Excavation That Opens Up Below-Grade Living Space

Residential Basement Dig Outs in Boise for homes adding new basement space or expanding existing foundations

All Set Construction provides residential basement excavation in Boise, digging out new basement space or expanding existing foundations to increase usable square footage beneath your home. You get excavation that reaches the required depth for full-height basements, maintains soil stability around existing structures, and provides safe access for foundation contractors. The work is planned to protect your home's existing footings, landscaping, and utility lines while creating the space your family or future buyers will use.


Basement excavation involves removing soil to a depth that allows for finished ceiling height, typically eight to nine feet plus concrete slab thickness. The crew digs carefully around existing foundation walls when expanding under an occupied home, shoring up soil as needed to prevent shifting. Boise's clay soils require attention to moisture management, and excavation includes grading the dig site to direct groundwater away from the new basement perimeter. Access routes are planned to minimize disruption to driveways, gardens, and neighboring properties.


If you're planning a basement addition or new build with below-grade space in Boise, contact All Set Construction to review your site and excavation requirements.

Digging With Precision to Protect Existing Structures

You need excavation that removes soil without compromising your home's existing foundation or causing settlement in surrounding areas. The crew uses compact excavators and hand tools near existing walls, monitoring soil conditions throughout the dig. Temporary shoring or bracing is installed when soil stability is questionable, especially in deeper excavations or when working below the water table.


After excavation, you'll see a level base ready for drainage installation and concrete pours, with clean walls and stable soil that won't collapse during construction. All Set Construction coordinates with your builder to ensure the excavation matches foundation plans and drainage systems are positioned correctly before concrete work begins. The dig site is graded to channel water away from the basement perimeter, reducing hydrostatic pressure against future walls.


The excavation includes removal and disposal of soil, rough grading, and access coordination. It does not include foundation waterproofing, concrete work, or interior finishing. Equipment size is chosen based on access constraints, with smaller machines used when clearance is limited or when digging near landscaping you want to preserve.

A person in a yellow hard hat and work clothes uses a shovel to clear dirt inside a deep trench with yellow safety mesh.

Answering Questions About Basement Excavation Logistics

Adding basement space involves careful planning around access, soil removal, and protection of your existing home. These questions cover the practical details homeowners and builders need to understand.


  • How is soil removed from a basement excavation site? Soil is hauled out using dump trucks positioned near the excavation point, with access routes planned to avoid damage to driveways, lawns, or adjacent structures.
  • What depth is needed for a full basement? Most full basements require excavation to nine feet or more below existing grade to allow for an eight-foot finished ceiling, concrete slab, and drainage layers beneath the floor.
  • Why does excavation sometimes require shoring? Shoring prevents soil collapse when digging adjacent to existing foundations or in areas where soil lacks natural stability, particularly in deeper excavations or when moisture is present.
  • When should excavation happen during a basement addition project? Excavation occurs after foundation engineering is complete and before new footings or walls are poured, with timing coordinated around inspections and weather conditions in Boise.
  • What happens to the excavated soil? Soil is typically hauled off-site for disposal or reuse, though some material may be retained for backfill or grading if it meets compaction and drainage requirements.


All Set Construction works with homeowners and builders throughout Boise to excavate basement space that expands your home's footprint and functionality. Get in touch to discuss your project's scope, site access, and excavation timeline.