For the latest trend in home improvement, don't look up – look down!

This cost-effective craze has been big news in London for a while, where cramped homeowners are keen to use every square foot of space, but the trend is now taking off in other parts of the UK such as Manchester, Leeds and parts of Scotland.

The main reason basement conversions are really growing in popularity is because, unlike loft conversions, basements are normally closer to other communal areas and can be more versatile living spaces that suit modern lifestyles, not just extra bedrooms, bathrooms or studies.

Let your imagination roam free

Perhaps the most exciting reason to 'extend' underground is that you can really enhance your family's lifestyle.

Your kids can have a giant playroom all to themselves – or the bigger kids can treat themselves to a home cinema, a recording studio, or a state-of-the-art wine cellar to really indulge their passion.

If you own a commercial property it's also worth remembering your basement could earn you thousands as extra storage, retail space, a car park or even a bar or nightclub.

Are there any financial benefits?

Apart from the extra space for you or your family, a basement conversion can earn you a packet in additional rental income.

Most simply, you could rent the converted basement to a lodger, who would then share the kitchen and bathroom with the family.

Or, alternatively, you could convert the basement into a self-contained studio apartment, with its own front door if so desired. If that sounds appealing, however, you should be aware that you will need planning permission if you plan to create a separate entrance to your home.

But even if you decide not to rent out your converted basement, a simple conversion can also add on thousands to the value of your property when selling it on.

Doing your bit for society!

It might seem far-fetched but basement conversions were championed by the Minister of State for Housing and Planning in 2005 as a way of addressing the UK's increasing inner-city dwelling density. So you'd also be helping out the Government!

Is my basement suitable for a conversion?

It may sound a tad obvious but your property is only suitable for a basement conversion if you actually have a basement or cellar under your home. Digging a new basement under an existing property is usually not a financially viable solution, though small numbers of people do try to pursue this option.

Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for cellar conversions, as the work can often be carried out from outside, which means you can easily continue to live in your property while the renovations are taking place.

A word of warning, however, some older houses may have shallow foundations, so in order to create a safe living space below, you may need to underpin your property first.

STEP ONE

WALL MEMBRANE
Choose an appropriate wall membrane to suit your wall finish. In this example, Newton 508 has been chosen for the walls and is shown with both independent metal frame dry-lining and concrete block wall coverings.

STEP TWO

DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Choose your preferred method of water collection. Here Newton Basedrain is sat above the slab adjacent to a spacer of 50mm of closed cell insulation

STEP THREE

PUMP SYSTEM AND PUMPS
Choose the correct method of removal of the water. A Titan-Pro sump system collects water from the Basedrain drainage system via two connections of Newton Floordrain. The pumps (not shown) would be chosen depending on factors such as the pumping head and the type of water collected.

STEP FOUR

FLOOR MEMBRANE
Choose the correct floor membrane for your finishes and floor loadings. Newton 508 is shown here with a 65mm screed above