Covering Derby
Our coverage around Derby (DE1) also includes Belper, Ilkeston and Heanor.
Homes in the East Midlands
The East Midlands combines red-brick terraces in the cities with a lot of post-war and modern estate housing, so rear extensions, garage conversions and loft conversions are all common.
What is 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
- Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
How much should I budget for a basement conversion?
Indicative costs for basement and cellar conversions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 |
Planning and building rules in Derby
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.
What should I think about before starting?
- New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
- A pump for the drainage system needs a battery back-up.
What are the steps?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
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.
Will my neighbours be affected?
New basements usually need party wall agreements. We handle the notices and surveyors.
Who deals with the council for a project in Derby?
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 Belper
- Basement and cellar conversions in Ilkeston
- Basement and cellar conversions in Heanor
- Basement and cellar conversions in Ripley
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Derby.