Welcome to Cranbrook Basements

• About Us
• Quality Assurance
• Quotation and Design
• Legal Requirements
• Project Management
• Questions
• Gallery

Contact Us

If you would like to receive a free, no-obligation quotation for the design and construction of a basement at your home please telephone us on freephone 0800 525 883 during office hours.
Alternatively, send us an email with your name, address and contact details to us at info@cranbrook.co.uk with the subject header 'web enquiry'. Back to top of page

QUALITY ASSURANCE

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTE

We are proud of our registration as a British Standards Institute Approved Company specialising in design and construction of new and retro fit basements through our directly employed workforce. The quality management systems and site operations of Cranbrook Basements are regularly inspected by quality auditors from the British Standards Institute to ensure that our consistently high standards are maintained. The British Standards Institute is acknowledged worldwide as being the pre-eminent inspection and test authority and their monitoring of our systems ensures that our Clients receive consistently high quality service and basement construction.

QUALITY CONTROL

Each stage of your basement construction is carefully inspected by our Project Management and Quality Control staff to ensure that it complies with the high standards required by our British Standards Registration. The vast experience of our expert installation teams ensures that the highest standards of construction are achieved in line with the performance requirements of the Building Regulations and the appropriate British Standards.
Back to top of page

QUOTATION AND DESIGN

INITIAL CONSULTATION

Upon receipt of the initial Client contact we will arrange an appointment for one of our experienced design surveyors to meet at the Client’s home. The purpose of this initial meeting we will be to carry out a brief survey of the property and ask a series of questions regarding the type of basement which the Client requires. We will consider all of the relevant circumstances and make appropriate recommendations to the Client. We will offer suggestions and ideas regarding the best use of the space to be constructed and provide information regarding the position of the proposed staircase and any changes that may be required to the existing ground floor area. This information will enable the Client to properly assess the merits of the scheme.

SPECIFICATION

All of the materials and workmanship to be used during the course of the construction of your basement will be of the highest quality. All works will be subject to approval by the Local Authority Building Control Department. Electrical works will be carried out to the standards laid down by the National Installation Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICEIC) and any gas alteration works in line with the requirements of the Confederation of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).

GUARANTEE

All of the works carried out at your home will receive the benefit a full company guarantee. In certain circumstances materials installed will also benefit from a manufacturers guarantee in addition to that offered by the company. Following completion of works on site the project passes into the guarantee phase and the Client will continue to benefit from the support of our Client Services Team. Upon request an insurance backed guarantee can be provided.
Back to top of page

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

PLANNING PERMISSION

Planning permission is generally required for all basement construction. We will prepare a full Planning application and submit it on behalf of the Client to the Local Authority Planning Department. We will liaise closely with the planning case officer and regularly update the Client with information regarding the progress of the Planning application. Where necessary we will enter into negotiation with the Planning Department or Conservation Officer to ensure a positive outcome is achieved.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

A full Building Regulation application will be prepared for submission to the Local Authority Building Control Department. Detailed plans and material specifications will be provided to the Building Control Officer for checking and approval. We will answer enquires raised by the Building Control Department and ensure that approval is obtained. During the course of works on site we will arrange for all necessary Building Regulation site inspections and at the completion of works ensure that a Building Control Completion Certificate is obtained and provided to the Client.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

We shall prepare a full set of structural engineering calculations and associated designs for submission to the Local Authority Building Control and Local Authority Structural Engineers Section. We will ensure that the structural engineers’ calculations receive approval and that a copy of this approval certificate is provided to the Client.

