Thanks, I think it isn't really his kind of thing and that he is expensive in general. Dumb question, but what kind of professional would you call to do such a job? Too small for a contractor, is this something a neighborhood handyman could handle or do you need some kind of "expert" to do it right? Thanks!

You need a professional engineer who knows (and appreciates) old houses to advise you about digging in partial basements - especially basments with recently unsually wet soil. Call you local historical society or your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO - every state has one, I believe, and they can start you in the right direction) to get names of people who fit my description. It's quite important to get someone with old house experience and affection. Houses without full foundations (i.e.with footings) are completely dependant on undisturbed soil for stability. Even a ground hog burrow can create problems. Bad things can happen under those circumstances, so get someone with an engineering license in there to help you decide what to do. I would think this is particularly important in brick houses (vs interconnected wooden hulks like my timber-frame structure.) And, yes, you should put down some vapor barrier while you're at it. It is easier to do with the floor open, but it can be done later, even if you have to practically push the material forward with your nose as you slither along in the crawl space. BTW, there are materials that are better for vapor blocking than contractor's poly. I can make some suggestions if you need them. HTH, Molly

steel grating. It's what we set on window wells where they have to be a part of the patio. Most shops that do iron rails will be able to cut a panel of grating to fit and address the ends. If you want to get fancy and you have composite decking you could even have the grating powdercoated to match. I wouldn't go semi-circular if it's going to be set flush with the decking though. All that'll do is call attention to it. Also more of a PITA to deal with. Keep it simple.

Hunzi! Long time! I'm glad you posted this new thread. I remembered your Part One thread, I never saw your Part Two. Your threads must have fallen off my front page at some time. Tremendous work. Kudos to you and your family for a project well done. I really like how you solved the water heater access, the sliding panel is a nice touch. I like that found shaving razor too. Old metal medicine cabinets used to have an open slot in the metal frame or on the bottom shelf. When a razor blade got dull, the razor would be discarded by sliding it through that slot. The stud bay under the medicine cabinet became a landfill for razor blades. Nice tile work by Mr. Hunzi. And congrats on your life adventure. May the good times continue to roll...