[michigan]

My new 1950s house with block foundation has some problems...actually lots of problems since it was neglected for a long time. I cannot complain since I love it. But what bugs me is the cold room under the front entry.

The steps are cracked in a couple of places and the water gets in the basement + the steps are also sloped a bit to the right and the water gets in the basement through the cinder block wall. The cinder block basement walls under this front porch are in very bad shape - cracked and bowed.
I cannot figure out how to deal with this problem... Any advice is great and VERY welcomed I don't need this cold room if this matters...

 

[Fix'n it]

pics ?

 

[joecaption]

I've seen far to many of those, every single one leaked and caused major damage to the home.
One of the stupidest ideas anyone ever came up with.
Only way I've seen it fixed once and for all is to bust up the steps, dig out the foundation, repair all the rotted wood, fill in the wall with new block.
Water proof the outside, back fill and build new steps that are at least 4" below the threshold.