PARTY WALL

The majority of basement construction within the London area will require the service of Party Wall Notices and associated documentation upon adjoining owners. We will prepare the party wall notices on your behalf together with supportive plans etc. In the event that specialist party wall surveyor involvement is required we will be happy to recommend a suitably qualified Chartered Surveyor. We will liaise closely with the party wall surveyor ensuring that the requirements of any party wall agreement are complied with.
Back to top of page

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

SITE PROCEDURE

Prior to the commencement of basement construction the Project Manager will meet with the Client to discuss in detail the procedure which will apply during the construction phase.  Site works will benefit from our full in-house Quality Assurance and Approval process which is operated in accordance with our British Standard Institute Approved Quality Management System. The role of the Project Manager is to ensure that any inconvenience to the Client and neighbours is kept to an absolute minimum

SAFETY

Safety of operations is the most important part of the service that we provide. Cranbrook Basements have a dedicated Health & Safety Officer with responsibility for ensuring the safety of our Client and construction team.  All of our staff have received training in accident prevention and fire safety.  The safety of our Client is of particular importance bearing in mind the potential for children to be in close proximity to the working environment.

INSURANCE

Cranbrook Basements are fully insured in respect of all Public Liability and Employers Liability Risks. We are insured by AXA who are one of the largest insurers of commercial business in the United Kingdom.  Our insurance provides protection not only to our Clients home but also to neighbouring properties and members of the general public. Further details of our insurance together with levels of cover etc. are available upon request.

STAFF

We believe strongly in the training and retention of high quality individuals. The majority of our people have been a part of the Company for many years often having passed through the Company via a formal apprenticeship.  Individual trades people possess all of the necessary skills to deliver finishes of the highest standard within our Clients home.  We take great pride in delivering basement construction of the highest quality to all of our Clients and will continue to strive to achieve the extremely high quality standards laid down by our approval as a British Standards Institute Specialist.

TECHNICAL

All of our technical staff possess a vast range of experience within their respective field of expertise from Architecture and Design through to Structural Engineering and Project Management. Quality and experience are at the heart of all that we do at Cranbrook Basements. Our technical operations staff will respond to enquiries raised by Local Authority Planners, Building Control Officers, Highways Officers and any other interested party ensuring, at all times, that our Client is kept fully updated with regard to progress on their individual project.
Back to top of page

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cranbrook Basements is a specialist design and build company with a focus on superior client service and high quality construction. We will provide a quotation for your basement, we will obtain all of the regulatory approvals for your basement and we will build your basement.

Question
What services do Cranbrook Basements offer?
Answer
We are a specialist design and construction company. This means that we will design the basement to our Client’s particular needs and obtain the necessary approvals. We will construct the basement using our own directly employed staff and hand it over to the Client ready for occupation within the agreed time frame.

Question
How do I obtain a quotation and initial design?
Answer
We offer a free quotation and initial design service. An appointment will be made for one of our design surveyors to visit your home and carry out a brief survey of the property. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your requirements and any particular needs which you may have. Following this initial survey you will receive a detailed written quotation and freehand sketch plan which will provide you with a costing for works at your home. Once a Client is satisfied with the initial design proposal and costing, an agreement for the works is signed and we will then produce formal architectural drawings, obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and construct your basement.

Question
Do I require Planning permission?
Answer
The majority of basement conversions do require planning consent. Sensitively designed basements will normally receive planning approval and they are generally regarded by planners as a sensible solution to diminishing land resources within London.

Question
Can my neighbours object?
Answer
Neighbours will have the opportunity to raise concerns regarding your basement following the submission of a Planning Application. Under normal circumstances neighbour objections are not sufficient to result in the refusal of planning permission. The majority of properties within London will require some form of Party Wall Agreement and neighbours concerns are again addressed during this process. The Party Wall Act provides a positive framework for the resolution of any neighbour related construction issues. It does not enable a neighbour to prevent the formation of a basement at your home.

Question
Do I need to move out?
Answer
Under normal circumstances it is not necessary to vacate the property. Basement construction is generally carried out below the ground floor of your home with access being gained from either the front or the rear dependant on site circumstance. The staircase is generally installed towards the end of the construction process.

Question
Can my basement have natural daylight?
Answer
The provision of daylight is essential for any successful basement project. Under normal circumstances natural daylight is provided at the front and rear of the property via light wells or similar structures.

Question
Will my foundations need underpinning?
Answer
Underpinning is normally required to all basements. The affected foundations of the original building will be considerably strengthened as a result of the underpinning works providing a stable safe environment for your family home.

