Basement and cellar conversions · Stratford

Basement and cellar conversions in Stratford

Our basement and cellar conversions service covers Stratford and the rest of London. You get a fixed price in writing for the agreed specification, and one person co-ordinating the trades.

Covering Stratford

Our coverage around Stratford (E15) also includes Bow (1 miles to the south-west) and Canning Town.

Homes in London

Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.

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.

  • Damp and structural survey
  • Waterproofing design and installation
  • Ventilation, heating and electrics

How much does a basement conversion cost in Stratford?

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 conversionsGuide 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 change the price or programme?

  • New basements nearly always involve the Party Wall Act in England and Wales.
  • A pump for the drainage system needs a battery back-up.

How does the project run?

  1. Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
  2. Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
  3. Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
  4. Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

What people ask before starting

Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?

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

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Stratford?

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

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

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