We had our basement converted and a new kitchen fitted on the first floor by Back to Basement in April-June 2011. In our initial chat with Rubi Kasuto, who owns and runs Back to Basement, he came up with creative solutions and useful ideas on how to maximise the space available. The work was carried out to a high standard and Rubi has a good attention to detail - he was working on site most days and project managed all the work including electrical and plumbing. This made communication with him very easy if changes needed to be made. It was useful to have Rubi's eye for design as it meant that if something didn't look right, he'd check to see whether we wanted to proceed and suggest other possibilities that might work better. LIke any job, reality is different to the plans (eg structural problems) - Rubi excelled in overcoming these problems and took personal pride in ensuring the best possible outcome for the client. For example, our bathroom door couldn't go where we had originally planned so he changed the layout of the bathroom to make it work. Rubi also built us a bespoke set of units to enclose freestanding appliances in the utility room, which looks really good. We would definitely recommend to others who are considering a basement conversion.

Anthony Nicely and Harriet Wright

Bramley, Leeds

"Rubi and his Back to Basement team have just completed a basement
conversion for us in a through terrace in Chapel Allerton. We could not be
happier with both the finished basement and the way in which the job was done.
Rubi is a rare commodity in this day and age. He doesn’t cut corners takes
pride in the work undertaken and shares his experience in offering suggestions
that maximise space and design. The quote was more competitive than any of the
other companies we considered with no hidden extras.

Thanks again, Tim and Dee."  

29 November 2010

Chris and Susan cookson, Basement warming party with guest celebrity Amanda Lamb.

 What I wanted was dry basement, what I got was an extra floor to my house that will get a lot of use as well as adding value to the property.
The damp smelly unused basement was transformed into a beautiful bar and lounge area including a wonderful fully working reconstructed open log fire. By careful planning it was also possible to include a utility room and a toilet.
The work was finished within the timescale quoted despite some of the worst weather we have had in years.
Being built in around 1860 the basement threw up a few problems but nothing seemed to faze Rubi who just dealt with the problem and carried on as if it was nothing.
All aspects of the work was carried out to a high standard and everyone involved showed pride in their work.
One of the most important things to me was that Back to Basement dealt with everything from beginning to end so I had nothing to worry about.
Rubi's quote for the job was on a par with other companies but the actual cost was slightly less than quoted.
I think it's Rubi's eye for detail and innovative ideas that make him stand out from the rest.
I would highly recommend Back to Basement if anyone is thinking of undertaking a similar project. 

Horsforth Leeds

Just a quick note to thank you very much for the recent work you carried out in transforming our basement into a wonderful living space.The end result has been a truly staggering and has greatly exceeded our expectations.

You and your team deserve high praise for the way you carried out the work. The team worked very hard and co-ordination between the different trades was very efficient with no delays between each phase of work. We also were impressed with the way you worked with our third parties.

Your obvious eye for design and personal pride and care in your work has resulted in a high quality finish throughout.

We always felt that nothing was too much trouble and the fact that you were always available on the phone or willing to come back to the house outside the working day also contributed to our trust in you.

We would certainly be happy to recommend you to prospective customers and would be willing to act as a reference site.

Scott, Mary and Niall Johnston

Braeside, Newlay Wood Ave

Horsfoth Leeds   

Armley.Leeds

Back to Basement have recently converted our cellar into a one bedroom flat. We have been amazed by the results, it is light and airy and every space has been used in the most effective way.

We really valued the creative ideas that Rubi came up with, thinking of ways to make the space feel larger, or creating storage solutions.

The staff were all friendly, and their work is excellent. Several people have since come over and been surprised at the high quality and great finish.

We would definitely recommend Back to Basement, they were good value for money, and we have got a great flat at the end of it.

 
Naomi Brain - 3 Jul 2008

Otley

"From the time that Rubi came to the house to give us a quote - after a thorough useful discussion - we had every confidence in him. Where some other builders had seen barriers or impossibility, Rubi saw solutions. That, in a nutshell, was what I most liked about his approach: he has a 'can-do' attitude that certainly reassured us and came as a relief. A lot of hard work was done by Rubi and his team, and we are more than pleased with the result. Our 'new' cellar has transformed the house: the first word from friends or relatives who have seen it has either been 'Wow!' or 'Fantastic!' Rubi knows his stuff and I should recommend him wholeheartedly. We are now saving up for a loft conversion!"

I hope you manage to get some rest - and lots of chocolate - over Christmas.
Terry & Emma.    18 November 2010

Chapeltown, Leeds

Dear Rubi and Back to basement team.

We are extremely happy with the basement conversion and are pleased we have found such a reliable hard working and honest team to carry out the work.

The job was finished to a high standard, with attention to detail and left clean and tidy. we would be happy to recommend you to others and would definitely use your service again.

Yours sincerely

Antony and Sue Gatewood  Chapletown Leeds