Walk-up basements AFTER the foundation has been poured?

[Telecoguy]

Hi Guys,

Quick question for you - I purchased a house with my lovely fiancee, and am wondering:

a. Can you put a walk-up basement in AFTER the foundation / house has been built?

b. What adverse affects should you expect, if any?

c. How much should it cost if the basement digging is expected to be about 5 feet down?

Kind Regards,
Telecoguy

[roger g]

I did it several times just north of Toronto without ill affects but mine were just doors for access. If you want patio doors and patio it might be different. Frost might get under and heave.
Price: whatever the locals can get. Is there even access for heavy equipment?

roger

[Telecoguy]

Hi Roger,

Thanks for the quick reply. We have a corner lot, so luckily there is access. Also, the house behind us has yet to be dug, so things should be OK.

We have a traditional basement right now (actually, only a basement, the rest is still being built). The basement at the back is about 4 feet underground. . . . . I'm just trying to get an order of magnitude pricing. My builder for some reason just refused to do it.

The idea would be something reasonable enough to put in a door (similar to a front door, the type with a half window in the door) and a window beside the door (to add light for the basement). I don't care too much about a patio - solid concrete with a drain would do.

Since you used to work around here, do you know anyone who might be able to do this? =)

Thanks,
Telecoguy

[roger g]

I was in the Barrie and Collingwood area . Tornto was another world.The last place I did it was in Collingwood and because it was under 100 sq feet ( the outside construction part) I didn't need a permit. It sound like you want to put in an apartment downstairs. Doing it befor they back fill would save you big bucks.
When I did mine there was some concern about heaving but I thought there would be enough heat loss at the footings to prevent heaving. Maybe I was wrong as far as the "book" says but it worked for me.
You must hav e strange builder that won't even discuss it with you. Let's hope you don't have anything else that needs to be discussed.


roger