Low ceiling
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 689
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From: South suburb of Chicago
Low ceiling
I just posted another thread about creaking hardwood floors in a 193x house. Another problem that my parents are thinking about fixing is the low ceilings in the basement, to create more living space in the house.
My dad is almost 6'7" and the height of the ceilings in the basement is probably around 8'. The problem is that the support beams (rafters?) for the floor above come down about 18" dropping the actual "walking" height of the basement to slightly lower than my dads height. And to make it even worse the steel beams that hold the house up are only about 5'10" and he has hit his head several times on those. (hope that made sense).
My parents were told that a possible solution would be to either a) jack the house up, or b) dig the basement floor lower.
Has anyone here ever had anything like that done? Or know of any other possible solutions to this possibe.
My dad is almost 6'7" and the height of the ceilings in the basement is probably around 8'. The problem is that the support beams (rafters?) for the floor above come down about 18" dropping the actual "walking" height of the basement to slightly lower than my dads height. And to make it even worse the steel beams that hold the house up are only about 5'10" and he has hit his head several times on those. (hope that made sense).
My parents were told that a possible solution would be to either a) jack the house up, or b) dig the basement floor lower.
Has anyone here ever had anything like that done? Or know of any other possible solutions to this possibe.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Either of those two would be expensive propositions, to say the least.
I don't think it is all that difficult to jack up a house. I mean I have seen some local houses moved from one lot to another nearby property by jacking them up and placing special trailers underneath and towing them there. So, it can be done. But the question is how much are they willing to pay? Will it increase the value of the house accordingly?
I don't think it is all that difficult to jack up a house. I mean I have seen some local houses moved from one lot to another nearby property by jacking them up and placing special trailers underneath and towing them there. So, it can be done. But the question is how much are they willing to pay? Will it increase the value of the house accordingly?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
And don't forget you may/will need a new concrete footing/slab poured.
That won't be cheap.
Maybe digging up the floor is more viable.
Is the basement above or below grade?
Another alternative is to adopt a shorter dad.
(kidding) 
That won't be cheap.
Maybe digging up the floor is more viable.
Is the basement above or below grade?
Another alternative is to adopt a shorter dad.
(kidding)
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
I been in home building and remodeling for 39 years. I can tell you it would be less expensive to bring in the D-9 Cat, level it all and build the house of their dreams.
I have done remodels like this. The home owners loved the outcome, but were appalled at the cost. Heck, I would be also.
Remodeles are good, if kept in the kitchen, and bathrooms. If ya start changing the main integrety of the building, then it is time to sell and find something better. Or if you have an indispensibal property, then tear it down and start anew.
Just my 2C.
Old, really OLD builder.
I have done remodels like this. The home owners loved the outcome, but were appalled at the cost. Heck, I would be also.
Remodeles are good, if kept in the kitchen, and bathrooms. If ya start changing the main integrety of the building, then it is time to sell and find something better. Or if you have an indispensibal property, then tear it down and start anew.
Just my 2C.
Old, really OLD builder.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Of course we can't see the house and could not begin to guess on the construction and structure of the house.
If the beams are supporting the joists (beams under the joists) maybe you could raise the beam and use joist hangers. Technical but possible(?).
or dig out the existing floor and create new foundations and a new floor
with a state of the art sump system and plumbing.
We did a job that required the same job scope- it took awhile, but it was done to perfection.
extreme idea here- sell the house and get one with a finished basement.
Find a good- licensed- bonded and experienced contractor- who does foundations and structural work.
talk to people who had similar work done in your area for the best input.
If the beams are supporting the joists (beams under the joists) maybe you could raise the beam and use joist hangers. Technical but possible(?).
or dig out the existing floor and create new foundations and a new floor
with a state of the art sump system and plumbing.
We did a job that required the same job scope- it took awhile, but it was done to perfection.
extreme idea here- sell the house and get one with a finished basement.
Find a good- licensed- bonded and experienced contractor- who does foundations and structural work.
talk to people who had similar work done in your area for the best input.
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