Netting Approximately 6’6” Basement Dig

[Marc Possoff]

The house we are renovating is almost done and wanted to look at making the basement a living space. My contractor and I dug a square hole and it looks like we can dig down and he said I can net 6’ 6” - 6’ 7”  net without underpinning. He’s pretty sure we dug deep enough to get to the end of the foundation. Disappointing I was hoping for 7’. However other renovated houses on the block and in the area are about the same height finished, some with a bedroom and full bath. We visited quite a few and it didn’t feel comfortable at that height to me and I’m 5’ 8’.  

Is 6’ 6” - 6” 7”! considered living space?