Question
I have a solid ground floor. Can I still have a basement?
Answer
The presence of a solid ground bearing concrete floor slab will not prevent the construction of a basement. Under normal circumstances the existing ground floor slab will remain in place whilst it will be supported from below as part of the normal basement construction process.

Back to top of page

GALLERY

FAMILY ROOM

A wonderfully bright spacious and open plan family room featuring natural fire place with built in book shelf storage. The natural wood maple floor is complimented by matching staircase and handrail parts.

A beautiful built in window seat situated below the lightwell window. The open plan study area maximises the use of this spacious accommodation. Additional storage is provided within the window seat and study area.

Comfortable family accommodation immediately adjacent to the open plan kitchen area. Built in plasma television set within attractive hand built storage units. Breakfast bar provides a natural break between dining area and kitchen.

A highly contemporary minimalist design enhanced by the use of large full height picture window systems providing access to lightwells beyond. Decorative floor finish achieved using polished natural limestone.

A highly contemporary open plan family area with cantilevered mahogany shelving harvested from a sustainable resource. White maple flooring is complimented by natural gas fire place positioned directly below metal frame open plan stair flight.

Modern seating area set within traditional reception area. Natural fireplace effect achieved using gas coal technology all set within marble hearth and complimentary natural timber surround.

Open plan seated family area adjacent to timber window providing natural daylight. Additional storage provided via built in cupboards. Background lighting achieved with low energy lamps.

Ultra modern open plan seated area with halogen up and down lighters. Natural daylight achieved through windows incorporating high performance double glazed natural timber frames. Flooring provided in sustainable natural oak with complimentary handrail details to stair flight.

Back to top of page

---

BATHROOM

Traditional twin vanity unit set within deep black shaped edge granite worktop. Contrasting white under slung basins provide a perfect balance to dark granite. All set within hand built deep mahogany panel vanity unit and open shelving detail.

Wet room shower with floor graded water outlet. Purpose made frameless glass shower enclosure screen mounted over projecting limestone clad wall sections. Recessed storage niche set within shower area and isolated wall mounted shower controls.

Isolated two person bath tub set within purpose made framework cladding. Natural daylight through window beyond. Wall and floor coverings in high gloss porcelain in regular pattern.

Contemporary minimal bathroom with brick style porcelain wall cladding. Isolated bath tub with floor mounted filler taps and shower. Contemporary sink with deck mounted mixer tap and polished chrome exposed waste trap.

Traditional family bathroom with mosaic circular ceramic detail to isolated bath tub. Contemporary sink set over natural timber frame with adjacent linen basket storage. Inlayed hand painted ceramic wall tile feature panel over bath.

Contemporary minimal bathroom with vanity unit featuring highly polished super chrome ladder style tower warmer. Built in high gloss laminate storage complete with black granite work surface and inlayed mirror frame detail.

Hydro spa bath and walk in open plan wet room shower arrangement concealed behind circular shaped mosaic tile panelling. Wall mounted shower controls set within limestone tiling. Built in vanity unit with granite top and under slung basin cabinet.

Ultra minimal clean line bathroom featuring wide plan twin vanity unit and deck mounted mixer tap. Wall mounted concealed cistern toilet and fully framed built in bath. Mirror niche within wall house framework.

Back to top of page

---

BEDROOM

Open plan bedroom suite complete with integrated bathing area. French doors through to light well with concealed wooden shutter detail. Natural timber maple flooring from sustainable resource and electronic climate control via concealed grill air conditioning system.

Contemporary bedroom on elevated natural wood platform. Natural light through full height clere storey glazing panel. Bed positioning defined by step panel wall detail matching isolated column to glazing picture.

Highly contemporary open plan bedroom featuring integral Japanese style sliding screens. Concealed storage via sliding mirrored unit complete with bow fronted vanity unit. Wall mounted plasma TV framed on isolated step wall panel detail.

