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

What is the Difference Between Finishing and Remodeling a Basement?

First, let's get on the same page. People often use the terms "finishing" and "remodeling" interchangeably when talking about basements, but there’s a key difference.

Finishing a basement typically refers to making the space livable by adding things like drywall, flooring, insulation, and lighting. Remodeling a basement, on the other hand, often involves more significant changes, like reworking the layout, adding plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen, or converting the space for a specific function. 

Alright, now that we've covered the difference, let's talk costs. 

How Much Does Finishing or Remodeling a Basement Cost in Salt Lake County?

You know your basement has potential—it’s just sitting there, waiting to become something more! Maybe you need extra living space, a guest suite, or the perfect place to unwind. But before you start planning, you need to know one thing: How much will it cost?

The cost to finish a basement in Salt Lake County typically falls between $75 and $150 per square foot, depending on how simple or customized you want it to be. A basic finished basement will cost less than a fully reimagined space with high-end features. Let’s break it down so you can plan with confidence.

How Much Does a Midrange Basement Remodel Cost?

If your goal is to add livable space without major customizations, a midrange remodel costs around $75 to $100 per square foot. This includes all the essentials—drywall, flooring, lighting, insulation, and basic finishes—to make the space feel like a natural extension of your home.

What can you do with a midrange basement remodel?

• Create a second family room for movie nights and relaxing
• Design a home gym so you can work out without leaving the house
• Set up a home office with a wet bar to make working from home a little more enjoyable
• Build a basement playroom where the kids can have their own space

If you want to increase your home’s usable square footage without going all-in on a full remodel, this is a great option.

How Much Does a Luxury Basement Remodel Cost?

If you want to transform your basement into a fully customized, high-end space, a luxury basement remodel typically costs between $100 and $150 per square foot. This level of renovation includes structural changes, high-end materials, and features that make you forget you're in the basement altogether.

What can you do with a luxury basement remodel?

• A guest suite with a full bathroom and kitchen or kitchenette
• A custom bar with media features for entertaining
• A rental unit for passive income 
• A home theater with a soundproof basement ceiling
• Custom built-ins and premium finishes for a polished, high-end look

What Are Popular Design Ideas for a Basement Remodel?

Your basement is full of potential—it just needs the right design to give it a dose of life. The best part? You don’t have to choose just one idea.

If you’ve got the space, why not combine a home office with a gym so you can take a quick break between calls? Or create a media room with a bedroom and full bath—a perfect setup for a teen who wants more independence. Whether you want a cozy lounge, a guest suite, or an epic game room, work with your designer to create a plan that fills that gap in your home life and will stay within your budget.

A Game Room That’s Actually Fun

A basement game room can be as casual or high-end as you want. Think about what kind of hobbies or pastimes you enjoy and lean into that. Include a pool table, a dartboard wall to avoid damage, and built-in shelving for board games and consoles.

Take it up a notch to make your game room a hangout hotspot. Add a custom bar top with stools, some comfy seating, and a soundproof basement ceiling so the fun doesn’t carry through the whole house.

A Home Theater (Because Streaming Deserves a Big Screen)

If movie nights are your thing, why not go all out? A huge projector screen or an OLED TV, plush recliners, and built-in surround sound can turn your basement into a full-on media room.

Soundproofing helps keep things immersive, and you can even add a mini snack bar or a popcorn machine to complete the experience.

A Home Office That Works for You

If you need a quiet spot to work, a basement home office can be the perfect solution. Think lots of built-ins with custom organization features, a mix of task and general lighting, and materials that will block out sound.

Our tip? Include a half bath and a kitchenette to avoid too many trips upstairs. You'll increase productivity and focus with these nifty features. 

A Guest Suite That Feels Like a Hotel

If you have visitors often (or just want your in-laws to have their own space), a guest suite with a full bathroom and kitchenette is a great investment.

