BASEMENTS

Explore the possibilities of the empty space beneath your house - it will dramatically change the way you live and allow you to use a different style to the rest of a period property. Viki Lander from Ensoul notes that demand continues to soar for basements. “It’s the only way to really add significant space to a property and achieve multiple extra rooms. More and more the usage is gearing to additional entertainment space for the young, gyms and home offices.”

Smart Ideas For Your Basement

• Always make sure you have a lightwell - you’ll benefit from investing in one from the start and future purchasers will expect one as part of the design

• Fit lots of built-in storage. London homes rarely have enough and it’s the perfect time to install a wall of cupboards

• If you want the benefits of expensive programmed lighting and audio-visual systems on a budget, you can achieve the same effects with intelligent bulbs and speakers, wirelessly controlled

• Fit a car charger – inevitably there will be works to the front of the house so take the opportunity of running a cable and add a charging point

• If you are investing in a basement utility, consider adding a small fridge, hob and dishwasher so a basement ensuite can become a self-contained unit for grandparents or grown kids staying for longer periods.

Source: OLBC