Why Bilco Basement Metal Doors Are a Smart Home Upgrade

William Falkenstein • September 7, 2026
Bilco basement metal doors Philadelphia

If you've been searching for Bilco basement metal doors Philadelphia homeowners can actually rely on, it usually means one of two things: your existing basement entry is rusted, warped, or barely closing anymore, or you're planning a basement remodel and want a safer, more secure way in and out. William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home has been serving Northeast Philadelphia, PA, and New Jersey for over 43 years, handling everything from window and door installations to full remodeling projects, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and kitchen upgrades. The company is licensed and insured, OSHA 30 and OSHA 10 certified, and known locally for showing up, doing the job right, and standing behind the work.


Have questions or want a free quote? Call (267) 258-7054 or email falkwilliam58@comcast.net for a free consultation.


What Bilco Doors Actually Do


Bilco doors, sometimes just called basement bulkhead doors, sit at an angle over an outdoor basement stairway and give you a direct entry point from the yard straight into the basement. They're standard on a lot of older local rowhomes and twins, especially ones built before basements had interior staircases wide enough for moving furniture or equipment. Over time, though, the metal on these doors takes a beating. Rain pools on the flat panels, salt and moisture creep into the seams, and years of freeze-thaw cycles eventually rust out the hinges and hardware. Once that happens, the door stops sealing properly, which means water finds its way into the basement no matter how good your waterproofing is otherwise.


Signs You Need Bilco Basement Metal Doors Replaced


A few warning signs tend to show up before a full failure:

●     The doors are difficult to lift or don't sit flush when closed

●     Rust has eaten through the metal at the hinges, seams, or edges

●     Water is getting into the basement stairwell during heavy rain

●     The lock or latch no longer holds securely

●     The door panels have visible dents, warping, or gaps at the frame


If any of that sounds familiar, it's worth having someone take a look before the problem gets worse. A failing basement door isn't just a nuisance; it's a security and water-damage risk.


Why Replacement Beats Repair Most of the Time


Patching a rusted Bilco door might buy a season or two, but once the metal itself starts corroding, repairs rarely hold. A proper replacement gets you a door built to current standards, with better weatherstripping, stronger hinges, and a lock system that actually keeps the basement secure. It's also an opportunity to correct any drainage issues around the stairwell while the area is already open, which helps prevent the same problem from coming back in a few years.


Why Local Experience Matters for This Job


Rowhome and twin-home construction here isn't the same as a suburban build with a walk-out basement, and Bilco basement metal doors in Philadelphia installations often come with tight side yards, uneven concrete stairwells, and older framing that needs to be accounted for during the swap. A crew that's worked on hundreds of these homes knows how to match the new door to an existing opening without tearing into more of the structure than necessary and how to flash and seal the frame so water stays out for good.


William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home has built its reputation on exactly this kind of practical, local know-how. The team is already familiar with garage door and entry door work through their Windows and Doors service, and if a basement project ties into a larger renovation like converting the space into a livable apartment or finishing it for extra square footage, their blog post on Converting Your Basement Into an Apartment is worth a read for anyone weighing that option. For homeowners tackling a broader upgrade at the same time, the Remodeling Services page covers what else the team can handle in one visit.


What to Expect From the Process


A typical Bilco door replacement starts with a site visit to measure the stairwell opening and check the condition of the surrounding concrete or framing. From there, the crew orders a door sized to fit correctly, not a generic one-size-fits-all unit, and schedules the installation around your timeline. In most cases, the old door is removed, and the new one is sealed and tested the same day.


Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. How do I know if my Bilco door needs to be replaced instead of repaired?

Ans: If the metal is visibly rusted through, the door won't seal flush, or water is getting into the stairwell, replacement is usually the better long-term fix. With over 43 years of experience assessing basement entries in the area, William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home can tell you whether surface rust can still be treated or whether structural rust at the hinges or frame means the door's integrity is compromised.


Q2. How long does a Bilco basement door replacement take?

Ans: Most replacements are completed in a single day once the correct door size is on hand, including removal of the old unit, installation, and sealing.


Q3. Will a new basement door help with water getting into my basement?

Ans: Yes, a properly fitted and sealed door, along with correcting any drainage issues around the stairwell, is one of the most effective ways to stop water intrusion at that entry point.


Q4. Do I need a permit to replace a basement bulkhead door in Philadelphia?

Ans: In most cases, a straightforward like-for-like replacement doesn't require a permit, but it can depend on the scope of the work. A licensed contractor can confirm what applies to your specific property.


