Covering Essex
We cover Essex, including Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester and Chelmsford, and the towns around them.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
What does a basement conversion involve?
Everything below ground depends on keeping water out. We design the waterproofing system (usually a cavity drain membrane with a pump, or tanking) to the relevant British Standard guidance, then add insulation, ventilation, light and an escape route. New basements involve underpinning and a party wall process and are designed with a structural engineer.
- Waterproofing design and installation
- Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
How much does a basement conversion cost in Essex?
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 |
How is a basement conversion approved in Essex?
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 can affect a basement conversion?
- 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.
- 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.
Questions about a basement conversion in Essex
How long does it take?
About 6 to 12 weeks for a cellar conversion and 16 to 30 weeks for a new basement.
Will my neighbours be affected?
New basements usually need party wall agreements. We handle the notices and surveyors.
Do you work in Essex?
Yes. Essex is within our coverage for basement and cellar conversions, along with nearby Southend-on-Sea and Basildon.
Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns
- Basement and cellar conversions in Southend-on-Sea
- Basement and cellar conversions in Basildon
- Basement and cellar conversions in Colchester
- Basement and cellar conversions in Chelmsford
- Basement and cellar conversions in Harlow
- Basement and cellar conversions in Grays
- Basement and cellar conversions in Braintree
- Basement and cellar conversions in Brentwood
- Basement and cellar conversions in Clacton-on-Sea
- Basement and cellar conversions in South Benfleet
- Basement and cellar conversions in Canvey Island
- Basement and cellar conversions in Billericay
- Basement and cellar conversions in Loughton
- Basement and cellar conversions in Rayleigh
- Basement and cellar conversions in Stanford-le-Hope
- Basement and cellar conversions in Wickford
- Basement and cellar conversions in Witham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Pitsea
- Basement and cellar conversions in Maldon
- Basement and cellar conversions in Waltham Abbey
- Basement and cellar conversions in South Ockendon
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Essex.