In the past, many homes were built without full-height basements. Also known as a “crawl space,” this type of construction allows a lot of moisture to penetrate and is not ideal for modern trends where maximizing basement usage is desired. It is possible to excavate a full-height basement without lifting the house by constructing underpinning foundations, which means working beneath the existing foundations.

This method allows for a full-height basement with proper moisture control. The work is done from the inside, involving excavation and formwork in stages to maintain the stability of the structure above. With interior drainage, appropriate insulation, and a concrete slab on the floor, this setup significantly increases your living space. In this context, it’s also possible to add an exterior access to the basement and even a walk-out to fully enjoy this new living area.