When Bluffdale homeowners start planning a basement finishing project, one question always comes up:
👉 “What is the most expensive part of finishing a basement?”
If you’ve looked at budgets, contractor quotes, or materials, you may already feel overwhelmed. But the truth is simpler than most people expect:
💡 The most expensive part of finishing a basement—especially in Bluffdale and the south end of Salt Lake County—is the cost of adding plumbing and a basement bathroom. This cost increases dramatically if there is no underground plumbing already installed.
Plumbing is consistently the highest-cost element because it involves:
- Breaking concrete
- Running new drain lines
- Installing vent systems
- Adding water supply lines
- Meeting strict Utah building codes
- Bathroom layout inc. plumbing & lighting fixtures, cabinetry, countertops & tile.
Bathroom additions typically range from $10,000–$20,000+, making them the single biggest budget item in most Bluffdale basement projects.
But plumbing isn’t the only major cost. Let’s break down where the money actually goes so homeowners can plan confidently—and avoid surprises.
Why Basement Bathrooms Are the Most Expensive Part of Finishing a Basement
1. Concrete Cutting and Underground Plumbing (Highest Cost Driver)
Unlike main-floor bathrooms, Bluffdale basements sit on concrete slabs. Adding plumbing requires cutting into that slab to access:
- Sewer drains
- Vent stacks
- Hot and cold supply lines
This is labor-intensive and must be done with precision to avoid future leaks or drainage issues.
2. Shower, Tile, and Bathroom Finishes
Even “simple” basement bathrooms require:
- Tile flooring
- Tile shower surrounds
- Glass enclosures
- Vanities & Counter Tops
- Lighting
- Vent fans
Tile work is especially costly because of prep work, material costs and is labor intensive.
Second Most Expensive: Framing + Drywall + Insulation + Doors
With plumbing is the biggest budget item, the next largest cost are the walls themselves—framing, insulation, and drywall.
This category typically can cost $12,000–$25,000+ depending on basement size.
Why it’s costly
- Bluffdale basements often have tall 9-foot ceilings
- More square footage & taller walls = more material and labor cost
- Utah code requires specific insulation R-values – We often recommend installing over the minimum as the added benefit outweighs the cost.
- Fire-blocking and framing codes must be met.
- Drywall cost and typically 5-7 days of labor.
- Door & Molding Selections vary and can change pricing pending selection
Third Most Expensive: HVAC, Electrical, and Mechanical Systems
Electrical Costs
- Dedicated circuits & Potential added Sub Panel
- New outlets, Switches & lights
- Lighting Fixtures
- Smoke + CO detectors
Cost range: $3,000–$8,000
HVAC Costs
- New returns
- Additional supply lines
- Vent balancing
- Potential Zoning Options
Cost range: $1,500–$8,500
Misc. Mechanical Costs
- Bathroom fan venting
- Dryer venting (if laundry)
- Kitchen Hood Venting (if required)
- Furnace room code clearances
Cost range: $1,000–$2,000
Fourth Most Expensive: Flooring
Most Bluffdale homeowners choose from a combination of the following:
- Carpet (Lower Profile and Loop Pile is most popular)
- Laminate wood
- LVP (luxury vinyl plank)
- Tile Products (Wood look and other styles available)
Costs range from $3,500–$15,000 depending on basement size and material quality.
Fifth Most Expensive: Custom Features
These are optional—but they can increase the overall cost quickly. Popular Bluffdale installs include:
- Home theaters
- Kitchenettes or wet bars
- Built-in custom cabinetry
- Fitness & Wellness rooms
- Fireplace
- Custom lighting and smart home features
- Custom Closet Organizers
- Accent walls (Paint, Finish Carpentry)
These features range widely, anywhere from $2,500–$30,000+.
What Bluffdale Homeowners Should Budget for a Full Basement Finish
Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for Bluffdale homeowners:
| Basement Size | Avg. Cost | With Bathroom |
| 600–800 sq ft | $20k–$35k | $30k–$52k |
| 800–1,000 sq ft | $30k–$52k | $39k–$65k |
| 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $45k–$70k | $55k–$95k |
The bathrooms are usually a must have, and the highest budget difference-maker.
How Homeowners Can Reduce Costs Without Lowering Quality
Here are professional, accurate cost-saving strategies:
1. Place the bathroom near existing plumbing
This avoids cutting new trenches far across the slab.
2. Use Carpet vs. Hard Surface Flooring in most areas
Looks beautiful, dampens sound, warmer feel & costs less.
3. Choose open layouts
Fewer walls = less framing, drywall, electrical and doors.
4. Avoid unnecessary kitchens or kitchenettes.
These features cost a lot more than homeowners expect and are rarely used.
Bottom Line: What Is the Most Expensive Part?
💡 Changing a bathroom location (plumbing + concrete cutting + Fixtures)
is the single most expensive part of finishing a basement in Bluffdale, Utah. This is usually a feature most desired in a basement. Although it is the most expensive, it also adds the most value per sqft.
Followed by:
- Framing + drywall
- Electrical + HVAC
- Flooring
- Custom features (bars, theaters, etc.)
Knowing this helps homeowners budget realistically—and avoid common surprises during construction.
Detailed FAQ for Bluffdale Homeowners
Q1: Why does adding a bathroom cost so much in a basement?
Because it requires many trades to complete. Plumbing (Including Fixtures), electrical (Including Fixtures), exhaust fan, cabinetry, countertops, Tile Surrounds & Flooring and Bath Harware. Pricing really goes up if you are moving the location of the bathroom away from existing plumbing: This requires cutting concrete, installing underground drainage, and then replacing concrete.
Q2: Can I finish my basement without a bathroom to save money?
Yes—removing the bathroom can save $10k–$20k and dramatically lower total cost however not recommended.
Q3: How long does it take to finish a Bluffdale basement?
Most take 6–10 weeks, depending on bathroom complexity and inspections.
Q4: Does adding a basement bathroom increase Bluffdale home value?
Absolutely. A basement bathroom can add $15k–$30k in appraised value.
Q5: Can Basements Etc help design a basement layout before construction?
Yes—we provide full design-build services, including bathroom placement, layout optimization, and code compliance.