A home cinema and an operating theatre are just two of the projects completed by a new Shrewsbury-based company which is turning basements into designer spaces.
AD Basement Solutions has grown out of a demand for conversions.
Director Phil Jones said more and more homeowners were seeking to 'go downstairs', rather than up as costs for loft conversions escalated.
His 16-year history in damp-coursing with Anti Damp, with offices in Shrewsbury and Liverpool, laid the foundations for the new venture - with the use of new waterproofing systems making the process much easier.
He said: "It's always been a service we've supplied on request - making basements habitable - but enquiries have doubled over the last four years and it made sense to dedicate more time to this area.
"Because there are less structural issues in basement conversion, it means planning permission and building regulations don't apply. This means it's much less complicated to convert the space at the bottom of the house than add extensions or convert lofts.
"Now, instead of just preparing the space for home-owners to fit out, I've set up AD Basement Solutions that can produce the finished room.
"Depending on the fixtures and fittings wanted, the price of conversion can be as little as £4,000, but could add much more to the value of a home.
"It is also a 'greener' option than major building works, allowing home-owners to upgrade using minimal resources.
"A lot of people use the space to add a little luxury that they wouldn't be able to afford on top of an extension to their house - like the home cinema option that I fitted in a house in Allscott.
"Home studies are also a popular choice, or a fun 'den' for the kids. Some of the uses have even surp rised me, like the operating theatre at an eye clinic in Southport.
"Once treated with the new waterproofing system, and fitted with the correct lighting, they can be used for any purpose. I've also transformed basements into fully fitted kitchens, laundry rooms and games rooms. There's no end of possibilities."
The new enterprise has most recently seen Mr Jones teaming up with Shropshire Homes.
They have tapped into his expertise, training their own staff in the new technology, to complete work on their developments.
Gerald Rogers, production director for Shrop-shire Homes, said: "Providing lower ground units is an increasing trend in the industry and we've worked on various projects with Philip for the past eight years."
