Basement Conversions: How to Extend Down to add a Storey

exterior view of a house with a basement
(Image credit: French + Tye c/o Paper House Project)

Have you considered a basement conversion if you're in need of more space? Converting a basement has become increasingly popular in recent times for those looking to improve and not move, extending down to create a basement storey beneath their existing property. 

The new floor space it adds to your home can be used for a variety of purposes — unlike a loft conversion, which better lends itself to creating additional bedrooms, a basement is near to the main living spaces, so can be used as a social space too. 

Michael Holmes

Michael is Homebuilding & Renovating's Director of Content, Vice Chair of the self build industry body, the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), presenter of multiple property TV shows and author of Renovating for Profit (Ebury). He also runs an architectural and interior design practice, offering design and project management services. He is one of the country's leading property experts and has undertaken over 30 building projects including two self-builds and the renovation of a Grade-II listed farmhouse. 


Michael has presented over 150 property shows for BBC, ITV1, Channel 5, UK TV Style, and Discovery RealTime, including I Own Britain's Best Home; Don't Move Improve; Trading Up; Good Bid, Good Buy; Build, Buy or Restore?; How to Build A House; and Hard Sell.


Michael is also a regular expert at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows. He has written for leading British newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times, Daily Express and The Independent and has appeared on news programmes such as BBC Breakfast.