Replies

1. 
   Davo304 | Jan 03, 2005 01:30am | #1

   You do not need a concrete specialist...you want a reputable General Contractor.

   Tearing out (enlarging) a concrete block foundation wall to install a new door or window is very easy to do. But you want someone  (GC) who knows what type of header support will be needed if wall is load bearing. Also, there will be excavation on the exterior side , and site drainage issues...a good GC can easily handle all these factors.

   You do not necessarily need a wet saw; especially if most cutting can be done on exterior side of wall. I've used a heavy duty cut-off saw ( similiar in shape to a chain saw) equipped with a 14 inch dia diamond wheel blade. I rent this unit for approx. $80 a day.

    If going this route, drape off inside area with plastic and duct tape and put a box fan in closest window to draw dust outside if you do any cutting on interior side of wall. A box fan placed below the man using the cut saw (when cutting on the exterior side) is also a great idea...it draws dust away from cutting action. 

   Make no mistake...dust masks and eye protection are a must...after completing cuts through the wall, you will be VERY DIRTY.  After cuts have been made, sledge hammer will remove blocks from the middle section.

   Davo

   PS..If you reside in the Oho Valley Region (Pittsburgh, PA) let me know...would be happy to submit a bid.

1. 
   Davo304 | Jan 03, 2005 01:43am | #2

   Here's a before and after pic of a door egress job I did this past summer. Client needed a way out of his basement. I later remodeled his basement as well.

   Davo

   Edited 1/2/2005 5:47 pm ET by Davo

1. 
   onthelevel | Jan 11, 2005 07:34am | #6

   Nice job but where are the returns on the handrail?

1. 
   Davo304 | Jan 18, 2005 09:21am | #7

   You got me there. No returns. But handrail extends pat top step and past bottom step...hard to tell that from photo.  But you are right...returns would have been better...and are usually required....but my BI still  passed me on this one .

   Davo

1. 
   onthelevel | Jan 18, 2005 04:44pm | #8

   I was just being anal! Our b.i. is very strict on that. We are in a big retirement area and I gues all the old folks get their sweaters caught in a non- returned rail (whatever)  

2. 
   DickRohn | Jan 20, 2005 05:03am | #9

   BI's and fire inspectors in the Chicago area are very strict regarding returns as well.  I was told that they are also a hazard for getting a purse strap snagged on one in the event of an emergency, like fleeing down the stairwell trying two escape the two office fires that occurred in downtown Chicago this past year.

3. 
   onthelevel | Jan 20, 2005 06:36am | #10

   Dick, my experience is that sometimes it can be quit a challenge to do a return but once it's done it really separates the pros from the weekenders!

4. 
   DickRohn | Jan 20, 2005 03:02pm | #11

   I hear you on the challenge!  I usually order about twice the material I need as I know I'll probably goof up a tad bit!

2. 
   elisa | Jan 03, 2005 05:26pm | #3

   Thank you for all of your helpful info.  Sorry I do not live in your area for bidding purposes.  Thanks again.

2. 
   aimless | Jan 03, 2005 10:56pm | #4

   Elisa,

     Our situation was different because we were working in a poured concrete foundation, but the mix of specialties you need is similar to what we did - you might consider a GC to handle the entire job if you aren't comfortable doing some of it yourself.  A person to cut the concrete usually charges by the linear foot. I would recommend hiring a professional concrete cutter for this - there are people who do this all day every day. Renting a saw for the purpose is possible, but then you take on the risk of damaging the blade, and replacing one of those blades is very expensive. Then you need to frame it in, making sure you use pressure treated wood for contact with the concrete block, and proper headers to handle the load from above.. Then installing and flashing the window. We only hired the concrete cutting part, everything else we did ourselves and so far we've been happy with the results.

   Good luck with your egress.

3. 
   byrnesie | Jan 11, 2005 02:50am | #5

   Elisa,

   Check out  Bilco.com. Their product, scapewell, a plastic terraced window well is something I've wanted to find a place for. Also use a professional concrete cutter to cut the opening- make sure it's not a load bearing side, if your in the Boston area I can recommend you a reliable one.