Basement conversations are in vogue for popular home improvement in London, with many opting to build the bedroom in their basements as a viable option. Notably, in the South East, where such improvements can boost the price of a property, justifying the extra investment.
Basement conversations are in vogue for popular home improvement in London, with many opting to build the bedroom in their basements as a viable option. Notably, in the South East, where such improvements can boost the price of a property, justifying the extra investment. Space has become critical in the capital, and digging down may give you and your family that much needed extra room. It is indeed possible to serve a basement as a bedroom in your basement conversion. However, while considering what to do with your basement, there are specific regulations and guidelines to deal with, notably when it comes to bedrooms.
Indeed, when it comes to planning permission for basement bedrooms, regulations may vary for different councils. So, it is advisable to always make a prior check with your local planning department before basement conversion.
There are multiple ways and reasons you may use a basement bedroom. In the section below, we will provide some of the best basement bedroom ideas that will get your design mind thinking. These basement bedroom ideas are the outcome of some case studies planned, designed, and built by a professional team.
The most vital aspect of any bedroom is natural light; more so, when your bedroom happens to be in your basement. However, it could be challenging to gain sufficient natural light into a basement room. Still, you must have a window in your basement bedroom if not by choice then by law. The law authorizes you to have a window in your basement bedroom that can be used as an emergency. Yet, if this window does not provide you enough light, you can choose light shafts as well.
Building rules and regulations require ventilation to consider moisture content in construction and air quality. A room should meet minimum standards of ventilation to be considered as habitable. For instance, the Northampton Council defines rapid ventilation with an opening of 1/20th of the floor space. Besides, it should have controllable background ventilation, which is around 8000mm2.
All bedrooms in newly constructed properties and basement extensions must have a fire alarm. Also, it must be within a 7.5m distance from a bedroom door. Basement bedrooms should also have a window. This opening should measure at least 0.33m2, measuring no less than 450mm x 450mm. However, you will require an emergency external door in case you don’t have this sort of window.
You can also use your basement extension space for staff accommodation in case you need it. However, before doing this, you will have to make sure there is sufficient natural light. In addition, you will also have to take care of all fire regulations and ventilation as necessary requirements.
Guidelines and regulations are essential, and all constructions should stick to them. However, installing a bedroom in a basement does not always turn out to be the ideal use of the additional space. It may also not be the most clever investments sometimes. James Robinson, General Manager at estate agent Lurot Brand, has wise advice. He says:
“Whatever you do, do not put the primary bedrooms in the basement.” He adds further, “No one prefers to go downstairs to bed or put their children to bed in the basement with ducted ventilation.