I am looking to the experience of the group here with a problem that came up on a 30 unit development I am working on. It’s an infill urban single family detached development utilizing existing streets and alleys. Architect put 36″ above grade for finished floor height. Contractor took crown of road as the equivilant of grade without considering the alley height. Alley is essentially one foot higher than street. Basement windows are to be two rows of glass block in rear third of foundation (about midlot from front to back). Our first seven houses are all in a row on one block and all have this problem. It’s essentially built to the drawing. First option suggested by GC was to add a row of block to the poured walls…..no way. Second option is to add window wells. Sounds a bit better. GC wants to add drain to the footing drain to remove any water collected in the wells and backfill with pea gravel. Good thought but is it necessary. The houses are placed 10′ apart with gutters.
Anyone have thoughts on this? I do but I really want to hear it from someone else….
Replies
window wells with full basements..
<< GC wants to add drain to the footing drain to remove any water collected in the wells and backfill with pea gravel. Good thought but is it necessary. The houses are placed 10' apart with gutters. >>
i'd go with the GC.. i want positive drainage to protect the basements..
and where do the gutters drain to?... i want them to have positve drainage also
Thanks for the replies.....
We are likely going to go with a reduced height glass block window atop a row of dampproofed block. It'll be a zero cost change. I won't even negotiate on a $1600 per house quote for the window well option.
Thanks