Covering Chippenham
We work in Chippenham (SN15) and the places around it, including Corsham, Calne and Devizes.
Homes in the South West
The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.
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.
- Damp and structural survey
- Waterproofing design and installation
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
What is the guide price for a basement conversion in Chippenham?
Guide prices for basement and cellar conversions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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?
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. Digging a new basement or adding a lightwell often does, and many councils have basement policies.
What can affect a basement conversion?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- 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.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- 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.
Do you work in Chippenham?
Yes. Chippenham is within our coverage for basement and cellar conversions, along with nearby Corsham and Calne.
Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns
- Basement and cellar conversions in Corsham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Calne
- Basement and cellar conversions in Devizes
- Basement and cellar conversions in Trowbridge
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Chippenham.