Basement Theater Rooms in Utah County

Utah’s original basement finishing company, building basement theater rooms in Utah County since 1997.

30+ Years in Business

Licensed & Insured

2-Year Builder's Warranty

BBB, NAHB & SLHBA Member

5.0★ Rated on Google

5.0★ Rated on Google (25 Reviews)

Millgate Homes has been finishing basements throughout Utah County since 1997, and homeowners consistently rate the crew 5.0 stars on Google.

I wanted some customizations to the theater room and Eric made it happen… I would recommend Eric and Millgate Homes without reservation.

Joshua R.

OUR SERVICES

Basement Theater Rooms for Utah County Homeowners

Millgate Homes builds basement theater rooms in Utah County for homeowners throughout American Fork, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Eagle Mountain, and the starting point looks different depending on the basement itself, not just which of those cities it’s in — all four have plenty of newer construction alongside more established neighborhoods. A raw, never-touched basement in a newer home is close to a blank canvas: no existing partition walls or furred-down ductwork to design a theater layout around, which means the room can be sized and placed exactly where the acoustics and sightlines work best. In a basement that’s already partially framed or built around an older furnace layout, we’re more often working around existing ductwork that has to be boxed in with a fur-down — we account for that in the design phase before framing starts, whichever of the four cities the home is in.

Wherever the room sits, the real design question for a basement theater room isn’t the paint color — it’s sound. A theater room generates more bass and sustained noise than almost any other basement space, and that noise travels up through a normal floor assembly far more easily than most homeowners expect. We treat sound dampening as a core part of a theater room build, not an upsell (more on that below), because a beautifully finished theater room that rattles the floor over the kitchen for the rest of the family isn’t a win.

Millgate pulls the building permit for the basement work and schedules every required inspection in whichever of the four cities you’re in — a basement theater room doesn’t require anything beyond the standard framing and electrical permit a basement finish already needs, since it isn’t a bedroom and doesn’t trigger egress requirements.

American Fork, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Eagle Mountain are where we build the most basement theater rooms in Utah County, and our crew is in and out of all four on a regular basis.

What’s Included in Basement Theater Rooms

Framing & Structure

2×4 walls on 16” on-center layout with treated floor plates
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) headers — not basic dimensional lumber — for any new openings
Fire-blocking and draft-stop installed around perimeter walls and ceiling to code
Fur-downs built around existing ductwork where the layout requires it

Electrical & A/V

Multiple 3000K LED can-lights instead of a single center fixture — this is a Millgate standard specifically for large rooms like theater rooms, so the room isn’t lit by one flush-mount light in the middle of the ceiling
Dimmer-ready wiring available (+$79/switch) so the room can go from “watching a movie” to “reading light” without a lamp
Cable-management chase-tube installed for a wall-mounted TV location, keeping cords out of sight
Surround sound wiring: 5.1 system (+$230) or 7.1 system (+$315); speaker installation available starting at $35/speaker
CAT5e or CAT6 (+$15/line) data lines run to the equipment location

Sound Dampening

RC-1 resilient channel (25-gauge) available — a vibration-cancelling system that reduces how much noise transfers from the theater room up into the floor above
Ceiling insulation upgrade options: R-38 fiberglass batts (+$2,185) or premium 1lb-density blow-in cellulose (+$3,425) for superior sound dampening between floors
R-19 fiberglass insulation on exterior concrete walls, included standard

Drywall & Finish

½” drywall on all surfaces, hand-textured to closely match your existing upstairs finish
Square or bull-nose corners to match the rest of your home
Three-coat paint standard (one primer, two finish coats) in a 2-tone finish; 3-tone upgrade available (+$475)

Flooring

Carpet standard ($30/yard, includes carpet, pad, and labor) — the usual choice for a theater room’s acoustics and comfort
LVP/LVT upgrade available ($7.50/sq. ft.) if you prefer a harder-wearing floor

Trim

Wood window sills with apron molding
Painted skirt boards
3-sided window casing available as an upgrade (+$90/window, includes material, labor, and paint)

Warranty

2-year builder’s warranty on all work and materials

Apples to Apples Comparison

Comparing bids for a basement theater room? Ask every contractor: Is sound dampening a standard part of the build or a pricey add-on? Are you getting multiple can-lights or one center fixture? Is the wiring roughed in for surround sound, or will a low-voltage crew need to come back and cut into finished walls later? Millgate builds sound dampening, multi-point lighting, and A/V rough-in into the process from the start.

