| Most building contractors in Utah are quoting | | | | over charging) something. |
| $20-$100 per square foot as the "range" for | | | | The following are some of the things you should |
| finishing a basement in Utah! | | | | insist on (up front in writing) when getting your |
| With the real average price being closer to | | | | basement finished in utah, regardless of the price! |
| $25-$45 a square foot, for the average home. | | | | 1. Framing: Make sure they furnish framing |
| Why is it that price and is everyone charging | | | | materials (#2 or better) and labor necessary to |
| that? | | | | complete the construction of all parts relating to |
| NO! | | | | your project. |
| There is a "Utah Basement Finishing Company" ( | | | | 2. HVAC: Make sure they Install heat runs and |
| out there that specializes in finishing basements, | | | | cold air returns according to industry standards |
| that's all they do! In fact what's really cool is that | | | | and practices |
| they have developed a system that guarantees a | | | | 3. Electrical: Install wiring, outlets, lighting, smoke |
| finished basement (with top quality, expert | | | | alarm, switches, covers, and plates according to |
| craftmanship of course) for an unheard amount | | | | your plans. |
| of only $14 a square foot! And, they are not | | | | 4. Insulation: Standard R-13 insulation to be installed |
| "skimping" on materials or worksmanship! | | | | in exterior walls per industry standards and |
| The secret is in their "system". They have | | | | practices. |
| developed a process of design, construction and | | | | 5. Sheetrock: Insist on 1/2 sheetrock on walls and |
| finishing that allows them to offer an unbeatable | | | | ceilings per plans. Be sure they will tape, double, |
| price and still provide a professional job done! | | | | flush and finish smooth per industry standards and |
| Yes there are variables in every situation and | | | | practices. |
| there are unforseen things lurking behind walls, | | | | 6. Finish Carpentry: Look for them to provide and |
| etc. They have figured all of that out! | | | | install doors, casing, and baseboard. Also includes |
| Don't let the "finished for 14" concept worry you | | | | standard space saver closets and linen closets |
| or let you believe that you will be getting anything | | | | where applicable. |
| short of the best quality, attention to detail and a | | | | 7. Paint: Provide material and labor for single-tone |
| job finished on time. | | | | paint. Color to be selected by homeowner-(one |
| The best way to judge any company or job is to | | | | coat primer-one coat finish) |
| ask for referrals to jobs they may have done for | | | | 8. Misc Hardware: Provide and install door knobs, |
| others and see what they think. Look at their | | | | door stops, closet rods, electrical trim. |
| work, talk to their existing customers. | | | | 9. Clean-up: Be sure to ask about and have the |
| Some may scoff at the idea that anyone could | | | | contractor be responsible for all construction |
| finish a basement in Utah for only $14 a square | | | | related clean up, and debris disposal. Have them |
| foot, but remember the secret is in the system. | | | | isolate work areas to minimize impact to |
| Every other contractor and builder in Utah could | | | | non-work related spaces. |
| charge the same..........but they either haven't figured | | | | Make sure that all of their work meets or |
| out a system or they may be overlooking (and | | | | exceeds the NHBA standards and practices. |