Basement and cellar conversions in Kelso

Covering Kelso

Kelso is about 18 miles north-east of Hawick. We also cover Galashiels (15 miles to the west), Selkirk and Hawick.

Because the Scottish Borders covers a wide area, we confirm availability after the first call and include any travel costs in the written quote rather than adding them later.

Homes in the Scottish Borders

Scottish homes range from city tenements and sandstone terraces to bungalows and modern estates, and the building warrant process shapes the programme for every project.

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
Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
Finished floors, walls and ceilings

What will a basement conversion cost?

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

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 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.

What are the steps?

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.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Questions about a basement conversion in Kelso

How much does a basement conversion cost?

Converting an existing cellar costs about £1,900 to £3,000 per square metre including VAT. A new excavated basement is around £4,200 to £6,600 per square metre.

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 do I get a price for basement and cellar conversions in Kelso?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns

Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Kelso.