Connecting the Basements | Home Renovation & Addition Part 16

Series Playlist: • Home Addition & Renova...
Donavan's Channel - / donavanshomes
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Nov 16, 2021
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Chapters
0:00 - First Cuts
10:39 - Knocking out the Wall
18:47 - Second Cuts
Thank you to Triton Tools and Horton Brasses for sponsoring my work
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[@billunderwood3392]

I have often been accused of being afraid of hard work. But I watched this whole thing, never got scared once!

[@mcremona]

😂😂

[@TheLindsay720]

Grumpy bastard 😂

[@Papa-pl2np]

I have a concrete contractor who cuts door openings like yours out for me for $400.00 and cleans up the mess. Watching this helps me to remember why I quit doing it myself.

[@knotbumper]

That is what I was thinking, around here PAC NW, cleanup means also hauling away all the spoils. And, it is all done in about 3 hours.

[@allensandven0]

A wall saw and clean up the corners with a diamond chain saw . When I was younger I always thought that I’d make more if I did it all myself? That proves to be the opposite but if it works in the situation or it needs to be done now I’ve been there

[@chimrichalds1422]

I don't suppose your concrete guy works in metro detriot? I got 2 quotes to cut a door opening in 10 poured concrete. Cheapest was $1600 - $2400

[@michaellukaniuk5074]

I always thought Donovan was a tough guy. Now I know for sure. I used the exact same saw[a rental with dull blades] last summer to cut a similar opening. Even at hip-high, the strain it puts on your body is hard to describe. Any higher or lower It`s excruciating. Building that block wall is hard enough. Removing even a small section is more difficult by a magnitude of 50. Just getting the rubble out of the hole is medieval work. The hardest day of any project a builder can have is cutting and removing concrete.....Respect to you both.

[@edinstruction2011]

WOW! You guys persist where mear mortals would fade fast! Amazing strength! Now for a good long steam bath and at least an hour-long massage by Inga, Eh!?

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

Tore down a smallish house to build a much bigger home on 2 lots. Cutting through the basement wall in 2 places kicked the crap out of my uncle and I. I bet I lost 10 pounds swinging and carrying. We did the old drilling corners and cutting from both sides. Luckily, the general owned an excavator and removed the earth for the outside cutting. Still a monster job.

[@jere342]

A big stihl disc saw is much better for the job

[@michaellukaniuk5074]

@@jere342 Indeed when the pros use big track saws bolted to the wall they start with a 12" blade and work their way up in size until they break through. There is too big a risk of warping a big blade if you start with one. The biggest blade I ever saw on a track saw was 54". That was one expensive cutting job.

[@jere342]

I was thinking more of a concrete cutoff saw - gas or hydronic with a wet line off a tank and free hand. The thickness of the wall is and issue but nbd. Free hand it, no track needed. We turned my window 40x60 to a 60x78 door in a concrete block wall with one

[@lafayetteparker5340]

You picked the right person to work on your house ! Donovan is an A-1 Carpenter !!!!

[@ohasis8331]

All rounder

[@RamsinGabriel]

We need more Donavan and Matt colabs. You guys have great chemistry.

[@donwilliams3626]

That "concrete block" foundation put up quite a fight. Then Donavan pulls out a dado blade for concrete. Cool Tool! I am glad I was ignorant of that kind of tool. And after watching it in use, I promise to never learn any more about it! When you are the General Contractor you have to know about everything. Nice going guys

[@lgl_137noname6]

13:14 Glad to see Matt wearing work boots on the job site. Safety always.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Original builder certainly loved his re-bar.

[@dalepowell6815]

That is one heck of a concrete saw. The mysterious eyeball freaked me out for a moment, I thought Donavan had uncovered some creature that had been lurking in the wall since the house was built. I really enjoy your adventure of the house remodel. Good work Matt and Donavan...

[@suzylarry1]

Prisoners' would love to get hold of this wall cut saw ! Matts tree copping has finally paid off chopping that last stand of blocks.

[@SpareroomWoodworking]

No need. You just need an impromptu drill bit made in the yard on some asphalt and a manual egg beater. Carefully positioned holes and job's a good 'un.

[@Kkuts37]

Wow! This was a great video. You two are incredible. Love the part when Donovan said "no way"....Matt seemed to say "hold my beer" and lifted that column!! Great job, Hulks!

[@d.mushroomhunter3528]

Again Matt I love your videos.. your Man Don?.. has the hook up on all the new tools!! I did mud jacking/concrete lifting. For about 6 years at my buddies company!! In the late 90s ..And I tell you what... that double-bladed saw would have come in so handy, it would have saved him thousands of dollars a week and got him hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of work being able to cut that way!!! Flush cut against a brick building would have paid for itself just about every other day!!

