How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement in Utah?

If your basement’s currently a concrete cave with exposed pipes, a forgotten treadmill, and the unmistakable smell of cardboard — you’re sitting on wasted potential.

Finishing your basement is one of the smartest ways to unlock livable space without doing a full-blown addition. But let’s be real: the first question on every Utah homeowner’s mind is the same:

“What’s this actually going to cost me?”

We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of finishing a basement in Utah, the factors that impact your budget, room-by-room breakdowns, hidden fees, permit costs by city, real examples from local projects, and how to budget like a pro — even if you’re not building tomorrow.

Let’s dig in.

Average Cost to Finish a Basement in Utah

Here’s what we typically see across Utah for standard basement finishing projects:

Finish Level	Project Scope	Cost Range
Basic Finish	One open space + flooring + paint + lighting	$30,000–$40,000
Mid-Range	Living room + bathroom + storage or office	$45,000–$60,000
High-End	Guest suite + wet bar + theater + upgraded finishes	$65,000–$95,000+

 

Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown

Want a more detailed breakdown? Here’s what you can expect based on the rooms you’re adding:

Room Type	Avg Cost Range	Notes
Living Room Area	$12,000–$20,000	Framing, flooring, lighting
Bathroom	$8,000–$18,000	Plumbing, fixtures, waterproofing
Bedroom	$7,000–$12,000	Must include egress window
Laundry Room	$5,000–$10,000	Hookups, venting, drainage
Theater Setup	$10,000–$25,000+	AV wiring, insulation, seating
Wet Bar/Kitchenette	$10,000–$18,000	Cabinets, plumbing, appliances

 

How to Budget for Your Utah Basement Finish (Without Losing Sleep)

Even if you’re not ready to break ground next week, here’s how to build a solid financial plan for your future basement project:

1. Start With a Range — Then Work Backward

Plan for $45–$60 per square foot as a general starting point. So if your basement is 1,000 sq ft, plan for $45K–$60K depending on finishes and features.

If you’re adding a bathroom or wet bar, tack on $8K–$15K per space.

2. Break It Into Categories

Category	Budget % Range
Framing & Drywall	15–20%
Flooring	10–15%
Electrical & Lighting	10–15%
HVAC & Insulation	10–12%
Bathroom Plumbing	10–15% (if included)
Permits & Inspections	3–6%
Finishes & Fixtures	15–20%
Contingency Fund	5–10%

Pro Tip: Always leave at least 5–10% of your budget for surprises — like finding your water heater isn’t up to code.

3. Get Pre-Qualified If You’re Financing

Ask your lender about:

• Home equity lines (HELOCs)
• Home improvement loans
• Construction loans (if combining with an upstairs reno)

4. Prioritize Your Must-Haves First

What do you really want? Start your budget around those — then adjust add-ons depending on what’s left.

 

What Affects the Price?

1. Square Footage

More space = more materials, more labor, more money. A 600 sq ft job and a 1,400 sq ft one are worlds apart.

2. Layout Complexity

Open-concept is cheaper than building out separate rooms. Bathrooms, closets, hallways = extra framing, drywall, and doors.

3. Plumbing & Electrical

Adding a bathroom, kitchenette, or laundry hookup? Expect to pay extra for rough-ins, permits, and inspections.

4. Finish Level

Builder-basic carpet and paint are cheaper than luxury vinyl plank, custom cabinetry, or upgraded tilework.

5. Permit Requirements by City

City	Typical Permit Costs
Lehi	$500–$900
Draper	$700–$1,200
Sandy	$600–$950
Highland	$650–$1,100
Bluffdale	$500–$800

 

Building in Phases: Smart Budget Strategy

If you’re not ready to drop $60K all at once, a phased approach lets you spread the cost over time:

Phase 1: Core Finishing ($25K–$35K)

• Framing, insulation, drywall
• Basic electrical and lighting
• One large open-plan room

Phase 2: Add Functionality ($10K–$25K)

• Add a bathroom or laundry nook
• Build in closets, cabinetry, or a home office
• Flooring and trim work

Phase 3: Premium Upgrades ($10K–$30K+)

• Wet bar or kitchenette
• Home theater or custom gym
• Decorative finishes, built-ins, smart lighting

 

 

Hidden Costs to Watch For

These sneaky costs can derail even the most prepared budget:

• Radon mitigation systems
• Sump pump installation or drainage upgrades
• Framing fixes for out-of-code walls
• Electrical panel upgrades
• Asbestos or lead abatement in older homes

Is It Cheaper to DIY?

Short answer: sometimes — but not always.

DIY Pros:

• Save on labor costs
• Work at your own pace
• Satisfaction of doing it yourself

DIY Cons:

• Slower timelines
• Risk of code violations or failed inspections
• Might cost more if you have to redo it later

One Utah homeowner called us halfway through a DIY drywall job — after realizing they installed every sheet upside down. We took it from there.

 

 

What’s Worth the Extra Spend?

If you’re going to splurge anywhere, let it be here:

• Soundproofing insulation
• LVP or tile flooring
• Custom lighting design
• Storage solutions
• Full bathroom

 

 

Real Utah Basement Projects (Costs & Details)

Lehi – Open-Plan Rec Room

• Size: 850 sq ft
• Scope: One large open area + closet + basic lighting + carpet
• Cost: $37,200

Sandy – Family Lounge + Bath

• Size: 1,100 sq ft
• Scope: Living area + office + full bath + LVP
• Cost: $53,800

Draper – Guest Suite + Theater + Bar

• Size: 1,400 sq ft
• Scope: Bedroom + bath + theater + wet bar
• Cost: $89,500

FAQs: Basement Finishing Costs in Utah

What’s the cheapest way to finish a basement? Stick with open layouts, skip the bath, go with basic finishes.

Is it cheaper in winter or summer? Costs are stable year-round, but availability can shift.

Do I need permits? Yes — and we handle the process for you.  Make sure your contractor is licensed through Utah DOPL before you start your basement remodel.

Will it raise my home value? Yes. Finished basements add 15–20% resale value in Utah.

Can I do part of it myself? You can, but DIY mistakes can get costly if they fail inspection.

Final Word: Make Your Basement Work for You

Whether you’re planning a cozy rec room, a full guest suite, or just a better storage setup, we’ll help you build it smart, stay on budget, and avoid surprises.

Get your free quote or explore our Utah Basement Gallery to get inspired.

If you are looking for inspiration ideas to transform your basement check out our latest blog here!