What is a Base Room?
First and foremost, the Base Room is not a Basement! A Base Room is a subterranean structure designed to be situated in the rear garden of a domestic dwelling. It is built underground, so that you gain the extra space without losing your garden, as it is finished with grass or decking on top.
How much does it cost?
The standard Base Room package (30m2 – 6m x 5m) starts from £45,450 + VAT
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases you don’t need planning permission. You must not exceed 50% of the overall foot print of the garden and it must not be located to the front of the property. More information can be found on the government planning portal, which has more detail, and we are more than happy to explain this further.
Can I attach it to the house and use it as a bedroom?
It is not designed to be attached to the house, as this increases the complexity of the build and, therefore, the cost. Any link with the house means it falls under the permitted development of the house and not the garden. Ideally, it should be 3 m away from the property, to avoid such issue’s How big does my garden need to be? Ideally, it needs to be a minimum of 6m wide by 12m. (Independent access to the garden would be ideal).
Is it dark inside?
No; due to the installation of a minimum of three Velux windows, it is very light inside. The staircase itself provides a very large light well into which a series of glazed units are installed. These comprise a glass door leading into the Base Room and two glazed tilt ‘n turn units. Depending on the size of the Base Room and your chosen design, further Velux windows can be installed and roof domes or sun tunnels introduced.
How long does it take to build?
It takes approx 12 weeks to complete a Base Room, depending on finishes.
How do you make it waterproof?
There are three layers of waterproofing, including the use of a sump pump system.
Who are we?
The Base Room Company is part of Hornbeam Construction Ltd group of companies, which also includes North London Lofts, a well established loft conversion company. Hornbeam Construction Ltd is both members of the Federation of Master Builders and the highly regarded MasterBond scheme, as a MasterBond builder, in addition to belonging to the Guild of Master Craftsmen.
As a concept, the Base Room has been in our thinking for some considerable time. We originally had the idea in May of 2007. After several years of extensive research and development, establishing a number of relationships with market leaders in a number of key areas such as damp proof membranes, excavation specialists, and manufacturers of advanced building products ideally suited to our subterranean builds, the 1st Base Room was successfully built and completed in spring 2009.
We are in the full time construction, and currently have a number of contracts underway with further orders to be built.
