Creating basement conversions that add value in all the right places
Enhance your quality of life and elevate your property value with a bespoke basement and cellar conversions
With a custom basement conversion, you can add real value to both your quality of life and your property’s market value. One of the strongest drivers for basement conversions we hear is that the cost of stamp duty – equivalent to the shell and core cost of a basement.
Any unused potential living space in London is a missed opportunity — a waste of potential. Here at OLBC, we can help you unlock your property’s hidden value.
A bespoke basement conversion by our team of designers and expert professionals offers a host of exciting benefits.
Enhance Home Value: Significantly increase your property’s resale value with what is often the only viable way of adding high-quality square metres of living space.
Boost Livability: Creates versatile spaces such as luxurious wine cellars, home cinemas, bedrooms, recreational areas, or even indoor swimming pools.
Bespoke Solutions: Our expert team will design a cost-effective, fully customised basement according to your current and desired lifestyle, with minimum fuss and hassle.
Seamless Integration: Our basement conversions are designed by our experts to blend with your property’s character for a cohesive look and feel.
State-of-the-Art Waterproofing: We utilise highly advanced, time proven techniques to guarantee dry, durable basements.
Transform Underutilised Spaces: Convert unused basements into stunning, functional areas tailored to your everyday needs. [comment – probably lower down the list].
Whether you’re trying to perfect your forever home or looking for ways to increase the value of your greatest asset, you can rely on our London basement conversions to deliver value in every way possible.
Your dream basement is just a call away. Reach out on WhatsApp, to chat with one of our experts; or complete our online contact form; or email us.
Basements transformed in five simple steps
A home is far more than a property – it’s a place to feel safe, comfortable, and empowered to be yourself. But everyone is different. Every family is different. Every property is different. For basement conversions that deliver the desired results, a fresh, bespoke approach to every project is essential.
At OLBC, we want you to be an integral part of the basement conversion process. After all, this is your property. You’ll be the one living in it or selling it for the best possible return. It’s only right that you’re front and center of the design process from the outset.
We have perfected our approach to basement and cellar conversions over more than two decades. And while it’s a formula that always delivers results, we’ll adapt it to your specific needs and objectives.
1. A Meeting of Minds
Every successful London basement conversion is built on communication, the sharing of ideas, and a common vision. That’s why our process begins with a comprehensive consultation.
One of our experienced Directors will listen to your requirements and expectations in a one-on-one meeting. This is your chance to ask questions, review our previous work, and ask for evidence of our credentials and competencies.
Once we’ve agreed on a way forward, we’ll give you a firm price for the structural portion of the project and an estimate for the entire project. We’re a multidisciplinary team with broad experience and unrivalled expertise, so our estimates tend to be highly accurate.
*subject to ground conditions, engineering and Party Wall valid for 30 days.
2. The Creative Process
Your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements will always be our top priorities. That’s why we’ll introduce you to our creative Design Director at the start of the process.
Once you’ve decided on the specific details of the project, we’ll provide you with a design and a refined fit-out estimate. You’ll have some time to think things through and let your creative juices flow before making an appointment to finalise a way forward.
3. Engineering Your Vision
At this point, we’re ready to lay the groundwork that will be the springboard to a better, bigger, more inspirational living space.
Our appointed structural engineer will prepare the design for the shell of your basement, ready for its transformation of your home. We’re a one-stop service provider, so you can leave all the planning and execution to us. We’ll manage everything, leaving you to plan how you’re going to utilise the space when we’re done.
4. Powering Through the Paperwork
At this point, everything is in place to ensure your dreams of optimised living are realised. Now all that’s required is a contract detailing all the agreed-upon works. We always use a standard JCT Contract.
When we’re preparing your contract, we’ll also be assembling the information required for a successful planning application. Our record in this area is exceptional. We know what decision-makers need to expedite the process, ensuring you won’t have to wait long for the go-ahead.
5. Bringing Your Vision to Life
Designs and discussions are great, but nothing beats the thrill of transforming basements into exceptional living spaces with the power to transform lives.
From the moment we prepare the party wall to the final lick of paint, we’ll work tirelessly on your behalf. We’ll care for your home as if it were our own. Our trade professionals, specialists, and designers won’t rest until that underused space you call a basement is brought to life.
Your dream basement is just a call away. Reach out on WhatsApp, to chat with one of our experts; or complete our online contact form; or email us.
Why homeowners choose OLBC for basement conversions
We understand what our clients want from us. They need to know their property is in safe hands. More importantly, they need to know their dream home is in safe hands to be delivered. We take this responsibility seriously.
Using years of experience, cutting-edge equipment, and advanced technical skills, we throwing our hearts and souls into turning concepts and designs into living, breathing reality.
