THE BUILDING PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH

We provide a one stop shop for the planning, design, installation and decoration of your basement or Understudy.

Step One:
You are interested in the possibilities of what Understudy can provide.

Understudy has engaged Brock Charles Architects who, only if invited by you, will visit your home or inspect your existing plans to review the site and establish the feasibility of a below ground installation. In practice all but the most restricted access sites are suitable and all possibilities can be discussed.

You should be pleasantly surprised by the speed and cost.

All this will be completely free and without any commitment on your part.

Step Two:
You are happy with the preliminary estimate.

Understudy will then arrange a day’s site survey, taking dimensional data for setting out and levels, a bedrock profile to establish the maximum depth of installation, a soil pressure test that determines the maximum weight that can be supported by the subsoil, and a borehole test to monitor the water table level.
Using this data we will develop the design detail to ensure that the unit can be installed satisfactorily.

Step Three:
You want an Understudy.

If you wish to proceed, we can then agree the configuration, finishes and level of servicing you require (eg. lighting, ventilation and heating) for your proposed use. This, with the technical design data, will be collated to provide you with a total price for your installed and finished Understudy or basement.

Step Four:
Official Permissions

The installation of the Understudy is subject to building control approval, and may be subject to planning approvals. We will be able to provide detailed drawings and calculations to your architect or complete all the formalities on your behalf.

Step Five:
Understudy will arrange for the excavation of the area,

a concrete floor slab is poured before the pre-fabricated wall elements arrive by lorry to be craned into place.

Once completed the owner’s own builders (in the case of a traditional basement) can start construction on the building above, or the Understudy grassed or covered over as intended.

As the units are prefabricated there will be a minimum of disturbance to you, normally only in the region of a week from start to finish of building on site.