Covering Carrickfergus
Our coverage around Carrickfergus (BT38) also includes Holywood (5 miles to the south) and Newtownabbey.
Homes in County Antrim
Across Northern Ireland you find city terraces, suburban semis and rural bungalows and farmhouses, so the right approach depends on the plot and the planning history.
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.
- Planning and building control applications to the council
- Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
- Finished floors, walls and ceilings
How much does a basement conversion cost in Carrickfergus?
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 Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland the council handles both planning and building control. Permitted development rules are set by the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015, and there is no party wall act, so we agree access and protection with neighbours in writing.
In Northern Ireland new basements and external changes normally need planning permission; building control approval is needed.
What can change the price or programme?
- 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.
- 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.
Your questions answered
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
How long does it take?
About 6 to 12 weeks for a cellar conversion and 16 to 30 weeks for a new basement.
Can you visit a house in Carrickfergus to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Also covering
- Basement and cellar conversions in Holywood
- Basement and cellar conversions in Newtownabbey
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bangor
- Basement and cellar conversions in Belfast
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Carrickfergus.