Covering Hornchurch
Hornchurch is about 15 miles east of London. We also cover Romford (2 miles to the north-west), Dagenham and Becontree.
Homes in London
Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.
What goes into 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
How much should I budget for a basement conversion?
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 England?
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 Hornchurch homeowners check first?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- A pump for the drainage system needs a battery back-up.
From first call to completion
- 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.
- 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.
Your questions answered
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
How do you keep a basement dry?
With a designed waterproofing system, usually a cavity drain membrane draining to a pump, sometimes combined with tanking.
Do you work in Hornchurch?
Yes. Hornchurch is within our coverage for basement and cellar conversions, along with nearby Romford and Dagenham.
Also covering
- Basement and cellar conversions in Romford
- Basement and cellar conversions in Dagenham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Becontree
- Basement and cellar conversions in South Ockendon
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Hornchurch.