Q5. Can you handle other basement work along with the door replacement?

Ans: Yes. William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home's remodeling services cover basement framing and finishing, along with lowering, raising, or cementing basement floors to suit the space. So if you're also planning to finish the basement, add an apartment, or make broader renovations, the team can scope that out during the same visit and coordinate the work together.


Conclusion


A worn-out or rusted basement door isn't something to put off; it only gets more expensive to fix the longer water and rust have to work on it. Once the metal starts corroding at the hinges or seams, it's rarely a matter of if it fails, just when, and a failed door means both a security gap and a wide-open path for water to reach your basement. Replacing it early, with a properly fitted and sealed unit, is a small job now that saves a much bigger headache later.

If you're ready to talk about Bilco basement metal doors Philadelphia homeowners trust, or you have a bigger basement project in mind, reach out and get it scheduled with a team that's been doing this kind of work locally for over four decades.


Call (267) 258-7054 or email falkwilliam58@comcast.net to schedule your free consultation, and one of our specialists will walk you through the options, answer any questions about materials or timelines, and set up a visit that works around your schedule - no obligation and no pressure to decide on the spot.

A man in a wheelchair is washing a plate in a kitchen.

What You Need to Remodel to Have an ADA Compliant Kitchen

By William Falkenstein • March 1, 2022
Life can change quickly and when you purchased or built your home, you may not have thought about ADA kitchens as there was no need for one at the time. If life has changed because you've grown older and want to remain in your home, but just need a few adjustments, ADA kitchens are your solution. These kitchens also work great if you have suffered an injury and no longer have the mobility you once had to maneuver around your home. William Falkenstein is the remodel expert to contact to ensure your kitchen remodel is ADA compliant. What Makes a Kitchen Handicap Accessible? ADA kitchens are designed so an individual with a mobility or disability issue can continue to use them comfortably and safely. The individuals who will benefit from these kitchens are those who have to use a wheelchair, have balance or strength limitations, or have a mobility impairment. What Remodel Needs are Necessary for ADA Kitchens The ADA has many specifications that need to be followed so a kitchen is more accessible for handicapped individuals. The standards you are to follow to remain ADA compliant are explicit and detailed. If you are considering a project of this magnitude, you should consult with the experts at William Falkenstein to learn all prescribed layouts and positioning specifications. These are just some of the principles you need to know when remodeling for ADA kitchens. Kitchen throughways and doors have to meet a minimum width. The width is specific to accommodate mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs. Work surfaces and countertops have to be at an appropriate height to allow a user to use the space with ease. If your remodel project is for a wheelchair user, there needs to be a space underneath these surfaces to accommodate the wheelchair. The open space cannot have any abrasive or sharp encumbrances. The floors in ADA kitchens need to be clear of all obstructions that could get in the way of a walker or wheelchair. These obstructions must also be cleared away, so as not to present a danger to someone walking who has a risk of falling. Kitchen appliances that are front-operated, such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, range, or oven need to have adequate space around them so they are accessible from the side. This accessibility is necessary in order for a disabled person to be able to use and access the appliance. ADA kitchen requirements are much more detailed than the above-mentioned principles. To learn more about ADA compliance, talk to the experts at William Falkenstein. What to Plan on When Remodeling for ADA Kitchens If you are considering a remodel project to make your kitchen ADA compliant, the key is to get a kitchen design that works for you. Plan on what you need now, for all the members of the household who use the kitchen, and how your needs might change in the future. These are the key elements needed when remodeling an ADA accessible kitchen: Sink and countertops- These areas need a work area that is a suitable height with appropriate access to meet the needs. Storage- When planning on storage space, determine which items are used regularly and ensure all essential storage is reached safely and easily. Appliance access- Adjust the height of any wall-mounted ovens, or install a range that has an opening underneath, so it is wheelchair accessible. Microwaves can be installed under counter to make them easier and safer to use. The refrigerator drawers should be on the bottom or install an under-counter refrigerator. Clearance and floorspace- The kitchen needs to include a layout that will allow for ample space to maneuver with a walker or wheelchair. This maneuverable space includes around an island, in the work zone, access to storage areas, and around the dining table. Controls, outlets, knobs, and handles- Select accessories and hardware that are easier to maneuver and accessible. One example is that handles are easier to grip than knobs which can help when your grip is not as effective as it used to be. These are some of the planning ideas to consider when thinking about remodeling your kitchen or any other room in your home to make it more accessible for someone with disabilities. An experienced remodeling expert who is familiar with ADA guidelines will be able to advise you on the best practices for designing your new kitchen. Where to Learn More About Remodeling ADA Kitchens William Falkenstein is the professional to contact when considering any type of remodeling project to make it more handicap accessible. We have over 43 years of experience in the industry and for your security, we are insured and licensed. Contact one of our specialists today to learn how we can make your home more comfortable and safe for everyone.
A bathroom with a bathtub , sink , mirror and shower.

