Basement and cellar conversions in Bonnyrigg

Covering Bonnyrigg

Alongside Bonnyrigg, we also cover Dalkeith, Musselburgh (5 miles to the north-east) and Haddington.

Homes in the Lothians

Housing in Scotland includes tenements in the cities, sandstone villas, inter-war and post-war semis and a large number of bungalows, which often suit dormer and upward extensions.

What do you get with 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.

Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
Ventilation, heating and electrics

How much should I budget for a basement conversion?

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

Do you need permission for a basement conversion in Bonnyrigg?

Projects in Scotland need a building warrant from the council before any building work starts, and a completion certificate once it is finished. Planning permission is a separate decision. The Party Wall etc. Act does not apply in Scotland; shared walls are governed by title deeds and the law of the tenement where relevant.

In Scotland new basements and external lightwells normally need planning permission; all basement work needs a building warrant first.

What can affect a basement conversion?

Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
Headroom of about 2.1 m or more is needed, which may mean lowering the floor.

How does the project run?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Bonnyrigg?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns

Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Bonnyrigg.