Covering Canterbury
We work in Canterbury (CT1) and the places around it, including Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham.
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 is included in a basement conversion in Canterbury?
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
- Waterproofing design and installation
- Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
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 |
What approvals does a basement conversion need in England?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
Converting an existing cellar with no external changes usually does not need planning permission in England.
What should Canterbury homeowners check first?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- Headroom of about 2.1 m or more is needed, which may mean lowering the floor.
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.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
What people ask before starting
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Canterbury?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Basement and cellar conversions in Whitstable
- Basement and cellar conversions in Herne Bay
- Basement and cellar conversions in Faversham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Ashford
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Canterbury.