Basement height to code

[Ronald Ty]

For older homes, the height is typically not to code so the existing concrete floor needs to demo'd & then dirt dug up to meet the height. 

My question is does everything on the floor need to be removed (ie, the furnace & water heater in the mechanical room) & then put back in? And does the existing plumbing, vents, & electrical (if to code) near the ceiling ok to leave as the ground is dug down enough to meet the height?

Lastly, about how much would that cost, in concrete work, for 1000 square feet ?

[Matt Stewart]

I don't know how to answer your questions because I've never known anyone to do it.  At least in my market.  Why would you do this?  Are you planning to finish the basement?

The basements in older homes are notoriously damp, so if you decide to finish it to add living square footage you'd have to look at waterproofing as well.  Not to mention if you dig up the floor to add depth, you're going to have foundation issues.  

I'm genuinely interested if this is happening in some markets.  But it seems unfeasible, and a horrible waste of money.