Residential Architecture

Basement Conversions Unlock the hidden potential beneath your home

Basement Conversion London Specialists & New Builds

500+Projects Completed
15+Years Experience
32London Boroughs
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Why a Basement Conversion?

Create extraordinary space below ground

A basement conversion in London is a type of home improvement that transforms existing, or newly created, below ground space into habitable accommodation. Depending on the property layout, available head height, and site constraints, a basement conversion can be used to create additional living spac

Basement conversion projects in London require detailed technical coordination because they often involve excavation, structural alterations, and a robust waterproofing strategy. Key considerations typically include structural support, damp protection, ventilation, fire safety, means of escape, and

Up to 30%
Property Value Increase
20-30 wks
Typical Build Time
Hidden Living Space
Unlock the unused space beneath your home for a cinema room, gym, office, bedroom or self-contained flat.
No Garden Impact
Unlike extensions, a basement conversion adds significant space without reducing your garden or changing the exterior.
Specialist Engineering
Basement projects require expert structural and waterproofing design. Our chartered engineers handle everything in-house.
Fixed-Price Construction
Once designs are approved, you receive a genuine fixed build cost. No surprises, no inflated estimates.
What We Do

Our Role in Your Project

From initial survey through to detailed construction drawings, we provide complete architectural support.

Measured Surveys
Accurate on-site surveys of your existing property
Concept Design
Multiple layout options tailored to your brief
Planning Applications
Full submissions where required by your council
Building Regulations
Detailed technical drawings for Building Control
Structural Liaison
Coordination with structural engineers and consultants
Party Wall Advice
Guidance on party wall obligations and agreements

Choose a full design-and-build package or select specific stages depending on your project. Speak to our team

What is a basement conversion in London? - Salstan Architecture
Salstan Architecture Project
Understanding Basement Conversions

What is a basement conversion in London?

A basement conversion in London is a type of home improvement that transforms existing, or newly created, below ground space into habitable accommodation. Depending on the property layout, available head height, and site constraints, a basement conversion can be used to create additional living space such as a family room, bedroom and ensuite, home office, gym, cinema room, utility area, or a self contained space. A well planned basement conversion is an effective way to increase internal floor area without expanding the building footprint above ground.

Basement conversion projects in London require detailed technical coordination because they often involve excavation, structural alterations, and a robust waterproofing strategy. Key considerations typically include structural support, damp protection, ventilation, fire safety, means of escape, and compliance with Building Regulations. When properly designed and delivered, a basement conversion can significantly increase usable floor space, improve how the home functions, and add long term property value.

Benefits

Why choose a basement conversion in London?

A basement conversion in London is one of the most effective ways to add significant living space without extending above ground or sacrificing garden area. By transforming existing below ground space into habitable accommodation , a basement conversion can unlock valuable floor area in homes where rear or side extensions are restricted, making it a popular solution for terraced, semi det ached and period properties.

Increase internal floor space without changing the footprintA basement conversion adds usable living area beneath the home, ideal where planning constraints or limited outdoor space make above ground extensions difficult.Create high value rooms tailored to modern livingBasements are commonly used for a family room, guest bedroom and ensuite, home office, gym, cinema room, utility space, or storage, depending on the layout and head height.Add long term property value and market appealA well designed basement conversion can significantly increase the value of a property by delivering additional high quality accommodation and improving how the home functions overall.Improve the home’s layout and flexibilityAdding a basement level can reduce pressure on existing rooms and allow the ground floor to be reconfigured more efficiently, supporting open plan living and better circulation.Maximise performance through a properly engineered solutionBasement projects require careful coordination around structure, waterproofing, ventilation and Building Regulations compliance. When designed and delivered correctly, a basement conversion provides a durable, comfortable space built for long term use.

A professionally planned basement conversion is not just extra space, it is a strategic way to expand your home, improve daily living, and create a high performing asset for the future.

