I realize it is a bit rude to ask, and with my apologies, but what is the ballpark range for the work?
(Topic ID: 243196)
Quoted from Yelobird:As I said its really not that invasive. Like having hobbits under the house (with jack hammers). While not common throughout the US, having a basement in Chicago is fairly common. Technically if weather cooperated, they take only 14 days to pull this off.
Based on the way it appears to be done (section at a time), I would have thought the cure time for each section would have pushed it well beyond 14 days.
Of course, that just gets you to walls...then, the work really begins!
Grand Rapids, MI
Quoted from OLDPINGUY:I realize it is a bit rude to ask, and with my apologies, but what is the ballpark range for the work?
My guess is oh, 3 or 4 NIB games? 
Quoted from Yelobird:...Believe it or not this doesn't cost Anywhere near what an addition or raised addition would cost...
That's interesting, would have never thought going up was more expensive. I was going to ask why not build up.
Quoted from mbwalker:That's interesting, would have never thought going up was more expensive. I was going to ask why not build up.
Going up is the definition of invasive. Going up means new roof, chimneys, plumbing, vents electric runs. etc etc. About 4 times the cost and you can't live onsite with no roof. Plus it adds another large stairwell to the primary floor. While not for everyones location this was easily justifiable to property value and space addition. While every site is different a project of this scale is roughly 50k. A lot of money but based on home values in the area the added 1000 sq feet will easily offset at resale should we ever leave. Unlike a pool, gold fixtures, or a heart shaped deck SQ footage is Rarely a poor investment to a property.
Quoted from LordHelmet:yelobird
“WOOHOOO!!! I FOUND A MOD MINE!!!”[quoted image]
Lol no mod mine yet but a few Bumbles! As they have the weekend off I decided last minute the water heater was on the older side and taking up way to much space so going to have fun installing a direct vent tankless water heater. More weekend fun....
Quoted from Yelobird:Lol no mod mine yet but a few Bumbles! As they have the weekend off I decided last minute the water heater was on the older side and taking up way to much space so going to have fun installing a direct vent tankless water heater. More weekend fun....
Remember. Bumbles sink. You’ll like that tankless heater for sure.
Great project can’t wait to see the results, what fun!
Quoted from OLDPINGUY:I realize it is a bit rude to ask, and with my apologies, but what is the ballpark range for the work?
The quote I got in Colorado for 500 square feet was $150,000-175,000.
Quoted from Sijcolo:The quote I got in Colorado for 500 square feet was $150,000-175,000.
I suspect they really didn't want the job or your house is on a granite foundation. lol Most contractors are 1/3 that amount for triple the square footage. Granted I am talking about Creating a basement not making it drywall pretty. They are only making a bomb proof room made of concrete and windows. I am doing plumbing, HVAC, etc from that point. I am making a blacked out all gameroom so no fancy plaster or crown molding. Possibly your quote was for a turn key move in room.
I was guessing around $100 sq foot, plus interior, but can see in other locations it going higher.
I believe the labor pool in by you is experienced, and there is competition.
Nobody doing basements here in Florida!
Look forward to the pics!
Lookin Good! 
An absolutely entralling and interesting thread. Indeed for me I would put it as the most interesting thread of all time backed up by a humour within the posts which is just so well put. I congratulate you on your project and extend thks for the thread.
Quoted from Backyardace:Thanks for sharing your pinball addition. I’m quite interested to follow along.
Let me correct that; “thanks for sharing your pinball addiction”.
Looks like existing waste line exit is above the elevation of the new floor, true? Does it descend exterior to the house so you can bring it back in below the new floor or are you going to have to install a pump? Or is the plan for no bathroom in the lower level?
Fun thread - thanks for sharing.
-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball
This thread and the photos have been GREAT to help illustrate to my wife what is in store for her in the next 4-6 months... thanks!!
Quoted from rkahr:Looks like existing waste line exit is above the elevation of the new floor, true? Does it descend exterior to the house so you can bring it back in below the new floor or are you going to have to install a pump? Or is the plan for no bathroom in the lower level?
Fun thread - thanks for sharing.
