Covering Newbury
Newbury sits 16 miles west of Reading, with Thatcham 3 miles to the east and Wantage 14 miles to the north.
Homes in the South East
Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.
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.
- Waterproofing design and installation
- Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
What will a basement conversion cost?
Use these ranges to budget for basement and cellar conversions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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 England?
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.
What can affect a basement conversion?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
How does the project run?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- 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.
Your questions answered
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
Will my neighbours be affected?
New basements usually need party wall agreements. We handle the notices and surveyors.
How do I get a price for basement and cellar conversions in Newbury?
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 Thatcham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Wantage
- Basement and cellar conversions in Basingstoke
- Basement and cellar conversions in Didcot
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Newbury.