Bathroom in the basement

[rockles]

Hi,

We currently have a room in the basement where we plan to build a bathroom. The room is currently a space with a concrete slab and concrete blocks in a house built in 1950.
We are considering having water-based underfloor heating. The ceiling height is quite low, about 2 meters. The sewer needs to be channeled under this room.
What should we do with the floor, break it all up and insulate given the age of the house?
If that's the case, what is the best approach for rebuilding the floor?
Do you have any additional advice to consider?
Thanks in advance, Robert

 

[Charlotte Andersson]

The very best option is to jackhammer the entire floor, excavate and refill with draining material (macadam/gravel), insulation (preferably 200mm), and pour a new concrete floor (min 100mm). Then you can also consider whether you want underfloor heating. However, this is a tough and labor-intensive job, but it pays off in comfort and heating costs. If the height of the old drainage allows, you might be able to take the opportunity to lower the floor and gain some extra ceiling height.

Don't forget to ensure proper ventilation is installed. A humidity-controlled fan or similar is good. Also, consider where you release the moist air from the fan so that it doesn't cause moisture damage to the facade.