Whether you’re an investor or a homeowner in search of your ultimate living environment, OLBC is here to make your basement everything you know it can be.
Entrust us with your hopes and dreams for your home, and you can look forward to the results:
Professional indemnity insurance
We want you to be excited about the prospect of an elevated living experience without having to worry about unforeseen circumstances. Our professional indemnity insurance indemnifies you against the cost of potential setbacks to the tune of £1m.
Two decades of experience
Every basement or cellar conversion project teaches us something new. We’ve delivered countless projects over the years, so our knowledge base and levels of expertise are second to none. Have a look at some examples here.
Technical expertise
Over the years, we’ve transformed every imaginable type of basement in London. We’ve turned even the most challenging spaces into luxury bedrooms, recreational rooms, and functional living areas. Our technical expertise finds solutions to every imaginable challenge.
Craftsmanship with passion
While we utilise cutting-edge construction and design methods, we’re still old-fashioned in many ways. We’re passionate about delivering the utmost levels of precision craftsmanship. Perfection isn’t just a selling point for us – it’s a matter of personal and professional pride.
Collaborative approach
We genuinely value the input our clients provide – it helps us turn their creative ideas into living spaces that both enhance living and add value. From the moment we meet to the final handover, you’ll be part of the OLBC team, providing feedback and creative input that keeps us focused on the ultimate goal.
Courteous and responsive
Clear, timely communication from our team is the least you can expect. Our dedicated team will ensure that the entire project as smooth as possible. We understand that basement conversions can be disruptive and daunting, which is why our friendly experts will show you the kindness and respect you deserve in your own home.
Your dream basement is just a call away. Reach out on WhatsApp, to chat with one of our experts; or complete our online contact form; or email us.
Transform your property by turning the ground under your feet into your special place
A successful basement conversion is a huge undertaking, involving everything from architectural know-how and structural engineering expertise to trade craftsmanship and design excellence. When you turn to OLBC, the knowledge, the skills, and every specialism comes as standard.
Your dream basement is just a call away. Reach out on WhatsApp, to chat with one of our experts; or complete our online contact form; or email us.
London Basement Conversion FAQ
Will my new basement be waterproof?
Every dream should be built on solid foundations. When it comes to basement conversions, this means creating a waterproof space before moving on to essential construction and design work.
We adopt state-of-the-art solutions such as plastic cavity membrane systems, which channel moisture into a sump pump, preventing water damage. Our expert team conducts thorough ground investigations to tailor waterproofing to your property’s conditions. With over 20 years of experience, we guarantee dry, durable basements that enhance your home’s value and functionality.
What do the best basement conversions look like?
The best London basement conversions blend functionality with luxury, transforming dark spaces into vibrant, light-filled areas. Think bespoke home cinemas, elegant wine cellars, or spacious living areas with high-end finishes such as oak flooring and underfloor heating. Our designs maximise natural light using lightwells and innovative layouts, tailored to your lifestyle.
With over 20 years of experience, OLBC delivers stunning, durable basements that enhance your home’s value and aesthetics.
How long does a typical basement conversion take?
A typical London basement conversion takes anywhere between 24 and 36 weeks. But no two projects are ever the same; they’re influenced by project size, complexity, planning requirements, and a range of other issues.
Following a detailed site assessment, our in-house architects, engineers, and builders streamline construction to minimise delays. By managing just a handful of projects at a time, we ensure focus, attention to detail, and timely delivery.
What are the benefits of a basement conversion?
The best basement and cellar conversions transform underused spaces into luxurious, functional areas, elevating your quality of life and boosting your home’s value. Create bespoke home cinemas, wine cellars, or extra living spaces tailored to your needs, without the need for hugely disruptive, costly, and time-consuming extensions.
Do London basement conversions need planning permission?
Planning permission for London basement conversions depends on the project’s scope. External modifications, such as lightwells, or work on listed buildings typically require approval. OLBC’s 100% success rate in securing planning consents across London boroughs ensures compliance with regulations.
A few conversions may fall under permitted development, bypassing permission needs. Our experts manage all applications from submission to approval.
What’s the average price of a basement conversion in London?
The average price of a London basement conversion ranges from £3,000 to £10,000 per square metre, depending on size, complexity, and finishes. We are always fully transparent when it comes to estimates and final quotes.
Our bespoke designs, using premium materials and in-house expertise, maximise value, potentially adding £600 to £5,000 per square foot to your property.
Your dream basement is just a call away. Reach out on WhatsApp, to chat with one of our experts; or complete our online contact form; or email us.
