On the other hand, the Bench-Footing, also the same as Underpinning will strength the existing foundation wall; It makes less living space area but it is time saving and economical option in renovation projects.

In this technique, do not need to excavate below the existing footing to achieve more ceiling height.

Here is the process of Bench-Footing (Benching):

• Remove the existing concrete slab floor of the specified area which ceiling height need to be raised;
• Dig down in order to have bench-type structure beside the existing footing/foundation wall;
• Form, install adequate rebars (which were calculated by structural engineer) and pour concrete;
• Now you have bench-type footing around your area that you want to have height to be raised, you can cover this surrounded concrete step by covering them with book cases, closets, shelves and etc.
• Excavating for the above work should not undermine the foundations of adjacent buildings.

After these steps, you can start preparing and pouring the new concrete slab floor and then start wood/steel framing.

Please note where the foundation of building that going to be constructed is below level of the adjacent building footing and within the Angle of Repose (also known as critical angle of repose of a granular material which is the sharpest and the most vertiginous angle of dip that material can be piled without slumping, so at this angle, the material on the slope-face is on the border of sliding), so, do not disturb ground around this area.