Covering Oxford
Our coverage around Oxford (OX1) also includes Abingdon, Didcot and Witney.
Homes in the South East
The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.
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 |
What approvals does a basement conversion need in England?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
Converting an existing cellar with no external changes usually does not need planning permission in England.
What can affect a basement conversion?
- New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
- Headroom of about 2.1 m or more is needed, which may mean lowering the floor.
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.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- 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.
Will my neighbours be affected?
New basements usually need party wall agreements. We handle the notices and surveyors.
Do you work in Oxford?
Yes. Oxford is within our coverage for basement and cellar conversions, along with nearby Abingdon and Didcot.
Also covering
- Basement and cellar conversions in Abingdon
- Basement and cellar conversions in Didcot
- Basement and cellar conversions in Witney
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bicester
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in Oxford.