Expert: Dan Griffin - 2/4/2011

Question
I want to add a new, exterior entry to my full basement in an existing home.  The entry will come in where an existing window is into an un-finished storage room. I plan on it being all concrete.  It will be about a six foot rise.
While I have some construction experience, I have never done this type of entry.  I cannot find any plans or books that provide a description of how to do this for an existing home.  Where can I go for some do it yourself information without starting from scratch with an architect or contractor. (It's not so much the stairs themselves but the footings, walls and drainage that concern me.)

Answer
Samuel,yes there are several large steps involved with this one.

Step one in my opinion is planning water proofing and drainage.  This stair well should be slightly below your basement floor with a drain.  The drain can go to daylight or sump.  It is crucial that the finish grade around the well sends water away from the area.  It would be best if the well was covered or protected from as much rain and snow as possible.

The excavation is straight forward assuming you do not have utilities that must be relocated.  Footings must get to frost depth and be tied into the house footing.  The concrete ealls must be tied into the basement walls with provisions for waterproofing the walls and joints.  If the basement has an exterior French drain or sump system, the well  must be tied into and not violate the existing system.

Are your walls concrete or block?  Either way you will require cutting without jeopardizing the existing wall. This may require some reinforcement like a pilaster or wall turn back.

An interesting project.  Let me know how you progress.