I am looking into purchasing a 50 + year old house that has a 1600 sq ft basement with a concrete perimeter foundation. I would like to add a outside basement entry into this house in order to make a legal basement suite. I can envision how to do it but is it legal and sound to do so. Can I dig into the ground and put a set of stairs going to the basement? Can I chop a hole big enough for a door and still retain the structural integrity. I have asked around to my circle of friends and depending on the quantity of beer consumed the answer varies from yes to no. I have even been told Im crazy to attempt such a thing. Is it possible or am I crazy. Should I just look for a better house, one that already has a basement with OSBE.

but, if your experience's limited, hire it,,, items're excavation, conc wall sawing & demo, sump pump, crush'd stone, precast conc steps, bilco-type door, cleanup.

in theory, there's no difference 'tween theory & practice,,, in practice, there is !