Key Features of ADA Compliant Bathrooms

By William Falkenstein • January 25, 2022
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was passed in 1990. This Act provided guidelines for how to build a bathroom that is customized for anyone, especially someone with a disability, to have safe access to the area. Homeowners are not required to follow these guidelines under the law, but the guidelines can still be used by them as a reference point if they want ADA bathrooms in their homes. These are some of the key features of ADA bathrooms that comply with minimum specifications. 1. Grab Bars Grab bars should be easy to grab with a smooth texture. The bars can be installed on any partition or wall closest to where an individual uses the bathroom. Shower and bathroom remodeling companies, like William Falkenstein, recommend you use these fixtures when you remodel your bathroom for a family member who has issues with mobility. The grab bars by the toilet should be on the sidewall next to the toilet as well as on the rear wall. The bar should be at least forty-two inches long, and no more than twelve inches from the rear wall. The bar on the rear wall needs to be at least a minimum of thirty-six inches, extend at least twelve inches on one side from the center of the toilet, and be at least twenty-four inches on the other side. Grab bars should be installed in a horizontal position and at least thirty-three and thirty-six inches max above the floor. There should be at least one-and-half inches of space between the bar and the wall for proper gripping. The bars should also be able to support up to two-hundred-fifty pounds of force. 2. Toilets A toilet to be ADA compliant needs to have adequate space allowance so that anyone using it has immediate access to the grab bars and the toilet seat. The toilet needs to be at least sixty inches wide and have a seat that is between seventeen to nineteen inches from the top of the seat to the base. The toilet should also be located between sixteen and eighteen inches from the wall to the center of the toilet. There should be a minimum of sixty inches around the toilet from the sidewall to allow for wheelchairs to easily maneuver. A defined clear floor space should be available for a forward or side approach to the toilet at all times. This space cannot be obstructed by a garbage can, sink, or any other object. The flush control on the toilet should also be located on the open side of the unit. 3. Sinks For a sink to be ADA compliant, it can be either a pedestal or wall-mounted style. It has to allow for anyone in a wheelchair to have enough room to move their chair into position to use the sink. The sink has to be seventeen inches out from the wall and at least twenty-nine inches from the floor to the bottom of the sink. If you have a vanity or countertop around the sink, there can be no more than three inches of space along the front of the sink's edge. Under the sink, there should be at least twenty-seven inches clearance to allow for someone in a wheelchair adequate knee space. There should also be a depth under the sink of at least eight inches. If there are any pipes under the sink, they should be insulated or properly covered, and the faucets need to be within easy reach. The faucets also need to be easy to operate with one hand. Where to Learn More About ADA Bathrooms William Falkenstein provides superior quality handicap accessible bathroom remodels or installations. If your home now requires ADA bathrooms added, talk to one of our experts and learn how William Falkenstein can provide your loved one with the easy access they require to safely use the bathroom.
A person in a wheelchair with a ring on their finger

