Basement Finishing vs. Remodeling: What’s the Difference (and Which Adds More Value in Utah?)

Utah Homeowners Are Investing Big in Their Basements

Across Herriman and Salt Lake County, homeowners are looking below ground for their next big upgrade. Whether it’s turning an unfinished basement into a family retreat or modernizing an outdated space, basement projects deliver serious comfort and long-term ROI.

But before you start, it’s crucial to understand the difference between basement finishing and remodeling—two terms that sound similar but mean very different things in scope, cost, and value.

At Basements Etc., we’ve completed hundreds of projects throughout Utah, and we’re breaking down exactly what you need to know before deciding which approach fits your home and budget best.

1. What Is Basement Finishing?

Basement finishing refers to transforming a bare concrete basement into a livable, code-compliant space. Most homes in Herriman are built with unfinished basements—essentially storage areas with exposed framing, concrete floors, and minimal electrical or plumbing.

A finished basement typically includes:

• Framed and insulated walls
• Drywall, paint, and trim
• Ceiling installation (often drop or drywall)
• Finished flooring such as carpet, tile, or LVP
• Electrical outlets, lighting, and HVAC vents
• Optional bathroom or kitchenette additions

The goal of finishing is to create a brand-new functional living area from scratch—often at a lower cost per square foot than building an addition. A professionally finished basement instantly adds comfort, usable square footage, and property value, especially in high-demand markets like Herriman, Utah.

2. What Is Basement Remodeling?

Basement remodeling, on the other hand, applies to basements that are already finished but need an update, redesign, or new purpose.

If your basement was completed 10–15 years ago, remodeling can breathe new life into it with modern design, smarter layouts, and upgraded materials.

Common remodeling projects include:

• Replacing outdated finishes or flooring
• Adding custom entertainment centers or home bars
• Converting existing rooms into guest suites or gyms
• Upgrading lighting, insulation, or HVAC
• Expanding bathrooms or adding luxury features

Remodeling focuses on enhancing what already exists, optimizing space, and increasing energy efficiency and style. It’s ideal for Utah homeowners who want their basement to match the rest of their home’s modern aesthetic.

3. Cost Comparison: Finishing vs. Remodeling in Utah

Every basement project is unique, but here’s how the two typically compare in Herriman and Salt Lake County:

Project Type	Average Cost (per sq. ft.)	Typical Total Range	Timeline
Basement Finishing	$45 – $75	$45,000 – $90,000	6 – 10 weeks
Basement Remodeling	$30 – $60	$25,000 – $80,000	4 – 8 weeks

Finishing usually costs more per square foot because it includes framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, plumbing, and electrical work from the ground up.

Remodeling often focuses on upgrades and design improvements, which can be done faster and with less structural work. Both, however, add substantial value to your home—especially when completed by licensed basement finishing contractors in Salt Lake County, UT who understand local building codes and Utah’s moisture control needs.

4. Which Adds More Value in Utah?

Here’s where things get interesting: both finishing and remodeling can provide strong returns, but the type of value differs.

Basement Finishing: Maximum Square Footage ROI

Finishing adds completely new living space—often increasing your home’s total usable square footage by 25–40%. In Herriman, finished basements are especially desirable for growing families who want:

• Extra bedrooms or bathrooms
• Home theaters
• Playrooms or guest suites
• Rental-ready spaces (ADUs or mother-in-law apartments)

Utah appraisers often estimate that finished basements return 70–80% of their cost in increased home value—higher if the design includes bathrooms or kitchens.

Basement Remodeling: Lifestyle and Luxury ROI

Remodeling adds experiential value—style, function, and comfort that appeal to buyers seeking turnkey homes. Upgraded lighting, smart home integrations, or modern bathroom additions help your home stand out in competitive markets.

For Utah homes 10+ years old, a remodel can recapture 50–70% of the investment and dramatically improve livability.

5. Real-World Examples from Herriman Homes

Example 1 – The Family Expansion
A Herriman family converted their unfinished 900-sq.-ft. basement into a playroom, guest suite, and home theater. Cost: $65,000. Value added: approximately $55,000.

Example 2 – The Luxury Refresh
Another homeowner in South Herriman remodeled a previously finished basement with new flooring, LED lighting, and a spa-style bathroom. Cost: $35,000. Value added: roughly $25,000, with added comfort and resale appeal.

These examples highlight how both finishing and remodeling can pay off, depending on your home’s starting point and goals.

6. Other Factors Utah Homeowners Should Consider

Moisture and Insulation

Herriman’s variable climate—cold winters and dry summers—means moisture management is critical. Basements Etc uses advanced vapor barriers, proper subfloor systems, and energy-efficient insulation to keep basements warm and dry.

Permitting and Code Compliance

Both finishing and remodeling require compliance with Herriman City and Salt Lake County codes. Electrical, plumbing, and egress permits ensure safety and protect resale value. Our team handles all inspections and paperwork for you.

Customization and Design

Whether you prefer rustic wood beams or modern minimalist finishes, custom design makes a huge difference. Finishing allows full design freedom, while remodeling enhances what’s already there.

7. Which Should You Choose?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is your basement unfinished or just outdated?
• Do you need more square footage or simply better design?
• Is resale value or family comfort your top priority?

If you’re starting from raw concrete, finishing will provide the biggest value increase. If your space is already functional but dated, remodeling gives you a faster, more cost-effective transformation. Either way, working with experienced basement finishing contractors in Salt Lake County, UT like Basements Etc ensures the project is done efficiently, beautifully, and to Utah code standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the main difference between basement finishing and remodeling?
Finishing turns an unfinished space into a livable one; remodeling upgrades an already finished basement with new design or functionality.

2. Which adds more value to a Utah home?
Finishing adds more square footage value, while remodeling enhances style and livability—both increase resale potential.

3. How long does each process take?
Finishing typically takes 6–10 weeks, while remodeling can be completed in 4–8 weeks depending on project size and complexity.

4. Do I need a permit for basement finishing in Herriman?
Yes. Herriman and Salt Lake County require permits for framing, plumbing, and electrical work. Basements Etc handles all permitting on your behalf.

5. How can I keep my basement warm and dry in Utah’s climate?
Use professional insulation, moisture barriers, and proper HVAC zoning. Our team designs systems specifically for Utah’s seasonal conditions.