Covering Ballymena
Ballymena sits 23 miles north-west of Belfast, with Magherafelt 15 miles to the south-west and Ballymoney 17 miles to the north-west.
Homes in County Antrim
Northern Ireland has a high proportion of detached houses and bungalows outside the cities, which often suit side extensions, rear extensions and upward extensions.
What goes into a basement conversion?
A basement conversion turns an existing cellar into dry, usable rooms, or excavates a new basement under a house. Converting an existing cellar is far simpler and cheaper than digging a new one, and often does not need planning permission.
- Damp and structural survey
- Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
- Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
How much should I budget for a basement conversion?
Guide prices for basement and cellar conversions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| Basement and cellar conversions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Existing cellar conversion | £1,900 to £3,000 per m² |
| New basement excavation | £4,200 to £6,600 per m² |
Planning and building rules in Ballymena
In Northern Ireland the council handles both planning and building control. Permitted development rules are set by the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015, and there is no party wall act, so we agree access and protection with neighbours in writing.
In Northern Ireland new basements and external changes normally need planning permission; building control approval is needed.
What should Ballymena homeowners check first?
- A pump for the drainage system needs a battery back-up.
- Headroom of about 2.1 m or more is needed, which may mean lowering the floor.
How does the project run?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
What people ask before starting
How much does a basement conversion cost?
Converting an existing cellar costs about £1,900 to £3,000 per square metre including VAT. A new excavated basement is around £4,200 to £6,600 per square metre.
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
Do you work in Ballymena?
Yes. Ballymena is within our coverage for basement and cellar conversions, along with nearby Magherafelt and Ballymoney.
Basement and cellar conversions near Ballymena
- Basement and cellar conversions in Magherafelt
- Basement and cellar conversions in Ballymoney
- Basement and cellar conversions in Newtownabbey
- Basement and cellar conversions in Carrickfergus
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Ballymena.