Key questions to
consider if you’re
converting a basement:
How will the basement be lit?
If it is impossible to get any natural light in,
you may want to have a dark room, cinema
room or space for parties. If, however,
you are looking to create a kitchen, extra
sitting room or a study, you need to think
very carefully about whether you can live
without natural light.
If you can’t, then a small extension out into
the garden area may allow you to add light
pipes. These are cylindrical devices put in
the ground that use reflective surfaces to
pipe light into the room downstairs.
Another option is a window well, which is
a double-glazed window that lays flat on
the ground and passes light through to the
basement. The key benefit of a window
well is that it can also improve ventilation.
How will you heat
your basement?
Ideally, get the cleanest, safest form of
heating to help keep you warm. This
will invariably be electricity, as any gas
services require a flue to discharge
emissions. As with loft conversions, it may
be best to create a separate ring main for
the electricity so you don’t overload your
existing system.
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