Step 1
Stake out the area for the house. Place one stake at each corner of the future building. Connect the stakes along the perimeter of the house using twine. Attach twine to connect the opposing corner stakes on the diagonal. Use a measuring tape to compare the dimensions of the staked area with the dimensions in your plans. Move stakes as necessary until they match the plans.
Step 2
Use excavating tools, such as a pick and shovel or a mini backhoe, to remove dirt to the depth appropriate for your walk-out basement. Use additional stakes and twine at the bottom of the excavation to ensure that the walls of the hole remain square.
Step 3
Check the excavation measurements. When you have completed your excavation, re-measure the hole against your plans. Allow for the space taken up by the walls, footer and foundation to ensure that the finished basement and home will be the appropriate size.
Step 4
Remove all loose dirt from the excavation and backfill the slope. Use any extra dirt removed from the basement excavation to increase the slope on shallow lots. This prevents the foundation from protruding too much on the upper side. Once the slope has reached the proper grade, you can begin installing the basement foundation and walls.