COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about finishing your basement? You’re not alone! Our FAQ section is designed to provide clear answers about costs, timelines, design options, and the Millgate Homes process, helping you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Pricing basement finishing by the square foot is misleading at best and dishonest at worst. There are simply too many factors involved to give an accurate “one‐size‐fits‐all” number.
For example, most bathrooms average around 45 square feet, yet the cost must cover framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, tile, ventilation, and accessories. Taken together, that adds up to the highest cost per square foot of any room in the basement.
On the other hand, a standard bedroom (without plumbing, cabinetry, or tile work) typically costs less than a quarter of that amount. This shows why square‐foot pricing is unreliable: the real cost depends on the number, type, and size of rooms in your design, as well as the finishes you select.
The best way to get an accurate price is to share your basement floor plan with us. We’ll provide a detailed, transparent estimate that reflects your specific layout and needs.
Read more below:
An estimate is an early pricing tool that helps you understand whether your expectations are in line with the typical costs of basement finishing.
Most homeowners are not sure what their project might cost, so an estimate helps narrow things down and set realistic expectations.
By reviewing your description and floor plan, we can provide a ballpark figure so you know what to anticipate before moving forward.
For example, if your estimate comes in around $40,000, the final bid will typically refine that number within a reasonable range (say $35,000 to $45,000).
It won’t suddenly drop to half the price, nor will it unexpectedly double; that’s the value of getting a professional estimate. If the estimate feels comfortable with your budget, the next step is a detailed bid.
At that stage, we’ll visit your home, take precise measurements, and prepare a complete, to‐the‐dollar bid for your basement based on your exact design and needs.
Read more below:
Yes. We understand that some homeowners want to take on certain tasks themselves, and we do allow limited “sweat equity” opportunities.
Common examples include completing the painting or installing certain flooring. In some rare cases, we may also permit homeowners to use an immediate family member who is a licensed and insured subcontractor for a specific phase of the work.
These situations are assessed on a case‐by‐case basis to ensure the overall quality, safety, and warranty of your basement are preserved.
Every project timeline depends on the size, design, and complexity of the basement, but thanks to our detailed pre‐planned schedules and efficient project management, most basements are completed in just 10 to 12 weeks.
We prioritize clear communication and careful coordination with our crews to keep your project on track, ensuring your basement is finished on time without compromising on quality.
Yes, the basement should be cleared of personal belongings to allow our crews full access to walls, floors, and ceilings.
This ensures the work can be completed efficiently and safely, while protecting your possessions from dust or accidental damage. We recommend moving items to an upstairs area, garage, or temporary storage space.
Our team can advise on the best way to prepare your basement for construction.
No, our goal is to minimize disruption to your daily life while the basement is being finished.
Over 90% of our workers and materials will go through a basement window greatly decreasing upstairs traffic / interferences and our crews are trained to work efficiently and respect your home, containing dust and keeping construction areas organized.
Many homeowners continue their normal routines upstairs while we complete the basement project.
No. We ask for a small deposit when you sign the contract to secure your spot on the schedule. After that, payments follow a structured plan tied to construction progress.This approach ensures transparency and allows you to pay as work is completed, giving you confidence that funds correspond to actual progress.
(Be weary of companies that require large deposits and/or don’t have a fair and structured payment plan).
Our bids are structured to be clear, consistent, and comprehensive.
We include all standard items upfront such as: quality cabinetry, durable flooring options, and list allowances for things like lighting and plumbing fixtures.
Optional features such as fireplaces, full kitchens, custom showers, or finishing storage areas are listed transparently in their own section, so you can choose exactly what fits your vision and budget.
This way, you’ll know from the beginning what your project will cost and what’s included.
Yes, that is always our goal! We carefully match door styles, baseboards, and casings to your upstairs finishes and can also replicate your existing paint colors.
This ensures that the basement feels like a natural extension of your home.
Our design team also considers lighting, trim details, and overall aesthetics so your new basement is cohesive and harmonious with your existing spaces.
Read more below:
With over 25 years of experience specializing exclusively in basements, Millgate Homes has mastered the unique challenges that basements present.
From customized designs and premium materials to code compliance and energy‐efficient solutions, we go above and beyond industry standards.
Our bids are transparent and consistent; what other builders call “upgrades,” we often include as standard.
Our motto, “Your Basement, Your Way,” reflects our commitment to delivering personalized spaces that match your vision and lifestyle.
Read more below:
Absolutely. Navigating building codes is one of our specialties.
Every project we complete is permitted and fully compliant with city and state regulations, ensuring your finished basement isn’t just beautiful, it’s also safe and structurally sound.
From proper egress windows in bedrooms to ventilation in bathrooms, we take every step necessary to create a functional, code‐compliant living space you can enjoy with peace of mind.
Read more below:
You don’t need an outside architect.
Our in‐house design team has you covered. We’ll help you maximize your space with creative layouts, minimize wasted areas like unnecessary hallways, and incorporate storage solutions where others might overlook them.
Whether you want a family‐friendly retreat, a rental apartment, or an entertainment hub, our design expertise ensures your basement is tailored to your lifestyle and ready for construction.
No, our process is designed to minimize disruption.
Temporary interruptions to plumbing or electrical services may occur only once or twice during major alterations, and these are typically brief.
Our crews plan carefully to coordinate these tasks efficiently so that your household activities are impacted as little as possible.
Yes, Millgate Homes provides a 2‐year warranty on all work and materials for quality and craftsmanship.
This covers construction and installation defects, but does not cover normal wear‐and‐tear, accidental damage, or misuse.
We stand by our work and are committed to promptly addressing any issues within the warranty period.
Absolutely! We provide more style options and choices than any other builder in Utah.
Our products are sourced from the best local showrooms, so you can be confident in both quality and aesthetics.
From flooring to cabinetry, lighting, paint, and plumbing fixtures, our Selection Guide helps you customize your basement exactly as you envision it.
Yes, if you have additional projects upstairs that fall within our expertise, we can coordinate those with the basement work.
Our crews efficiently schedule tasks to complete both areas without unnecessary delays or return trips, ensuring cost‐effective and seamless progress across your entire home.
This approach maximizes your time and minimizes inconvenience.
Free Estimates
How much will it cost to finish my basement in Utah?
Fill out the form below or call us today to get your free basement finishing estimate! 801.915.4466
Free Estimates
Service Areas
Proudly serving customers in south Salt Lake County and Utah County areas.