{"id":851,"date":"2024-07-08T14:17:03","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T14:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demolitionchantier.ca\/?p=851"},"modified":"2026-02-14T03:56:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T03:56:00","slug":"digging-out-a-basement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/excavationchanthier.ca\/en\/digging-out-a-basement\/","title":{"rendered":"DIGGING OUT A BASEMENT"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n

There are three possible options to expand a building: upward, sideways, or\u2026 downward!<\/p>\n\n

The latter method of increasing living space is very popular among property owners with crawl spaces or shallow basements. Indeed, digging out a basement<\/strong> to fully exploit its potential presents an opportunity to expand a residence and increase its value.<\/p>\n\n

However, transforming these cramped and dark spaces into a comfortable basement is a complicated and sometimes risky project that must be undertaken by specialists.<\/p>\n\n

In this article, discover how excavation and foundation professionals can dig out a crawl space or shallow basement to enlarge a house.<\/p>\n\n

CHECKING THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT BEFORE DIGGING OUT A BASEMENT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

As mentioned earlier, digging out a basement<\/em> is a bold endeavor. Several obstacles can threaten this kind of project feasibility or at least prevent you from creating the new living space you’ve dreamed of.<\/p>\n\n

That’s why, before digging out an existing basement, various checks must always be conducted, and several factors must be considered.<\/p>\n\n

NATURE OF THE SOIL<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

In general, whether a property is built on clay soil or directly on rock, solutions exist to make basement excavation possible.<\/p>\n\n

That said, if the soil to be excavated consists of sand or clay, it may be necessary to support the new foundation with piles driven into the rock to protect against soil subsidence caused by drought.<\/p>\n\n

When digging into rock, the required excavation equipment is different since the stone needs to be broken.<\/p>\n\n

One thing is certain: it is important to know the nature of the soil to plan adequately the construction of a basement under your house.<\/p>\n\n

PLUMBING AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

The feasibility of a basement expansion and development project may also depend on the property’s sewage and plumbing systems’ configuration. In reality, solutions (such as relocating pipes) can always be found, but these can sometimes be very expensive and reduce the available space.<\/p>\n\n

For example, if the excavated basement level is lower than the drainage pipes that carry water away from the foundation drain<\/a>, a sump pit will need to be installed, along with a pump capable of directing the water away from the house.<\/p>\n\n

If the project involves increasing the basement height to install a bathroom, a pump will also be needed to evacuate wastewater to the municipal sewer or septic tank.<\/p>\n\n

MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS AND THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

As with any construction or demolition project, a permit is required. Before digging out a basement<\/span>, municipalities usually require various documents:<\/p>\n\n