Covering Kent
Our basement and cellar conversions service in Kent covers Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham and Tunbridge Wells and more.
Homes in the South East
Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.
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?
What basement and cellar conversions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 Kent?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
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 can affect a basement conversion?
- New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
- A pump for the drainage system needs a battery back-up.
What are the steps?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
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.
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
How do I get a price for basement and cellar conversions in Kent?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Also covering
- Basement and cellar conversions in Maidstone
- Basement and cellar conversions in Gillingham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Chatham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Tunbridge Wells
- Basement and cellar conversions in Folkestone
- Basement and cellar conversions in Margate
- Basement and cellar conversions in Ashford
- Basement and cellar conversions in Canterbury
- Basement and cellar conversions in Sittingbourne
- Basement and cellar conversions in Gravesend
- Basement and cellar conversions in Dartford
- Basement and cellar conversions in Ramsgate
- Basement and cellar conversions in Dover
- Basement and cellar conversions in Tonbridge
- Basement and cellar conversions in Strood
- Basement and cellar conversions in Whitstable
- Basement and cellar conversions in Deal
- Basement and cellar conversions in Sevenoaks
- Basement and cellar conversions in Rochester
- Basement and cellar conversions in Herne Bay
- Basement and cellar conversions in Broadstairs
- Basement and cellar conversions in Faversham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Swanley
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Kent.