Covering Durham
Alongside Durham, we also cover Chester-le-Street, Houghton-le-Spring (6 miles to the north-east) and Stanley.
Homes in the North East
Housing across the North East ranges from colliery terraces and Tyneside flats to suburban semis and modern estates, each with different options for extending.
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.
- Damp and structural survey
- Waterproofing design and installation
- Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
How much should I budget for a basement conversion?
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 Durham?
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 Durham homeowners check first?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- 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.
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.
Can you visit a house in Durham to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Also covering
- Basement and cellar conversions in Chester-le-Street
- Basement and cellar conversions in Houghton-le-Spring
- Basement and cellar conversions in Stanley
- Basement and cellar conversions in Washington
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Durham.