[@sshep7119]

The break and advance concrete saws have their strengths and weaknesses, but the real workhorse for this type of cutting is a concrete chainsaw. The blades are expensive as the day is long, but you just can't beat them.

[@MikeBramm]

That dual-blade saw is pretty cool. I've never seen one like that before.

[@johnking8679]

Watching Matt and Donavan doing the heavy duty demo work in the basement area is testimony to how well built the original house was built !! Concrete saws, sledge hammers and drilling was what it took to get through !! As a former, now retired, Certified Building Inspector in San Diego, I'm was impressed !!

[@catgynt9148]

Matt, while you and Mr. Donovan have all the fun saws and power tools, perhaps you should consider using shaped charges to breech the next basement wall. You gentlemen expended an incredible amounts energy. Wishing you and your family a blessed week. Cheers.

[@MichaelNatrin]

10:12 made me lol. What a cool saw that I never knew existed. Really cool to see the progress on this. Thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@bachplucked]

Finn to watch the process. Once I saw the block wall I thought this is going to be easy. I was wrong, rebar and core pours made it a bit more challenging. Youth and Energy two things I lack at the moment

[@cuttwice3905]

That and a back that functions under stress.

[@jenhofmann]

Holy cow. I feel tired just watching you two work! I did a similar basement demo years ago and learned the hard way that it's much easier to throw all those chunks into a wheelbarrow *as they're coming down* than it is to pick them all up again for cleanup. I've never been more exhausted and dusty in my whole life. Thanks for the reminder to never do that again! :)

[@MrHarleythedevil]

I absolutely love hard work . I can sit and watch it for hour's.😁

[@18robsmith]

Donavan & Matt have a new duet for the next open mic night in the bar - "We fought the wall and the wall LOST"

[@latitudeash]

I love this type of work. Swinging that lump is so satisfining, even if exhorting. Just like chopping wood for the fire. It’s a great workout

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

I would NOT want to be your HVAC company... First time I've seen this incredible saw!! LOVE IT!!!

[@drewjohnson265]

Absolutely love the cut-n-break! I approach doors and windows a little different than how you did here. Since the saw can be laid on its side and cut flush with the floor, I cut the bottom out first. Then wedge to prevent it dropping later. Then cut through both the left and right sides, starting at the top, but only down about 2 feet. Anchor 2x material across these cuts, on both the inside and outside, to prevent your waste piece from falling. Then, continue cutting each side the rest of the way down. Once done, go inside, remove your strapping and push it out. The saws cut 16” from one side - I’ve never had to hammer out like you guys did. Maybe I missed whatever required the extra work in your case. Similar to how you can cut flush on a floor, you can run the saw flush along another wall to cut straight into a corner. It’s the best tool for this kind of reno work since you can do all the cutting from outside. Use this often for egress windows. Similar to you, tape plastic on the inside to contain the slurry, and for windows - funnel it down into a bucket.

[@chrisestill8825]

This man knows

[@robertnorris1808]

Watching Matthew manhandle those logs and the saw cuts he makes just shows he isn't a lightweight and isn't afraid to try and lift things. So I suggest he get Ben-Gay to sponsor his videos because as we all know sooner or later your body will be screaming for it. Oh, and you could get some hot tub company to sponsor also and let Donavan use it first. We older guys need it before young folks like Matthew...lol So Hot Tub Manufacturers and Ben-Gay pay attention and sponsor these two hard-working guys.

[@christinakindler9112]

It's great the way you and Donavan work together

[@KRColson]

You guys are amazing! I can't believe how much has been done by just two men! You should be very proud of all that you have accomplished to date. Looking forward to more! Cheers!

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@vagautohaus4492]

hope you guys made some coffee and stood around and looked at the stuff done so far in critical admiration...thats the best part of jobs like these i reckon :p

[@armoredsaint6639]

The only thing that would’ve made this better is if when Matt was swinging the sledgehammer he would have been singing Swing low sweet chariot! Lol!

[@philipallard8026]

Double Diamond used to be applied only to ski runs that can break your leg. When you break out a double bladed diamond saw you are embarking on something just difficult.

[@barclay50]

I have no idea why I watch this, I’m unlikely ever to undertake such a project, but can’t wait for the next episode!

[@dzee9481]

Matt for a minute you looked like you was doing HARD LABOUR in a Cement Cell. It is looking good Donavan is awesome.

[@VacFink]

There's a Geraldo Rivera joke in there somewhere, just keep swinging. Fun to watch.

