Blog: I am planning to convert the basement into a self-contained flat. There is currently just a coal cellar down below and it covers the whole ground floor area bit isn't really deep enough to allow good head height.
Anyone have any rules of thumb, cost per sq ft etc for estimating cost of converting a basement to habitable space? Any recommended contractors in London area?
Blog Reply: I believe this can be quite expensive if you have to dig deeper to give the required head height in your basement. This is because you will need to underpin the load bearing walls of the house.
Blog Reply: I've heard this is not financially viable as there is a large risk of causing subsidence and therefore large guarantees needed.
Blog Reply: Can't you just rent it to short people?
Blog Reply: It may pay you to dig a (small :-) ) hole to see how deep the footing are on party walls and internal walls, then get a structural engineer's advice on requirements before getting to the drawings stage. Is there a possibility of moving the ceiling (ground floor) up.
