Basement and cellar conversions in Oldham

Covering Oldham

We work in Oldham (OL1, OL95) and the places around it, including Chadderton, Royton and Middleton.

Homes in the North West

Terraced housing is a defining feature of many North West towns, which brings party walls and narrow access into most projects, with more space to extend on suburban semis.

What is included in a basement conversion in Oldham?

Everything below ground depends on keeping water out. We design the waterproofing system (usually a cavity drain membrane with a pump, or tanking) to the relevant British Standard guidance, then add insulation, ventilation, light and an escape route. New basements involve underpinning and a party wall process and are designed with a structural engineer.

Damp and structural survey
Waterproofing design and installation
Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape

How much does a basement conversion cost in Oldham?

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

Do you need permission for a basement conversion in Oldham?

Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 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 Oldham homeowners check first?

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 happens after I enquire?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

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 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 Oldham?

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

Basement and cellar conversions near Oldham

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