In the densely populated streets of Brighton and Hove, expanding outwards or upwards is not always possible due to planning restrictions or lack of garden space. In these scenarios, the solution often lies beneath your feet. Basement conversions and excavations are becoming an increasingly popular way to add premium living space to properties in East Sussex. Ridge Group Contracting is a specialist in this complex field of construction, offering end-to-end basement solutions from structural excavation to waterproofing and high-end fit-outs.
A basement conversion can increase your home’s floor area by as much as 50% without altering the external footprint of the building. This makes it an ideal solution for period properties in conservation areas. Whether you have an existing dark cellar that needs damp-proofing or require a full excavation to create a new subterranean level, the potential uses are endless. Our clients have used basement spaces to create home cinemas, gyms, wine cellars, playrooms, guest suites, and utility rooms.
Basement construction is one of the most technical areas of building. It requires a deep understanding of geology, structural loads, and water management. Ridge Group Contracting employs experienced specialists to ensure the structural integrity of your home is never compromised.
If you are lowering the floor level of an existing cellar or digging a new basement, the foundations of the existing house must be strengthened. We utilise safe, proven underpinning methods to extend the depth of your foundations, allowing us to excavate safely. We handle all logistics regarding soil removal (muck away), even in terraced streets with limited access.
The success of any basement project relies on keeping water out. Brighton is a coastal town, and groundwater pressure can be a factor. We use advanced waterproofing systems, including Type C cavity drain membranes. This involves installing a studded membrane behind the walls and floor that channels any penetrating water into a perimeter channel and towards a sump pump station, where it is safely pumped away. This ensures your basement remains dry, warm, and habitable year-round.
We can construct entirely new basements under properties that currently have no cellar. This involves supporting the house on steel beams while we excavate beneath it. It is a significant engineering feat that adds massive value to the property.
Many Victorian homes in Sussex have coal cellars or storage basements with low ceilings. We can dig down to increase head height, damp proof the space, and install light wells or walk-on glass rooflights to bring natural light into the room.
If disrupting the main house is not an option, we can also construct “iceberg” basements beneath your garden. This is a fantastic way to create a large open space that is connected to the main house via a tunnel or staircase, often used for swimming pools or media rooms.
Basement works almost always require Planning Permission and detailed Party Wall Agreements with your neighbours. Ridge Group Contracting can assist you in this process. We work with structural engineers to provide the necessary calculations and method statements to reassure neighbours and local authorities that the work will be carried out safely and professionally.
Do not trust your home’s foundations to general builders. Basement work requires specialist insurance and expertise. Ridge Group Contracting delivers peace of mind alongside exceptional craftsmanship. If you are considering a basement project in Brighton, Hove, or East Sussex, contact us today for a consultation.
We provide a complete, end-to-end solution for every project. From the initial survey and planning to the final high-quality finish, our integrated team manages every detail to ensure a seamless workflow and minimal disruption to your property
Quality starts with the materials we use. We source only the highest-grade products—whether structural steel, sustainable timber, or heritage brick—ensuring durability and a finish that withstands the Sussex coastal climate
Every project is executed by fully qualified professionals. Our team combines traditional trade skills with rigorous modern construction standards, ensuring structural integrity, safety compliance, and exceptional attention to detail.
