Covering Montrose
Alongside Montrose, we also cover Arbroath, Forfar (17 miles to the west) and Carnoustie.
Homes in Dundee and Angus
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 do you get with 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.
- Building warrant application and completion certificate
- Damp and structural survey
- Finished floors, walls and ceilings
How much does a basement conversion cost in Montrose?
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 Montrose?
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 change the price or programme?
- 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.
How does the project run?
- 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.
- 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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Montrose?
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
- Basement and cellar conversions in Arbroath
- Basement and cellar conversions in Forfar
- Basement and cellar conversions in Carnoustie
- Basement and cellar conversions in Stonehaven
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Montrose.

