Covering Birkenhead
Alongside Birkenhead, we also cover Liverpool, Wallasey (3 miles to the north-west) and Bebington.
Homes in the North West
The North West has long rows of Victorian terraced houses in its towns and cities, alongside inter-war semis and post-war estates, so rear extensions, dormer lofts and kitchen extensions are common projects.
What does a basement conversion involve?
Everything below ground depends on keeping water out. We design the waterproofing system (usually a cavity drain membrane with a pump, or tanking) to the relevant British Standard guidance, then add insulation, ventilation, light and an escape route. New basements involve underpinning and a party wall process and are designed with a structural engineer.
- Damp and structural survey
- Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
What will a basement conversion cost?
Typical ranges for basement and cellar conversions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| 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?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
From first call to completion
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Basement and cellar conversions: common questions
How do you keep a basement dry?
With a designed waterproofing system, usually a cavity drain membrane draining to a pump, sometimes combined with tanking.
How long does it take?
About 6 to 12 weeks for a cellar conversion and 16 to 30 weeks for a new basement.
How do I get a price for basement and cellar conversions in Birkenhead?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns
- Basement and cellar conversions in Liverpool
- Basement and cellar conversions in Wallasey
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bebington
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bootle
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Birkenhead.