replace basement slab
We are looking to finish our basement in a South Park Slope brick townhouse as a rec room. The current slab is uneven, broken in a number of places and we would like to change it. So we have two questions: one, do we need a permit just to breakup the old slab and replace…
We are looking to finish our basement in a South Park Slope brick townhouse as a rec room. The current slab is uneven, broken in a number of places and we would like to change it. So we have two questions: one, do we need a permit just to breakup the old slab and replace it, with no excavation at all. And two, any recommendations for who can do this? Thanks
I don’t have an simple answer for you on the permit question. I would recommend getting advice from a couple reliable architects or structural engineers about permits and the best way to go about it (how deep should the cement be, how close to the foundation should they demo, what does a good job vs. bad look like, what kind of moisture-proofing, etc). While on the one hand pouring cement isn’t rocket science, you are going to have a bunch of guys down there with sledgehammers tearing things up right next to your foundation and you want to make sure that things are on track to be done right BEFORE any damage is done. Knowing yourself what is structurally important and what is not is a good first step, and that depends on the specifics of your building and its foundation.
We did this work while waiting for the permits on the rest of the job. No idea whether it was kosher or not, but we got away with it. All we did was break up the old slab, excavate a few inches and re-pour a thicker and properly reinforced slab. Manny LaSalle, a mason who is often cited here for his excellent work on chimneys and fireplaces did the work.
Our neighbors across the street did a gut reno w/o any permits at all, and have repeatedly gotten busted. One of the stop work orders did relate to excavation, so indeed, best to be cautious. Certainly mention the limited scope to your neighbors. It was a noisy couple of days when we did the project. And it was very interesting how the whole house started smelling of dirt once the slab was gone.
– jb
I had this work done in my basement a few years ago. You definitely need a permit, and since breaking up the old slab tends to be loud and disruptive, you’d be at the mercy of your likely very annoyed neighbors if you don’t have the right paperwork. The GC I used was AYC Group, and they did a great job. http://www.allyourconstruction.com
There are cementious materials that can be used to repair and top the existing. If you remove old concrete you will definitely get into soil grade work, since it must be specially prepared, tamped and a layer of gravel added.
I believe you will also need a minor permit for the plumbing. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/forms/forms_plumbing.shtml
You should check in with Z. Abedin for anything concrete or masonry.
I’ve also been working with earth and concrete for 24 years, and if you want me to take a look and give you some advice, I will at no cost. There are numerous code issues you must comply with if you are going to use the space as a rec room.
masterbuildernyc@gmail.com
A permit is needed, a friend of mine received a stop work order (she was actually exavating too); but DOB said a permit was needed just to replace the slab. Your neighbors won’t know if you are excavating or just replacing the slab and you can get a visit from DOB that may open a can of worms. Best advice is to simply pull a permit.
I would not think a permit is needed….what would the permit be for?
The guy I have always used for masonry is Shahab Udin–
cell# 646-523-7155. He has done my sidewalk, basement floor, patio, and repointing. Can say Peter from Baltic St.
said to call.
Thanks for the responses so far, but still a bit unclear about if we need a permit just to break up old slab and replace without excavation. We recently had the old, deteriorating, brick columns supporting the off-center beam replaced with concrete-filled steel lolly columns, with ample footings.
Also, I know there has been a lot of discussion about the dangers of excavation, but is doing something like this (pulling out the old slab, taking a few days to do some plumbing while it is out, including replacing waste line and then repouring slab with no excavation) any problem?
You should give Kevin a call, his number is 347 961 5544, he will absolutely solve your problem.
Huh?
Akter, You say he doesn’t need it BUT you can get one if he wants it?
If you are able to get one for this work, that probably means you need one- though I’m no expert on it.
Akter sounds a bit shady.