Basement and cellar conversions in Cambridge

Covering Cambridge

Our coverage around Cambridge (CB5, CB21, CB22) also includes Huntingdon (16 miles to the north-west) and Haverhill.

Homes in the East of England

The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.

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
Ventilation, heating and electrics

How much does a basement conversion cost in Cambridge?

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 Cambridge?

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.

What can affect a basement conversion?

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?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Questions about a basement conversion in Cambridge

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.

Will my neighbours be affected?

New basements usually need party wall agreements. We handle the notices and surveyors.

Who deals with the council for a project in Cambridge?

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

Also covering

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