Walkout entries, doors, stairs, and patios that connect the basement to the yard.
A walkout basement gives you basement square footage with easier access to the yard, full basement square footage with direct access to the outdoors. Utah’s hilly terrain along the Wasatch Front creates natural conditions for walkout basements, especially in neighborhoods built on slopes in Draper, Sandy, Bountiful, North Ogden, Pleasant Grove, and throughout the benches.
Utah Basement Finishing specializes in finishing walkout basements and building the patio and outdoor living spaces that connect to them. A finished walkout with a patio, outdoor seating area, and landscaping extends your living space in a way that traditional basements can’t.
Walkout basements require careful grading to prevent water from flowing toward the foundation:
We assess the lot grade, drainage patterns, soil conditions, and the existing walkout opening (or plan a new one). We evaluate how far the patio can extend, where retaining walls might be needed, and how to manage water flow.
We design the interior finish and exterior patio as one cohesive project. The indoor living space flows naturally to the outdoor space, materials, style, and scale are coordinated.
Interior and exterior work can happen simultaneously with coordinated crews. Interior: framing, rough-ins, drywall, flooring, and finishes. Exterior: excavation, grading, drainage, patio surface, retaining walls, and landscaping. Total project timeline: 6-10 weeks.
We verify drainage, test all exterior lighting, confirm door operation, and do a full walkthrough of both interior and exterior spaces.
| Project Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Walkout basement finish (interior only) | $30,000–$70,000 |
| Concrete patio (200-400 sq ft) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Stamped concrete patio | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Paver patio | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Retaining wall (per linear foot) | $25–$60 |
| French drain system | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Covered patio/pergola | $5,000–$15,000 |
Walkout-specific costs:
Can you add a walkout to a basement that doesn’t have one? It’s possible but involves significant structural work, cutting through the foundation wall, installing a new header, excavating outside, and rebuilding the grade. It’s one of the most expensive basement modifications ($15,000–$30,000+ for the opening alone) but may be worthwhile on lots with suitable grade. We assess feasibility during the initial consultation.
What’s the best patio material for Utah’s climate? Concrete (poured or stamped) handles Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles best. It’s solid, durable, and doesn’t shift. Pavers are also excellent if installed on a proper compacted base, they flex slightly with frost heave and won’t crack. We avoid natural flagstone set in sand for primary walkout patios in Utah, the freeze-thaw cycle causes shifting and trip hazards.
How do you prevent water from entering through the walkout door? Three layers of defense: (1) positive grading that slopes the patio away from the door at 2%+ grade; (2) a channel drain at the door threshold to intercept surface water; and (3) a door sill with a proper threshold and weatherstripping. We also extend gutter downspouts well away from the walkout area.
Does a walkout basement add more value than a standard basement? Yes. Walkout basements with direct outdoor access typically add more resale value because they feel more like above-grade living space. Natural light, outdoor access, and the option for a separate entrance (for rental units) all contribute to higher appraised value.
Can a walkout basement be a separate rental unit? Absolutely, and walkout basements are ideal for this because they have their own exterior entrance. With a kitchen, bedroom(s), bathroom, and separate utilities (or metered sub-panels), a walkout ADU is a fully self-contained living space. We build walkout rental units regularly and know the local ADU regulations.
Plan the walkout properly. Call 801-515-3473 for a free estimate.
Utah Basement Finishing, 369 E 900 S #235, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 | Mon–Sat 8am–6pm