-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball
Good eye. Yes the new basement is well below the waste line to sewer. That line will be turned up to save space and later in the thread we decided to add a small bathroom to the other basement area using a Saniflow macerator pump system. Didn’t need the bathroom but it seemed wise with all the game area and no facilities. Have all the equipment on hang and the install is rather simple with a 1” pvc line tap. Definitely the last this on my list but the list is growing. As is the game collection. I decided to take the game room to a museum direction. Kind of a playable trip through time. Currently I have coin op games from 1910, 1920, 1930, etc to present. I’ve been collecting rare and unique pieces so our kids and guests can see how coin op and pinball have progressed. Tough search but fun to find. Here are a few crazy fun games awaiting the game room. Even found a beautiful Genco Motorama driver!
212AC1BB-9B41-4A19-8FF5-5365CB74BCB4 (resized).jpeg27524802-52CB-4E47-9D3D-7F75374F0606 (resized).jpeg9EAEC398-D962-4A63-95A6-AC62B31B3AE2 (resized).jpegACEBC6D0-F6D2-4FEE-8BF0-5CB4811F8B0E (resized).jpegB5DBEDCA-DBE9-4975-85B5-DAE19A298868 (resized).jpegD4E3A3D1-E124-45D0-89C7-6B3E831449BC (resized).jpegDB6F2730-EDDD-4D26-8930-808DF5860335 (resized).jpegQuoted from Yelobird:Good eye.
Yea, I've found when one posts a picture that Pinsiders can find the craziest of details. It's not a problem; rather a demonstration of the diversity of thinking we each bring to the community - so really it's kinda cool.
Second picture in post #75 helps exemplify a thought I omitted from the previous post because I couldn't easily describe. Looking at your fortress walls downstairs I noticed they won't be floor-to-ceiling and wondered if that space could be usable ... something like that display shelf behind the machines in the picture. Maybe lighting the room by fixtures in that space so you don't have the overhead light can problem that so many of us face in our basements.
Your timeline-based theme sounds neat. Also interesting is how the tastes of game themes has changed - your pics include hockey, basketball, baseball, and bowling. Nowadays the themes primarily seem to be bands and movies/TV. Interesting to try to interpret for a larger societal understanding...
Pinside use tip: when I post pictures I try to add text to the 'caption=' tag so people can more meaningfully reference the picture. If you type nothing hovering over the picture just gives the server's filename; with a caption hovering gives the text you type.
-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my Pinball 2000 H+V Video Sync Combiner kit
Quoted from rkahr:Yea, I've found when one posts a picture that Pinsiders can find the craziest of details. It's not a problem; rather a demonstration of the diversity of thinking we each bring to the community - so really it's kinda cool.
Second picture in post #75 helps exemplify a thought I omitted from the previous post because I couldn't easily describe. Looking at your fortress walls downstairs I noticed they won't be floor-to-ceiling and wondered if that space could be usable ... something like that display shelf behind the machines in the picture. Maybe lighting the room by fixtures in that space so you don't have the overhead light can problem that so many of us face in our basements.
Your timeline-based theme sounds neat. Also interesting is how the tastes of game themes has changed - your pics include hockey, basketball, baseball, and bowling. Nowadays the themes primarily seem to be bands and movies/TV. Interesting to try to interpret for a larger societal understanding...
Pinside use tip: when I post pictures I try to add text to the 'caption=' tag so people can more meaningfully reference the picture. If you type nothing hovering over the picture just gives the server's filename; with a caption hovering gives the text you type.
-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my Pinball 2000 H+V Video Sync Combiner kit
Every inch will be used. Including that edge mostly for storage and display.
Fantastic thread and I will be eagerly following! I'm in the middle of the same (but topside) and LOVE your approach!
Nice plan, will be a nice space when completed - keep the pics coming
Having been through my own house transformation for a game room build, I’m very interested in following this.
I love the museum idea (my original plan was for a history of pinball showcasing games through the eras), but think about keeping space for some non-arcade related fun. We changed direction and added a board game / conversation area, bar and theater (convertible to a bedroom). 3/4 bath and extra storage/work space.
Cool thread.
Quoted from jfh:Having been through my own house transformation for a game room build, I’m very interested in following this.
I love the museum idea (my original plan was for a history of pinball showcasing games through the eras), but think about keeping space for some non-arcade related fun. We changed direction and added a board game / conversation area, bar and theater (convertible to a bedroom). 3/4 bath and extra storage/work space.
Cool thread.
