What it is
A door where the wall meets the yard
A walk-out stairwell is a stair trench outside the basement wall, with a door at the bottom. It's the biggest way out you can build.
We dig the trench, pour the steps and walls, cut the door opening in the foundation and tie in a drain at the bottom. A door and railing are quoted on their own line.
A door opening cut and framed
Poured steps and retaining walls
A drain at the bottom of the stairs
In the price
What's included, and what's not
Included
The trench dug and hauled out
Footings, poured steps and walls
The door opening cut, with a header
A drain at the bottom and gravel behind the walls
Permit and utility locate
Not included
The door and its hardware
A railing
A roof or hatch over the stairwell
Landscaping
What changes the number
What moves the price
Depth
A deeper trench means more steps and taller walls.
Soil
Clay or fill needs a wider footing.
Slope
The yard's grade sets how far the stairs run.
Lines
Gas, water and electric lines near the wall.
Setbacks
A stairwell near a property line may need a review.
Door
A steel door costs more than a wood one.
How it goes
Steps and who shows up
- 01
Step 1: Survey the wall
We check the grade, the lot line and the lines.
- 02
Step 2: Permit
The permit includes a drawing of the trench.
- 03
Step 3: Dig and form
Trench, footing and forms.
- 04
Step 4: Pour and cut
Steps and walls poured; the door opening cut.
- 05
Step 5: Door and drain
Door set, drain tied in, backfill.
Permits and rules
Permits and setbacks
A walk-out is a larger change than a window, and a town may review it against the lot line. We check before we quote, and we draw the trench for the permit.
A stairwell also needs a drain at the bottom so water doesn't gather at the door.
Questions about this job
Can any basement get a walk-out?
The ground has to slope away from the wall. If it doesn't, the trench gets deep and the cost climbs. We say so after the visit.
How long does it take?
Usually a week or two, depending on the concrete and the weather.
Does the stairwell need a roof?
Not by the code, but a hatch or roof keeps leaves and snow out. It's an add-on.
Will it flood?
A drain at the bottom, gravel behind the walls and grading away from the trench keep it dry.
Ask about your wall
Send a photo of the wall or call. We measure before we quote.