- Do I require building consent for my basement conversion?Some conversion/renovation work may require a building consent. For example, installing a small wet bathroom requires consent. Also, any work involving load-bearing walls and bracing will also necessitate the services of a chartered professional engineer or registered architect. Note - even when a building consent is not required, all work must still comply with the Building Act and the Building Code.
- Do you have to move out during the basement renovation?This depends on a number of safety factors and site risk assessment. However, moving out is rarely necessary when converting a basement in our experience, unless significant structural work is required.
- How long would a basement conversion take?It depends on many factors. For example, it could take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, depending on the amount of engineering work required based on the proposed basement footprint.
- Can any type of basement be converted?Due to the complexities of the site, not all basement spaces are suitable for conversion into living spaces.
BASEMENT CONVERSIONS
BASEMENT CONVERSIONS | NORTH SHORE AUCKLAND
If you’re looking for ways to maximise or increase your living space, basement conversions are an excellent option.
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You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make the dream a reality.
WHY DO A BASEMENT CONVERSION?
There are numerous compelling reasons to convert your basement. The main reason is that they give you more space, and space that is close to your other living areas in your home. This makes it ideal for families looking for extra living space, first-time buyers in a space-constrained property, and people who have downsized and are struggling to find a home for everything.
Currently, we also see that rising property prices mean that children are staying at home for longer periods of time as they save for a home of their own.
Basement conversions are an excellent solution because they provide separate living spaces. You could also use this separate living space for ageing parents.
Basement conversions are also excellent for additional storage, freeing up other space. Home gyms are convenient for those who are self-employed or have the option to work from home. Basements also work well as self-contained home offices for those who are self-employed or have the option to work from home.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A BASEMENT CONVERSION
We could all use more space or, even better, an extra room. It’s no surprise that this type of renovation – basement conversions – is so popular.
Basement conversions can take a basement from a lifeless, cold, damp space into a great space suitable for a number of uses.
Although Basement Conversions are not an extension in name it is an extension of your living space.
Also, the Council considers the conversion of a non-habitable space to a habitable space is not a ‘change of use’ as long as the building remains as a ‘single household unit’ after the renovations work has been completed.
Basement Conversions are a good option if you do not have space around your home to build on.
The following are a few key areas to consider before you embark on your project;
- The civil works involved to create the basement area can be costly, depending on the logistics and ground conditions.
- Access to the area.
- Excavating under a home to create a new room will often be more expensive than building a new room at ground level.
- A geotechnical (Geotech) survey is a likely cost that would need to be considered.
- An engineers consultation (by a chartered professional engineer) is also a likely cost to be factored in.
Villas are a good example of the type of house which is suitable for this kind of extension. The Villa is lifted and a lower floor is created from the basement area.
PLANNING YOUR BASEMENT RENOVATION
As you plan your basement renovation, there are a few items to consider:
- Planning your excavations.
- Initial budget considerations.
- Council requirements – conversion of non-habitable space to habitable space.
- Resource consent may also be required. For example, where part of a property is being converted to a self-contained rental unit that includes a kitchen.
- Concepts & design.
- Earthworks & foundations.
- Retaining walls.
- Access to the new area – does it need a new staircase?
- What do I need for heating & ventilation?
- What are the insulations and soundproofing requirements?
- What are the lighting requirements?
- Additional power/electrical requirements?
- Additional plumbing requirements?
Many of the above would be covered-off during the design phase with the architect and chartered engineer.
CONCEPTS & DESIGN FOR YOUR BASEMENT RENOVATION
After you have gathered your thoughts on what the new space will be used for, you will need to engage an experienced architect to create the plans for your renovation. Using concept plans, the client is able to see on paper what the project would look like and enable an estimate for the works to be created.
At Style Plus Renovations, we partner with architects, chartered professional engineers and quantity surveyors to facilitate this process. Also, from the onset, our project manager will also be there to coordinate the process and provide guidance when required.
FULL SERVICE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
For each basement conversion project, we offer a full-service project management service that covers the entire design and build process – from the initial consultation to receiving the code of compliance.
Our project methodology which incorporates our 4 step process model will provide you with the best advice and guidance from our renovation team. This will help eliminate uncertainties and reduce your stress as you journey through your basement conversion project.
BASEMENT CONVERSION FAQS
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YOUR RENOVATION PROJECT
Tel us about your renovation project and we’ll call you back for a no-obligation chat about your ideas.
Alternatively, if you prefer, we can initially set up a meeting using Microsoft Teams or Zoom (and other meeting apps) for a no-obligation chat about your ideas.
We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your project and get you started on your renovation journey.
If you would like to know more about our renovation process, check it out here.