What is a Roll-In Shower

By William Falkenstein • January 3, 2022
A roll-in shower is also referred to as a roman or special shower and is designed for those with limited mobility. Roll-in showers are ideal for older adults, people in wheelchairs, or those with limited physical abilities. Bathing can become difficult and in some cases dangerous for people with disabilities, so providing a safer shower option is also more comfortable for them. ADA showers that feature no curb at the entrance mean the bathroom floor is level with the shower floor and will allow for a wheelchair to roll in without obstructions. The floor in these showers is also at an incline to keep the floor as dry as possible. Types of ADA Showers Two different types of ADA showers fit the roll-in description. These both serve the same purpose and must meet ADA standards for features and measurements. The Standard Roll-In Shower A standard roll-in shower has three walls. Two of the walls are on the side with one long wall in the back and one long open entrance. The entrance cannot have a threshold, or if it does, it must comply with ADA standards. The shower must be at least sixty inches long and thirty inches deep. The shower stall must also have bars on the walls without seats attached to them. Outside of the shower stall, there must be enough area to make maneuvering and turning easy. The Alternate Roll-In Shower With an alternate roll-in shower, there is a short wall at the entrance with a seat behind it. To comply with ADA showers regulations there can be no barriers or only those that are ADA compliant barriers. The shower stall must be sixty inches long, and thirty-six inches deep. There should be grab bars on the back and sidewalls. Special Features in Roll-In Showers Roll-in showers are designed to provide safety and comfort for those who need them. To provide these benefits there are certain features installed that are not found in conventional showers. These are some of those features: Grab Bars Grab bars are installed to provide support for those with difficulty in balance. They are installed on the walls of the roll-in shower vertically, horizontally, or at an angle to help those with disabilities to pull themselves up from the bench, or to provide stability when standing or moving. The grab bars should be placed on all sides of a roll-in shower at a thirty-three to a thirty-six-inch height above the shower floor. If there is a seat or chair in the shower stall, that wall does not require a grab bar. The bars should span the length of the side and back walls, but not overlap the seating area. The bars should also be 1.25" to 1.5" in diameter to accommodate weights up to 250 lbs. Control Area With the roll-in shower, there needs to be a control area of thirty-eight to forty-eight inches outside of the stall. These can also be placed on any wall of the shower. If your shower has a seat, controls should be on the back wall and not any further apart than twenty-seven inches horizontally from the seat wall and not any further than thirty-eight to forty-eight inches from the floor. Shower Head ADA showers are not required to have a hand-held shower head, but they definitely make showering more accessible. The showerhead should be on the back wall and can be no more than twenty-seven inches from the seat so it is reachable. Typically the shower heads are height-adjustable so anyone can use them whether they are disabled or not. Threshold The threshold of the shower stall prevents water from flowing out of the stall and onto the bathroom floor. If they are installed, these thresholds cannot be more than 0.5" high with beveled edges on both sides. If the threshold is lower than 0.25" then it does not need the edges beveled. Benefits of the Roll-In Shower The roll-in shower provides a number of benefits. These showers are easy to use, maximize your space, provide an aesthetic appeal, and are easy to maintain. These benefits are on top of the safety and comfort features they provide to those with disabilities. Where to Learn More About Roll-In Showers William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home are the professionals to contact if you have questions about ADA showers or other compliant features to make your bathroom or kitchen safer and more comfortable for someone with disabilities. With over forty years of experience in the field, we are your source for quality remodeling services at prices you can afford.
A person is washing their hands in a kitchen sink.

What is an ADA Compliant Sink?

By William Falkenstein • November 30, 2021
ADA (Americans with Disabilities) has made a positive impact on the quality of life for millions of Americans. The act was created to provide those with physical disabilities or who are physically challenged access to public facilities. The act has also benefited private living spaces by making compliant material available to more contractors. With ADA-compliant plumbing fixtures, it simplifies daily tasks for those who are physically disabled whether in a public facility or their home. ADA guidelines for public buildings specify minimum requirements that are intended to make the areas accessible to all. While family homes, executive or private offices, and condos are exempt from these requirements, many contractors now use them when requested to allow occupants the same benefits as those in public facilities. What Makes a Sink ADA Compliant? The ADA has made it very clear what the guidelines are to ensure a sink is compliant with its specifications. The specifications include: The pipes under the sink have to be insulated to prevent contact with skin, there also cannot be abrasive or sharp surfaces under the sink There has to be 27 x 30 inches of space allowed for knee clearance below the sink The sink must be mounted at a maximum height of 34 inches from the floor The floor space under the sink has to be unobstructed There has to be from 11 to 25 inches of knee depth under the sink Why are ADA Sink Guidelines so Important? The above specifications are necessary to be compliant with an ADA sink to help people who have limited mobility use the sink. These guidelines ensure that someone using a wheelchair has access to the sink. With the clearance and height specifications, there is enough room for a wheelchair to maneuver under the sink and allow the user to reach the faucets and basin. The specifications and guidelines created by the ADA are not optional. These specifications are the law, and if a business, no matter the size, is found not to be in compliance can face fines. ADA Compliant Faucets Along with ADA sink guidelines, there are also ADA faucet requirements. If the faucets are not compliant with the ADA, then your kitchen or bathroom is non-compliant. These are the guidelines for ADA faucets: The height of the faucet should be no more than forty-four inches from the floor if the sink has a depth from twenty to twenty-five inches If the depth of the sink is forty-eight inches or less, the faucet should be no more than forty-eight inches from the floor The faucets must be operable with one hand The faucets must be operable by push button, electronic sensor, or by touch Faucets should be easy to turn on meaning less than five pounds of exertion should be required Where to Learn More About ADA Sinks and Remodeling Services William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home, are the experts at making home improvements. If you have a physically challenged loved one, or if you are struggling with disabilities, contact us to learn how we can make your home or business compliant with ADA regulations. We can help you make life easier with a handicapped bathroom installation. Our remodeling services extend to your kitchen and even outside. Call us today and discover how we can add value to your property while making it more accessible to your needs.
A bathroom with a sink , mirror and walk in shower.

