Excavating Brownstone's Garden Level

We would like to excavate our “Garden Level” basement space in Bay Ridge. Ideally we need to drop the basement floor (yes, it is a true “basement” by code and recent survey) by about 16-18″ and bench-foot the current foundation. I’m looking for local contractor recommendations and more importantly forum member’s success stories. I know the question has been asked before… But… If anyone has a ballpark dollar figure on excavating a 20’x50′ basement space up to 18″… I’d appreciate the info. Thanks.

jjq

in Construction 10 years and 7 months ago

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workisfun | 10 years and 5 months ago

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hi brooklyn1, could we talk about your radiant slab? thanks!

jjq | 10 years and 6 months ago

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Camp6ell– Can you pass along the name and contact info of the company that did your excavation? Thanks.

camp6ell | 10 years and 6 months ago

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we did this recently in our gut renovation (also 20×50) and the figure was $1 per 1sqft per 1″ depth. or, in your case, $1000 for every inch you go below existing grade.

mackpoit | 10 years and 7 months ago

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Thanks for sharing .

jjq | 10 years and 7 months ago

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Thanks Brooklyn1– contractor info–?? Thanks.

rcc147 | 10 years and 7 months ago

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We did our cellar about a year ago, fully permitted, surveyor etc. on a similar sized area. The general contractor dug down 14″ and installed a new slab with extra strength concrete. It came out great. Cost for that work was $20k (excluding architect, city fees etc.). We also installed radiant under floor heating at the same time for a relatively small extra cost, as you will probably never dig up the space again and too good an opportunity to miss. The heating is worth doing if you plan on using as a living space, which it sounds like you are.

jjq | 10 years and 7 months ago

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James… Thank you. Yes, the engineer who came out and looked at our foundation AFTER the formal survey was conducted, estimated we could drop the floor up to 18″ and still be 50% above grade. As I read the survey, it looks like we can add another 14″-18″ depending on slab depth. Any suggestions on contractors? I’m asking anywhere, and everywhere. Thanks.

jcarch | 10 years and 7 months ago

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Just be sure it will still be a basement after you drop the floor, or you won’t be able to have habitable rooms on that level anymore. jcarch ———————— James Cleary Architecture brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/jamescleary