What is a basement conversion?
A basement conversion turns an existing cellar into living space, or excavates a new basement under the house or garden. Waterproofing, structural support and daylight are the main design challenges.
How much does a basement conversion cost in Dundee?
In Dundee, a basement conversion typically costs £1,850–£3,100 per m² for converting an existing cellar, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 30 m² project that is roughly £55,500–£93,000. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Dundee reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (21 m²) | £39,000–£65,000 |
| Typical project (30 m²) | £55,500–£93,000 |
| Larger project (42 m²) | £77,500–£130,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£3,100 |
What moves the price most:
- Waterproofing system
- Existing cellar or new excavation
- Floor lowering and underpinning
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a basement conversion in Dundee?
Here is how the rules work for a basement conversion in Scotland. In Scotland converting an existing cellar may not need planning permission, but a building warrant is needed, and new excavation usually needs planning permission.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical basement conversion we handle:
- Waterproofing design (tanking or cavity drain membrane)
- Lightwells and windows
- Building control sign-off
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Underpinning or new structure where needed
- Structural and ground survey
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 16 weeks for a cellar conversion; longer for new excavation. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 5 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Dundee
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Projects in Dundee (DD1) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about basement conversions in Dundee
Do I need planning permission for a basement conversion in Dundee?
In Scotland converting an existing cellar may not need planning permission, but a building warrant is needed, and new excavation usually needs planning permission.
How long does it take?
A cellar conversion takes around 8 to 16 weeks; new basements take longer.
Is new excavation worth it?
It can be in high-value areas, but costs are high. We give a feasibility view before design starts.
Do you build basement conversions in Dundee?
Yes. We build basement conversions across Dundee, including postcodes DD1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How do you keep a basement dry?
With a waterproofing system designed to BS 8102, typically a cavity drain membrane with a sump pump, or a tanking system.
How much does a basement conversion cost in Dundee?
In Dundee, a basement conversion typically costs £1,850–£3,100 per m² for converting an existing cellar, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 30 m² project comes to roughly £55,500–£93,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.