Covering Dunbartonshire
Our coverage across Dunbartonshire includes Bearsden, Clydebank, Vale of Leven and Bishopbriggs.
Homes in Dunbartonshire
Housing in Scotland includes tenements in the cities, sandstone villas, inter-war and post-war semis and a large number of bungalows, which often suit dormer and upward extensions.
What do you get with 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
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
- Finished floors, walls and ceilings
What will a basement conversion cost?
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 Scotland?
In Scotland the key step is the building warrant, which must be granted before work begins. Planning permission is decided separately by the council, and work on shared walls is handled under your title deeds rather than a party wall act.
In Scotland new basements and external lightwells normally need planning permission; all basement work needs a building warrant first.
What should Dunbartonshire homeowners check first?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- A pump for the drainage system needs a battery back-up.
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.
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Basement and cellar conversions: common questions
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
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 Dunbartonshire?
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 Bearsden
- Basement and cellar conversions in Clydebank
- Basement and cellar conversions in Vale of Leven
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bishopbriggs
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Dunbartonshire.

