Is it possible to create a basement?

Al44

Is it possible to dig down and create a basement beneath an existing property that does not have any kind of existing basement level?

If so how complicated would it be?

Owain_Moneysaver

Sometimes, yes. Depends on the existing property and its foundations.

Impossible to say how complicated until you have a structural engineer carry out a survey, which may include digging trial pits to see your foundations and soil type.

Marktheshark

You can not dig within 18" of the footings, the building will collapse from lateral excavation.
It is proportional to the vertical pressure of the weight of the house.

G_M

Yes.

There are multiple such basements being dug in expensive places like Kensington. It's become an increasing problem wit high profile celebreties complaining about the noise and nuisance being caused by their celebrity neighbours who are putting in gyms, pools, cinemas etc.

see

https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/supplementary-planning/basements-spd-april-2016

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/25/kensington-palace-mega-basement-plan-angers-neighbours-claim/

zagubov

I used to see buildings in London getting basements put in. I've also seen news items about buildings collapsing.

Red-Squirrel_2

Its harder with flats.

eddddy

Al44 wrote: »

Is it possible to dig down and create a basement beneath an existing property that does not have any kind of existing basement level?

If so how complicated would it be?

It's done quite often in the more expensive areas of London. It may not be economically viable in areas where house prices are lower.

This article suggests that you should allow £2k to £3k per sq metre (plus VAT), just for excavation and underpinning:
https://www.labcwarranty.co.uk/blog/10-costs-you-need-to-consider-for-your-basement-conversion-before-jumping-in-feet-first/

So for a 50 sq m terrace house that's £100k to £150k (plus VAT).

But choose your builder carefully...

Family face £1million bill after rogue builders who caused their home to collapse in botched basement extension go bust WITHOUT paying compensation



Link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3470889/Landlord-left-300-000-bill-rogue-builders-caused-family-home-collapse-botched-basement-extension-bust-without-paying-compensation.html

A house once owned by the singer Duffy has collapsed into a pile of rubble.

The property in The Terrace, Barnes, south-west London, was reportedly undergoing a basement extension when it collapsed at about 11:53 GMT.



Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34935821