If your basement feels dark, damp, or outdated, your window well depth might be to blame. Many older homes in Utah have shallow or poorly drained window wells, which lead to serious water damage, safety issues, and lost property value.
But here’s the good news:
Improving your window well depth through a professional dig-out dramatically improves your home’s appearance, safety, and value. Whether planning to sell or simply want to make your basement more livable, digging out a window well is a smart investment.
Let’s cover how the process works, what signs to watch for, and how deeper, better-built window wells for basement windows help protect and boost your property long term.
What is a window well digout?
A window well dig-out is the process of excavating and reshaping an existing window well to improve its drainage, safety, and usability.
Over time, many homes settle, and window wells fill with dirt, collapse inward, or become too shallow to function properly.
If the window well depth isn’t adequate, water may pool too close to your basement windows — or worse, seep inside. Shallow wells also block natural light, prevent egress (emergency exits), and lead to mold or foundation issues.
Digging out a window well typically involves removing built-up soil, grading the area to direct water away from the house, and sometimes replacing or upgrading liners and covers. The goal is to create window wells for basement windows that meet modern code, improve drainage, and enhance your home’s safety and curb appeal.
Signs your window wells need a dig-out
Not sure if you need to dig out your window wells?
There are a few telltale signs that your current setup isn’t working as it should, especially if the window well depth is too shallow or the well has started to break down over time.
Here are the most common indicators:
- Water leaks or pooling — If water gathers inside your well or leaks into your basement, it’s a sign the well isn’t draining properly.
- The window sits too low — If the bottom of your basement window is below the well line or barely visible, your well is likely too shallow.
- Rusting, cracking, or collapsing materials — Corroded metal or buckling plastic means your well may no longer be structurally sound.
- It doesn’t meet the egress code — Basement bedrooms require a safe exit route, and without proper window well depth, your home might not be up to code.
- Dark, gloomy basement windows — If your window wells for basement windows have debris or are too low, they block valuable natural light.
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it may be time to consider digging out a window well to restore function and protect your basement investment.
How digging out your window wells increases home value
A clean, properly installed window well for basement windows raises your home’s value and improves everyday living.
Here’s how:
Prevents costly water damage
Proper window well depth and drainage reduce the risk of basement flooding, mold, and rot. That peace of mind matters to both current homeowners and future buyers.
The Spruce recommends checking the hardscape sloping and covering your window wells for additional waterproofing.
Improves basement safety and code compliance
Deeper wells that meet egress requirements make your basement safer and often legally habitable, adding square footage to your home’s usable space.
Boosts natural light
Digging out a window well lets more light into your basement, making it feel larger, more inviting, and more connected to the rest of your home.
Enhances curb appeal
A neat, upgraded window well, paired with a fresh liner or clear cover, instantly makes your foundation and landscaping look more polished.
What’s involved in a professional dig out
Digging out a window well ensures your well works properly and lasts for years.
Here’s what to expect when you hire professionals to handle it:
Step 1: Site evaluation
Before digging begins, a professional will assess the window well depth, foundation grade, and drainage patterns to determine the best action plan.
Step 2: Excavation
Using the right tools, they’ll dig out compacted soil, debris, or damaged materials to increase the depth and width of your window wells for basement windows. This allows the well to sit at the right level for safety and function.
Step 3: Grading and drainage
To prevent water pooling near the foundation, they regrade the area with gravel or a drainage system directing water away from your home.
Step 4: Installation or upgrades
Professionals will install a new well barrier, foundation liner, or interior window well liner if needed. You may also add a clear cover or grate to finish the job and protect the well for the long term.
Step 5: Cleanup and inspection
Once the digout is complete, the crew will ensure everything is sealed, secure, and functioning as it should. You’ll have deeper, safer window wells for basement windows ready for any season.
You need a professional installation. Doing it yourself may lead to improper grading or water flow, causing more harm than good.
Common myths about window well digouts
Is digging out a window well worth it?
Let’s tackle some of the most common myths homeowners believe, and why they’re holding you back from upgrading your home.
Myth 1: “It’s only necessary if there’s flooding.”
While water damage is a major red flag, many wells need a dig-out before a leak occurs. Poor window well depth, low light, and code compliance are good reasons to act early.
Myth 2: “I can fix it myself.”
Improper digging damages your foundation, creates poor drainage, or violates local building codes, especially for egress windows. A professional ensures the well is deep enough, slopes correctly, and meets legal standards.
Myth 3: “It doesn’t really add value.”
Safe, code-compliant window wells for basement windows are a major selling point. Not only do they prevent future damage, but they also make your basement feel more inviting — something homebuyers notice.
Myth 4: “It’s too expensive.”
Digging out a window well is a cost-effective way to protect your investment compared to repairing water damage, mold removal, or foundation cracks.
Why homeowners in Utah benefit most
If you live in Utah, you’re already familiar with our unique mix of heavy snowfall, clay-heavy soil, and fast-changing weather conditions. These natural factors make digging out a window well important for long-term home protection.
Snowmelt and spring runoff
In the spring, Utah homes face rapid snowmelt and heavy rain. Without the right window well depth, water easily collects near your basement windows, putting your foundation at risk for leaks or erosion.
Clay soil challenges
Much of Utah’s soil holds moisture, which builds up quickly around shallow wells. A professional digout improves grading and drainage, helping move water away from the home before it becomes problematic.
Aging homes with outdated wells
Many older homes across Utah have original basement window wells that don’t meet modern safety standards or egress codes. A digout brings those wells up to date.
Brightening up basements
Utah basements are also living spaces, but they should be bright, dry, and safe. Increasing the depth of your window well lets in more natural light and makes your lower level feel like part of the main home.
No matter where you live along the Wasatch Front, digging out a window well is a smart move to protect your property. This solution is improved when tailored by local professionals who understand the terrain.
Protect and improve your home with a window well dig out by Windowell Expressions
A deeper, well-graded window well improves your basement and strengthens your entire home. Whether you’re trying to stop water leaks, add natural light, or bring your home up to safety standards, digging out a window well is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
At Windowell Expressions, we specialize in custom-fit solutions for Utah homes, from window wells for basement windows to covers, liners, and expert dig-outs. With over 20 years of experience serving Utah communities, we know how to prepare your home for every season.
Let’s help you prevent water damage, increase your home’s value, and make your basement a brighter, safer place. Contact Windowell Expressions for a consultation and upgrade your window wells today!
