Basement Doors – Avoid These Potential Problems

When I wanted to install basement doors I didn’t realize how many potential problems could arise.

If your house is not situated on a slope, I would invest in a home design software program that helps you calculate the terrain levels. This type of program can help you determine where and how you need to start your project.

Having my home on a slope where part of my basement is above ground, created the ideal opportunity for having another entrance.

However, if I had to do it all over again, I would follow the tips below before trying to start my walkout basement doors project.

Tip #1: If you have your heart set on a walkout basement and haven’t yet bought a house, think about buying one that is situated on a slope.

Having to excavate and building retaining walls can be pricey. So, if you are looking to buy a home and you want walkout basement doors, find property that has a gentle slope.

Tip #2: Make sure you have appropriate foundation footers. Depending on the depth of your original footer, you may need to install a frost footer, or insulate the existing one. You will also need to replace your footing drainage to prevent any type of flooding.

Tip #3: To properly install your basement door, you will need a concrete chain saw. Since this is a tool that most people don’t have, I would invest in hiring a concrete cutting company to do this for you.

To create the best basement doors, you don’t want to have to chisel or jackhammer the cement out. This not only makes a mess, but creates potential problems for having your door the right dimensions.

This will also keep your corners clean and your structural header intact. There are companies that will cut the door hole for you and then tow the concrete away.

After the hole is cut for the basement doors, and your foundation footer and drains are in place, the rest of your project should be a breeze. To finish up, all you will need to do is frame the door, patch things up, install your doors, and enjoy!