Our Basement Theater Room Process

Step 1 — Free Consultation

We walk your basement with you and talk through layout — screen/TV wall placement, seating direction, where equipment will live, and whether you want a dedicated theater or a multi-purpose media room.

Step 2 — Design & Estimate

Our in-house design team sketches the layout so you can see the room before anything’s built, and you get a clear estimate based on that plan.

Step 3 — Permitting & Scheduling

Millgate pulls your city’s building permit and schedules the project. We’re on-site for every required inspection.

Step 4 — Framing & Rough-Ins

Framing goes up first, followed by electrical rough-in — can-lights, TV chase-tube, surround sound wiring, and any dimmer or data lines — then the framing/rough-in inspection.

Step 5 — Insulation, Sound Dampening & Drywall

Exterior walls get insulated, your chosen sound-dampening option goes in the ceiling, and drywall is hung and textured to match your upstairs.

Step 6 — Flooring, Trim & Paint

Carpet or LVP flooring, trim, and a three-coat paint finish.

Step 7 — Final Walkthrough, Inspection & Warranty

The city signs off on final inspection, we walk the finished room with you, and your 2-year builder’s warranty starts that day.

What Does a Basement Theater Room Cost?

A basement theater room doesn’t carry the plumbing costs a bathroom or kitchenette does, so per square foot it costs meaningfully less than either of those rooms — most of the cost is framing, electrical, sound dampening, and finish work.

As a real reference point: a recent 1,040-square-foot basement finish Millgate completed in Saratoga Springs — bedrooms, a family room, and a full bathroom — came to $48,300 total. A theater room built as part of a similar full-basement project sits inside that kind of number; built as a standalone addition to an already-finished basement, it’s priced on its own scope.

What actually moves the number for a theater room specifically:

Whether it’s part of a full basement finish or a standalone room addition
Sound dampening choice — standard insulation, RC-1 resilient channel, or a ceiling upgrade (R-38 batts at +$2,185 or blow-in cellulose at +$3,425)
Surround sound wiring (5.1 at +$230 or 7.1 at +$315) and speaker installation Carpet vs. LVP/LVT flooring
Trim upgrades and paint finish level

We don’t quote off a price sheet, because a theater room built into a raw, unfinished basement and one built around an already-framed layout or existing ductwork are different jobs — and we see both all over Utah County, not just in one city. Request a free estimate for pricing based on your actual basement.

Why Choose Millgate Homes

Utah’s original basement finishing company. Finishing basements since 1997 — this is the company’s core business, not a side offering.
Sound dampening built into the process, not an afterthought. RC-1 resilient channel and ceiling insulation upgrades are standard options on every theater room we build, priced up front.
In-house electricians, not subcontracted labor. The same crew that wires your can-lights runs your A/V chase-tube and surround sound wiring.
We handle the permit and every inspection in whichever of the four cities you’re in.
2-year builder’s warranty on all work and materials.
Licensed, insured, and locally owned — BBB, NAHB, and SLHBA member.
Minimal disruption upstairs — more than 90% of our workers and materials move through the basement door or window, not your front door.

Theater Room

Bring the cinematic experience home with a dedicated basement theater designed for immersive entertainment.

Features

Built‐in soundproofing, custom seating layouts, raised‐floor platforms, surround‐sound systems, and optimized lighting.

Best For

Movie lovers, family nights, or anyone who dreams of a true big‐screen experience at home.

AREAS WE SERVE

Basement Finishing Across Utah County

We finish basements throughout northern Utah County, with a focus on American Fork, Lehi, Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain. Choose your city to learn how we plan, permit and build complete unfinished-to-finished basements in your area.

UTAH COUNTY

Basement Finishing in American Fork

Turn your unfinished American Fork basement into comfortable living space designed around your home and family.

UTAH COUNTY

Basement Finishing in Lehi

We finish Lehi basements with detailed plans, clearly defined bids and one accountable team from start to finish.

UTAH COUNTY

Basement Finishing in Saratoga Springs

Create the bedrooms, kitchen, family room, theater or multigenerational space your Saratoga Springs home needs.

UTAH COUNTY

Basement Finishing in Eagle Mountain

Make the most of your Eagle Mountain basement with a custom layout, permit coordination and quality construction.

