Basement conversion recommendations or ideas?

[andrew1700]

Hello,

Our 2 bed flat is starting to become snug with two small but growing children and with the prices of houses in the area, combined with stamp duty, estate agent fees etc we are exploring the possibilities of converting our basement into a couple of bedrooms and bathroom.

Does anyone know of any good companies we could get round for quotes?

Or is it better (and cheaper!) to get the designs and planning permission done separately and then find builders that could carry out the job?

Any help would be gratefully received! Thanks