Basement and cellar conversions in Lichfield

Covering Lichfield

Our coverage around Lichfield (WS13) also includes Burntwood (4 miles to the west) and Tamworth.

Homes in the West Midlands

Red-brick terraces and inter-war semis make up much of the housing in the West Midlands, which suits rear extensions, dormer lofts and hip-to-gable conversions, with more modern estates on the edges of the towns.

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.

Waterproofing design and installation
Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape
Ventilation, heating and electrics

What will a basement conversion cost?

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

Planning and building rules in Lichfield

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 should I think about before starting?

Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
Headroom of about 2.1 m or more is needed, which may mean lowering the floor.

From first call to completion

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.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Lichfield?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Basement and cellar conversions in nearby towns

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