[@user-oz2mf9uf1v]

Donnovan aka Mr. Richard Geere almost look alike having very good job as being instructed by Matt. Thanks for the video

[@kalaipaa]

Matt and Don comedy show strikes again. I was smiling the whole time. Don's butt cracks are always a bonus!! Hahahaha Watch out for those sledge hammer half blows, they can really hurt your back. Speaking from experience.

[@rogermontee8264]

Love watching you and Donavan working together. Can’t wait to see the next video. Thanks for sharing.☺️☺️☺️👍👍👍👍

[@toddshoemaker4285]

A diamond chainsaw is definitely the way to go here. I cut a few basement windows on houses on Summit Ave. where they rented out the basements for college kids. A 14" did fine.

[@Mysiltour]

Bonjour c'est un vrai plaisir de regarder vos vidéos 👍👍

[@scottwebster7613]

Looks like fun. Now you get to move all the pipes and heating.

[@MrWaldorfian]

That looked like a lot of work. Will be interesting to see how you reroute those ducts and power lines.

[@OntarioFirewoodResource]

Another excuse for you to pour some water!

[@danaskubic2145]

@@OntarioFirewoodResource 😎

[@OntarioFirewoodResource]

@@danaskubic2145 🤣

[@jlmfoy365]

When I started watching this video I thought too myself I bet Matt and Donovan have been looking forward to this all week. That was hard work! Regards Jim UK.

[@kenc2257]

Wow. That was A LOT of hard, back-breaking work. I like that special dual-bladed saw--first time I've seen one.

[@giorgosamoiridis859]

I guess Donavan is your hero or something? I don't think hes getting paid enough ... I don't thing you're getting paid enough and it's YOUR house ☺️☺️☺️ Cheers from Greece 😄😄😄😄

[@lyndamcardle4123]

That "he man" Donovan to the rescue ....in the denouement !

[@CorwinBos]

Nice work guys. Ive got a couple of scapewells to cut in this spring. Ive done a bunch of these over the years, but it was before they started making cut/break saws. We used the old school hydraulic chainsaws which were really slow and never cut straight. However Ive never taken out a block wall which you can break up. The 8-10" concrete walls we usually drilled in 3/4" bolt, with 1/2" plate on the back side, and just pulled the entire slab out with the backhoe or excavator and loaded it directly into the trailer or dump truck.

[@davidapp3730]

Great progress. I presume the black on the old block foundation walls was the old school waterproofing. Paint tar on them and hope.

[@kaycox5555]

You are each such hard working, creative men!

[@douglasthompson2740]

That is an impressive saw. When you first pulled out that Evolution saw I thought, "this is going to take a hell of a lot of time!"

[@mikeseguin6443]

Your contractor sure knows what he is doing.The additions are coming along nice.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Re connecting those ducts will be fun... you have a doorway to keep clear.

[@bill50013]

I hurt my back watching. Love the series thank you.

[@RXRSawdustStation]

We just witnessed the last core-filled block wall Massive Matt will EVER take out! ;-) Great job, Team #Cremona and #Donavanshomes! Thank you ALL for your work!

[@morganandreason]

"It's probably a good idea to wear hearing protection when you saw through...." "WHAT? SPEAK LOUDER" "I said you should probab... never mind." "WHAT?"

[@stephenkeefer3436]

My thoughts EXACTLY. So many young and middle age fellas refuse to protect their hearing. Shame.

[@davesanders9203]

OH man! I got so tired just watching you guys busting blocks!!!!! LOL!

[@motor2of7]

Man! I hope you’re paying Donovan well, he’s a work horse.

[@toucansteve]

Next time set up exhaust fans in addition to plastic sheeting or you will have dust coating your house. Tell Donavon to use a rain coat and paints as well.

[@GoldsConcrete]

Great video and great explanations, we're looking to be more informative in our videos soon as well !

[@icesneak1]

Donovan and Matt are this generations Bob Vila and Norm Abram lol

[@axelbergman5077]

Doing all that without hearing protection is pretty impressive in it self

[@davidnielsen4490]

Matthew, When you get done with thos addition, you are going to be much stronger.

[@mcremona]

💪💪

[@BubbasDad]

When I first looked at the saw, my thought was how are you going to get the depth needed. Did not realize how cool the saw is. The last time I had to cut thru a basement wall, sometime in the 70's, tracks were bolted to the wall and a saw with a 20 inch blade attached to cut all the way thru. I don't know if this is easier, but it is way cool!

[@bay9876]

That was really good. Put in a door where needed. Nice

[@joshuahasson9687]

You are better than me. I would’ve figured two holes in the floor big enough to fit each of those two “columns”. Throwing that dirt out the window seems like it would be easier.

[@kbaker7430]

Matt and Donovan: As usual you guys hit it out of the park. You are my Saturday learning and entertainment. Thank you.

