SERVICE PORTFOLIO
Basements
Lightwells, waterproofing, excavation coordination, and lower-ground living spaces delivered with technical discipline. Picassa Renovations approaches basement projects as an opportunity to create valuable additional space while carefully managing the structural, environmental, and logistical complexities involved.
WHY PICASSA RENOVATIONS
Basement expertise grounded in technical precision.
Waterproofing Strategy
Ground conditions and water-table levels require careful investigation and specialist waterproofing design. We coordinate appropriate protection, drainage, and maintainable systems to create a dry and durable lower-ground environment.
Light & Ventilation
Basement spaces can feel enclosed when natural light, ventilation, and ceiling heights are not properly considered. We coordinate lightwells, glazing, ventilation, lighting, and interior finishes to create bright and comfortable rooms.
Excavation Coordination
Basement excavation requires careful planning around foundations, neighbouring properties, utilities, site access, and structural stability. We manage the technical disciplines and construction logistics through a controlled and coordinated programme.
THE BASEMENT CONVERSION PROCESS
From survey to refined underground space.
01. STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT
We assess the existing basement or lower-ground structure, foundations, ground conditions, water table, neighbouring buildings, and site access. These investigations help establish feasibility and determine the appropriate structural and excavation strategy.
02. WATERPROOFING DESIGN
Waterproofing is fundamental to the performance of a basement. Working with qualified specialists, we coordinate suitable tanking, cavity-drain membrane, drainage, pumping, ventilation, and moisture-management systems according to the property’s requirements.
03. PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATIONS
Planning permission may be required when the project involves excavation, structural alterations, lightwells, external changes, or protected properties. Building Regulations normally apply to matters including structural safety, fire escape, ventilation, waterproofing, insulation, and drainage.
04. EXCAVATION & STRUCTURAL WORK
Excavation, underpinning, temporary works, and structural reinforcement are completed in carefully planned stages. The work is coordinated to protect the existing property, neighbouring structures, and the areas above.
05. SERVICES AND FINISHES
Electrical, plumbing, heating, drainage, lighting, and ventilation systems are installed and coordinated around the intended use. Flooring, walls, ceilings, joinery, and finishes then create a comfortable and visually resolved interior.
06. HANDOVER
Final inspections, testing, snagging, and certification help confirm that the space is safe, dry, complete, and ready to use. Relevant warranties, manuals, maintenance information, and project documentation are provided at handover.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
What to know before starting.
Ground Conditions
Soil type, groundwater, drainage, nearby foundations, utilities, and access can all affect feasibility, design, programme, and cost. Early surveys and specialist assessments provide greater clarity on the work required.
Waterproofing
A suitable waterproofing strategy is essential for protecting against water ingress and maintaining a healthy interior. The selected system must respond to the structure, ground conditions, intended use, drainage arrangements, and long-term maintenance requirements.
Budget & Timeline
A basement conversion may require approximately 14–24 weeks, depending on whether excavation is needed and on the project’s size, structural complexity, ground conditions, access, waterproofing, specification, and approvals. Picassa Renovations prepares a project-specific programme and transparent cost structure before construction begins.
SERVICE VARIANTS
Types of basement conversions
Different basement solutions designed to maximise space and create comfortable, functional, and carefully finished lower-ground environments.
1
Lightwells & Glazing
Structural lightwells, roof glazing, glazed floor panels, or enlarged openings designed to bring natural light into lower-ground spaces.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Improves daylight, ventilation, atmosphere, and the visual connection with external areas, helping a basement feel like a natural extension of the home.
4
Wine Cellar & Storage
A specialist lower-ground environment designed for wine, artwork, collections, household storage, or other items requiring controlled temperature, humidity, security, or bespoke cabinetry.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Makes considered use of the basement while providing dedicated storage conditions and a distinctive feature for the property.
2
Guest-Suite Conversion
A basement transformed into bedroom accommodation with suitable insulation, ventilation, heating, lighting, fire-safety provisions, and an appropriate means of escape.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Creates additional sleeping or guest accommodation without increasing the property’s above-ground footprint. All proposals remain subject to design and regulatory requirements.
5
Home Gym & Wellness
A private fitness or wellness area designed with suitable ventilation, resilient flooring, lighting, temperature control, acoustic separation, and integrated storage.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Creates a convenient wellness environment without occupying the principal living spaces, with the specification tailored to the intended equipment and activities.
3
Entertainment Room
A dedicated media or entertainment space incorporating acoustic treatment, integrated audiovisual systems, architectural lighting, bespoke joinery, comfortable seating, and environmental controls.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Basements can provide effective sound separation and controlled lighting, making them well suited to private cinemas, media rooms, and entertainment spaces.
6
Utility & Building Services
A dedicated area for laundry facilities, boilers, plant equipment, storage, water systems, and other mechanical or household services.
WHY CHOOSE THIS
Moves practical functions away from the main living floors, improving organisation while keeping essential systems accessible for inspection and maintenance.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Basement Conversion FAQs.
BEGIN WITH A PRIVATE BRIEF
Planning a basement project?
Share the property type, desired scope, location, approximate timeframe, and whether drawings or planning documents already exist. We will respond with a considered next step.
PICASSA RENOVATIONS