Purchased slab home with concrete block basement addition. The builder of the addition (done in the 1950's) added a rim of concrete around the exterior perimeter of the addition to the home that is 18 inches out from the foundation and 6 inches thick and about 2 inches below ground level. They also constructed a cellar step "container" (similar to a bulkhead) with steps that have become so deteriorated as to be unsafe.
The section of the foundation I am working on is 16 feet wide and has the basement egress and "bulkhead".
Question 1: In your opinion is there any problem with my removing a 4 foot section of the "concrete rim"? This section runs under a small window that needs to be replaced and have a window well added. I do not know (yet) if there is rebar in the concrete or how it might be tied into the foundation. The concrete is VERY hard.
Question 2: What is the best material and replacement method for bulkhead cellar stairs? I do not know if the block foundation would withstand the weight of concrete steps or how much upgrading would be necessary to get the blocks to be able to hold the weight.
Thanks.
The section of the foundation I am working on is 16 feet wide and has the basement egress and "bulkhead".
Question 1: In your opinion is there any problem with my removing a 4 foot section of the "concrete rim"? This section runs under a small window that needs to be replaced and have a window well added. I do not know (yet) if there is rebar in the concrete or how it might be tied into the foundation. The concrete is VERY hard.
Question 2: What is the best material and replacement method for bulkhead cellar stairs? I do not know if the block foundation would withstand the weight of concrete steps or how much upgrading would be necessary to get the blocks to be able to hold the weight.
Thanks.