You may also want to think about insulation, ventilation and condensation.
Rooms like this can become cold traps that appear to attract the moisture in
the house making it clammy, not to mention condensation too. A bit of
ventilation, heat and a dehumidifier may work wonders.
"Antony" wrote in message
m...
I've just asked a builder for a quote on damp proofing a basement. The
basement is in a house on a hill. One wall has earth behind it, two
side walls are shared with next door, and one wall is at garden level
with a window and door out.

We want to make the basement habitable and into a kitchen. The builder
has suggested aquaseal and dry walling all round on the walls and
asphalt on the floor.

How does this sound?

I wanted to get some opinions if anyone is happy to offer them. I
wonder about dry walling and aquaseal as he is proposing nailing the
membrane on and this will make holes. I wonder about the asphalt floor
and why he hasn't suggested a plastic membrane and concrete. I am also
concerned that the methods proposed does not seem to be a 'system' ie,
a partial 'tanking' of the basement.

The basement does not appear to have a damp problem other than the
usual damp air feel of an unused basement but I am concerned over the
limits of his proposals.

How long/against what can i expect it to be effective?

tia

Antony