New here, new home, new project

Found this site last fall (gads I'm thinking 2005 already...) and only just got the darned DSL working at this new (in oct) address. I'm looking at the concept of having a proper space after decades of making money in make-do situations and what with all I've seen here only cursorily, it's daunting. I have an initial idea of how I want the rooms laid out that retains a sense of family dual-use of 1/2 the basement. It's stayed constant through much thinking. Security is an issue load-in access is an issue I know I need to redo electrical and ducts. I know this means ripping the existing basement out to the walls. This must be done only AFTER planning to the n-th degree. I suppose typical design compromises apply: lo cieling limits, isolation issues, wall construction and visibility HVAC and duct design and my ignorance in all this is frightening. But then, this seems to be a gathering place of Folks Like Me. I'm working my way randomly though as many of the existing project storyboards as I can. You;re all amazing. What the heck do I do first...? jv