Basement floor dig out. What to consider first?

Jennifer Cee
by Jennifer Cee

The far back corner of my 1924 house has a 11x5 canning room I'd like to waterproof this room and lower the floor level so that it can be a full bath. The floor drains go out the front of my house so no drain lines are under this floor. What do I need to look at to make sure this doesn't effect structural integrity? (The walls are terracotta block and brick. They have holes like cinderblocks do)

  15 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Nov 05, 2021

    I don’t think this is a DIY project. You should definitely consult with pros.

  • Tuula - Color Me Thrifty Tuula - Color Me Thrifty on Nov 05, 2021

    When it comes to any structural issues or questions you should definitely be contacting a pro.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Nov 05, 2021

    If you do this yourself you could create structural damage, plus create code violations. Bring in the professionals and get several opinions and estimates.

  • William William on Nov 05, 2021

    This is definitely not a DIY job. This is an older home. You need a pro to assess the foundation walls. Are there footings for the walls or are the walls on the concrete floor. Lowering the floor would require bracing under the walls with possible new footings or the walls can cave in. You would need a plumber to see if plumbing for the toilet, sink, tub/shower can be installed. They cannot be tied into the floor drains. There would also be vent pipe needed to go through the roof.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Nov 05, 2021

    it will take a sledge hammer or jack hammer which is hard work- you can rent the jack hammer from Home Depot and other stores like that

    I think I would get free estimates from companies that do this type of work just to get their input and an idea what needs to be done

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 05, 2021

    I would get an engineer to take a look, just to make sure you won't be damaging the structural integrity. I would not take on a project like this unless you have some serious experience or someone who can help you that does.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 05, 2021

    Please call a pro this really isn't a DIY project. Anything dealing with the foundation isn't something to be taken lightly generally. To be safe and have peace of mindmpay a little extra so this is done right.

  • Yes, def. get a free estimate done for at least 2 places and then go from there. You don't want to miss up anything structurally or it'll be hard to go back. Better to do it right the first time.

  • This is definitely a situation to call in several pros. If you're concerned about structure, call a structural engineer. You'll need a plumber for sure to run all the lines and drains, likely a contractor who can excavate. This is a big task, definitely not a DIY.

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 05, 2021

    Hi Jennifer, I tend to agree with the others on this, too much involved, and when dealing with structure, you need engineering.

  • I strongly suggest to seek assistance from a professional.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Nov 06, 2021

    You should contact a engineer because the house is old and you might have to re. Enforce some walls

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 09, 2021

    I would recommend you get a Structural Engineer to advise you. Better to be safe than sorry!

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Nov 09, 2021

    My brother redid his basement, he used a company that waterproof everything, very costly. but worth it.

  • Since your renovations could affect the structure of your house, I would have professionals come in and do this one.