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Need Advice Walk out basement

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by webeadams, Aug 29, 2015.

  1. webeadams

    webeadams New Member

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    Has anyone added a walk out basement to their house? Right now, we just have two small windows in the basement but would like to make it a walk out with either a single door or double door. I haven't even checked with the HOA yet to see if I can do this but was wondering if anyone has had this experience. Thanks!
     
  2. fidothedog

    fidothedog Member

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    I have a walk out...just make sure you consider if you have large trees in the backyard... all it takes is one leaf to cover your drain and your basement will flood. I personally wish I didn't opt for the walk out since everytime it rains heavy I have to check it.
     
  3. webeadams

    webeadams New Member

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    Thanks, fidothedog, I had not thought of that!
     
  4. Twinmama

    Twinmama Member

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    fido - do you have a walk out or a walk UP? If you have stairs leading up from the basement doors to the yard I can see a clogged drain being a problem. We have a regular walk out (door on the same level as the yard) and don't have any issues with water in the basement.
     
  5. webeadams

    webeadams New Member

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    Just to clarify, I was asking about a walk UP. Right now, our entire basement is under ground so we would add a door and steps up to get out.
     
    Twinmama likes this.
  6. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Single family or townhouse?
     
  7. Mike-and-Kim

    Mike-and-Kim Member

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    I have a screen on our drain cover and have never had an issue. Huge beautiful white oak taller than our house and other trees around.
     

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  8. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Yup that is the key... A drain screen that is upright and can take some debris build up
     
  9. webeadams

    webeadams New Member

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    single family
     
  10. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    No need to "check" with the HOA. You simply need to submit an Modification Application, which the Mod-Sub Committee will review and vote on, before proceeding.
     
  11. BigJackie

    BigJackie New Member

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    "Mike-and Kim.....where did you get that drain screen? I have been searching everywhere, but cannot find one that fits my walk up drain. Please, please share....my basement carpet can't take it anymore.
     
  12. Mike-and-Kim

    Mike-and-Kim Member

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    I couldn't find one I liked so I made one.

    Attached is a picture of what I used, but unmodified (that I found on the Internet). They have them at the Home Depot by the gutter stuff.

    If I remember right I trimmed it a little bit using wire snips and then bent the end up using needle nose pliers.

    They also make green "slotted" drain covers but I felt they didn't do as good of a job filtering out stuff and I didn't want the sump pump to have to deal with it.
     

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  13. PDILLM

    PDILLM Well-Known Member

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    I looked into it for my previous house in Leesburg. After discussions with two architects, we decided not to do it and moved instead. The biggest issue for us was that our foundation was poured concrete (not blocks). Between the cost of the excavation, making the entrance in the foundation, the drainage issues, etc the cost was so much more than the cost if we would have did it as part of building the house ($7500 verses $40,000+). Loved the house, but just couldn't go through with it.....

    Love the drain screen info. The one issue for the poster is that there needs to be a drain to somewhere...... You are talking about digging up some basement floor to tie into existing draining pipes.......
     
  14. workingmomva

    workingmomva New Member

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    We added a walk up to our SFH in Ashburn Farm, cost was around $20-$25K I believe. We are very happy with it, it brings in light to the basement and makes it a lot easier moving large things into and out of the basement. The contractor we used was Phoenix Mason. Regarding drainage, they put in a large drain with a motorized pump that pushes the water out to the back yard, we've never had any issues with flooding.
     

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