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Honored Contributor
Posts: 65,680
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

Not if it's the only way to get in and out of the basement... If there's an indoor stairway, fine, but no, unless there's no reason to ever go down there, I don't want to have to go outside to get to the basement... 


In my pantry with my cupcakes...
Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,478
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

@stevieb ,

My previous neighbor who has this ...it really isn't a basement. Her water heater and oil  tank are down there. It is dug out so you can stand down there. It is on concrete. She stores seasonal outdoor stuff etc. She has a very small home so this is good for storage. 

That is the only way down there..no inside steps...Better than no space to store things and keeps tanks, heaters etc out of sight.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

Nice...looks like there would be a little headroom.

But...dang it...I can’t help but think, upon seeing this....

John Wayne Gacy.  

Sorry....just conditioned that way! 😬

Valued Contributor
Posts: 597
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

This is what we call a bulkhead entrance and is common in the northeast.  Normally found on older homes they have the metal slanted flat doors that you pull up and climb down the stairs.  This appears to be a way to reuse the entrance by building a patio on top of the entrance using flat doors instead so it serves a dual purpose.  This will give you more info and you can get an idea of what is pictured in this and how it can possibly be transformed into a deck similar to OP's pictures.

 

http://blog.resconsolutions.com/basement-bulkheads-and-cellar-doors-getting-in-and-out-of-a-basement...

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,563
Registered: ‎09-21-2018

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

Very nice.  Practical

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,770
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

I wouldn't be physically able to open those big doors

♥Surface of the Sun♥
Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,892
Registered: ‎07-03-2013

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

Yes, I've seen/used the bulkhead entrance.  Never gave it much thought that they were only in the northeast.  Born and raised in the northeast.  I want stairs from my garage to the cellar.  Not so sure I like the hidden deck stairs.  The stairs are probably very steep and hard to climb.

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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,823
Registered: ‎03-21-2010

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

DEFINITELY A YES!!!!!

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,994
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

[ Edited ]

@SXMGirl

 

But you can see the 'latch' to open it.   wouldn't that give it away?

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,294
Registered: ‎11-03-2018

Re: Hidden Basement Entrance

I'd be afraid the doors would close when I was down there and I'd be trapped.

 

I'll take the traditional way down to the basement, please.