Basement boiler room too BIG!?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I have got a basement room which housed a boiler and water tank. As the room is quite big, I was thinking of moving the boiler and tank into one corner of the room (hidden inside a closet), with the rest of the space used as:

(1) a toilet + sink (so that we don't have to climb up the stairs every time to use the washroom),

(2) toilet + sink + shower room (is it ok to have shower and boiler/tank in the same room, or too dangerous due to condensation?),

(3) toilet + sink + washing/dryer machines, as the basement entrance door leads to the backyard which has an outdoor drying rack (but is it preferable to move the washing/dryer machines to the basement, so that the noise will be insulated; or to build a separate utility room just beside the kitchen on the ground-floor upstairs)?

Not sure if the above is feasible or which option is preferable; hence was hoping if anyone has any thoughts or advice on this? Really appreciated it.

Comments (2)

Jonathan
3 years ago
Is this your only route to your outside space- if so make it a reception room.

There is an argument to put an extra bedroom on this level (either to keep guests away from your family or if it is easier for dependent relatives, or if you have a noisy teenager and prefer their bedroom further from yours).

And I think people thinking of having a utility room need to think about the whole house and make sure they are not compromising something else valuable (like a bedroom or big kitchen) in order to have a room for a washer.
Janet Lee
Original Author
3 years ago
It is not the only route. An alternative route is via the ground floor main door, but has to make a big detour around the house and down a flight of stairs. My initial thought was also to turn it into a basement reception room instead.

Indeed... hence I'm quite hesitant to build a separate utility room next to the kitchen. But if the majority thinks it's wise, I'll have to make a rethink about it (as the current kitchen space is quite spacious as well, just the layout I need to rework)

Also I have a hunch that a toilet/shower room might come in handy for this basement, so that anyone in the basement need not walk up and down the stairway whenever they need to use the washroom. But not sure if to stay with a simple toilet OR to add a shower room in there as well (OR to include dryer/washer instead).
Related Discussions
POLL: Basement or loft?
Q
Comments (80)
Basements are a great way to add a feature space to your home, such as a games room or home cinema! Our Clients in London, mainly Clapham, South Kensington, Greenwich and Hackney love them as they can gain extra space without moving home. If you want to work to more of a budget, lofts are far easier and cheaper options to create additional space. Tara Taylor Project Manager Essex and London Construction, Basements, Extensions and Loft Conversions Limited tara.taylor@essexandlondonconstruction.com www.essexandlondonconstruction.com
...See More
Basement Conversion
Q
Comments (12)
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.
...See More
I'm feeling brave but maybe I'm too bold - first time owner
Q
Comments (14)
Dear Jen P, Casa Colori and all Thank You for your thoughts and encouragement ... I guess having renovated the whole flat (new electrics, boiler, plaster, 70's decor ripped out etc etc) its just that final signature on it. And the budget is running a lot lower now :@ Ive ordered the floor which is way over my initial budget but hey it's for life ! from Reclaimed Wood Flooring 'Castle Oak, sanded / unfinished' Which I hope will compliment the colours and add an earthy honest feel to the place and a through line between rooms. luckily am getting light from the kitchen windows (south facing) into the little living room, as well as a large window (West facing) in it. Though the light is blocked by the building directly opposite. so it can be quite dark at times. Planning on a big round mirror which I hope will reflect light across the room My hope is a room to sit and conjure in
...See More
Can I put a range cooker in a basement kitchen ?
Q
Comments (3)
I assume the company you’ve ordered from are installing it? I’m sure it will be fine, maybe give them a ring. The range should fit down the steps sideways? Our utility room is in our basement and the previous people installed a range oven in there. That would have come down a lot of stairs (with a turn at the end) so I’m sure it will be fine
...See More

Basement boiler room too BIG!?

Comments (2)

Jonathan

Janet Lee
Original Author

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Basement boiler room too BIG!?

Comments (2)

Jonathan

Janet LeeOriginal Author

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Janet Lee
Original Author