More Scottish homeowners are looking to their unused basements as a means to make use of previously uninhabitable space.

The Property Care Association (PCA) says there is an increasing trend of property owners - particularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow – creating basement conversions.

A basement conversion can enlarge the floor space of a two-storey property by up to 50%, without increasing the footprint of the building, according to PCA.

Les Meikle, national chairman of PCA, said the trend reflected a growing desire amongst Scottish homeowners to make more room as a viable alternative to moving house.

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He said: "In the Scottish central belt, in particular Edinburgh and Glasgow, those with properties with underground street cellars and occupants of sandstone tenements with garden flats are realising that…it pays to add value to a property with a basement conversion.

"Such developments provide meaningful and useful space, transforming previously uninhabitable damp basements into an attractive and dry area suitable for a number of uses, such as an indoor gym, office, additional bedroom, dining area or even storage space."

Advances in technology and techniques are key to the success of basement conversions, to ensure a 'dry all the time' structure is created.

Steve Hodgson, general manager of PCA said, "Below ground waterproofing is a highly specialised operation and must be undertaken by contractors who have the requisite levels of skill, understanding and experience.

"Failures resulting from inadequate specifications or poor workmanship can be very costly."

(IT)