Highly recommend! He did an amazing job finishing our basement. Everything was done professionally, including all the licensing and permits, and the work passed the required inspections. Communication was clear and consistent from beginning to end, which was a key part of making the whole process go smoothly. He kept us informed every step of the way and was always easy to communicate with. He also kept everything clean and organized throughout the project. We are extremely happy with how our basement turned out. Great quality work, reliable, professional, and excellent communication.
Basement Finishing in Utah County: What to Expect
Planning a basement finish in Orem, Provo, or elsewhere in Utah County? Learn the steps, permits, timelines, and how to choose a contractor.


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If you own a home in Utah County, there's a good chance you have square footage sitting under your feet that you aren't using yet. Unfinished basements are common across Orem, Provo, Lehi, and the rest of the valley, and finishing one is one of the most practical ways to add living space without changing your home's footprint.
We're Jaar Builders, a remodeling contractor based in Orem, and basement finishing is one of the projects we're asked about most. Here's an honest look at what the process involves, from first idea to final walkthrough.
Why Utah County Homeowners Finish Their Basements
More room for a growing household
Families here often need extra bedrooms, a guest room, a playroom, or a home office. A finished basement can deliver all of that while keeping the main floor for everyday living.
Rental income and basement apartments
With housing demand across Utah County, many homeowners turn their basement into a separate living unit. A basement apartment, often called an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), can house a family member or bring in rental income. ADUs come with their own rules, such as separate entrances, kitchens, and life-safety requirements, and those rules vary by city. If that's your goal, plan for it from day one.
A place to unwind
Media rooms, game rooms, and home gyms are popular because a basement is naturally quieter and darker than the rest of the house.
Planning Your Basement Finish
Here's how we usually walk clients through planning:
- Define how you'll use the space. A family room, a rental unit, and a home gym each need different layouts, outlets, lighting, and plumbing.
- Check what's already there. We look at ceiling height, mechanical equipment (furnace, water heater, water softener), existing plumbing rough-ins, window locations, and any signs of moisture.
- Sketch the layout. Bedrooms usually go where egress windows are possible. Bathrooms work best near existing drain lines. Mechanical rooms need to stay accessible.
- Choose finishes. Flooring, trim, doors, lighting, and cabinetry all affect both the look and the budget.
- Get permits lined up before any framing begins.
Permits and Egress: What Utah County Cities Require
Cities throughout Utah County, including Orem, Provo, Lehi, American Fork, and Spanish Fork, require building permits to finish a basement. The permit process includes plan review and inspections at key stages, such as framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and final, so the work meets current building codes.
A few points come up on almost every job:
- Egress windows for bedrooms. Any basement room used as a bedroom needs a code-compliant emergency escape opening, usually an egress window with a window well. If your basement doesn't have one where you want a bedroom, adding one is often part of the project.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required in specific locations.
- ADU or rental units may have extra requirements and may need separate approval depending on your city.
Requirements, fees, and processes differ from city to city, so always check with your city's building department for current rules. When you work with us, we pull the permits, meet with city inspectors at each stage, and handle the paperwork, guiding you through the whole process.
If your basement will become an ADU or basement apartment, we also handle the ADU permitting paperwork and affidavits.
Popular Basement Features
Media rooms and family rooms
Recessed lighting, built-in speaker wiring, and a projector or large TV setup turn a basement into the best movie spot in the house.
Bedrooms
Additional bedrooms are one of the most common requests, especially for growing families or homes that will be rented.
Bathrooms
A full or three-quarter bath makes a basement work on its own, whether it's for guests, teenagers, or tenants. Existing plumbing rough-ins can make this easier.
Kitchenettes and wet bars
A kitchenette with a sink, cabinets, and a small fridge is great for entertaining and is a key piece of many basement apartments. Our kitchen remodeling team brings the same cabinet and countertop experience downstairs.
A Recent Project: From Unfinished Basement to Media Room
One of our recent Utah County projects started as a bare, unfinished basement. We framed and finished the space, added recessed lighting throughout, installed a sliding barn door, built a kitchenette for snacks and drinks, and set up the room for a projector. The result is a comfortable, functional media room that gets used every week.
How Long Does Basement Finishing Take?
Every basement is different, so timelines vary. As a general guide, a straightforward basement finish typically takes several weeks to a few months from the start of construction. Factors that affect the schedule include:
- The size of the space and number of rooms
- Whether a bathroom, kitchenette, or egress window is involved
- Permit review and inspection scheduling with your city
- Material and special-order lead times
We'll give you a realistic schedule for your project before we start and keep you updated as it moves along.
How to Choose a Basement Contractor
Look for:
- Licensed and insured. Ask for proof before any work begins.
- Permits and paperwork handled. Confirm they'll pull the permits, meet with city inspectors, and manage the paperwork for you.
- Local experience. A contractor who works in Utah County knows how local inspections work.
- Clear communication. You should know what's happening each week.
- Respect for your home. Basement work means crews coming through your main level.
- Real reviews. Read what past clients say about the experience, not just the finished product.
- One point of contact. Ask whether they can coordinate design and engineering so you aren't juggling separate firms.
Jaar Builders is fully licensed and insured, and we take projects from concept through completion with one point of contact, coordinating architectural design and engineering through trusted partner subcontractors when your project needs it.
We're proud to hold a 5.0-star rating on Google. One theme comes up in our reviews again and again: on a basement remodel in a client's rental property, the homeowner noted how we protected the floors with plastic covers and stayed in constant communication throughout the project. That's how we try to work on every job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Finish Your Basement?
Whether you're in Orem, Provo, Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Springville, Saratoga Springs, or anywhere else in Utah County, we'd love to help with your basement finishing project. Call Jaar Builders at (801) 428-9889 or request a free estimate online. We'll walk through your space, talk about your goals, and give you a clear plan, with one point of contact from design and permits to final walkthrough.

