​​How to Make Your Shower ADA Compliant

By William Falkenstein • October 26, 2021
ADA showers are typically installed to serve the general public whether in a business or a public facility. The specifics for these guidelines vary depending on how the building is going to be used. These ADA guidelines, however, are useful for anyone who wants to meet the needs of someone disabled. This means the guidelines will meet the needs of homeowners as well as those serving the public. Guidelines for ADA Showers The guidelines for an ADA-compliant shower provide you with information regarding designs, materials, and measurements that will meet the individual needs for various disabilities. The guidelines include spacing measurements, grab bar placements, shower seat strength, spray unit heights, shower control heights, threshold requirements, and more. Some of the information you will find in these guidelines include: Threshold heights for roll-in showers should be no taller than one-half inch The standard roll-in shower has to have at least thirty inches in its width, and be sixty inches deep- the front entry for the shower needs to be at least sixty inches wide The grab bars in the shower have to be installed horizontally and no lower than thirty-three inches, and no higher than thirty-six inches from the floor ADA showers must have a spray unit with a hose attached that is at least fifty-nine inches long. This unit should be mounted no higher than forty-eight inches from the floor. The spray unit should have the ability to be used as either a hand-held sprayer or fixed shower head  Designing a Handicapped Accessible Shower When you design your handicapped accessible shower following ADA guidelines, consider how you can customize it to the user's needs. If you need this shower for an individual in a wheelchair, you'll want a roll-in design. Some disabled persons can walk into the shower unit but will require being able to sit, so they will need a transfer type design. Some individuals require a special design outside of the ADA guidelines, such as those with a large build who will need additional room inside the stall. If you know what type of shower you will need, but are unsure how to accommodate it to your bathroom or home, contact a professional such as William Falkenstein who specializes in ADA bathrooms. Additions to Your Bathroom for Making it Handicap Accessible Many ideas on the market can help make your existing bathroom more handicapped accessible. These are a few ideas to help make your bathroom shower as comfortable as possible for someone with a disability. Manageable shower accessories- It takes more than just replacing showerheads and doors in your shower to make it more usable, safe, and comfortable for someone with a disability. Your shower accessories should be easily reached, such as the shampoo, soap, and other items needed while showering. Your shower design should include recessed niches and trays to accommodate these accessories. Easy to clean walls- When designing your ADA showers, you want to keep them as maintenance-free as possible. A good material to use is the shower panels, these are much easier to clean than the standard shower wall tiles. Barrier-free shower entrance- If you are having a new shower system installed to be ADA compliant, you should consider the glass block shower. Glass blocks provide balance support for handicapped individuals and also give a significant degree of privacy. The glass block shower is more beneficial than the thin, sliding door styles. Why Choose an ADA Compliant Shower Flooring? The greatest benefit you can add to your ADA showers is specialized ADA flooring. The dome pattern on these tiles gives a tactile warning surface if someone is visually impaired. This flooring will allow them to feel for the edge of the shower with their feet. The texture of these tiles will also provide traction to protect those with limited mobility. Where to Learn More About ADA Showers William Falkenstein Improvement to the Home will help you create a superior quality handicap-accessible bathroom. We have more than forty years of experience in the industry and handle any sized job. If you or someone in your home is physically challenged, talk to one of our experts today to learn how we can make your home safer and more comfortable for everyone.
A wooden sign with a man and a woman on it

The Top ADA Compliant Toilets for Your Bathroom

By William Falkenstein • October 1, 2021
Top ADA-compliant toilets for your bathroom
A bunch of tools arranged in the shape of a house

Quality Home Improvement Services

By William Falkenstein • August 30, 2021
Quality Home Improvement Services
A man in a wheelchair is reaching into a cabinet in a kitchen.

The Best Flooring for Wheelchairs

By William Falkenstein • August 5, 2021
The Best flooring for wheelchairs
A man in a wheelchair is washing dishes in the kitchen.

Requirements for ADA Kitchens

By William Falkenstein • June 1, 2021
ADA kitchen requirements
An elderly woman is holding onto a railing in a bathroom.

Your Guide to First Floor ADA Bathrooms

By William Falkenstein • March 19, 2021
your guide to first floor ada bathrooms