New door to crawl space

8 years ago

Hi. I’m about to start a project in which I will be creating a new trap door to access the crawl space under my house. There was an addition to the house which may have concealed the original entry to the crawl space before we moved in. i Have a few of questions.

1. Is this something that requires extensive experience to do? I am a beginner and new homeowner.

2. Do I need blueprints of the original home? I don’t want to accidently cut out anything that could be potentialy crucial to the floor’s stability.

3. What tools are recommended in order to complete the job as quickly and safely as possible.

4. What do I need to consider prior to starting?

The reason for this is that I need to access the plumbing to replace a pipe. The issue is well beyond what is accessible through the bathroom.

Thank you and I appreciate any tips and advice.

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Comments (2)

PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
8 years ago
You must have an opening to a concealed space anyway.

The residential code requires access to the crawlspace, either through the floor or a side wall on the inside or outside and the minimum dimensions for the floor access are 18X24", and minimum wall dimension access is 16X24".

Where you trying to make a hole in... I assume cinder or concrete block?

Best way to do that is to rent a concrete saw. If you never did that, call a local masonry contractor and they will make a hole for you in no time and before you make them cut a hole, make sure you have an access door or a louver so they have the needed rough opening size this way they will cut the hole the right size.
User
8 years ago
You will compromise the vaporproofing and allow moisture into your home. Crawl space access should be from a stem wall, not interior to a home.
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