do you mean that the whole basement has a low ceiling height or just where you want to put the stairs?...as long as there's minimum doorway height for at least a no more than a small portion of the stairs it should be possible but depends on how thick the beam is and the start and finishing position of the stairs both upstairs and down.....we need a plan of both levels to better understand the dilemma

thanks for that. The painter suggested Dulux weathershield Matt for the walls especially if I go a light colour as an bit of sheen will make the colour very bright/glarey.

Landscaping is for long term. Lots of people use plants like neighbors begone to quickly hide neighbours, but a canopy tree or two may look better longer term and filter rather than fully block views so you don’t feel hemmed in. Weeding and maintaining garden beds can be just as high a maintenance as lawns. Really sit in your favourite spots and think about what you want to see and visualise how you would use the space, now, in 5 and 10 years. Put bins and hoses around to help envision plan. Think where does the sun hit the yard at diff times of day and year, how will it be affected by screening etc. walk around your neighborhood and take pics of plants the At grow well and you like. More helpful if in flower for identification. Then list your values and priorities for an expert to consider, more important than any concept plan. This will also help staging for your budget

discuss with a plumbing supplier and the plumber that you expect to do the work..you may have to select a different shower but there are plenty of options with pipes on the outside of the wall that will suit ...research variable inlet shower rail ...this one is meant for extra tall overhead and adjustable hand held showers where the water inlet is very low