OK progress is slow, as expected. Finished removing the old block wall:
Here's a view from the back, this bit will be the games room.
There are radiators in the rooms, but they're pretty useless for several reasons:
1) the rads are plumbed into the CH system like this:
Yes thats right, spot the deliberate mistake, thats a single pipe run!
2) I discovered that the feed (marked <-IN) came from the output of a bedroom rad, so when the TRV shut off, the basement rad supply also turned off! (Not that it made much difference anyway!)
3) Without a separate stat and zone valve the heating circuit often doesn't call for heat leaving the downstairs with no heating.
So I've now decided that I might as well remove the radiators from both rooms, and install a reverse cycle heat-pump air conditioner in each room anyway. I have found a split unit that can drive two indoor units from one outdoor unit which should be ideal.
I think now I'll just install a single ring-main to feed both rooms, with a separate 20A radial for the air-con unit - this is the next job. I will also run cables for the lighting in both rooms, so I need to decide where they're gonna go! I want to avoid recessed lighting as I don't want to compromise the soundproofing of the ceiling by making big holes in it.
Ben.