Go all in with heated tile floors, a walk-in shower, and custom cabinetry to make it feel like a luxury hotel. A separate entrance adds privacy, so guests (or future renters) can come and go as they please.

If you think that's even a remote possibility that this could become a rental unit, make sure to mention this to your remodeling team so they can ensure your design is up to code.

A Home Gym You’ll Actually Use

Skip the gym membership and create your own wellness space at home.

Rubber flooring, full-length mirrors, and built-in storage for weights and yoga mats keep things functional, while a TV and Bluetooth speakers make workouts more fun. Want to level up? Add a sauna or steam shower to add a recovery aspect as well.

A Custom Bar for Entertaining

A custom basement bar is perfect for hosting—whether it’s cocktail night, game day, or just unwinding after work. Picture quartz countertops, floating liquor shelves, and a built-in wine fridge. Add some backlit shelving, cozy lounge seating, and maybe even a statement wall with textured tile or reclaimed wood to make it feel like your favorite hangout spot.

A Playroom That Grows With Your Kids

A basement playroom keeps all the toys and crafts contained in one spot (which means less mess upstairs). Chalkboard walls, a reading nook, and soft, easy-to-clean flooring make it both fun and practical.

And as the kids get older, it can easily transition into a study or hangout space.

A Rental Unit That Pays for Itself

If you’re thinking long-term, a basement rental unit can bring in extra income. The key? A separate entrance, full kitchen, private bath, and in-unit laundry so tenants have everything they need.

Stick to durable, easy-to-clean materials like LVP flooring, quartz countertops, ceramic tile, and brushed nickel fixtures to keep things looking modern, rental-friendly, and within a moderate budget.

How to Find the Right Basement Remodeler in Utah Who Will Respect Your Budget

Basement remodeling isn’t like any other home renovation—it requires a remodeler who knows how to blend the design seamlessly with the rest of your home while handling the unique challenges that come with working below ground. From lighting and ventilation to structural modifications and moisture control, an experienced basement remodeler will know exactly how to maximize your space while keeping your project on budget.

Here’s how to make sure you’re hiring the right professional for your basement remodel:

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Not all remodelers specialize in basements, so look for one with consistent, positive feedback on basement remodels. Reviews will tell you a lot about a remodeler’s ability to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

Pay attention to comments about communication, craftsmanship, and transparency—these are key factors in making sure your project runs smoothly.

Find a Remodeler Who Understands Basement Design

A basement shouldn’t feel like a separate, disconnected part of your home. A skilled remodeler will ensure that your basement’s design complements the style and flow of your entire house.

This attention to detail makes a huge difference in creating a space that feels like a natural extension of your home rather than an afterthought.

Ask About Their Process

A clear and structured remodeling process is essential for keeping your basement project on budget. Ask potential remodelers how they:

• Determine an initial budget and handle unexpected expenses
• Plan for moisture control and proper ventilation
• Integrate basement-specific design elements seamlessly into your home

A lack of clear answers could mean an inconsistent approach, which can lead to budget overruns or costly delays.

Meet With Potential Remodelers

A consultation is your chance to see if a remodeler is a good fit.

Pay attention to how they answer your questions—do they offer real solutions to your concerns? Do they understand the unique challenges of basement remodeling? A remodeler with plenty of basement experience will bring ideas you may not have even considered, helping you make the most of your space while staying within budget.

Choose a Design-Build Team

A design-build remodeler simplifies the process by handling both design and construction under one roof. This ensures that your basement’s design is not only gorgeous but also practical and cost-effective.

Design-build teams understand how design decisions impact construction costs, allowing them to create a plan that balances your vision, function, and budget—without unnecessary surprises.

The Right Remodeler Makes All the Difference

At Marshall Homes, we specialize in basement remodeling that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home. Our expert craftsmanship, thoughtful design process, and clear communication ensure your project stays on track, on time, and within budget—the way remodels are supposed to be.

Ready to make the most of your basement? Let’s talk about your vision and create a space that works for you!