Example Basement Finishing Projects in Millcreek

Scope of work

Framed and insulated walls, wiring with outlets and recessed lights, alarms, drywall, carpet, paint, interior doors and trim, and a stair with oak treads, white risers, painted balusters, newel posts, a wood handrail and a wall light. A bathroom is separate.

Project overview

In this example, the owners of a 1970s house in Millcreek want the whole lower level finished. The stair is the first thing a guest sees, so they want it to match the finish below.

The plan starts at the stair, then runs through the hall and rooms. The stair gets new oak treads, white risers and painted balusters, and a bathroom is planned in the same layout and priced on its own.

The goal

The goal is a finished lower level with a stair that looks like part of the house.

Process

1. Before work Measure the stair, hall and rooms, then file the plans.
2. Framing Walls go up and are insulated, and the wiring goes in for inspection.
3. Drywall Ceilings and walls are hung, joints taped, and paint rolled on.
4. Stair and floor Fit the treads, risers, balusters and handrail, then lay carpet and fit trim.

Planning right

• Start at the stair, because it fixes the height of everything else.
• Light the stair wall.
• Measure the clear height under the lowest duct before the rooms are drawn.
• Put the bathroom in the first layout even if it is built later.

Scope of work

Framed and insulated walls, a fire-rated separating wall and floor against the house, interconnected alarms, an escape opening for the bedroom, wiring and recessed lights, a bathroom, a kitchenette with cabinets, a range and a vent, vinyl plank floor, paint, doors and trim. Utility upgrades are separate.

Project overview

In this example, the owners of a 1960s house in Holladay want an apartment for their adult child in the lower level. The unit has its own outside door with a glass panel, a kitchenette on one wall and a living area.

Before the building permit, the owners check the city’s rules for an accessory unit. The plan places the kitchenette against the wall where the plumbing is closest, and puts the bedroom on the wall with the best window.

The goal

The goal is a self-contained apartment with an outside door of its own and a way out of the bedroom.

Process

1. Before work Confirm the city’s accessory unit rules, then draw the plan and submit it to the permit office.
2. Walls and systems Frame the unit, then run wiring, plumbing and ducts for inspection before they are covered.
3. Separation Put board up on the wall and ceiling beside the house, and leave the joints open until the inspector has looked.
4. Finish Drywall, kitchenette, bathroom, vinyl plank, paint and trim complete the unit.

Planning right

• Check the city’s ADU rules first, since each city sets its own.
• Put the kitchenette on the wall nearest the plumbing.
• Give the unit its own door to the outside.
• Plan the bedroom window so it can serve as the way out.

Scope of work

A pit dug beside the wall, a thick wall cut open, a concrete-lined opening with a steel lintel, an escape window, a well with drainage, backfill and the inspection. Patching and paint inside and landscaping are not part of this cost.

Project overview

In this example, the owners of a 1970s brick house in Cottonwood Heights want a bedroom in the lower level. The wall is thick, and a boulder sits where the well must go, so the cut costs more than a plain one.

The photo shows the opening formed and lined, with a steel lintel above it and no window yet. The window and well come next.

The goal

The goal is a proper escape opening in a wall that is hard to cut.

Process

1. Before work Wall thickness and the ground outside are checked, and the plans go to the permit office.
2. Dig A pit is dug beside the wall and the boulder is moved.
3. Cut The wall is cut, the opening is lined and the steel lintel is set.
4. Window and well The window is set, the well is built, soil goes back and the opening is inspected.

Planning right

• Ask for the cut to be priced after the wall has been looked at.
• A boulder or a step near the wall adds digging.
• The cut is structural, so it needs approved plans first.
• Keep the well drained.

Scope of work

The room framed to take a grab bar later, new drain, vent and water supply, a vent fan ducted out, protected power and light, a walk-in tiled shower with a corner seat and a glass door, a vanity, toilet, tile floor, paint and a door.

Project overview

In this example, the owners of a 1990s house in Millcreek expect a grandparent to move into the lower level. They want a bathroom with a shower that is easy to step into and a place to sit.

The walk-in shower has a glass door and a corner seat, with no tub to climb over. The vent fan runs outside and the small window brings in daylight.

The goal

The goal is a bathroom that stays easy to use as the years go by.

Process

1. Before work Measure the clear height, mark the fixtures and file the plans.
2. Rough-in Plumbers lay drain, vent and supply, and an inspector signs them off.
3. Walls Carpenters frame the room, set the fan and wiring and back the shower walls with waterproof board.
4. Finish Tile, glass, vanity and toilet are installed, then the room is painted.

Planning right

• Pick a shower you can walk into, with only a low curb to step over.
• Ask for blocking behind the wall in case a grab bar is wanted.
• Duct the fan to the outside air.
• Floor tile with some grip is safer when wet.

Scope of work

Base and upper cabinets with a white quartz counter, a sink with drain and water, outlets, four pendant lights, floating shelves, vinyl plank flooring, paint and trim. Stools, glassware and any refrigerator are the owners’ own.

Project overview

In this example, the owners of a 2000s house in Millcreek have a theater room in the lower level and want a bar next to it for movie nights. The bar sits just outside the theater door.

Four pendant lights hang over the counter, two floating shelves hold the glasses, and the stools face the room. Cooking is not part of the plan, so the bar needs a sink and power but no vent.

The goal

The goal is a small bar with seats for two, close to the theater.

Process

1. Before work Draw the bar position and counter height, then file the plans.
2. Plumbing and power Run the sink drain, the water line and the circuits for inspection.
3. Cabinets Set the base and upper cabinets and fit the counter.
4. Finish Hang the shelves and pendant lights, set the sink and faucet, then floor and paint.

Planning right

• Put the bar outside the theater so its noise stays out of the room.
• Dim the pendant lights.
• Plan outlets above the counter.
• Pick a counter that wipes clean.

Scope of work

Framed and insulated walls with fabric sound panels, a raised carpeted platform, wiring and cable runs, recessed spot lights and wall sconces on a dimmer, drywall, dark paint, carpet and a closed door. Equipment and seats are separate.

Project overview

In this example, the owners of a 2000s house in Millcreek have bedrooms on the floor above the lower level. They want a theater that will not wake anyone.

The room gets fabric panels on the walls, insulation in the walls and ceiling and a closed door. The wall lights dim for a film, and floor-level vents under the platform feed the room.

The goal

The goal is a dark, comfortable room for watching films.

Process

1. Before work Draw the room, the platform and the screen wall, then file the plans.
2. Walls and cables Walls are framed and insulated, and cables run before the inspection.
3. Platform Build the platform and fit the vents at its edge.
4. Finish Drywall, panels, paint, carpet and lights come last.

Planning right

• Insulate the ceiling that sits under the bedrooms.
• Run spare cables to the screen wall.
• Fit a solid door.
• Put every light on a dimmer.