Basement Renovation - Yet Again!

I am finally, after 10 years, going to “fluff up” my basement – yes, I believe it can be done. It is a cellar. Electric/gas meters in one small room (street side). Boiler room (garden side). There are two trap doors on each side. I would like to a) put in flooring (wood, laminate, cork,…

by HurricaneKate
01/21/2011

I am finally, after 10 years, going to “fluff up” my basement – yes, I believe it can be done. It is a cellar. Electric/gas meters in one small room (street side). Boiler room (garden side). There are two trap doors on each side. I would like to a) put in flooring (wood, laminate, cork, tile): install a small shower area (I was told that an actual toilet would require extensive plumbing). Sink would be nice..
And, more importantly, somehow create an egress of some sort-either to street or garden-and some type of ventilation system. It will be used as a guest room (for family) and/or recreation/storage area. Advice re: shower, flooring, ventilation, codes, etc. would be most appreciated. I have checked site for advice but am seeing alot of conflicting opinions.

Comments

  3. I have not had a flood in the basement since the main water pipe cracked – street side of course. And never want one again. I recall also have some drainage problems with previous tenants’ toilet and the bathtub..not pretty. I will wait to see what contractors say they need to do. I trust them completely-friends of friends. If they say no…
    I would love to come up with an imaginative way to get light – albeit a ray or two – in the space. On the garden side the trap door “well” is very close to hot water heater/boiler and I know I have to block that space off. Then, more importantly, the matter of egress. Recommendations for trap doors that are easy to push up from the inside?
    Then I will leave you all alone…
    Thanks so much for advice.

  5. the issue with the shower in basement – the shower floor becomes the lowest point of your sewer system. So if sewer system will ever back up it will flood your basement though the shower drain.

  6. Don’t give up on the shower — there are plenty of plumbers who will install one in a basement or even a cellar, without a permit. It’s not really a big deal. If there is no other major work going on, odds of getting caught are extremely low.

    You can keep track of any open complaints on your house at this site: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/bis/bis.shtml, though I don’t know the lag time between when a complaint is made, when it is followed up on by inspectors, and when it is registered here. And even in the off chance DoB does come knocking, you don’t have to let them in.

    The main thing about installing a shower in basement, aside from venting, is if you have enough pitch for the drain to connect to the waste line. But if you are not excavating the whole of the basement, you might be ok.

  7. I have been sufficiently warned not to install a shower. I just thought this would be an easy addition since all plumbing is right there. And, of course, was trying to use up excess of tiles that I had left over from a bathroom reno in apartment on top floor. I guess I will have a very nice tiled storage area! I will check out HD’s Allure Ultra. Have also looked at Magnewood online. I love the concept but I suspect it will be pricey. May just give them a call.
    Is there some sort of hydraulic lever one can buy to attach to an iron trap door to make egress instant in case of an emergency? I have no intention of excavating other than perhaps taking up ugly 70’s tiles in 2/3rd of area and making all the floors uniformly even. But to be honest, I am very lucky in that my neighbors are rather laid back when it comes to minor renovations. No complaints and, as a result, a bottle of wine or two, is always appreciated!

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