Putting an entry to basement

[RayB]

So, any ideas what it would cost to punch through cinder block foundation, installing a doorway and stairs (ie: external basement entrance, below grade)?

Building's from the 50's so that could cause structural problems, water penetration problems, etc.

Just trying to hold on to my basement arcade dreams... :-D

[Malenko]

Chad will be happy to google some ideas for you.

quote of the year, just in the nick of time.

[RayB]

Chad will be happy to google some ideas for you.

You mean he doesn't possess the sum of all knowledge?

[DaOld Man]

Isnt he the expert MDF mover?

[HanoiBoi]

So, any ideas what it would cost to punch through cinder block foundation, installing a doorway and stairs (ie: external basement entrance, below grade)?

Building's from the 50's so that could cause structural problems, water penetration problems, etc.

Just trying to hold on to my basement arcade dreams... :-D

Ray, check out Bilco (http://www.bilco.com/BilcoInternational/home.asp) for your precast steps/door.  From there, you should be able to find a local installer and have them come out and give you a quote.  They can measure for size (how many steps, angle, etc.).  You'll want to make sure you have decent access to get it to your house with heavy machinery.

It might run you between 4k to 8k.  I forget what I paid because we also had our guy excavate 2 other areas in order to patch cracks from the outside.  We were fairly confident that we stopped all leaks, but since we were finishing our basement, we didn't want to take chances.

BTW, there are the old, uglier bilco doors and also newer, prettier "high-density polyethylene" doors.  My installer told me that he had many issues/call backs on the newer style and suggested sticking with the original, which was also cheaper.

[LLUncoolJ]

I know a guy that did it to a concrete basement. He dug it out pretty far. It is a ramp instead of stairs. I'm not sure how they keep the stairwell from filling up with water. I guess if you have drain tile around the footings that empties into a sump pit, you could pump it out. Definitely something to ask about when you talk with a contractor.

[RayB]

How about an elevator?

[CheffoJeffo]

How about an elevator?

Don't joke about that ... it's in my reno plans for when I finally hit the 6/49.