Hi. What kind of advice are you after? I've copied this link re choosing an architect which may be of help https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/ask-an-architect-how-do-i-hire-someone-to-redesign-my-home-stsetivw-vs~29130103

do you know exactly how you want to use the space? Is the basement waterproof? Does it have any natural light? Do you need to live in the house whilst work goes on?

Thanks everyone! Really just looking for advice/do's/don'ts/pitfalls....... from anyone who has completed a similar project.

Well we did the same thing but on a smaller scale as the space was kind of already in place although we had it tanked. We used a non RIBA architect who was recommended by someone who's in the trade, would never do that again and we didn't carry out checks due to recommendation... We've got windows in our basement below street level but I really regret not excavating one of them with garden access. If you don't have windows then I agree with Jonathan plus also think about fire exit. We also had to dig up our patio to get our sofa in so think about the staircase!! Given the size you may also want 2 staircases? Ours is split into a utility room with small store cupboards (room was already there when we moved in), then we have a large room with 3 areas with a pool table, tv and sofa, then a bar with table and seats etc. It works brilliantly as a party space for all ages plus somewhere for my husband to watch sport at weekends and everyone raves about it tbh. We also have an old corridor that we hope to convert if we have the money at some point to a wine cellar (not quite sure how the wine is being funded either!!). We did consider a gym space and decided against it although my husband now wants one a year on! If you have sufficient space upstairs for living and sleeping I agree with Jonathans suggestions which are similar to what we have which I think work brilliantly for a basement. Costs went over budget by at least 25% so blew my contingency! I also made the decision to have radiators run off electricity rather than extend the central heating, not the best decision and in the end not financially either! The work also caused a huge amount of dust/dirt. I think typically you would start a house refurb from the top down (?) but not sure if you'd also do that if you have a basement although it depends if you excavate obviously.

Hi Jonathan, I should have said that our basement is level with the back garden, so it's only the front of the house that is below ground level. This means we will have a whole wall of windows bringing in light.

Thanks Minnie, your project sounds like a great success overall, it's really great to get these tips from someone whose been there and done it. We will have all our bedrooms on ground level and hoping to have a big open plan living/kitchen space with a separate games/tv room, a toilet and maybe utility! Thankfully we don't have to excavate but we will most likely have to trunk the basement.

Just a thought but nowadays many people prefer a laundry room on the same level as the bedrooms to save trekking up and down, would that be an option (with ventilation)? You also mentioned an attic room so it sounds as if your sleeping area is bigger than living (i like a c60/40 split although clearly down to individual preference!). Maybe include a quiet living room with bookcases etc on the ground floor? Good luck anyway, it sounds as if you have an awful lot on your hands!

Thanks, yes its a huge job, but we feel up for the challenge so can't wait to get started really. We will have the master bedroom in the attic with ensuite, then on the ground floor three further bedrooms and a formal lounge and family bathroom and finally the basement as descrbed before. We might go for a utuility on the ground floor, not sure yet.

Hi Caroline,

If you want to create a virtual skylight or virtual window - you may want to use something like a Mood LED Panel which we can provide with a custom image of your choice (see www.mood-led.co.uk)

It could add a real wow factor.

Hi Caroline, sounds like an exciting project.

While our profile on here is specifically for our Aquatecnic range of wet room systems, it is an off chute of Koster Waterproofing UK (www.kosteruk.com).

Koster are a developer and manufacturer of construction waterproofing materials and have developed a mineral negative side (internal) tanking system for basements.

The exciting phase of any project never involves what waterproofing solution to use to protect you basement against moisture damage (while also creating a healthy living climate) but it is an extremely important part of the design.

I would be happy to discuss your project with you via email - mike@kosteruk.com or phone - 01387270252 and can provide you and your architect and/or builder with loads of information on how to protect your basement before you create your fantastic space.

Koster UK - Internal Basement Waterproofing Webpage

Kind Regards,

Mike