Garage Access Basement
jmdkc
3 years ago
Hello! Curious if any of you here have had a garage access basement that you converted into interior access. If so, did you cut through the first floor/basement ceiling to add a staircase? Or did you opt to lose part of your garage space to enclose the garage access to basement? Did you use an engineer or architect? Or just a contractor? We will be getting bids, but wanted to check here to hear more about your experience.
Featured Answer
Comments (7)
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Attached garage away from kitchen or basement garage below
Comments (2)Our garage is like yours now, detached and away from the house. My husband has taken it over for his boat building hobby so we don't use it as a garage. Our driveway comes to the front of the house and our kitchen is at the back so I just bring groceries in through the front. When I have a large grocery order to bring in, if my husband's not around, I have one of those large old lady shopping carts that can handle about 4 large bags at a time and I use that. No problem. I just wheel it into the kitchen. If I used my garage regularly to put my car away, I wouldn't want to have to come and go through the basement to access my car, let alone schlep grocery bags up the stairs. I don't know how important it is for you to put your cars away at night or how old you are, but the older you get, the more you'll appreciate things on one level....See MoreFeedback Wanted on Plans to Access Basement
Comments (4)I don't have any feedback for you but I'll be interested to watch this topic. We are considering buying a home that currently only has access to the basement through its own exterior door. There is no way to get downstairs from the main level. It was built this way to have the basement as an independent apartment that the owners rented, but we want to envelope that space into the house as added living space for our family. To do this we too would have to build an interior staircase where there currently is none. We'd have to cut a hole in the floor and start from scratch! Anyway... I didn't mean to ramble, but to share that we are in the same boat, or a similar one anyway. I'll be interested to read the responses you get....See MoreBasement layout - narrow and dark access coming down the steps?
Comments (20)Wow. You guys are awesome! After talking it over with my husband - we decided on swapping the playroom and office. We will also add double french doors that can bring light in to the entertainment area. We do need that full bath as my mom will stay with us (weeks at a time from overseas). The playroom will be at the bottom of the steps so I can peak on the girls while im upstairs clean/cooking/doing whatever. The staircase will be open so we can pivot furniture. This will bring light in immediately as well. Under the stairs will be added storage for their art supplies/school supplies...etc. The bath will be right off the bottom of the steps so people can quickly access the bathroom if the powder room is occupied upstairs. It also removes the bathroom from being open to the entertainment area....See MorePlanning an addition but basement access is an issue
Comments (9)As someone with a home that was built in Virginia in 1906, I feel your pain! Is that a full height basement? It's hard to tell from the pic if that's a standard (80 inch) door. I would worry that, as low as the ceiling would be (your ledger is right above the door) that hallway would feel really claustrophobic. It's also worth exploring what your city or county mandates for access. With the addition, where are the electric meter and weatherhead getting moved to? Also is that the only basement access? Is that a window behind the satellite dish? If it were my house, the idea of blocking up that door opening and creating the basement access somewhere else would be very much in play....See Moreshirlpp
3 years agojmdkc
3 years ago
D C
9 months ago
PROGN Builders L.L.C
9 months agoNancy
7 months ago
Related Stories
BEFORE AND AFTERSBeachy Chic Walk-Out Basement Opens to the View
In Toronto, a drab basement and a former garage become a bright poolside rec room, workout area, bath and laundry room
Full Story
BEFORE AND AFTERSBasement of the Week: Surprises Around Every Corner
With a secret door, games galore and walk-out access to the yard, this Prairie-style basement in Minneapolis never fails to entertain
Full Story
MORE ROOMSMore Living Space: Converting a Garage
5 things to consider when creating new living space in the garage
Full Story
BASEMENTSBasement of the Week: A Place Where Practicality and Style Meet
The rustic-modern space has areas for shooting pool, watching TV, playing, eating and washing clothes
Full Story
BASEMENTSBasement of the Week: Newly Finished and Open to the Outdoors
Relaxing, working, playing ... a New Jersey family can pick their pastime in this industrial-style walk-out leading to a new patio
Full Story
MORE ROOMS5 Basement Renovations Designed for Fun
Get inspired to take your basement to the next level with ideas from these great multipurpose family spaces
Full Story
GARAGESDesign Workshop: The Many Ways to Conceal a Garage
Car storage doesn’t have to dominate your home's entry. Consider these designs that subtly hide the garage while keeping it convenient
Full Story
BASEMENTSBasement of the Week: You’d Hardly Guess You Were Underground
Maryland homeowners go for a polished, traditional and gracious look for their Cape Cod home’s basement
Full Story
SMALL HOMESHouzz Tour: Old Garage in Paris Becomes a Family Loft
A single source of natural light goes far in this 700-square-foot home for a couple and their 2 kids
Full StorySponsored
Your Custom Bath Designers & Remodelers in Columbus I 10X Best Houzz
jmdkcOriginal Author