The largest room in most Wasatch County houses is the one nobody uses. Finishing an existing basement can be a way to make greater use of existing space, depending on the property and existing conditions.
A basement can offer a practical way to add living space without building an entirely new structure. The existing foundation, exterior walls, and overhead structure provide a starting point, while the finished design can be tailored around the home’s layout and mechanical systems.
That does not make a basement simple. Moisture, drainage, structural elements, ductwork, plumbing, electrical systems, and ceiling heights all need to be considered before the finished layout is finalized.
Basement finishing and remodeling is one of our core services, alongside kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodeling, and additions. We plan the finished layout around the space and the way you want to use it.
If you plan to add a bedroom to your basement, emergency escape and rescue requirements may apply. Requirements depend on the applicable building code, jurisdiction, existing structure, and proposed project.
We review existing windows and the layout early to identify whether additional work may be needed. If a new window or window well is required, we account for that during planning.
Existing ceiling height can have a major impact on how a basement is designed. Ductwork, plumbing, beams, wiring, and other mechanical elements can affect usable space and the finished layout.
We measure the existing conditions and design around them, incorporating soffits and mechanical areas where necessary while keeping the finished rooms practical and comfortable.
Before insulation and framing begin, we look at the basement’s existing moisture conditions. Grading, drainage, downspouts, foundation conditions, the slab, and other property-specific factors can affect how a basement should be finished.
Addressing potential moisture concerns early can help protect the finished space and reduce the risk of problems developing behind walls or beneath finished surfaces.
Furnaces, water heaters, electrical panels, water softeners, plumbing, and other mechanical systems can take up valuable basement space. Their location and accessibility need to be considered when developing the finished layout.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and other finished spaces may also require additional plumbing, electrical, ventilation, or mechanical work. We review these requirements as part of the overall project planning.
A basement apartment is a separate dwelling, not a finished basement with a kitchen, so it comes with its own planning, permitting and code requirements.
We build basement apartments as part of our Apartments & Suites service, where we explain how we approach them.
Every basement project is different. The timeline depends on the size and scope of the work, the existing conditions, material selections, permitting, inspections, and other project-specific factors.
Permit requirements depend on the type of work being completed and the jurisdiction where the property is located. We can help identify the permitting considerations that may apply to your project.
Basement bedroom requirements depend on the applicable building code, jurisdiction, and existing conditions. Emergency escape and rescue requirements may apply, so we evaluate the proposed bedroom layout and existing openings during planning.
Radon conditions can vary from property to property. If radon is a concern, testing and any recommended mitigation should be considered based on the property’s conditions and applicable local guidance.
A finished basement can provide additional usable living space and improve the functionality of your home. The potential impact on value varies by property, location, project scope, and the quality of the finished space.
