Digging out cellar and backyard

I have a below grade cellar with 7′ ceilings. I would like to dig out the cellar so that the ceilings are 8′, and also dig out half of the backyard so that it is level with the floor of the cellar. I’d like to make a glass sliding door out onto the backyard from the cellar. This will help to get some natural light into the cellar, and make the space more usable. I know it’s possible to dig out the cellar, but how about the backyard? Are there any regulations against that?

ea3421

in Cellar 12 years and 9 months ago

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Bond | 12 years and 9 months ago

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What’s on either side?  Can you slope into your neighbors yard or are you going to have to install shoring? If you have to shore, how are you going to sink the soldiers without access for heavy machinery? Does the back of the buildings on either side of you line up?  If they stick out, you’re looking at underpinning on your neighbors buildings. Is the backyard accessible to power equipement like a bobcat or an excavator and if not, how are you going to get the soil you remove out? You’re talking about 100 yards of dirt/concrete and it nevers goes into a container quite as compactly as it came out, so you’re probably looking at 12 or 13 containers since most places will only rent you a ten yarder for pure soil due to the fact that the city is cracking down on weight limits, so figure $400 per container, $80 per week for the street dumpster permit, so about $5,500 for containers, lets say you can do three a week, which may or may not be realistic based on distance to the dumpster, weather (hot weather will wear your guys out extra fast, especially later in the job when your guys will start to show fatigue anyway), four weeks of four guys at $150 a day, so $600 a day, five day week is $3,000, four weeks (minimum) and you’re looking at  $12,000 labor, the contractor is going to add in some wiggle room, you’re looking at $25,000 for excavation.  Pouring of walls, plans, permits are going to add some cost as well, I would count on spending $60K for the backyard. Digging out the cellar is a whole other can of worms.

deancollins | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Eddie,

Seeing you’ve done this before what are the costs per square foot based on previous projects to do this? eg 20′ wide x 20′ deep into the backyard with about 6′ of removal + the rear wall work.

ea3421 | 12 years and 9 months ago

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What happened at McDonaugh? I tried to do a search and nothing came up.

pigthree | 12 years and 9 months ago

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almost anything is possible and can be done safely and legally.  this site oozes with fear.  do not let that guide you in you wish to have something done. in regards to steve’s comment about mcdonaugh, there are very few discussions on this site in regards to that house’s situation that are even close to accurate as to what happened.

etconstruction | 12 years and 9 months ago

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ET Construction Design Inc are experts in digging out cellars and yards, with one phone call and an hour of your time we can discuss what the steps & possibilitys are. Take advantage of our free home consultations. Hope to see you you soon. Contact # 917 468 9468 Fax # 347 422 0121 Email address – Phoneetforyourhome@gmail.com Website – www.Phoneetforyourhome.com

builtinstudio | 12 years and 9 months ago

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You definitely do not want to do this on your own.  You should consult at very least call in a contractor who has done this before (there are plenty) to walk the space.  If they don’t have an engineer I can recommend one or two.  Also, if you are in a landmarked distrinct, you’ll need their review for the exterior excavation before DOB approval.  Gary Eisner
BuiltIN studio

stevecym | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Yes, changes to the level and grade of the property do require a permit as it can affect the stability and drainage for yours and surrounding properties.  I recall reading this either in the building code or on the DOB website. With respect to digging out the cellar – and I have to give credit where credit is due – there was a discussion about this here on this site about a month ago.  Someone had made an inquiry and some of us suggested it was no problem so long as one stayed away from the footings.  Well, someone else came on and reminded all of what happen on Mcdonaugh and yet someone else pointed out that the stone footings were subject to shift.  You might want to read what they say before considering this any further or considering to do the same on your own. Steve http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/tinkerswagon