glen Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 I have a basement apartment in my house but I don't have an outside entry. I do have a spot that a door could be put in the basement wall. A window is there now. Basement floor to ground level (grass) is about 5'. The steps would run along one wall and into the other wall. Like the inside of a L shape. Door on the small leg of the L. I would enclose the steps with roof and a door at the top. Is this a good idea? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leaf4 Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 So long as you ensure proper drainage is in place at the entry I don't see why not. (Ie weeping tile) A concrete drilling and sawing company can make quick work on a door frame with a hydraulic wet chainsaw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen Posted February 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 It's dry and enclosing the steps should help with keeping it dry. Then the steps won't be slippery either. I see they make precast basement steps. I wonder if that's cheaper. Maybe you don't need footings then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Ironmaker Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 (edited) Of course you need footings and the mew structure needs to be underpinned to the basement foundation. Water does not always infiltrate from the roof down. Ground water moves vertically and horizontally, changes from gas to liquid to solid too. Edited February 14, 2016 by Old Ironmaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shloim Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Not just those reasons, im in construction and doing a window well exit/ window in downtown TO this coming week. Tgere are a couple of other variables to consider. One is drainaage indeed changes even that a neighhbour has made can result in water build up that could come in. The other most commonly overlooked is the newly lowered frost line in that area can cause drains and water lines to freeze if below. ive seen concrete heave as well.... Not hard to do but not entirely clear cut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen Posted February 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 I've lived here a long time so I don't think water will be a problem. Closing in the steps and having a door at the top may help with keeping the frost out. It should make the step safer too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen Posted February 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 I'm going to dig into this some more. Get some quotes and check permits. Any other thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbac31 Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 glen, you can message me if you wish. I build new homes and can walk you through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Ironmaker Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Glen it isn't huge job depending on what one considers huge. To my kid brother hanging a picture requires borrowed tools and help. It just needs to be done right the first time or you will be doing it right all over again. Don't wait for a building inspector to tell you it's wrong and watch him walk away saying "Call me when it's right". Very nice of Smallie to offer detailed assistance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen Posted February 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Thank you guys. I will keep you updated on how it's going. Maybe post a few pics. I guess it's going to cut into my fishing time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Ironmaker Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 PM me as well Glen if you wish. I no longer use it but I did pass the test for my GC licence in Ont and have done more than a few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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