Cellar Access Steps & Hatch
I would like to enlarge the “coal chute” at the front of my house to be steps accessing the cellar with a hatch. Can anyone who has done this offer any advice? Know the cost? Recommend a contractor? Thanks in advance.
I would like to enlarge the “coal chute” at the front of my house to be steps accessing the cellar with a hatch.
Can anyone who has done this offer any advice? Know the cost? Recommend a contractor?
Thanks in advance.
hi, as of i did not have this build in my house but have seen one in my friends house and he did not have any problem with it. i dont think it leaks. will have his feed back and will get back to you.
You might want to take a look at the Bilco Door site: http://www.bilco.com/foundations/store/scresults.asp
I’m pretty certain Ed Kopel is right re: permit. If you live in a historic district, you’ll definitely need a permit, assuming you’re allowed to make this change at all.
thanks jfss. did you find that a permit was necessary?
I did it so long ago that my price and references would be irrelevant. I didn’t have any of the issues or concerns cited by slopnick except for the leaking doors which I find a real problem. My neighbor learned from my experience and had a short ledge built around the frame which the doors overlap. It decreases the leaking significantly but doesn’t solve it completely. Three doors – the usual 2 plus one across the opening near the house that flips up – solves clearance and door weight issues. Having cellar access from outside is great. I added access from the back garden too and would recommend it.
Get several prices and make sure the mason knows what he’s doing. I have perfect stairs in the front and garbage (rough, uneven, poorly formed) in the back.
thanks for the comments, everyone. All good points. Anybody out there actually done this and knows the cost? I can call contractors in for estimates, but thought I’d test the wisdom of brownstoner first.
This work needs to be filed with the Building Department by a NYS licensed Architect or Professional Engineer. Ed Kopel Architects, PC
Several issues arise: You will have a smaller front yard, if that matters, and you will have to keep it relatively clear of trees, bushes, etc. so you can get to the door. You need to make sure that there aren’t any significant pipes blocking your way in/out, both inside the basement and in the area you will excavate. As far as the door goes, there’s a trade off – if you make it flat, it takes up less room and doesn’t block the window, but it’s tough to make those completely waterproof. If you have it rise, it makes the front yard significantly smaller and may interfere with the window (or any AC window unit you might have). My main advice is to make sure you know what you are getting into in terms of how waterproof the door is really going to be. Ours leaks and I hate that…
You may need 2 different trades – one to enlarge the hole (mason) & one to make the cover (iron monger). Try Ricardo at 718 499 1153. He may do it all or have worked w/ someone on similar projects whom he can recommend.