Dirt Floor
Who still has one in their brownstone cellar? Mine is still dirt and since, with a garden level rental apartment, the only access to the cellar without going through the tenant’s unit is via the front or back hatch and I can’t see really using it for anything except storage for myself and the tenant…
Who still has one in their brownstone cellar? Mine is still dirt and since, with a garden level rental apartment, the only access to the cellar without going through the tenant’s unit is via the front or back hatch and I can’t see really using it for anything except storage for myself and the tenant and as a workspace, I have the feeling that it will remain so for the duration of my ownership. The space is dry and eminently suitable for my purposes but I was wondering what people’s feelings are on the detriment, if any, to the value of a brownstone with this set-up as compared to one where the cellar has been excavated and finished? Yeah, it would be cool to have a pool table or something down there, but how often would it be used if you’re clambering down a hatch to get there?
Dirt floor = termites, bugs and rats. yes, rats.
A thin cheap concrete floor with no rebar is called a “rat slab” for a reason.
Pour concrete. I had a dirt floor for years. It sucked.
We have a dirt floor too. Parts are concrete and others packed dirt and there’s a working drain in the middle. We only use it for storage and a table saw so it’s never been an issue except that it makes the place extra creepy.
I had an unfinished basement for years and liked it because it made a good wine cellar because it was cooler. However, I needed to put in a finished floor as part of my washer/dryer installation. Shortly after I discovered I had major termite damage and was told that the dirt floor contributed to the natural growing conditions.
The coolest thing ever, was this cellar with a gravel floor.Believe me.
This house belongs to a Brooklyn Historian.
Never again see anything like it, and I have seen a few.
Maybe you should do the same.If yours is dry as you say.It will be very cool in the summer time.