
Loft Conversion vs Basement Conversion
So you’re bursting at the seams and want to extend but the big decision is – do you go up or down?
There are definite plus and minus points for both – a light, airy loft makes great sleeping quarters, while a cool, subterranean basement could be a fantastic media room or family den. A lot will depend on the type of property you have, your family needs and of course, your budget. Here are the main pros and cons:
Loft conversion
Pros:
- Great views, a wonderful feeling of space and light
- Relatively cheap and straightforward if you can keep plans simple – i.e. staircases over existing staircases and plumbing over existing plumbing, using roof lights rather than dormer windows
- Fabulous as a master ensuite bedroom or home office
Cons:
- There may be restrictions to the height you are able to build
- You may have restricted head height in your loft space which will need to be taken into account
- The space will be limited to the size of your loft space
Basement conversion
Pros:
- If you have an existing cellar, a basement conversion is relatively cheap and straightforward to do
- Creates a fabulous, large space, ideal for a growing family, especially if you dig out under the garden too
- Could have multiple uses as a great family den, media room, home cinema, home gym…
- Can have a separate access making it ideal for guest accommodation or home office
- Adds a feeling of luxury – you could create a luxe basement kitchen/diner that opens into the garden, install an underground swimming pool or a bespoke temperature-controlled basement wine cellar and tasting cave
- New technologies mean basements are light and airy so you don’t get the feeling you are under ground
Cons:
- Costs will increase if you need to excavate a new basement rather than convert an existing cellar
- Time frames will also increase if it is a basement excavation rather than basement conversion
- You may need planning permission depending on your local authority, especially for London basement excavations

Author: Peter Little (CEO)
Peter Little is the CEO of the Property Conservation Company, with over 35 years experience in providing an exceptional and sympathetic approach to the restoration of period properties in London and The Cotswolds.
This article was first published on 12th July 2017
(Updated 22nd November 2024)
Discuss your perfect basement with us today
Get a FREE initial quote