Basement Conversions in Richmond, TW9
Cellar and basement conversions in Richmond: dry, habitable rooms below ground with designed waterproofing, natural light and building control approval.
Covered under one contract
- Structural design and calculations
- Planning or lawful development certificate
- New staircase, dormer and roof windows
- Insulation, fire safety and building control
- En-suite designed and fitted
- Waterproofing with guarantee for basements
Basement Conversions in Richmond.
Where a house cannot grow outwards or upwards, it can grow downwards. Many of the older houses in Richmond already have a cellar or vaults, and converting them into a usable floor is a well-established route to a utility room, guest suite, study or cinema room.
The two things that decide whether a basement works are waterproofing and light. We use a designed system, normally a cavity drainage membrane with a sump and pump, which carries a guarantee, and we bring light in through a lightwell or a rear opening where the site allows. Ceiling height, drainage and structure are all surveyed at the outset.
Converting an existing cellar without changing the exterior of the house does not usually need planning permission. Lightwells, listed buildings and new excavation do, and the central London boroughs have their own basement policies with impact assessments. All basements need building regulations approval and most involve party wall notices, which we prepare and serve.
- Area
- Richmond, TW9 · TW10
- Council
- London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
- Housing
- Georgian houses around the Green and on the Hill, Victorian villas and terraces, Edwardian family houses, riverside apartments
- Transport
- Richmond (District, Overground, rail), Kew Gardens
- Basement, existing cellar
- 10 to 16 weeks
- Consent
- Often permitted development for lofts
- Waterproofing
- Guaranteed system, designed for the site
Richmond: the houses and the planning rules.
Richmond has Georgian houses around the Green and up the Hill, Victorian villas along the roads to the Park, and Edwardian streets between the station and Kew. The view from Richmond Hill is protected by Act of Parliament, and the conservation areas are among the most carefully managed in outer London.
Refurbishments here range from listed Georgian townhouses to Edwardian family houses that want a kitchen extension and a loft. The council's design guidance is detailed and its conservation officers are engaged, so the drawings and heritage statement are prepared to match.
The Richmond Town, Richmond Hill, Richmond Green and Kew Green conservation areas cover the centre and the riverside, and many houses are listed.
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Richmond decides applications and publishes detailed house extension guidance; Article 4 directions apply in several conservation areas.
Listed buildings
Around the Green and on the Hill most houses are listed; internal changes need listed building consent.
The view
The protected view from Richmond Hill and the Thames Policy Area affect roof extensions and riverside sites.
Approvals for basement conversions in Richmond.
Converting an existing cellar without altering the exterior does not usually need planning permission; lightwells, listed buildings and new excavation do. Every basement needs building regulations approval and a designed waterproofing system, and most involve party wall notices.
Richmond decides applications and publishes detailed house extension guidance; Article 4 directions apply in several conservation areas.
What basement conversions in Richmond includes.
- Structural design and calculations
- Planning or lawful development certificate
- New staircase, dormer and roof windows
- Insulation, fire safety and building control
- En-suite designed and fitted
- Waterproofing with guarantee for basements
From site visit to handover.
- 01
Site visit & consultation
We visit, listen and measure. Brief, budget and constraints understood before any advice is given.
- 02
Design & itemised quote
Our architects and engineers draw the scheme, and from that we provide a transparent, itemised quotation for your approval.
- 03
Planning & approvals
Planning applications, building control and party wall matters handled for you.
- 04
Build, managed weekly
Our own trades, sequenced by a site manager. Progress reported every week.
- 05
Handover & aftercare
Joint snagging walk-through, documentation, and a guarantee on our workmanship.
Basement Conversions in Richmond: your questions.
Can I convert a cellar in Richmond?
Usually. Converting an existing cellar without changing the outside of the house does not normally need planning permission. Lightwells, listed buildings and new excavation do, and every basement needs building regulations approval.
How do you keep a converted basement dry?
With a designed waterproofing system, typically a cavity drainage membrane with a sump and pump, or tanking where appropriate. It carries a guarantee and is designed for the ground conditions found on site.
Which parts of Richmond do you cover?
All of Richmond and TW9 · TW10, including Richmond Hill, The Green, Kew Road, Sheen Road, Queens Road, Marlborough Road, and the neighbouring districts. We are based in London and our teams work across central, north, north-west, west and south-west London.
Other services in Richmond.

House Refurbishment in Richmond
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Flat Refurbishment in Richmond
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House Extensions in Richmond
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Structural Alterations in Richmond
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Loft Conversions in Richmond
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Kitchen Renovation in Richmond
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Bathroom Renovation in Richmond
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Bespoke Joinery & Fitted Furniture in Richmond
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Architectural & Interior Design in Richmond
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Planning Permission & Building Regulations in Richmond
Read moreBasement Conversions across London.
Central London
All of Central LondonNorth London
All of North LondonNorth-West London
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All of South-West LondonTalk to us about a basement conversion in Richmond.
We will visit, listen and explain what is possible for your property and how it would be approved. No pressure, no sales pitch.
