Basement and cellar conversions in Skelmersdale

Covering Skelmersdale

We work in Skelmersdale (WN8) and the places around it, including Ormskirk, Wigan and Kirkby.

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 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

How much should I budget for a basement conversion?

Guide prices for basement and cellar conversions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

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 Skelmersdale?

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.

What should Skelmersdale homeowners check first?

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.

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.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
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.

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.

Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?

Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.

Who deals with the council for a project in Skelmersdale?

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

Other towns nearby

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