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 Lichfield?
In Lichfield, 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 the West Midlands sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Lichfield 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Party wall surveyor fees
- Lightwells
- Waterproofing system
- Existing cellar or new excavation
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a basement conversion in Lichfield?
Approvals for a basement conversion in Lichfield follow the rules for England. In England converting an existing cellar with no external change usually does not need planning permission. New excavation, lightwells and changes to the front often do, and some councils, particularly in London, have specific basement policies.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a basement conversion:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Underpinning or new structure where needed
- Lightwells and windows
- Waterproofing design (tanking or cavity drain membrane)
- Party wall notices
- Insulation, ventilation and drainage pumps
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 16 weeks for a cellar conversion; longer for new excavation. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 5 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Lichfield
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
Lichfield sits in Staffordshire, about 15 miles south-east of Stafford. We cover the whole of Lichfield, including postcodes WS13.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about basement conversions in Lichfield
Do you build basement conversions in Lichfield?
Yes. We build basement conversions across Lichfield, including postcodes WS13. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can a basement be a bedroom?
Yes, with a suitable escape route such as a lightwell window or protected stair.
How much does a basement conversion cost in Lichfield?
In Lichfield, 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.
Do I need party wall agreements?
In England and Wales, excavating near a neighbour’s foundations usually triggers the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Is new excavation worth it?
It can be in high-value areas, but costs are high. We give a feasibility view before design starts.