Basement Dig Outs & Lowering Floors

At Foundations First Northwest, we professionally lower basement floors and increase ceiling height using proven underpinning and benching techniques.

Whether you need additional headroom for a finished basement or want to convert a crawl space into a full basement, our team delivers safe, permanent solutions backed by expert foundation repair and concrete footing work. Get the space your home deserve; starting from the ground down.

Basement dig outs involve excavating and lowering your existing basement floor to create more headroom and usable space. This foundation repair service transforms low-ceiling basements into comfortable living areas by deepening the foundation and extending concrete footings. Many homes have shallow basements that limit functionality. We solve this problem.

The process requires expert knowledge of concrete footing foundation systems, soil conditions, and structural engineering. Our foundation repair services ensure your home basement remains structurally sound while gaining valuable height. Most basement dig outs add 12 to 36 inches of headroom, creating space suitable for finished living areas, home offices, or recreational rooms.

Underpinning is the process of strengthening and lowering your home’s foundation so we can safely lower the basement floor and increase ceiling height.

Instead of lifting your house, we extend the existing foundation downward, allowing us to create more headroom and usable living space while keeping your home fully supported at all times.

How do we Underpinning?

 We work in small sections
We never dig under the entire foundation at once. Instead, we excavate short sections one at a time so your home stays fully supported throughout the process.

 We dig below the existing foundation
Each section is carefully excavated to the new, lower depth needed for your basement.

 We pour new concrete footings
Concrete is poured beneath your existing foundation, extending it deeper into the ground and making it stronger than before.

 The weight of the home transfers safely
Once the concrete cures, your home’s weight is transferred onto the new, deeper foundation.

 We lower the basement floor
After the foundation is fully underpinned, we excavate and rebuild the basement floor at the new lower level.

Benching is a method of lowering a basement floor without digging under the home’s existing foundation.

Instead of extending the foundation downward (like underpinning), we build a reinforced concrete “bench” or ledge along the inside perimeter of the basement walls. This bench supports the foundation while allowing us to lower the center of the basement floor.

How Benching Works

The foundation stays in place
We don’t excavate under your existing foundation, which means the outside of your home remains untouched.

 A concrete bench is built inside the basement
A stepped concrete ledge is constructed against the basement walls. This bench takes over the job of supporting the foundation.

 The basement floor is lowered
Once the bench is in place, we excavate and pour a new concrete floor at a lower height in the center of the basement.

 Everything is reinforced and permanent
The bench is steel-reinforced and engineered to permanently support your home.

• Increased Living Space
  Basement lowering transforms unusable crawl spaces or low-ceiling basements into functional living areas. Gain valuable square footage without home additions or major construction.
• Enhanced Property Value
  A home with basement space that meets modern ceiling height standards increases resale value significantly. Finished basements with proper headroom are major selling points.
• Code Compliance
  Our foundation repair services ensure your basement meets building codes for ceiling height, allowing legal conversion to living space. This is essential for basement finishing permits.
• Improved Functionality
  Comfortable ceiling heights eliminate the cramped, uncomfortable feeling of low basements. Your house basement becomes a space the family actually wants to use.
• Waterproofing Opportunity
  Basement dig outs provide the perfect opportunity to address moisture issues. We integrate comprehensive waterproofing into every project, protecting your investment for decades.
• Structural Improvements
  Our concrete footings and foundations work often strengthens existing structures. Many homes benefit from foundation repair improvements during basement lowering projects.

Ready to transform your cramped basement into functional living space? Contact Foundations First Northwest today for a free consultation. Our foundation repair experts will evaluate your home basement, explain underpinning and benching options, and provide detailed estimates.

Whether you need modest headroom improvements or complete basement lowering, we deliver expert foundation repair services backed by 40+ years of experience. Our concrete footings and foundations expertise ensures safe, permanent results.

Don’t let low ceilings limit your home’s potential. Basement dig outs create valuable space for living areas, offices, or recreational rooms. Our foundation repair services include waterproofing integration and preparation for finishing work.

Schedule your free consultation today. Discover how our foundation repair services can create the functional home basement you’ve always wanted. We explain both methods clearly, provide transparent pricing, and deliver quality workmanship backed by our 40+ years of experience.
Contact Foundations First Northwest for basement dig out services that expand your home’s livable space safely and permanently.