Covering Comber
Our coverage around Comber (BT16, BT23) also includes Newtownards, Holywood and Belfast.
Homes in County Down
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
- Waterproofing design and installation
- Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
How much should I budget for a basement conversion?
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 Comber?
Northern Ireland projects need planning clearance and building control approval from the local council. We prepare the applications and agree any work near neighbouring property directly with the neighbours.
In Northern Ireland new basements and external changes normally need planning permission; building control approval is needed.
What should Comber homeowners check first?
- 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.
What happens after I enquire?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Basement and cellar conversions: common questions
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 do you keep a basement dry?
With a designed waterproofing system, usually a cavity drain membrane draining to a pump, sometimes combined with tanking.
Who deals with the council for a project in Comber?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Basement and cellar conversions in Newtownards
- Basement and cellar conversions in Holywood
- Basement and cellar conversions in Belfast
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bangor
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Comber.