The basement in the home I am interested in buying has a concrete ceiling through out. Is that common and structurally sound. Moreover, can I cut a hole in the ceiling to provide access to main floor of the house? Any comments are greatly appreciated!

Hi Mdeveloper...

If the concrete floor has seams every 6-8 feet or so then I'm quite sure this is very structurally sound and can be drilled in specific locations... but can't just be drilled anywhere... could cut a tension wire... ;)

To be sure only takes a simple call over to your local building inspector... they should know the answer straight off!

Good luck!

Mark

Was this a commercial building to start? Flat or "T" constructio? As Mark said, can't just core cut anywhere is it was post tensioned.

MA0641,
No, the building has always been a single family limestone rowhouse. Its just have never seen a concrete floor/ceiling.

If concrete ceiling... must be concrete floor upstairs then, right? Any idea how thick?

How about the seams?

Chicago building codes can be dicey so also ask the City Building department to see what they will allow. Most Chicago greystones were built prior to tension cables but not all, how old is the building?

It is probably reinforced with rebar, not post tensioned. How big a hole are we talking about? Plumbing or stairwell?