Draper's Hillside Homes Have Real Slope History. Here's What That Means Before You Build or Remodel.
Draper's hillside communities, including Suncrest and the neighborhoods overlooking Corner Canyon, sit on genuinely steep terrain, and it's not just a scenic feature. In 2023, two Draper hillside homes actually slid off their foundations, prompting the city to evacuate adjacent properties and close nearby trails. This page covers what steep-slope construction and remodeling actually involve here.
Slope Stability
Geotechnical Review
Radon Mitigation
What Actually Happened With Draper's Hillside Homes?
In early 2023, two vacant homes on a Draper hillside overlooking a canyon slid off their foundations as snowpack melted and shifted the ground beneath them. Draper City had already flagged the homes as unfit for habitation months earlier due to foundation cracks and earth movement, and had been in contact with the developer about engineering studies before the slide occurred.
Source: CNN reporting on the 2023 Draper hillside home incident, via city officials' statements. This was an isolated case tied to specific site conditions, not a citywide risk.
This kind of failure is rare and was preceded by months of documented warning signs. It's a real illustration of why geotechnical review matters more on steep Draper lots than on flat suburban ground elsewhere in Salt Lake County.
Ask About Your Property's Slope →What Does Building on a Slope Actually Cost Compared to Flat Ground?
Hillside construction genuinely costs more than a comparable project on flat ground, and it's worth knowing why before you're quoted a number:
Source: Industry reporting on hillside construction cost factors. Actual costs for any specific Draper lot depend on the site's own geotechnical findings.
For additions or significant remodels on Suncrest or other steep Draper lots, we factor in the likelihood of needing engineered foundation work up front, rather than treating it as an unexpected add-on once excavation starts.
Explore Addition Options →Why Do Suncrest Homes Already Have Radon Mitigation Systems?
It's common to see finished basements in Suncrest listed with an existing radon mitigation system already installed, reflecting the same granitic canyon soil conditions found across other Wasatch bench communities. If you're finishing an unfinished basement in a Draper hillside home that doesn't already have one, it's worth testing before construction begins.
If a system is already in place, we make sure it stays functional through the remodel, since finishing work can sometimes interfere with existing mitigation piping if it isn't accounted for in the plan.
See Basement Finishing Details →What Should a Draper Hillside Renovation Quote Include?
For any project on a steep Draper lot, particularly in Suncrest or near Corner Canyon, ask a contractor:
- Have they reviewed existing geotechnical reports for your specific lot?
- Are foundation and retaining wall costs itemized separately, or bundled into a vague total?
- If your home has an existing radon system, will the project protect it?
A quote that treats a Suncrest lot like a standard flat suburban lot is missing real, documented local risk factors.
Tell us about your Draper property, especially if it's on steep terrain, and we'll factor in the right review before we quote anything.
Get My Free Consultation →Draper Renovation FAQs
Is it safe to build or remodel in Suncrest?
The overwhelming majority of Suncrest homes are stable and well-established. The 2023 incident involved specific lots with documented, pre-existing foundation issues, not a general risk across the community.
How do I know if my lot has geotechnical concerns?
Check your original purchase paperwork for a geotechnical report, or look for signs like foundation cracks, tilted trees, or soil movement. We can also flag concerns during an initial site visit.
Does my whole addition need an engineered foundation?
It depends on your specific slope and soil conditions. Not every Draper hillside lot requires piers or caissons, but it's worth confirming before finalizing a design.
Will finishing my basement disturb an existing radon system?
It can if the piping isn't accounted for in the plan. We identify existing systems during the walkthrough and design around them.
Do retaining walls need permits in Draper?
Retaining walls above a certain height typically require permits and often engineering review, especially on steep lots. We handle this as part of any project that involves one.
What Does a Renovation in Draper Typically Cost?
Draper is one of Salt Lake County’s fastest-growing, most sought-after cities — and keeping your home up to speed often means more than just cosmetic changes. With a mix of modern builds, hillside lots, and high-expectation buyers, remodels here need to be both stylish and smart. Quality materials, thoughtful layouts, and expert execution matter more than ever.
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range | ROI (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Kitchen Renovation | $35,000 – $55,000 | Up to 96% |
| Upscale Kitchen Renovation | $80,000+ | ~38% |
| Midrange Bathroom Renovation | $20,000 – $35,000 | ~66% |
| Basement Finishing / Remodel | $55,000 – $100,000+ | ~70–75% |
| Whole-Home Renovation | $150,000 – $350,000+ | Varies |
| Home Addition | $200–$350 per sq. ft. | ~50–60% |
Keep in mind — actual costs depend on your existing floorplan, finishes, and how extensive the work is. Projects like finishing a walkout basement or reconfiguring a Draper hillside home can introduce more complexity (and value). We’ll give you a full, transparent quote so you know where every dollar’s going.