On the surface, it’s a hole in the ground similar to the cellars of the Victorian era hundreds of years ago. But in these modern times, it has become so much more. Gone are the days of ducking your head as you make your way down some brick steps to a small damp room. Nowadays, if you’re building a basement, not only would it be a cool store, but often a workshop, gym, garage, even a steam room, the possibilities are endless. But with this, the structural requirements become much more complicated than their Victorian relatives. Once a space is livable, you will need light and air to ensure enough ventilation and a healthy environment. Will it need a lift or a ramp? How are you going to keep it dry? Basements can be beautiful things but don’t mistake the simplicity of digging a hole for the complexity of living underground.