Questions and Answers (Q&A)

• What services do Surrey Basements offer?
  We are a specialist design and construction company who design the basement to our clients particular requirements, obtaining the necessary approvals. We offer full basement conversion services designed to building regulations or part conversions to obtain a dry environment complying with BS8102. We can provide the initial structural waterproofing design and installation for the clients own contractors to complete or we can convert the basement fully up to decoration. 

• Are you insured and what guarantees do you offer?
  As with any credible company within the industry we have the following insurances and indemnities. 

  Public Liability: £5,000,000
  Employers Liability: £10,000,000
  Products Liability: £2,000,000

  We are members of the Property Care Association, the premier trade body for the structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp proofing, flood remediation and structural maintenance industries in the U.K. To be members we are required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance for Design & Construction (£500,000 indemnity limit). We are also able to offer insurance backed specialist structural waterproofing guarantees through the Construction Guarantee Services (CGS) or the Guarantee Protection Insurance (GPI).

• How do I obtain a quotation and initial design?
  We offer a free design and quotation service. An appointment will be made for one of our CSSW qualified surveyors to visit the proposed site to carry out a brief survey. Following this initial survey you will receive a detailed written quotation with associated floor plan and/or section to provide you with a costing. 

• Do I require Planning permission?
  Planning permission is not usually required for basement conversions. However, it may be required if you are adding to your property, if there is a change of usage or the property is listed or in a conservation area. It will be required that a number of building regulations are adhered to such as fire regulation rules, structural waterproofing, electrical wiring and foundation works. All of these would normally need to be passed off. 

• Can my neighbours object?
  The majority of properties will require some form of party wall agreement where neighbours concerns can be addressed during this process. The Party Wall Act provides a positive framework for the resolution of neighbour related construction issues. It does not however prevent the formation of a basement at your home. 

• Do I need to move out?
  Under normal circumstances it is not necessary to vacate the property. Access can usually be gained straight into the basement via lightwells and fire escapes at either the front or rear of the property without the need to access via the clients living space. The staircase is generally installed towards the end of the construction process. 

• Can my basement have natural daylight?
  The provision of daylight is essential for any successful basement project. Under normal circumstances natural daylight is provided at the front and rear of the property via light wells or similar structures. 

• Will my foundations need underpinning?
  To achieve a satisfactory head height we would normally have to excavate beyond the existing foundations meaning underpinning may be required. The foundations of the building will be considerably strengthened as a result. If you already have the necessary head height and require a dry environment then underpinning will not be required.
• Can you provide references?
  To view our latest references see our page at Checkatrade – please click here.