BUILDING IN THE BASEMENT

A DRY BASEMENT IS IMPORTANT WHETHER YOU FINISH IT OR NOT.

Building in a basement—even an English basement, where the space is not entirely below grade—comes with challenges. Consult with an engineer or experienced contractors to be sure that the foundation is sound and the basement is dry or can be made dry. Consider the need for new venting, pumps, insulation, and additional egress before developing your budget. inspect everything • Basement walls, foundation, and sills must be sound and dry. • The floor must be dry and uncracked. • Drain and sewer lines must be adequately sloped and unclogged. If water doesn’t drain quickly, if it backs up or pools, if there is an odor, then decay, debris, or tree roots may be blocking the line. Fixing it requires a pro. keep water out • The grade around the foundation should slope away from the house. •…

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Old House Journal (Digital) - 1 Issue, March/April 2024

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