ARCHITECT’S VIEW
Top tips for your basement extension
Katerina Spetsiou, project manager at Scenario Architecture, reveals what you need to know about adding a basement to your build
What is the benefit of a basement extension?
There are two categories of people who add basements to their homes. One is those who need more accommodation but can’t extend upwards or outwards for planning or logistical reasons. Therefore, the only way to add additional square footage is by digging down, and this is where a basement extension or conversion can benefit them. Often people who are driven by the need for additional space will try to get an extra bedroom in there.
The other category is those looking to use a basement as a luxury space; they don’t necessarily need the square footage for functional zones. The most common uses for the new floorplan might be wine rooms, home cinemas, gyms etc. Across the board, however, people will usually have a utility room of some kind, as basements are a great place to hide the more back-of-house elements.