Basement and cellar conversions in Christchurch

Covering Christchurch

Alongside Christchurch, we also cover Bournemouth, New Milton (5 miles to the east) and Poole.

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.

Waterproofing design and installation
Ventilation, heating and electrics
Finished floors, walls and ceilings

What will a basement conversion cost?

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

Do you need permission for a basement conversion in Christchurch?

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 should I think about before starting?

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.

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.
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.

Questions about a basement conversion in Christchurch

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.

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 Christchurch?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Basement and cellar conversions near Christchurch

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