Covering Irvine
Alongside Irvine, we also cover Kilwinning, Troon (5 miles to the south) and Kilmarnock.
Homes in Ayrshire
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 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.
- Damp and structural survey
- Waterproofing design and installation
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
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 Irvine?
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 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
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- 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.
What people ask before starting
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.
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 Irvine 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.
Basement and cellar conversions near Irvine
- Basement and cellar conversions in Kilwinning
- Basement and cellar conversions in Troon
- Basement and cellar conversions in Kilmarnock
- Basement and cellar conversions in Prestwick
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Irvine.