Author: Seattle Basement Remodel

Watch This Dramatic House Lift Time-Lapse video we made. Seeing is Believing!

This is a house lift project in which the client wished to increase the head height from 6 feet to 9 feet. The first step is to work with the client to figure out their design objectives. 

First we have to disconnect the plumbing and the electrical.

We also have to remove any existing walls or framing that would be in the way of the blocking.

After the demolition, the blocking is delivered and installed.

The blocking is used to support the hydraulic jacks that actually lift the house.

Steel I-beams are inserted into the house and set on top of the hydraulic jacks.

After each lift, the blocking is reset and we continue to jack the house up until we reach the desired height.

We lift the house high enough in the air to allow a tractor to get underneath to excavate the entire foundation.

Once the foundation is completely dug out and removed, the next step is to form the new foundation.

After the foundation has been formed, the next step is to frame the stud wall.This is an exciting part of the process because you can see the progress as the wall gets built. 

After the stud wall is framed, then we install the plywood.

Once the stud walls are built, the house is lowered gently in phases, and a once unlevel house is now completely level.

Check out a great video we made of one of our recent Basement Remodels!

There are a lot of unfinished basements in Seattle.

The basement is the brain of the home as it contains all of the utilities.

We specialize in converting these unused spaces into wonderful additions to the home.

Part of most basement remodels involves installing a bathroom, performing an earthquake retrofit, installing interior drainage and upgrading the utilities.

We also convert a lot of basements into apartments that can be rented out or used for family.

Oftentimes we also use this as an opportunity to level the house, if needed.

For sound control, we typically install rockwool insulation in the basement ceiling. This helps reduce the sound that comes into the basement.

Part of what makes a true Craftsman is the installation of the millwork and trim. Attention to detail in following the plans and crafting the lumber is a skill that takes many years to master. To remodel an old home requires learning to work with the home and it’s unique quirks. Most old homes, actually all old homes, have unlevel floors and unplumb walls. We call this Charm!

For flooring, we can install carpet, hardwood floors, or most commonly, vinyl-plank flooring.

Most of our clients choose to go with a tile shower or tub and heated floors in the bathroom.

A newly finished basement allows for more living space, storage space, and is a great investment in the value and usability of your home.