Are you looking to expand your property value by turning the neglected area beneath your home into a usable space? Digging out or finishing a basement can be an intimidating task, but there are several great advantages that come with this significant DIY project. From increased resale value to more living space in the home and lower utility bills, creating a functioning basement is well worth the time, effort, and money if done correctly. In this blog post, we’ll give you all the tips needed for how to dig out a basement – from preparing for excavation to completing Plumbing and HVAC installations. So strap on those work boots and get ready for some serious heavy lifting!
Can You Lower the Floor of a Basement?
Yes, it is possible to lower the floor of a basement. This project requires some specialized tools and knowledge and should only be attempted by experienced do-it-yourselfers or professionals. However, if you are up for the challenge, there are several steps that can help guide you in this process.
To begin, you will need to decide how much of the floor you want to remove. This will depend on how much space you are looking for in your basement and what type of project you plan to do there. After that, it is important to calculate the weight of the dirt being removed and make sure your home can support the load from removing a large amount of soil.
Next, you will need to remove any existing walls and floors. Once this is done, you can then use jacks and shoring posts to support the weight of the ceiling while removing soil from the basement floor below. It is also important to install a drainage system before backfilling with soil or concrete for a new floor.
9 Methods How to Dig Out a Basement
1. Hire a Professional
One of the best ways to dig out a basement is to hire a professional. Professional excavators have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and efficiently dig out a basement. Additionally, they will be able to properly dispose of any waste material, which can save you a great deal of time and money. If you decide to hire a professional, make sure to get estimates from a few different companies and ask for references. Try to get the project completed as soon as possible, as digging out a basement can be an arduous process.
2. Use an Excavator
If you decide to dig out your basement yourself, one of the most important pieces of equipment you will need is an excavator. An excavator is a large piece of machinery that can be used to dig trenches, move large amounts of earth, and break up concrete. Excavators can be rented from most construction equipment rental businesses.
If you plan to use an excavator for your basement excavation, keep in mind that the operator of the machine must have the appropriate license and training. Additionally, you will need to clear any obstacles, such as utility lines and trees, before digging. Make sure that you also have a plan for safely disposing of the dirt and debris that you uncover during the excavation.
3. Create a Plan
Before you begin digging out your basement, it is important to create a plan. You should first determine where you want your basement to be located and how large you want it to be. Once you have done this, you can begin excavating the area. It is also important to make sure that all utility lines are properly marked before you begin digging. This will prevent any accidents or damage to your property. Although it may seem tedious, it is better to be safe than sorry.
4. Remove Debris
As you excavate your basement, it is important to remove any debris that you come across. This includes rocks, roots, and concrete fragments. Debris can not only make it more difficult to dig out your basement, but it can also damage your excavator or other equipment.
If possible, you should use a shovel to carefully remove the debris and move it away from the excavation area. You may also want to rent a dumpster to dispose of the debris. Although it can be a bit of a hassle, it is important to make sure that all debris is removed in order to ensure safety and minimize the risk of any damage to your excavator or other equipment.
5. Break Up Concrete
If your basement has concrete walls or floors, you will need to break them up in order to remove them. This can be done with a sledgehammer or an electric jackhammer. It is important to wear protective gear when breaking up concrete, as flying pieces of concrete can cause serious injuries.
When breaking up the concrete, try to break it into pieces that can be easily removed and disposed of. Once all the concrete has been broken up and removed, you are ready for the next step. Though breaking up the concrete may be a difficult and labor-intensive task, it is necessary for the successful excavation of your basement.
6. Remove Roots
Another obstacle you may encounter when digging out your basement is tree roots. Tree roots can grow into the sides of your excavation and make it more difficult to remove soil and debris. If you come across tree roots while excavating, use a root cutter or saw to remove them. Be careful not to damage the roots, as this can also cause problems.
Once you have cut away any tree roots that may be in your way, you can continue digging. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling the tree roots yourself, consult a professional.
7. Support the Walls and Ceiling
As you dig out your basement, it is important to support the walls and ceiling so that they do not collapse on top of you or your equipment. This can be done by installing wooden supports or steel beams along the sides of your excavation site.
Additionally, you may need to apply waterproofing coatings and liners to the walls and ceiling of your basement to protect them from moisture. Once all of the supports and waterproofing have been applied, you should be ready to install your new basement.
8. Remove Soil Carefully
Once you have cleared away all debris and broken up any concrete, you can begin removing soil from the excavation site. It is important to remove soil carefully so as not to damage the sides of the excavation or cause a cave-in.
One way to do this is by using a bucket brigade system where the soil is passed from person to person in buckets instead of being shoveled directly out of the excavation site. Once all of the soil has been removed, you will be left with an open basement space. Make sure to check for any remaining debris or obstructions in the space and remove them if necessary.
9 . Dispose of Waste Material Properly
Once you have removed all soil and debris from the excavation site, it is important to dispose of it properly. This includes anything that could potentially contaminate groundwater, such as chemical waste, oil, or gasoline. The best way to dispose of waste material is by taking it to a landfill or incinerating it.
In some cases, it may be possible to reuse the soil or debris by using it as backfill in another area. Before you do this, it is important to test the soil for contaminants, such as lead or other hazardous materials. If the soil tests show that the material is contaminated, it should not be reused.
Things to Consider When Digging Out a Basement
1. Local Building Codes:
Before beginning any project, it is important to research local building codes and permits that may be required before beginning a basement excavation project. In some areas, a permit is required to dig out a basement – be sure to check with your local building department prior to beginning any work.
2. Soil Conditions:
The soil conditions of the area where you plan on digging should be taken into account before starting the project. If the soil is too soft or loose, it can cause problems such as cave-ins and the collapse of the walls. Additionally, soil type can determine how easy or hard it may be to excavate and if support structures are necessary for safety reasons.
3. Groundwater:
Groundwater can present challenges when attempting to dig out a basement, such as sudden flooding of the excavation site or an inability to hold up the sides of the excavation. When excavating, it is important to be aware of and watch for signs of groundwater seeping into the work area.
Conclusion
With careful planning and execution, you can successfully dig out a basement. This will provide you with extra storage or living space. Be sure to check for utility lines and get the proper permits before beginning your project. By following these steps on how to dig out a basement, you can avoid common mistakes and complete your basement excavation safely and efficiently.