Basement and cellar conversions in Chichester

Covering Chichester

Our coverage around Chichester (PO19) also includes Bognor Regis (6 miles to the south-east) and Havant.

Homes in the South East

The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.

What goes into 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
Finished floors, walls and ceilings

What is the guide price for a basement conversion in Chichester?

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

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 Chichester homeowners check first?

New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
Headroom of about 2.1 m or more is needed, which may mean lowering the floor.

What are the steps?

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.

What people ask before starting

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.

Can you visit a house in Chichester 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.

Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns

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