Open plan Californian style walk in wardrobe. Flexible hanging and drawer storage complete with multi level adjustable storage shelving and pull out ladder rack hangers.

Simple isolated bed set within modern unfussy room detail. Contemporary granite flooring with step wall panel detail and isolated down lighting. Climate control via under floor warm water heating system.

Simple open plan childrens double bunk bed arrangement with small access staircase. All constructed using recessed shelving arrangement for open bookcase and cupboard complete with additional roll out storage to lower bed area.

Art deco style bedroom with large span deep mahogany panels concealing flexible shelf storage beyond. Bed position elevated with contrasting natural teak framing and maple floor coverings.

Walk in closet with hand constructed enclosed wardrobe zones. Inlay mirror detailing set within cherry wood framework over natural maple wood floor.

Back to top of page

---

KITCHEN

Korian worktops and electronic induction isolated hob provide a wonderful aid to food preparation within this ultra modern kitchen. Super high gloss laminate storage cupboards form the framework for twin oven housing featuring the latest in regulated temperature environment cooking.

Informal kitchen area blends seamlessly with open plan family dining area. Centre piece of island breakfast bar with granite worktop. Natural mahogany timber floor from sustainable resource combines with solid porcelain wall coverings to range cooker position.

Wide flank solid granite breakfast bar providing dining area within this contemporary galley kitchen. Isolated stainless steel and glass canopy extractor over natural gas range hob unit.

Traditional kitchen set within arched room separation providing open plan serving area through to dining room. Ice making double American style fridge unit forming the focal point together with natural stone worktops and ledge coverings.

Traditional hand painted kitchen with glazed wall units. Isolated solid granite breakfast bar is cantilevered to provide raised seating area adjacent to main worktop space. Additional open ledge storage form within wall unit run.

Natural deep wood mahogany kitchen complete with oversized commercial range cooker. Built in microwave housing and wine rack storage easily accessible at eye level within reach of isolated sink and food preparation area.

Subtle tones of natural granite at work top and wall level incorporating hand made over tile inlay. Food preparation and wet sink area constructed within island worktop area. Access through to utility room via glazed feature leadwork doorway.

Compact contemporary kitchen area with breakfast bar and window providing natural daylight. Recess to drop ceiling area provides a pleasant contrast together with directional background lighting.

Back to top of page

---

ENTERTAINMENT

Built in wide screen projection television system complete with surround sound. Mahogany framework conceals built in speak positions behind micromesh ultra black fabric grill. Noise reduction achieved via increased wall lining panels.

Contemporary open plan family entertainment zone. High gloss maple flooring complimented by vertical horizontal wall panelling system. Television built in to feature frame work complete with sympathetic circular wall and ceiling systems.

Cinema effect media room with overhead projection system. Lighting control achieved through electronic management system and high level recessed light fittings. Audio visual equipment concealed within purpose made timber enclosure.

Traditional family media room featuring wide screen plasma television and audio sound system set within mahogany timber framework. Circular wall detail and step level ceiling in tandem with built in open plan bookshelf display storage. Sustainable natural timber hardwood plank flooring.

Contemporary audio visual installation with full exposed speaker and sub woofer system. Polished limestone flooring and cantilevered clear glass shelving achieved a clean lined finish set against feature brickwork detail.

Art deco style cinema installation with natural wool floor coverings. Traditional deep leather armchair and dark wood panelling provide perfect back drop for built in overhead projection cinema and integrated audio system controlled lighting via wall mounted up lighters.

Traditional snug family den TV room with open plan fire detail and marble surround. Exposed hand built timber bookshelf details with overhead stepped level ceiling light detail. Fully conceal speaker and audio system.

Picture 8
Easy listening sound system set below double glazed window directly into lightwell. Acoustic dampening and sound level control achieved via contemporary high density wall and ceiling panelling system.

Back to top of page

---

STUDY

Den style study with hand built open plan book shelves constructed in natural mahogany from sustainable resource.

Small isolated reading area set with exposed book shelf arrangement and natural stone flooring.

Symmetrical natural mahogany wooden shelving from sustainable resource.

