Covering Downpatrick
Our coverage around Downpatrick (BT30) also includes Comber, Newtownards and Lisburn.
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 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.
- Planning and building control applications to the council
- Damp and structural survey
- Finished floors, walls and ceilings
What will a basement conversion cost?
Typical ranges for basement and cellar conversions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| 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 Downpatrick?
Projects in Northern Ireland need planning clearance from one of the eleven councils and building control approval, also from the council. The Party Wall etc. Act does not extend to Northern Ireland, so work near neighbours is agreed directly and documented carefully.
In Northern Ireland new basements and external changes normally need planning permission; building control approval is needed.
What can change the price or programme?
- 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.
From first call to completion
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- 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.
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
Who deals with the council for a project in Downpatrick?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns
- Basement and cellar conversions in Comber
- Basement and cellar conversions in Newtownards
- Basement and cellar conversions in Lisburn
- Basement and cellar conversions in Belfast
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Downpatrick.