Space is at a premium in Edinburgh so basement and cellar conversions are increasingly popular.
Conservation areas and listed buildings can make it difficult to get planning consents to extend your home outwards or upwards, but usually let you extend downwards into the basement.
We can see the entire process through, from planning applications and design, to all aspects of the build.
Our team has converted many basements in Edinburgh into beautiful, useful extra rooms, addressing your needs for extra space and adding value to your home.
But be aware that converting a basement well is not for the faint-hearted. You may need to eliminate damp issues and find creative solutions to natural light. So, you need to deal with an experienced and reputable builder with a long track record of successful basement conversions.
In Edinburgh’s historic neighbourhoods and conservation areas, planning restrictions often make loft or extensions difficult. Converting your basement is a practical solution to allow for more space while preserving your home’s original character and appearance.
Basement conversions don’t just provide more room; they are also a smart investment. Additional living space can boost your property’s value by up to 20–30%, making it an attractive option for homeowners thinking long-term.
Family needs changing? Add a playroom, teenager’s den, or guest suite.
Working from home? Create a private, quiet office.
Lifestyle upgrade? Install a home gym or media room.
From concept to completion, we take care of every stage of your basement conversion project:
Consultation
We begin by evaluating your property’s potential, considering ceiling height, layout options, and structural feasibility.
Planning & Permissions
Our team manages all applications and liaises with local councils, ensuring your project meets building regulations and conservation requirements.
Design & Layout
We work closely with you to create a design tailored to your lifestyle, maximising natural light, ventilation, and modern finishes.
Construction & Structural Works
With decades of expertise, our qualified builders handle every technical aspect. From excavation, underpinning, waterproofing, and drainage.
Finishing & Interiors
We complete your basement with flooring, lighting, insulation and finishing touches. Transforming it into a space that seamlessly matches the comfort and style of your home.
Trusted local expertise
With decades of experience across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, we understand the unique character and challenges of homes in this region.
Conservation specialists
We have in-depth knowledge of listed buildings and conservation areas, ensuring your project meets all requirements while preserving architectural integrity.
Seamless, end-to-end service
From design and planning to construction and finishing, we manage every stage.
Waverley Construction are fully qualified to install tanking and membranes, which are waterproofing systems that keep water out of your basement, and we can also install pumps.
This will guarantee your basement will be damp and water free.
Yes, most of our projects run while the homeowner continues to live in their property.
Yes, you will require planning permission if you want to make you basement into habitable living space, and also for any changes to the external appearance of the property, such as adding lightwells.
As a guide, a minimum height should be 2.4m although 2.6m would be even better. There is no real maximum height but although we would suggest the height should be in proportion to the width. Too low can make the space feel confined.
Please be aware the higher you go will have an impact on the price.
Yes. As long as planning consents can be obtained, we can create a basement under your entire footprint of your house, your garden or your boundary.
The initial construction and waterproofing stage can take anything from 8 weeks to 16 weeks, depending on size.
We will give you an estimated project time along with our estimate and aim to finish before these dates.
To take the stress out of your basement conversion and for a free, no-obligation estimate