Covering West Midlands
Our coverage across the West Midlands includes Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and Dudley.
Homes in the West Midlands
Across the West Midlands, terraced and semi-detached houses in red brick are typical, along with post-war estates where garage conversions and side extensions are popular.
What is included in a basement conversion in the West Midlands?
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.
- Underpinning or lowering the floor where needed
- Ventilation, heating and electrics
- Finished floors, walls and ceilings
What is the guide price for a basement conversion in the West Midlands?
Indicative costs for basement and cellar conversions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 |
How is a basement conversion approved in the West Midlands?
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 can change the price or programme?
- Groundwater levels drive the waterproofing design and cost.
- Headroom of about 2.1 m or more is needed, which may mean lowering the floor.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- 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
Does a cellar conversion need planning permission?
Usually not if nothing changes outside. New basements and lightwells often do.
How long does it take?
About 6 to 12 weeks for a cellar conversion and 16 to 30 weeks for a new basement.
Can you visit a house in the West Midlands to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Other towns nearby
- Basement and cellar conversions in Birmingham
- Basement and cellar conversions in Coventry
- Basement and cellar conversions in Wolverhampton
- Basement and cellar conversions in Dudley
- Basement and cellar conversions in Walsall
- Basement and cellar conversions in Solihull
- Basement and cellar conversions in Sutton Coldfield
- Basement and cellar conversions in West Bromwich
- Basement and cellar conversions in Halesowen
- Basement and cellar conversions in Stourbridge
- Basement and cellar conversions in Smethwick
- Basement and cellar conversions in Willenhall
- Basement and cellar conversions in Tipton
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bloxwich
- Basement and cellar conversions in Wednesfield
- Basement and cellar conversions in Aston
- Basement and cellar conversions in Shirley
- Basement and cellar conversions in Brierley Hill
- Basement and cellar conversions in Aldridge
- Basement and cellar conversions in Acocks Green
- Basement and cellar conversions in Bartley Green
Learn more about basement and cellar conversions, or see every project we cover in West Midlands.