Small localised study zone set within bedroom area. Hand built open shelving arrangement forms recessed work space below solid wood counter style desk top.

Simple study arrangement with open plan desking, isolated traditional mahogany free standing wall unit and secondary desk area. Contrasting ribbed decorative wall detail.

Formal study with hand made bespoke deep walnut natural timber finishes. Expose glass feature round top detailing with open book shelf arrangement over pull out drawers. Additional high level storage through solid timber slab style panel doors.

Pre-formed study zone with purpose made joinery style veneered shelving deep storage units. Concealed lighting to glazed wall units and drop pelmet detailing.

Niche open plan study zone formed within stairwell hallway. Desk enclosure provided by low level wall detail complete with solid wood natural oak capping rail.

Back to top of page

---

HOME FITNESS

Home gymnasium with feature glass mirrors set into traditional moulded softwood timber frame. Exercise area fitted with natural coir matting and mahogany edge floor trim.

Personal infinity swimming pool within regulated climate control environment. Fully retractable electrical safety cover concealed within perimeter of pool. Natural limestone floor coverings to pool deck area.

Home gymnasium positioned within angular bay fronted window area. Natural daylight provided via curved top double glazed windows adjacent to feature wall panel. Handmade plaster cornice to circular walls provides a natural break at ceiling level.

Temperature control plunge pool. High power body jet water circulation providing “spa” effect with concealed lighting. Feature rock waterfall detail.

Spa feature within swimming pool area styled in infinity swimming pool format with floor graded grills. Below water walling forms circular enclosure.

Traditional Swedish sauna constructed using natural pine from sustainable resource. Background dry heating provided via traditional volcanic coal effect dry heat generator. Reclining and seated areas cushioned by flexible timber support.

Private treadmill swimming pool providing continual water resistance against swimming stroke action. Continuous marble wall and floor claddings linked to provide waterproof finish. Electronic climate and temperature control concealed within the ceiling panels.

Luxury high pressure hydro spa relaxation plunge pool. Localised relaxation spa jets complete with built in audio and under water lighting system. Water fill by a fountain effect from elevated spa position.

Back to top of page

---

STAIRCASE

Standard open plan staircase set within double height vaulted stairwell. Natural solid wood timber treads with compliment newel post and handrail detail incorporating turned softwood spindles and base rails.

Generously proportioned over wide solid hardwood stair flight complete with double round bull nose steps. Complementary natural wood flooring with hardwood skirting to stair string line.

Hand made art deco staircase constructed using solid oak from sustainable resource. Solid step champher detailing to newel posts complete with high level isolated spindle arrangement.

Traditional handmade Edwardian style stair flight complete with solid mahogany natural wood balustrade and purpose turned high detail newel posts. White painted pine spindles together with pine base rail and edge nosing beads.

Aerial view through to lower level zone incorporating open plan stair flight and hallway arrangement. Traditional stair flight construction with deep mahogany handrails and fully turned balustrade.

Widened stair flight incorporating hand made circular volute handrail detail with associated spindles. Deep hardwood natural timber treads complimented by matching handrail and painted pine detailing to wall and stair enclosure.

Traditional Edwardian stair handrailing and balustrade to match the existing stair flight. Fully turned newel post detail and open plan bull nose effect detail to the first step.

Natural pine stair flight leading from open plan hallway with small feature play area. Traditional turned staircase handrail and spindles with a natural slate floor finish.

Back to top of page

---

UTILITY

Construct a fully equipped working utility room with integrated washing and drying equipment. Additional storage can be provided by built in wall and floor units. Additional space can be created for refrigerated cold storage of additional food and drinks. Can also accommodate central heating boiler and hot water storage cylinder.
Back to top of page

---

WINE CELLAR

Maintain your cherished wine collection in a purpose built wine cellar environment. This sub terrainian vault will enable you to store your treasured collection at precisely the right temperature and humidity levels. Air conditioning and humidity controls can be introduced where required together with the design, manufacture and installation of purpose made storage bins.
Back to top of page