Digging Time! Basement Update
We’re finishing up excavation work around the basement of this farmhouse remodel in Middleton, Idaho. The only remaining task before moving forward is completing the concrete work. This update covers the progress and the steps we’ve taken to prepare the basement for waterproofing and structural reinforcement.
Digging Trenches Around the Basement
Three-foot-wide trenches were dug along the entire perimeter of the basement to provide enough space for foundation repairs, pier installation, and waterproofing. Before applying any waterproofing materials, the walls need to be skim-coated to create a smooth surface. One side of the basement has already been finished, while the team continues to dig out the final corner to create working space along the back wall.
Ensuring Safety While Digging
Safety is a top priority during excavation. With about six feet of grade surrounding the basement, the team is benching down to form stable sidewalls and prevent cave-ins.
The old walkout section still shows traces of the previous entrance, including the original door location and stairway access. Inside, the notched-out window openings and electrical panel serving the well remain visible and operational during construction.
Dealing with Rough Basement Walls
The basement walls presented challenges due to their uneven surfaces. Some areas were formed above grade, while others were poured directly against the existing soil when the original basement was excavated. This farmhouse, built in 1952, has sections where the concrete walls are rough and uneven at the top edges.
To correct these surfaces, crews are drilling, hammering, and chipping the edges—about 36 feet in length—to create a clean, uniform top line. This process will take several days to complete before any new material is applied.
Preparing for Waterproofing
Once done, we’ll apply a bonding adhesive and use a rapid-set cement mix. It will smooth the wall for roller-applied fluid membrane waterproofing. Then we’ll put a dimple board on top.
The sewer line coming out is over eight feet tall. It transitions from cast iron to ABS, which is done sometime after the original home was built. We’re cutting off the cast iron and rerouting.
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Installing New Utilities
We’ll stub out the ABS on the back for the bathrooms, come out from underneath the footing, and tie in the new. This will dump into the ABS heading to the septic tank. They installed a new well two years ago. This one-inch conduit carries the 220 wire from the well to the house. The black poly pipe comes in through the sidewall. All this will be removed and redone.
Extending the Basement and Ensuring Worker Safety
The back section of the basement will be extended six feet beyond the existing wall. This new area will serve as a stem wall extension rather than a full basement addition. Most utilities will run underneath this wall, except for the electrical line, which must remain outside the house. Power conduits will be stubbed up and rerouted as needed once the structure is framed.
A protective bench remains in place above the sidewalls to stabilize the soil and prevent cave-ins while the crew continues working below grade.
Need Help?
I hope you enjoyed this update on the basement we’re digging out. If you need help building a custom home, ADU, or whole-house remodeling, request a project consultation with us. We have offices in Ramona, California, serving the San Diego County area, and Middleton, Idaho, serving the Boise Metro area. You can also explore our comprehensive collection of similar videos on our YouTube channel, The Real Property Show.
