What is this thing called!!

Is this just an extra basement trap in the back of our home? It just seems so random because we have a hatch in the front of the home. But then in the back of the home right near where the extension was done (prior to us living here) there is this weird hatch to no where. We want to do something with it but have no idea what its purpose is. It does not lead to the basement but rather to a hole just outside of the window. It is basically a whole with four walls and a heavy grate on top.

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

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Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "201845"

Yup. A steel grate and a 3 foot hole with a small window at the bottom on the side that faces the boiler room.. The hatch we use to access the basement is in the front of the building and is much deeper with a ladder (every meter readers nightmare). The concrete at the bottom is in bad condition and i am wondering how it is going to impact the home itself. Since the hole is in the back of the home, there is a slight overhang so not a lot of debris gets through but some does.

yudashasom | 5 years and 1 month ago

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I’m imagining you have a steel hatch and inside is a pit 3-4ft deep, is that right?

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "3"
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By restoring access you mean adding stairs and a door? What type of contractor would be best for this work. I am not sure I would be able to afford the addition or a door and access stairs but I am interested in repairs some cracks and broken concreate within the window well. I think its only a matter of time before critters start hanging out in the window well since we dont use it at all. As someone guessed earlier, it leads directly to the boiler room.

yudashasom | 5 years and 1 month ago

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You can do a few different things with this.

You can restore access to the cellar. It is helpful for gardening, or for seasonal outdoor furniture that you may way to store in the cellar during the off-season. Or even future repair work in the backyard – then you don’t have to bring materials or debris through your building.

You can also add subway grating at ground level and put a window below. I’ve used a casement window. It will bring a lot of natural light and fresh air into the cellar as Cate said. And it can still be used for the purposes above.

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

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So helpful! Thank you all!

cate | 5 years and 1 month ago

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Very typical to have a hatch in the front and a window well in the rear. Sounds like in your case the window was filled in. The windows for both are typically very useful for ventilation, such as to reduce mold and supply fresh air for the boiler.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 5 years and 1 month ago

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Perhaps the opening from the “hole” to your cellar was sealed off by a previous owner.

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "3"
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Yes we have a real basement hatch in the front of our home. This one is in the back and does not actually lead into the basement. It leads into a hole only.

Arkady | 5 years and 1 month ago

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It looks as if it used to allow access to the basement. My house & others on my block have them.

Guest User | 5 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "3"
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[20200427_213850](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:ZkW4:20200427_213850.jpg.jpg)

lkrshacmzcy | 5 years and 1 month ago

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It sounds like it could be a Dry Well; though without a visual evaluation it is only a guess

lkrshacmzcy | 5 years and 1 month ago

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  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It sounds like it could be a Dry Well; though without a visual evaluation it is only a guess