Basement Project Management
A brief overview of how we will manage building your basement
Our expert project management team is dedicated to providing unparalleled services that ensure the smooth and efficient execution of your basement building project. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the industry, our team is well-equipped to handle every aspect of your basement construction journey. Here is a brief guide to our Basement Project Management service:
Initial Consultation and Site Assessment
The process begins with an initial consultation where you meet with one of our Directors and a member of the project management team. We will discuss your requirements, vision, and budget for the basement construction project.
Our experts will conduct a comprehensive site assessment to evaluate the feasibility of the project and identify any potential challenges. We will arrange a start slot at the point we draw up the contract. You will then be contacted nearer the time to confirm a specific start date.
Design and Planning
Our thoroughly pragmatic approach to renovation means both design and construction work together hand-in-hand, minimising delays and administrative costs. Our skilled architects and engineers will collaborate with you to create a detailed and bespoke design that aligns with your needs and preferences. Read more about our integrated service for architecture, planning and design.
We obtain all the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities, ensuring compliance with building regulations and legal requirements including:
- Planning permission: Planning permission is usually required for large structural alterations or additions to existing buildings, and the erection of new buildings. Planning permission is not required for all types of works, as some works are classed as ‘permitted development’. If we are contracted to undertake all preworks arrangements for you, we will look after these issues and obtain all relevant permissions on your behalf. Read more about Basement Planning Permission.
- Listed Buildings: If your house is more than 170 years old, or of special architectural or historical significance, it may be listed, which means you will also require Listed Building Consent in order to carry out works. This Listing potentially covers both the external and internal aspects of the structure. We will be able to advise you and seek the relevant permissions on your behalf. OLBC has expertise in these areas, and we are a particularly good choice for your project if you have any specific concerns with regard to the safeguarding of any material of your property, or require any advice on sensitive restoration or conservation work.
- Party Wall Agreements: A Party Wall Agreement is usually required for major works to terraced or semi-detached houses and sometimes for detached houses too. If we are contracted to undertake all preworks arrangements for you, we will supply you with the details of surveyors experienced in the intricacies of basement Party Wall Awards. Your neighbour is entitled to allow your Party Wall Surveyor to act on their behalf, or they may appoint their own Surveyor, a cost which would be passed on to you, as the proposer of the work.
- Building Control: Private Building Inspectors or council-run Building Control Officers ensure that the Building Regulations are adhered to, and protect people’s health and safety in the build environment. We arrange inspections by relevant authorities to ensure compliance with building codes and regulation to ensure specifications are being met and will issue a certificate at the completion of the work. Our policy is that we will not agree to carry out work that will not satisfy building regulations and that work will only be carried out by suitably trained professionals.
Once all arranged, our team finalises the construction schedule, detailing the timeline and milestones for each phase of the project.
Construction Begins
At the point we arrive onsite, your project will be in the hands of a project manager. They will meet with you on a programmed basis to give you regular updates, discuss progress and any issues or outstanding information. Read more: Basement Construction.
The team working onsite may change depending on the type of work being undertaken. They will all be uniformed, polite and respectful. Where clients remain in residence, staff will have their own facilities from WC to tea-making apparatus, so you will not be required to share or give over any facilities in your current living area.
Our standard site working hours are from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturday, subject to contract. Regular review meetings are pre-programmed to allow the client and management to discuss progress. For urgent matters, the management can be contacted Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm by telephone.
Quality Control and Inspections
Throughout the construction process, we conduct regular quality control checks to maintain high standards of craftsmanship, in addition to the Building Control inspections mentioned above.
Final Touches and Handover
As the project nears completion, our interior design team will add the final touches, making sure every aspect of the basement is finished to perfection. Once all inspections and tests are passed, we conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure your complete satisfaction. Your basement is officially handed over to you, ready for you to enjoy your newly created living space.
Post Construction Support
Even after project completion, our commitment to customer satisfaction continues. We provide post-construction support and address any questions or concerns you may have. You can rely on OLBC’s ongoing assistance and support for a seamless transition into your new basement living space.
Insurance
We carry insurance covering:
- £10,000,000 Employers Liability
- £5,000,000 Public Liability
- £1,000,000 Professional Indemnity
- £1,600,000 Contract Works in Progress, per project
Our insurance specifically covers basement excavation work. This is a special condition that would not be included in a general policy for building work. If you are comparing a number of basement contractors we strongly advise that you check each contractor is fully covered specifically for basement related works. A statement of our insurance will be provided before works commence. If you require additional or alternative insurance, this can be arranged at cost, subject to availability.
Your dream basement is just a call away. Reach out on WhatsApp, to chat with one of our experts; or complete our online contact form; or email us.