[@keenanmcbreen7073]

That double blade saw is a pretty cool way to get around only being able to cut up to the arbor on a normal saw.

[@milt7348]

Going to have to take a nap after that work out. Stay healthy.

[@iambueno]

That second saw is pretty damn cool

[@ronhaefner7833]

Diamond chain saw would be fun too. Such a great project. Did a very similar project 2 years ago. Great video.

[@clupus63]

I have sympathetic back pain watching this.

[@michaelc.3812]

It’s fun to watch Donovan work!

[@danaskubic2145]

That double bladed concrete saw is quite interesting. Great job as usual Matt, nicely done. Thanks for sharing

[@mattchilton4950]

Donavan just sounded like he could handle a concrete saw, he didn't disappoint!

[@johnbeeck2540]

Now that is a days work!!! Bet there were sore muscles after this venture!

[@triggerthesound767]

Mind blowing that you are doing this without hearing protection.

[@edwardshupe6215]

Man, that is just plan old hard dirty work. The concrete guy really meant for that wall to last forever.

[@Newyorkgardener585]

Good good Matt that wall was a beast thought it was going to have you beat but I guess not you guys kept at it and got her done 😀😀😀😀💯💯💯💯💯

[@placer70]

Great videos guys! I am surprised that Donavan can still hear though with not wearing hearing protection again.

[@mauriceryton]

That double blade diamond cutter is one very well designed tool. Sweat and know how goes a long way.

[@gayle4804]

Is one more project almost done you have connection from basement to the new basement office area Awesome

[@donnymcarter]

Well, that looked fun and not messy at all! :)

[@mcremona]

Pretty much!

[@febbral]

Matt, when I remodeled my home in 1993, I had four 4ft wide and 8ft high cut into 10 inch concrete walls, cost me $1600, they bolted saw to wall anchors in concrete wall and cut with a large diamond carbide saw wheel, took a day to cut all four slabs, than busted up and removed with a excavator bucket.

[@biffmalibu3733]

I have that same evolution saw. It was cheaper to buy it than to rent one. It's cut a ton of concrete and block on its original blade

[@jimmowers7675]

Looking awesome Matt. Thanks for the update. God Bless.

[@johnfoster6194]

Demolition is always so gratifying, except for the clean up part.

[@gordonclark7632]

A stick of dynamite might have made that walll removal a bit easier.Too bad the skid steer couldn't get in the basement. It would have made the cleanup a lot easier.

[@Chillituber]

From Chisels to sledge hammers! Great job guys.

[@richardmarquardt6246]

Ij did that once years ago to put in an exterior door for a basement. Lot of work and dust! I had flashbacks watching this episode.

[@Lee-qp6gf]

I sure like the array you guys have. Nice to have a block foundation in this case.

[@georgefager3772]

Matt nice work! You never know what is inside concrete block walls

[@MrShanghai34]

I work at a rental store and we rent 2 models of the Husqvarna cut-n-break saws. K4000(electric) and the K760(gas) saw. People love them although they make a mess. The guy with the bean sprayer is the life saver. Less dust. You can hook them up to water hoses as well.

[@tdimccullough]

have seen guys out in the middle and far east using sledgehammers with shafts twice as long as yours and the shaft is also flexible and they swing fast and the head of the hammer swings round really fast breaking up the wall, it looks strange but seem effective

[@douglasthompson2740]

We'll have to change that song to "Don the steel driving Man" left poor John Henry in the concrete dust.

[@lemagreengreen]

That saw is awesome, not seen one like that... but then I'm not in the trade, seen plenty of guys battling with big noisy Stihl saws though.

[@TheToolmanTim]

Man Matt. You beat that wall like it owed you money! Well done.

[@eddiecabrera1408]

And by the way the concrete saw Donovan was using was badass

[@president2]

You bring back memories of me doing the same, love you guys!

[@kajem575]

That's a lotta' work for an old man and GILLIGAN!😆 🙂✌❤

[@Cradley684]

Bit like the Channel Tunnel Matt when you broke through LOL , Stay Safe Guy's !!!

[@toomaskotkas4467]

With so much wood lying around, you should've built a siege tower and a trebuchet.

[@davidduvall4655]

I once watched them cut in new dock doors at a place i worked. Used a concrete cutting chainsaw, cut scross borrom first then top all the way thru in one cut then they did the sides and used a forklift to push cut piece out onto ground. Watcing a 9 foot by 10 foot by 12 inch thick slab hit the ground was something to see. Good luck with the remodel.

[@firesurfer]

When I cut out new openings, I would score the outside and chop out inside. It was always fun to yell timber and watch it fall. Quite loud though.