Funny great minds think alike. While I don't really drink I was convinced a bar was a Must have and my compromise was a movie theater with 12' screen for the grandkids. The bathroom was planned years ago just never seen the need till now. I will however steal your idea of a convertible sofa/bed in the theater over theater seats so the room is more multipurpose! Everything will be rather low key to some of the upscale home arcades I have seen but we think it will prove to be a great place to share and enjoy. Picked up some tables for the Mame tabletop and video poker machine. Need to show off some of the games that almost killed pinball....
Not much of an update. Ran the new tankless water heater today after boring 4" holes in the side of the house. Just some simple copper work and I am ready to switch over. Also picked up a 1500 lb winch system for a stair track system I am going to install to ease the effort in bringing these games in and out. With 40 games going down soon I though Now would be a good time to get creative as we are getting further from young....
Quoted from Yelobird:Not much of an update.
There will be when the concrete floor is in and cops go in and dig it out. Your referencing not finding bodies wasn't missed. What better place to hide a body than where there wasn't one.
LTG : )
Quoted from LTG:There will be when the concrete floor is in and cops go in and dig it out. Your referencing not finding bodies wasn't missed. What better place to hide a body than where there wasn't one.
LTG : )
Hey, its the Chicago way right! Fingers crossed the weather holds out and floors are in by Friday!!! As of late Chicago became a mix of Seattle and the everglades. Crazy pain in the butt. Still need to find a Punchy the Clown for the kids (who's kidding its for me.)
Quoted from Yelobird:Not much of an update. Ran the new tankless water heater today after boring 4" holes in the side of the house. Just some simple copper work and I am ready to switch over. Also picked up a 1500 lb winch system for a stair track system I am going to install to ease the effort in bringing these games in and out. With 40 games going down soon I though Now would be a good time to get creative as we are getting further from young....
Like this one ?
Quoted from Yelobird:ake only 14 days to pull this off.
Now THAT is insane. It took me like 40 days just to install wood parquet flooring and marble tile in a tiny condo. 
*edit* Your basement expansion is 155% bigger than my entire house, man.
Quoted from Yelobird:As I said its really not that invasive. Like having hobbits under the house (with jack hammers). While not common throughout the US, having a basement in Chicago is fairly common. Technically if weather cooperated, they take only 14 days to pull this off.
Are you just referring to the actual dig and concrete pour, or the whole build-out?
Sandviken
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:Are you just referring to the actual dig and concrete pour, or the whole build-out?
I mean in 14 days there is a 1000 sq foot room with windows that wasn’t there. Not including all the finish work epoxy floors, electrical runs, and HVAC updates. All in all not that long compared to most additions from my experience. Helps that I did home renovation and construction in the past so the secondary work is rather easy.
Quoted from Yelobird:Not much of an update. Ran the new tankless water heater today after boring 4" holes in the side of the house. Just some simple copper work and I am ready to switch over. Also picked up a 1500 lb winch system for a stair track system I am going to install to ease the effort in bringing these games in and out. With 40 games going down soon I though Now would be a good time to get creative as we are getting further from young....
Just pave the construction ramp & install some double doors, to make a walk out basement. And the ramp gives you an extra parking space!
(The heck with what the neighbors think.)
Quoted from Yelobird:I mean in 14 days there is a 1000 sq foot room with windows that wasn’t there. Not including all the finish work epoxy floors, electrical runs, and HVAC updates. All in all not that long compared to most additions from my experience. Helps that I did home renovation and construction in the past so the secondary work is rather easy.
Quoted from Yelobird:I mean in 14 days there is a 1000 sq foot room with windows that wasn’t there. Not including all the finish work epoxy floors, electrical runs, and HVAC updates. All in all not that long compared to most additions from my experience. Helps that I did home renovation and construction in the past so the secondary work is rather easy.
Ok THAT makes more sense
Quite impressive and crazy at the same time. I'm marking this post to show my wife when she thinks I'm taking thinks a little far with wanting to add another game. Good luck and cannot wait to see how it all turns out.
Thanks for your help 
That's impressive. I had an idea people did stuff like this, but never have seen it documented or how it is done.
pmWolf did something kind of similar and has it documented here:
https://mathisarcade.wordpress.com/construction/
His project is really cool, but I have to say that doing the same thing under the house really amazing.
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