Hi,

I need more space in the house, so I am getting my basement done. The basement only has an entrance from inside the house, but I would like to make another exit directly from outside. The wall I have to cut through is a brick/concrete wall but I am not sure if cutting through it would bring about any foundation/structural damage. I would appreciate it much if someone could guide me through this process and warn me about the potential dangers and/or precautions I have to take. Also, I need to dig 16'' in order to install the door properly. Thank you very much!

Look at your floor joists. The ones that are at right angle to the outside walls cause those wall to carry most of the load, avoid a door along that wall. The other two walls carry much less load but would still require the installation of a steel header. The header is not easy and may require some block removal and resetting. I would ask a contractor for a bid and see if you can copy his odeas if you can't afford his price.

I would brace the floor joists above the new opening before cutting the wall, if they were resting on that wall. The next thing to think about is draining that hole away from the door; that's your biggest worry, so do it right, considering your local weather conditions, and the first time is the easiest.

For up to a 36" opening, a 3/8"x 6" L-beam could be slipped under the wooden plate at the base of the upper wall, resting on the door frame, probably 4x6 pressure treated posts, should be plenty, without taking any head room for the beam.

Make sure there are no electrical or plumbing surprises in the exterior wall you're cutting. There shouldn't be any for a basement, but make sure you look at the electrical and plumbing fixtures above and around the opening. If the door will open out, leave room for it's swing.
Denis