Covering Chelmsford
Our coverage around Chelmsford (CM1, CM99) also includes Billericay, Witham and Maldon.
Homes in the East of England
Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.
What do you get with a basement conversion?
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.
- Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
- Finished floors, walls and ceilings
What is the guide price for a basement conversion in Chelmsford?
What basement and cellar conversions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 |
How is a basement conversion approved in Chelmsford?
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 I think about before starting?
- 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?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Questions about a basement conversion in Chelmsford
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.
How long does it take?
About 6 to 12 weeks for a cellar conversion and 16 to 30 weeks for a new basement.
Who deals with the council for a project in Chelmsford?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Also covering
- Basement and cellar conversions in Billericay
- Basement and cellar conversions in Witham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Maldon
- Basement and cellar conversions in Wickford
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Chelmsford.