Basement Lowering and Underpinning

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Basement Lowering and Underpinning

So you bought a beautiful row house or a charming brownstone in DC, and the basement is... well, let's just say you've gotten really good at ducking. Maybe you're 5'10" and the ceiling's at 6'2". Or maybe you have lived in you home for years and you avoid the basement at all cost because of all the ducts hanging down that seem specifically designed to find your forehead and boiler pipes everywhere that make you wonder if this cave could ever become the extra bedroom, home office, or entertainment space you desperately need. The space is there. You just can't use it. Good news: basement lowering is probably doable. Reality check: it's not simple, it's not cheap, and DC has opinions about how you do it. We've been doing these projects for years, so let's walk through what actually happens when you dig out a basement in Washington. Ready to find out if your basement can be lowered? Schedule a free In-home consultation and we'll tell you exactly what you're dealing with.

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Why Bother Lowering Your Basement?

Sure, more headroom is nice. But there are bigger reasons DC homeowners take this on: Building code compliance. DC requires 7 feet of clear height for bedrooms (Only) and living spaces bathrooms get away with 6'8". If you're below that, you're in "storage space" territory—which means no legal rental unit, no extra bedroom, no home office that passes inspection. Au-Pair Living Space. Need live-in childcare? A legal basement suite is the answer. Au-pair agencies and visa programs require "suitable private accommodations"—which doesn't mean a hunched-over cave with exposed ductwork. A code-compliant basement gives your au-pair a real bedroom, bathroom, and living space where they can actually stand up straight. Rental income. A basement condo or ADU in most DC neighborhoods pulls $1,500 to $3,000+ a month. But you can't legally rent a space that doesn't meet code ceiling height, egress windows, the whole deal. Resale value. A finished, ADU can add $100’s K+ to your home value. Sometimes more. Investors specifically hunt for properties with rentable lower levels, and they know which ones are actually up to code. Actually enjoying the space. Even if you're not renting it out, a basement that doesn't feel like a submarine is just... better. You can put in recessed lighting. Drop ceilings if you want. Not worry about your tall friends.