Basement & Cellar Conversions in Somerset
A basement or cellar conversion in Somerset is a smart way to add significant square footage and value to your home without losing an inch of your garden. We specialise in turning those cold, damp storage areas into bright, welcoming rooms that feel like a natural extension of your home.
Our Basement Conversion Services
A basement conversion in Somerset is a major structural undertaking.
We provide the heavy lifting and technical precision needed for a successful build.

Structural Underpinning
If your existing basement doesn’t have enough height, we can safely lower the floor level through professional underpinning. This allows us to create a room with full ceiling heights without compromising the building’s integrity.

Specialist Waterproofing
The success of a basement conversion largely depends on moisture control. We install industry-leading Type C Cavity Drainage Systems to ensure your space remains bone-dry, meeting the strictest Building Regulations for residential use.

Lighting & Ventilation
We use clever architectural solutions to flood the converted basement with natural light. We also install mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) systems to ensure the air remains fresh and perfectly climate-controlled.

The Full Fit-Out
What will you do with your new space? We handle the entire fit-out – whether it’s for a home cinema, private gym, home office, or a wine cellar – from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are converting an existing cellar into a living space without changing the exterior of the house, it often falls under Permitted Development. However, if you are excavating a new basement, adding light wells, or changing the use of the building, planning permission is usually required.
We can help guide you through the local Somerset planning requirements.
Due to the excavation and structural work involved, basements take longer than loft conversions. A typical project takes between 12 to 20 weeks, depending on whether we need to underpin the foundations or lower the floor.
“Tanking” is the professional term for waterproofing a subterranean space. In the past, this involved applying a waterproof coating to the walls (Type A). However, we specialise in Type C Cavity Drainage Systems, which is now the most reliable method.
It uses a studded membrane to create a small gap between the wall and your new interior. Any water that enters is safely managed and pumped away, ensuring your basement remains bone-dry and habitable, regardless of the Somerset weather.
Converting a basement is essentially “structural surgery.” If we need to increase the ceiling height, we perform structural underpinning, which involves reinforcing your home’s foundations in sections.
Because we are experienced building contractors with our own specialist team, we manage this process with extreme precision. We never leave your property’s integrity to chance; every stage is calculated by structural engineers and double-checked by our site managers.
Thinking About a Full Home Transformation?
A basement conversion is a brilliant way to unlock hidden space, but we also specialise in complete property refurbishments across Somerset and the South West.
Learn more about Home Conversions.
Why Choose Us for Your Basement Conversion?
Nearly 40 Years of Local Knowledge
We’ve been working under the unique soil and stone of the South West since 1987. This deep-rooted experience means we understand the local water table and the specific structural challenges of cellar conversions in Somerset and beyond.
Our Own Team of Specialists
We have our very own team of basement conversion specialists in Somerset, working across the South West. Our in-house team handles every stage, giving us total control over the quality of your project.
Practical, Collaborative Solutions
Basement conversion projects involve complex building regulations and Party Wall Agreements. We make it our mission to keep things simple, working closely with you to ensure the project is delivered with minimal stress and zero hidden surprises.

Decades of Happy Clients
We’re incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built over the last 35+ years.
Here’s a glimpse of what our customers have to say about working with our team:
Doing whole house renovation for us after the fire. Really good company, work so far been of really good quality, fantastic communication from Kevin and Neil – always on hand to help, answer phone and emails promptly, hard working and helpful.

We’ve worked with Building Craftsmen on several projects over the years, and they’ve never let us down. Their attention to detail, communication, and ability to deliver on time is second to none. A dependable contractor who always goes the extra mile.

BCY and the team made the process seamless from start to finish. We couldn’t be happier with the result, the house is everything we wished for. All suppliers were extremely friendly and tidy throughout the project. We were particularly impressed with the communication and attention to detail.”


Ready to Transform Your Basement?
Struggling for space but love your location? A high-quality basement conversion is one of the best ways to add a new floor to your home without losing outdoor space. Whether you’re dreaming of a soundproof cinema or a professional home gym, we handle the structural heavy-lifting in-house.