Blog

Thinking about Finishing your basement in Salt Lake County, Davis County, or Utah County but worried it’ll Cost a small fortune? You’re not alone. Basements feel like a blank canvas — exciting, but also a little terrifying. The truth is, a finished basement can range from a very modest upgrade to a full-blown home addition in the lower level. Let me explain how the numbers actually break down, what drives the price up (and down), and how you can get the most value without losing your sanity — or your savings.

---

What affects the price — and why it’s not as scary as it sounds

Here’s the thing: a lot of factors influence cost, and some are obvious — square footage — while others sneak up on you, like moisture control or permit fees. Costs vary across Salt Lake County, Davis County, and Utah County, partly because labor rates and permit costs differ. But most jobs share the same moving pieces.

Major cost drivers

• Square footage: More space equals more materials and man-hours. Simple math.
• Finish level: Basic (paint, carpet, simple lighting) vs. premium (custom trim, tile, built-in cabinetry).
• Bathrooms: Adding a full bath bumps the cost significantly — rough plumbing, fixtures, and tile add up fast.
• Egress and Windows: Bedrooms need egress. Cutting in an egress window or enlarging a window well is extra cash and effort.
• Waterproofing and insulation: The basement must be dry and warm. That’s non-negotiable. Sometimes that means sump pumps, French drains, or better insulation.
• Mechanical upgrades: Extending HVAC, adding a water line, or upgrading electrical panels can surprise homeowners.
• Permits and inspections: They matter. Skipping them saves money up front, but risks resale headaches and safety issues.

Costs are easiest to think of per square foot. For the counties we serve, think roughly: basic finishes around $25–$50 per sq. ft.; mid-range $50–$80; and high-end $80–$150+. These are ballpark ranges — your actual price depends on choices and site conditions.

---

Line-item costs so you won’t be surprised

Numbers help. They also calm nerves. Below are common line items with typical ranges you’ll see in our area.

• Framing & drywall: $8–$20 per sq. ft. (walls, ceiling framing, drywall mud/finish).
• Flooring: $3–$10 per sq. ft. for carpet or vinyl plank; $5–$15+ for tile.
• Electrical & lighting: $2,000–$6,000 for a 1,000 sq. ft. job depending on fixtures and complexity.
• Plumbing (bathroom): $4,000–$12,000 for a standard full bath — labor and fixtures matter.
• Egress/window wells: $1,000–$4,000 per opening depending on cutting, permits, and ladders.
• Insulation & vapor barriers: $1,000–$4,000 depending on methods and area.
• Painting & trim: $1.50–$4 per sq. ft. — paint is cheap, prep is not.
• Permits: $200–$1,500 depending on municipality and scope.
• Contingency: Plan an extra 10–15% for surprises — old homes hide things.

Yes, those ranges are wide. That’s because a basement in Bountiful might need less foundation work than a 1920s place in Salt Lake City. But seeing the piece-by-piece costs helps you make trade-offs that matter.

---

A sample budget: 1,000 sq. ft. basement in our neighborhood

Concrete examples are useful, so here are three realistic scenarios for a 1,000 sq. ft. basement in Salt Lake County or nearby. These include finishing a living area, one bedroom, and simple mechanical upgrades.

Economy (basic): $25–$40 per sq. ft. — total $25,000–$40,000

• Framing/drywall: $8,000
• Flooring (vinyl plank): $4,000
• Lighting & electrical: $2,500
• Paint & trim: $2,000
• Insulation & vapor: $1,500
• Minor plumbing (no bath): $500
• Permits & contingency: $3,000–$6,000

Mid-range: $50–$80 per sq. ft. — total $50,000–$80,000

• Framing/drywall: $12,000
• Flooring (mid-grade tile & carpet mix): $8,000
• Full bathroom: $7,000
• Electrical & fixtures: $4,500
• HVAC extension: $2,000
• Paint, doors, trim: $4,000
• Permits & contingency: $5,500–$12,500

High-end: $80–$150+ per sq. ft. — total $80,000–$150,000+

Think custom wet bar, heated tile floors, built-ins, high-end finishes, and a full bath with high-spec fixtures.

Timing? Most projects of this size run 6–12 weeks for basic and up to 4 months if you’re doing major structural work or custom cabinetry. Permits and inspections add time — factor that in.

---

Want to save money — but keep quality? Here’s how

You know what? Small choices make the biggest difference. A cheaper floor today might cost you regrets later. But that doesn’t mean you need to splurge everywhere.

• Keep the footprint: Moving plumbing is one of the priciest things. Keep bathrooms and wet Bars near existing lines.
• Choose durable, mid-grade finishes: Luxury vinyl plank often looks great and holds up to moisture better than carpet.
• Do some finishes yourself: Painting, trim sanding, and basic demo are DIY-friendly if you’re handy.
• Shop fixtures smartly: Brands like Moen, Delta, and Kohler offer reliable faucets and toilets at reasonable prices.
• Delay built-ins: You can add custom shelving later — the finished room will still add usable value.

Yes, there’s a mild contradiction: spending more on waterproofing and proper insulation can actually save you money long-term. So don’t skimp where it counts.

---

Working with local pros — what to ask and expect

Finding the right contractor feels personal. This is your home. Ask good questions. We recommend asking for references, proof of insurance, a written scope of work, and a clear timeline. Ask whether permits are included and who handles inspections.

Here are practical questions that cut to the chase:

• Can you show past projects in Salt Lake, Davis, or Utah County? Local experience matters — codes and soils vary.
• Who will manage the permit process? If they say you’ll need to handle it yourself, walk away.
• What’s covered by warranty? Get it in writing. Materials vs. labor — know the difference.
• What are realistic milestones? A good crew will give you a calendar of stages and stick to it.

Also, ask for a clear change-order process. Things change. You’ll want to know how extras are priced and approved.

---

Ready to plan yours? Let’s talk numbers

If you’re in Salt Lake County, Davis County, or Utah County and want a realistic, no-pressure Estimate, we can help. We’ll walk through options that match your budget and taste — honestly, we’d rather save you money than oversell features you don’t need.

Call Utah Basement Finishing at 801-515-3473 or Request a Free Quote and we’ll set up a free on-site visit. Bring your questions, photos, and “wouldn’t it be nice” ideas — we’ll add the hard numbers.