Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/3/2009

Question
Bruce,

I am thinking about finishing my basement, but had an idea worth vetting.

The basement is daylight, below grade, 9 ft ceilings and large windows on
one side. I have a big backyard with a large deck. My fence separates the
deck from the basement windows. I had an idea to connect the deck to the
basement vis a vis stairs and create a walk up.  If I can do this, then I would
have it done prior to finishing the basement. Either way, I will need to install
a well to meet city code for a bedroom in the basement. I thought that the
walk-up would be more appealing to buyers. Thoughts?

Answer
Hi Chris, so you are talking about building an exterior set of stairs going up from the basement?  Or an interior set going to an outside door from the first floor?    To do an exterior walk out basement you will need a concrete or masonry retaining wall on each side to retain the earth.  If your lot is sloping away from the house at a steep enough pitch you can do a daylight basement patio if you like.  But either way you will need retaining walls on each side and some sort of sump or drain to handle water that may get down into the stairwell.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com