Covering Banbury
Banbury sits 22 miles north of Oxford, with Brackley 8 miles to the east and Bicester 14 miles to the south-east.
Homes in the South East
Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.
What does a basement conversion involve?
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
- Finished floors, walls and ceilings
How much should I budget for a basement conversion?
Use these ranges to budget for basement and cellar conversions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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 |
What approvals does a basement conversion need in England?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
Converting an existing cellar with no external changes usually does not need planning permission in England. Digging a new basement or adding a lightwell often does, and many councils have basement policies.
What should I think about before starting?
- New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
- A pump for the drainage system needs a battery back-up.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Basement and cellar conversions: common questions
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
Will my neighbours be affected?
New basements usually need party wall agreements. We handle the notices and surveyors.
Do you work in Banbury?
Yes. Banbury is within our coverage for basement and cellar conversions, along with nearby Brackley and Bicester.
Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns
- Basement and cellar conversions in Brackley
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bicester
- Basement and cellar conversions in Daventry
- Basement and cellar conversions in Buckingham
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Banbury.