Basement packages for London developers

Basement Structures delivers new-build and retro-fit basement construction across London, Greater London and the Home Counties. For developers and commercial clients, we connect the below-ground works to the design team, wider construction programme and intended handover.

Discuss your project

Set the scope around the development

Our work brings together excavation, temporary works, permanent structure, waterproofing, building services and fit-out to the extent agreed for the project. A basement package can focus on the structure and waterproofing or continue through the finished accommodation. Our new-build service can also extend into the superstructure.

We establish the boundary of that package with the project team: the design being provided, the construction being undertaken and the work that remains with other parties. Statutory dutyholder appointments are identified separately.

Concrete being poured around steel reinforcement
Steel reinforcement cages prepared before concrete is poured

Resolve the junctions between packages

Basement construction needs decisions from the wider building early. Column loads, stair and lift openings, drainage levels, plant positions and service penetrations affect the shell. We bring those interfaces into the basement design and construction sequence so that subsequent trades have defined points to work to.

Where another contractor follows our works, the handover boundary needs to identify protection of the waterproofing, permitted fixing locations and responsibility for later penetrations. These details matter as much as the outline floor area.

Make the programme reflect the site

We link the proposed sequence to site access, excavation handling, structural design information and required approvals. A planning condition governing construction traffic can affect mobilisation; a revised plant layout can affect openings before a concrete pour. Our package review brings these dependencies to the project team while the relevant decisions can still be made.

For constrained or occupied sites, site logistics also need to account for adjacent uses, shared access and the working arrangements of the wider development.

Agree the condition at handover

A watertight shell and a completed basement require different scope, inspections and completion information. We define the intended handover around the work commissioned, including the interfaces with follow-on fit-out or the building's operating systems.

This gives the client and professional team a clear basis for assessing completion of our package. See shell, fit-out and turnkey options, or contact us about your development.

Frequently asked questions

Can you work with an existing consultant team?

Yes. The basement package can be developed alongside the client's architect, engineer and other appointed specialists. Design responsibility, information requirements and the interfaces with other works are established for the project.

Can you provide the basement without the internal fit-out?

Yes. The agreed scope can finish at the shell or include further services and finishes. The specification must state the actual handover condition, including waterproofing, drainage, service provisions and any work retained by others.

Can the new-build package continue above ground?

Our new-build offer can continue into the superstructure. The extent is agreed with the project team so the below-ground and above-ground works are planned around a defined construction scope.

What most often changes the proposed basement sequence?

Access restrictions, the existing structure, ground conditions, the temporary works design and late changes at package interfaces can all affect the sequence. Identifying these dependencies early gives the team a better basis for setting the programme.

Does a design-and-build appointment remove the developer's CDM duties?

No. Commercial clients retain duties to make suitable management arrangements, provide relevant information, appoint appropriate dutyholders and allow sufficient time and resources. The contractor's scope and statutory appointments need to support those arrangements.

Basement project management in London

Coordinate your London basement programme, design decisions, changes and handover. Practical project management for homeowners and professional teams.