How can I gain access to a sub basement with no trap door?



  3 answers
  • Oberlinmom Oberlinmom on Jan 13, 2019

    Is there outside access? Do you just want to make access inside? You'll need to decide where you are willing to put steps or a ladder. Is there going to be enough space below for a staircase or will it have to be a ladder. If it's a staircase the opening will be much bigger.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 13, 2019

    There has to be some type of access somewhere.

    • Clinton M. Johnson Clinton M. Johnson on Jan 14, 2019

      6 years ago my wife and I bought this old two story house. The house has no basement. The pumping needs major work. All the pipes run underneath the floor. 3 years ago we put in a new front door and I can see that there is about 3 or 4 feet of space under the house. We looked all around the house for a way under there.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 14, 2019

    So you don't have a basement you have a crawl space. Am I getting that right? You should at least have some sort of opening where you can get under the house. It is going to be dirty and full of icky things but that appears to be the only way to access what you need. If worse comes to worse you might need to make some sort of access.


    What type of foundation do you have? If it was me I would get in touch with someone who knows how and where to make or cut an opening for you. You don't want to compromise the structure in any way.


    I would think anyone who does foundation for a living could help you or at least give the name of someone who can help. Good luck!