The basement of your property can be a great place to add extra space to your home. You can use it as a storage room, an additional bedroom or a playhouse for children. Still, if you are not careful enough during basement construction, you may end up building a defective space.
We shall discuss a few commonly made mistakes you shall be aware of during basement construction in the UK.
Don't forget to get a legal permit before starting the work
One of the common mistakes during basement construction in the UK is needing to collect permission from local government authorities. The local government authorities in the UK provide you permission, and then you can commence your basement construction work.
If you collect official permission upfront, your basement construction work may be completed on time. Unless you want to disrupt the schedule for your construction work, the first thing is you need to collect basement construction permission.
Party Wall negotiations with your neighbour in the UK
If your basement construction involves sharing a wall with your neighbours, you need their permission before the work starts.
The Party Wall Act 1996 in the UK suggests that you must inform your neighbour if you start construction work near your shared boundary or wall.
Don't build a basement where the groundwater level is high
You should not consider building a basement if the groundwater level is comparatively high. Before you excavate deep into the ground, the groundwater will come up and fill the area. It will create challenges to construct a basement in the water-filled area.
Even if you manage to build a basement in that same area, you may experience water leakage issues through the basement wall and floors. If you plan to construct a basement in the UK, you should consult a local constructor who knows the type of ground.
Not using proper waterproofing measures
Not using proper waterproofing measures can be a grave mistake in basement construction. Various waterproofing measures, such as cementitious coatings, cavity drain membranes, etc., are applied to the external basement wall or floor to make it waterproof.
The waterproofing system will protect your basement from excessive water in the structure and keep the place less humid.
Never build a basement on weak or unsettled soil
If you plan to build a basement on your property, you must survey the soil condition. A skilled and qualified basement contractor in the UK can analyse the soil condition.
If the selected place for basement construction has poor soil quality, it will increase the settlement risk. Hence, it would be best if you were very cautious before constructing a basement on your property to avoid such mistakes.
Incorrect structural support
If your contractor is not qualified enough for basement construction, mistakes can occur in its structural planning. Building concrete columns for the basement depends on the area and size.
Four concrete pillars in each corner can suffice if it is built in a small area. However, more structural support might be necessary if the basement area is as large as the main house area.
Inaccurate planning for the drainage system
Another mistake is inaccurate planning for the drainage system. If your drainage system is inefficient, it can damage the structural integrity of the basement's concrete.
Your basement contractor should ensure that a proper drainage system is installed. Ground and surface water can be collected through the French drainage system, which naturally directs water to a dry well, or electric pumps can drain excess water.
Not keeping enough ceiling height
You might feel claustrophobic if you do not keep a significant distance between the basement floor and its ceiling. It will also not allow proper space for ventilation.
Basement construction adds extra space to the property that can be used as a substitute room. To make the space comfortable for you and other house members, make the ceiling height like a standard ceiling.
Not installing an effective HVAC system
HVAC system is an acronym for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and it is used to keep a house cool and warm. If you do not install an efficient HVAC system for your basement, the place may not feel comfortable.
In winter, you will prefer a warm room temperature, and in summer, you will prefer a cool temperature. An efficient HVAC system will not only help control temperature but also control fresh air in the room.
Conclusion
If you properly plan before basement construction, you can avoid making several mistakes that disrupt the construction schedule. Getting permission from local authorities and your neighbours is most important. You should also ensure proper waterproofing, drainage, and HVAC systems are installed in your basement.
At Piling Contractor London, we provide all the services necessary for basement construction. Contact us today for a reliable contractor and basement construction service.
