This is kind of a convoluted situation, and I hope it isn't too confusing.
I just bought a home with my wife, and in the basement there was a hideous bathroom. Functional, but hideous. So I am tearing it out and remodeling as a DIY project.
The vanity, was clearly made by the home owner and was basically a bunch of plywood boards screwed together. It was a little strange looking. After tearing it apart, I found out why.
It looks like at one point, they removed one of the concrete block (interior) walls and replaced it with a couple metal columns and steel I-beams. They did however leave the poured concrete footer, and the vanity was built around that. I have a few questions that I was hoping I could get opinions on.
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Why would they go through all the trouble of removing the block wall, but not jack hammer away the footer? Am I wrong in my assessment? I would provide pictures but I am away from home on travel. I could get my wife to take some if need be though.
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Is there any reason why I shouldn't jack hammer away this footer? For the bathroom remodel, I could use the foot and a half or so of extra space. I am going to get a structural engineer out here, but I wanted some opinions from here first.
Best Answer
They removed a portion of an exterior basement wall...maybe because, 1) started a remodel/addition and then changed their minds, 2) discovered something outside the wall that changed their minds, 3) noticed remaining walls starting to “move” and stopped project.
Yes, I’d get a structural engineer (not a civil engineer) to review.
You must live in a dry area if there’s no moisture problems with the wall gone, but I’d have him examine that too.
BTW, I’d be shocked if the structural engineer recommends removing the footing.