Basement and cellar conversions in Swindon

Covering Swindon

We work in Swindon (SN1, SN25, SN26) and the places around it, including Calne, Wantage and Chippenham.

Homes in the South West

The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.

What does a basement conversion involve?

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
Lightwells and windows for daylight and escape

What is the guide price for a basement conversion in Swindon?

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

Do you need permission for a basement conversion in Swindon?

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. Digging a new basement or adding a lightwell often does, and many councils have basement policies.

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

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.

How long does it take?

About 6 to 12 weeks for a cellar conversion and 16 to 30 weeks for a new basement.

How do I get a price for basement and cellar conversions in Swindon?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Also covering

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