben's knowledge of working at Berkeley Homes, puts his company at a very high level.Louise HancockApril 13, 2020Aura Homes is a highly professional firm of architects that always have the clients best interests at hart. The quality of their plans and drawings is superb and their turn-around when making amendments well within expected timelines. For bespoke projects, their research and recommendations (both in terms of quality and costs) is superb.Harry BucknellApril 10, 2020Couldn't recommend Ben and his team more. We were in a really tricky position with our building project and Ben navigated us safely out of it. Superb guidance, great technical knowledge and what I really valued the most was the communication. Always got back to me promptly which makes a real difference when stress levels are high. Thanks Aura!Eugene ClarkeApril 9, 2020The quality of work from Arua Architecture is to an excellent standard. We worked primarily with Ben and Gabby, they provide a friendly and professional service that minimised the worry and stresses associated with building projects. We hired Aura Architecture to assist us with our building project. We appointed them for the following work: - Regularisation on previous designs - Planning conditions discharge - Building regulation drawings - Detailed designs They came recommended from a Structural engineering company, and we were not disappointed.