Cellar/Basement conversion

[bronxhouse]

Hi all

I am located in the Bronx, ny area. I am interested in make my cellar/basement into an appartment. I heard that it's legal to dig the floor of the cellar/basement to go down to gain a little more ceiling height. Has anyone heard of this? Why I say Cellar/basement is because if someone has a cellar why can't they do this to gain ceiling height and if they put in engress windows(the one's with the well) can't that fix this situation?

Thanks, Sacha

[Debbie]

Oh boy.....Let me put it this way.....I would not touch this within 1000 ft pole!

Really, I strongly suggest you take that idea outta your head. You'll be inviting all kinds of problems......

I'll other members fill in the rest here....

[bronxhouse]

Hey I would like to hear your experience or knowledge on this.


Sacha

[Debbie]

I came from a couple of generations of engineers. Or is it three? Nevermind....

I'll keep it as brief as I can.

It requires permits. Lots of permits. Visits to the city hall. Time consuming. Costs you some money. You will need an EXCELLENT general contractor who costs you money.

If you are lucky to get the approvals and permits, general contractor hires laborers. Costs money. Time delayed. Oops! Unexpected problems. Found termite damage/mold/bad construction or whatever they'll find. Gotta fix those first. Costs money. Oops! Did you remember to hire an architecture? Costs money. More time delayed.

I'm just now noticing that this is not as brief as I hoped. But I think you get the ideas. (sorry!). Only you can decide if it is really worth the time and trouble.

Debbie

BTW, Sacha (cute name)----Welcome to the Magic Bullets Fambly! Hope to see you more often!

[bronxhouse]

Hi

Thanks for your input. I am aware that I will need a artitect, contractor (w/ his labors) I was at the place on Friday to get permits and stuff. As far as I know the contractor will deal with the permits and stuff. I have one very good contractor in mind already that has done excellent work. Problems arising I will cross that bridge when I need to. SOme one told my husband to get a civil engineer. I really don't understand why.

Sacha

[Debbie]

A civil engineer has the license, experience and knowledge to ensure that the job is being done correctly. But that is not all they do.

I'll give you an example. My hubby is, among other things, a structural engineer. He needs to be contacted first (or among the first). He has to investigate past constructions' blueprints, past permits to determine what and why they were done, etc. Then once he gets all the necessary information, then he has to ensure that all city/county requirements are being met. Then he does some architectural (aka CAD software) work.

Hubby also an expert in concrete. That would be a requirement for the basement/cellar. There are different stages of holding the building up while digging, framing, pouring concrete, yada, yada, yada.

Bottom line, alot must go into this project. You'd definitely want an engineer, architecture (unless they both work in same company), general contractor, etc. You'd also want to make sure that the basement is water-proof as possible. No carbon monoxide involve. No interference of existing water sewer running under your cellar. There are so many variances involve in this not so simple project. You want the job done right the FIRST TIME, not the second or third time down the road.

Whatever you do, I strongly advise you NOT to find anything to cut corners because if you do, you will pay more money, time and frustrations in the long run. NOT a fun project.

There's alot more than what I've told you but that's another phase of the finished project.

[bronxhouse]

Wow thanks so much! :SM139:

You sound very knowledgeable, and I appreciate your replies. Are u in NY? Do you know anyone good in ny?

Sacha

[Aldo]

The absolute most important thing is that you keep this totally above-board. Get the proper permits and work with the local code enforcement and zoning offices to ensure that your project can't be declared an illegal unit down the road.

This will be a very expensive undertaking. Carefully consider the return on your investment because of the looming RE market correction which could put a huge dent in the value of the property.

[Debbie]

Wow thanks so much! :SM139:

You sound very knowledgeable, and I appreciate your replies. Are u in NY? Do you know anyone good in ny?

Sacha

Thanx and no, I'm not located in New York. I'm located in Springfield, Il.
I'll ask hubby but I doubt he knows. I don't think any of his company's offices is located in New York either. But, I've been known to be wrong so I'll check.

[DALCON]

Hello Sacha,

If you're not in a flood zone. A good place to start is to call Miss Utility before you even think about digging your basement out (1-800-257-7777) or go to www.missutility.net, they will be able to lead you in the proper direction once you let them know your Scope of Work. Then I would retain a Structural Engineer to Design your Foundation/Curb System, etc. Then I would hunt real good for a Licensed Escavating Company in your area to do the work. Not a simple Project but people are paying good money these days for Properties with Finished Basements. I'd suggest putting all the whistles and bells to finish it out. Good Luck with your Project.

Regards,
Mario R. Bellaty
DALCON Construction
www.dalconconstruction.com
:thumbsup: