Basement Lowering Services

Example of a concrete pour completed and drying inside the wooden form for a benching system
The corner of a stone foundation wall is being prepped for benching by applying a wood form for a concrete pour
Underpinning Job 1
Once the soil along the foundation wall is excavated and the area is cleaned, the basement lowering crew can pour concrete into the void, completing the benching process for that specific section
Underpinning Job 2
Benching will be required for this spot along the basement foundation
Underpinning Job 3
Basement lowering crew will get rid of the mount of dirt to expose the concrete wall for benching process
Creating a wooden form with steel rebars inside of it to create a very stronger section while benching
Forms installed for an external benching system along the side of a parged basement foundation wall
A wide internal benching that will need multiple concrete pours in order complete
A look at an external benching project with a fresh concrete pour that has been leveled out and in the process of drying
Exterior waterproofing applied on top of a finished external benching job
Concrete was poured in this internal benching on a corner of the basement wall
A look at a finished internal benching where the wooden form has been removed

Basement Lowering Services: Transform Your Space with Benching

In many older homes, the basement was never meant to be a living space. With low ceilings, exposed ductwork, and limited headroom, these areas often go under-utilized. Basement lowering is the ultimate solution to transform a dark, cramped basement into a fully finished, safe, and dry home environment. RCC Waterproofing have worked on many basement lowering projects near you ensuring your residential home maximizes it’s living space and potential. We also offer underpinning services for projects that require digging down to the footing to maximize space.

See our basement lowering process in action!

Why Choose Basement Lowering?

  • More Headroom: Easily raise your ceiling height to 8 feet or more, creating a comfortable and modern living environment.

  • Increased Home Value: A finished, high-ceiling basement adds considerable market value to your property.

  • Enhanced Waterproofing: Because the process involves exposing lower foundation levels, we concurrently integrate advanced drainage systems to permanently eliminate hydrostatic pressure and water leaks.

Is Your Home a Candidate for Basement Lowering?

Your property is an excellent candidate for basement lowering if:

  • The basement currently has a low ceiling (approximately 6 to 7 feet) and feels cramped.

  • You want to convert the area into a comfortable family recreation room or livable space.

  • You are dealing with persistent moisture issues, hydrostatic pressure, or low-ceiling crawlspaces.

What is Benching?

While full underpinning digs under your foundation, Benching is an alternative basement lowering method that provides additional height while minimizing deep excavation. It involves digging out a perimeter “bench” around the room, lowering the central floor height without fully undermining the existing footings. Because it requires less scope and time, a benching system is a highly cost-effective way to gain headroom.

The Basement Benching Process

  1. Preparation & Permits: All jobs begin with approved engineer drawings and municipal permits.

  2. Floor Removal & Excavation: The existing floor is removed, and soil is excavated to the target depth. The depth determines the size of the bench (e.g., lowering the floor by 1 foot means the concrete bench will project 1 to 1.5 feet out from the interior wall).

  3. Forming the Perimeter: The perimeter is framed so the protective concrete bench can be poured.

  4. Plumbing & Drainage: New plumbing is laid out, and an interior weeping tile/drainage system is integrated to collect groundwater.

  5. Gravel & Concrete: A base layer of ¾-inch gravel (minimum 3 inches) is spread evenly across the floor for drainage, topped with a freshly poured and trowel-finished concrete floor.

Check out our Basement Lowering & Benching Process Video

Cost of Basement Lowering

The cost of basement lowering varies depending on factors such as the size of your basement, the depth of excavation required, soil conditions and structural complexity. On average, homeowners can expect to invest in a professional, engineered solution that ensures long-term foundation stability and increased basement ceiling height. At RCC Waterproofing, we provide detailed, transparent estimates tailored to your home’s specific needs, helping you plan your investment with confidence and set the expectation that you and your family will have more living space in your basement.

Get a Free Inspection & Estimate

Don’t settle for a basement that’s low, dark or under‑utilized. Contact RCC Waterproofing today for a no‑obligation free estimate and consultation with our dedicated basement lowering team. Whether you’re aiming for a finished family room, rental unit or simply higher ceilings, our team will guide you through every step. We also offer in house 0% financing plans and we have a price match guarantee for quotes with the same scope of work. Best of all we have a transferable lifetime warranty on all of our workmanship to give you complete peace of mind.