  • Key reasons homeowners choose a basement conversion include:
Why choose a basement conversion in London? - Salstan

A professionally planned basement conversion is not just extra space, it is a strategic way to expand your home, improve daily living, and create a high performing asset for the future.

How we design basement conversions at Salstan Architecture - Salstan Architecture
Our Approach

How we design basement conversions at Salstan Architecture

At Salstan Architecture, our approach to basement conversions is built around technical rigour, buildability, and creating high quality living space that performs well long term.We begin by understanding what you want the basement conversion to achieve, whether that is additional living space, a bedroom and ensuite, a home office, gym, cinema room, utility area, or a self contained layout.From the outset, we assess feasibility and constraints such as head height, access, natural light opportunities, drainage, and how the new space will connect to the rest of the home.

Basement conversion design demands careful coordination, so we develop the proposal with structure and waterproofing in mind from day one.We work with the appropriate technical input to ensure excavation strategy, retaining structure, and waterproofing approach are properly considered, alongside ventilation, fire safety, insulation, and Building Regulations compliance.Where relevant, we also address external impacts such as lightwells, garden levels, boundary conditions, and neighbour considerations to support a smooth approvals process.

We progress each basement conversion to a clear, build ready package with coordinated drawings and details that reduce risk on site. The goal is a basement space that feels bright, comfortable and well integrated with the home above, while being robustly designed for long term durability, moisture control, and everyday use.

Natural Light Priority
Proportional Design
Material Integration
Quality Controlled
How It Works

Our process explained in six easy steps

01
Your 3D Site Survey
An appointed surveyor visits for a full measured survey of your property. They will also note down all your desired requirements for the proposal.
02
Drawings Initiated
The project is allocated to one of our architectural designers who will design your project from the ground up, taking into account all your needs.
03
You Review It
Your first draft is typically ready in 7 working days, and within 10 unless agreed otherwise. Review the designs, send feedback, and we wrap up your drawing ready for submission.
04
Submission and Decision
Your plans are submitted strategically for swift approval by the council. Expect a decision in 6 to 8 weeks. We handle any required changes for free.
05
Technical Design
Once plans are approved, our engineers manage detailed design and regulatory compliance. Get construction quotes from us and compare with others.
06
Construction
If you move forward with our construction services, we arrange a detailed consultation to finalise your specific requirements, ensuring everything aligns with your vision.
Client Reviews

What our clients say about us

TRANSPARENT PRICING

Basement Conversion Plan Pricing

Every basement project is unique. We provide bespoke, fixed-fee quotes tailored to your property.

Building Regulations
From £1,000 + VAT
Starting price, confirmed on review
  • Full building regulation drawings
  • Technical specifications and fire strategy
  • Expert building control advice
  • Combined with structural package
Get a Quote
Structural Design
From £500 + VAT
Starting price, confirmed on review
  • Full structural calculations
  • Structural design drawings
  • By chartered structural engineers
  • Price varies by complexity
Get a Quote

Basement projects require bespoke assessment. Contact us for an accurate quote. View full pricing details

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Often no for converting an existing basement internally, but yes if you are excavating to create new space, adding a lightwell, changing the outside appearance, or creating a separate unit. Building Regulations approval is still required.

There is no single fixed number that applies to every project, but you need enough clear height to create a comfortable room once structure, insulation and finishes are added.We assess head height early and advise whether lowering the floor is necessary.

 
 
We design basements around daylight and airflow from the start, typically using options like lightwells or enlarged openings where possible, plus mechanical ventilation where needed, so the space feels bright, fresh and comfortable.

Most basement projects take several months,with construction commonly around 3–5 months,depending on complexity,access,and how much excavation and waterproofing is involved.

Not always. Some clients stay in the property, but basement works can be noisy and disruptive, and moving out can be more comfortable during the heaviest stages, especially where there is major excavation or structural work.
Trusted Partners

Who We Work With

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