Welcome to BasementWorks - This is the specialist basement conversion division of OLBC - turn-key specialists in the remodelling of period residential properties

Transform the way you live by adding another floor to your house.

We have considerable experience of basement extensions and conversions to all styles and sizes of period property in and around London. Our aim is to create beautiful living spaces with plenty of natural light. Damp basements are a wasted space in many London houses, as are basements that don’t have adequate floor to ceiling height. If you already know someone who has created extra living space in their home by converting their basement, you will be aware how much this investment can increase the value of a home, set against the high costs, risks and inconvenience of relocating to gain extra space. Please see Design & Build Service for information on our complete Design and Build service. You can also read more about our work and basements in general in this article in The Guardian. Please contact us or return the online enquiry form to find out more about the services we offer.

Basement Design

Taking the decision to invest in a basement conversion should be done with careful thought and preparation, with particular thought given to how the new space will be used, and how existing areas will be redefined to work alongside it.

We have deployed many innovative designs to provide flexible basement spaces which maximise room space; minimise hallway space; and always give a natural sense of place within the basement.

Floorplans

Proposed layouts for the basement are drawn up in close consultation with the client. Looking at the positioning of the kitchen, dining space, living areas and possibly work space, we will help you ascertain your living requirements and advise how best the new space could work for you.

Lightwells

We assign great importance to the passage of natural light to the converted basement areas, and therefore the design of the light-well is crucial. Many choose a metal grille to cover their front lightwell, and in many situations this is the only practical option. However, we will discuss a number of potential options with you for lightwells at the front, rear and sides of the house. We avoid grilles in the garden where possible, as this impairs the potential for natural connection to the garden.

We are constantly developing new ways to link the basement not only to the rest of the house via the main staircase, but also to the front and rear of the property via lightwells or by using landscaping techniques. Each house and garden is carefully assessed for its potentials and drawbacks, and a design is created to maximise the light to the basement and connection with all the surroundings.

Waterproofing

As London is built largely upon clay-based soils, pumped tanking systems with a membrane system are preferable to the original cement tanking systems that are inflexible and therefore prone to cracking as the soil contracts in dry weather. The membrane system provides both a vapour and a moisture barrier, guiding the water into a sump where it can be pumped out into the main drainage system harmlessly.

Membrane system during installation

Interior design

Alongside questions of how the space will work practically, there is also the question of how the spaces will work together aesthetically. Either by carefully assimilating the basement with the style of the house, or by creating a complimentary modern space suitably connected to the upper floors, we will work to ensure that your aspirations are met and exceeded.

Please see Design & Build Service for information on our complete Design and Build service, or return the online enquiry form to find out more about the services we offer.

Estimated costs

	Our experience of this type of specialist work means we are able to provide you with a reliable estimate for such a project in your own home. We are able to offer basement conversions from £2,500 + VAT per square meter for existing basement space, including staircase, basic power and lighting. Prices rise to around £3,000 + VAT per square metre for areas requiring extensive underpinning. Additional costs will be incurred where associated structural works are required. In every case, we will initially offer an estimate for the work, and then supply you with a carefully produced and detailed quotation if you request one. We are also able to offer more extensive services including hardwood flooring, underfloor heating, specialist lighting, automation systems, air conditioning etc, or other design features as required. Please contact us or return the online enquiry form to find out more about the services we offer.
Original pipework revealed within new basement space
Diamond drilling a drainage opening to re-route existing pipework.

All images are of OLBC projects

Oxford and London Building Company (OLBC) Services : Home, Basement Conversion, Loft Conversion, Kitchen Extension, Restoration work, Internal refurbishments, 

Areas covered - SW London & Surrey: Barnes SW14, Barnes Common SW13, Battersea SW11, Battersea Park SW11, Belgravia SW1, 
Between the Commons SW18, SW12, Chelsea SW10 & SW3, Clapham SW11, Clapham Common SW12, Earl’s Court SW5, East Sheen SW13,
 Eaton Square SW1X, Fulham SW6, Ham TW10, Hyde Park SW7, Kew TW9, Mortlake SW13, Parsons Green SW6, Pimlico SW1, 
Putney SW15, Putney Heath SW15, Roehampton SW15, Richmond TW9, South Kensington SW7, Sheen SE13, Southwark SE1, St James W1, 
Streatham SW2 & SW16,, Tooting SW17, Twickenham TW, Victoria SW1, Wandsworth Common SW18, Wandsworth SW18, Waterloo SE1, 
West Kensington, Westminster SW1, Wimbledon Common SW19, SW20, Wimbledon Park SW15, SW20, Wimbledon SW19 & SW20

West London : Bloomsbury WC1, WC2, EC1, Barons Court W6, Chiswick W4, Covent Garden WC2, Dukes Meadow W4, 
Fitzrovia W1, Hammersmith W6, Holland Park W11, W9, W2, Hyde Park W1, Kensington W8, Knightsbridge SW1, 
Ladbroke Grove W11, W9, Marylebone W1, Mayfair W1, Notting Hill W11, W9, Paddington W2, Park Lane W1, Piccadilly WC1, 
Richmond TW9, Richmond Park TW9, Shepherds Bush W6, W14, Soho W1, South Kensington SW7, West Kensington W14, Westminster W1

North London : Camden NW8, Dartmouth Park NW5, Hampstead NW3, Kentish Town NW5, Regents Park NW1, Primrose Hill NW8, 
South Hampstead NW6, St Johns Wood NW8

We are happy to work in Central London and the Congestion Charge Zone.

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