Related Services

Millgate Home’s portfolio features thoughtfully designed, high-quality homes known for craftsmanship, innovative layouts, and sustainable living, catering to diverse preferences across prime locations.

Media Centers & Fireplaces

Built-in entertainment centers and fireplace features that pair naturally with a theater room’s media wall.

Learn More

Basement Family Rooms

A more open, multi-purpose alternative if a fully dedicated theater room isn’t the right fit for your space.

Learn More

Basement Bedrooms

Often built in the same project as a theater room when a full basement finish is underway.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a basement theater room cost in Utah County? +

It depends mostly on whether it’s part of a full basement finish or a standalone addition, and which sound-dampening and A/V options you choose. A recent 1,040-square-foot Saratoga Springs basement finish (bedrooms, family room, full bathroom) came to $48,300 total — a theater room built alongside a similar full basement finish falls inside that range. Request a free estimate for a number based on your actual space.

How do I keep the noise from a basement theater room from bothering people upstairs? +

Sound dampening, not just insulation. Millgate offers RC-1 resilient channel — a vibration-cancelling system installed in the ceiling that reduces how much noise transfers up into the floor above — plus upgraded ceiling insulation (R-38 batts or premium blow-in cellulose) for rooms where sound control matters most. We’ll walk you through the options and what each one actually does during your free consultation.

Do I need a permit for a basement theater room in Utah County? +

Yes, the same building permit that covers any basement finishing work — framing and electrical, inspected at rough-in and final. A theater room isn’t a bedroom, so it doesn’t trigger egress-window requirements the way a basement bedroom does. Millgate pulls the permit and handles every inspection in whichever of the four cities you’re in.

Are GFCI outlets required in a basement theater room? +

Under the electrical code most Utah cities have now adopted, basement receptacles generally need GFCI protection regardless of what the room is used for — not just in bathrooms or near water. Millgate wires every basement room, theater rooms included, to whatever code your city has currently adopted, so this is handled either way.

What size should a basement theater room be? +

There’s no fixed minimum — it depends on how many people you want seated and whether you want tiered seating or a single row. A single-row theater room with a modest screen can work in a smaller space; a room built for tiered seating and a larger projector setup generally needs more depth to get comfortable viewing distance. We’ll help you figure out what actually fits your basement’s footprint during the design phase.

Are you licensed and insured? +

Yes. Millgate Homes is a licensed, insured general contractor, and our electrical work is done by our own in-house electricians.

Do you offer a warranty on theater room work? +

Yes — every Millgate project, theater rooms included, comes with a 2-year builder’s warranty on all work and materials at no extra cost.

Do you build basement theater rooms outside of American Fork, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Eagle Mountain? +

Yes. Along with those four cities, we build basement theater rooms throughout the rest of Utah County.

Ready to Build Your Basement Theater Room?

Get a free, no-obligation estimate — no pressure, no per-square-foot guesswork.

Alternative path: Call 801-915-4466

Millgate Homes
P.O. Box 1662, Orem, UT 84059
801-915-4466 · support@millgatehomes.com

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       Posted on Google  
   
   Kim Wyffels 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful experience working with Millgate Homes. Eric is professional yet personable. Great communication, timely and competitive pricing.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christine Tanner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with Eric of Millgate homes.  I love my basement. His whole team was professional, kind and did great work.  Eric pays attention to the details which is rare in the world of contracting these days.  You won't be disappointed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kathryn Seamons 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had Millgate finish our basement and we love it! They were amazing!!!!! Always punctual, kind & great at communicating. We wanted some custom items and Eric was so great to listen, create and execute our vision PERFECTLY. I would 100% recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rosemary Flaherty 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Millgate Homes has been a pleasure! The communication was ongoing and I always knew where we were in the process. The expectations and contract was clear and the subcontractors were very professional. Prices were reasonable and I received much help in making decisions and selections. And I love the final result! Very  happy with our new basement and highly recommend Millgate homes for your basement finishing project.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Loren Whitney 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I rarely write reviews but I think I need to in this case. This company was excellent to work with. Initially I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with the basement, but I had ideas. When Eric came over I discussed it with him and he clarified a few things for me and I felt we ended up with a really nice design. He put me in the queue and once I was in, it was like clockwork. Everything was on time, professional, and high quality. I had plenty of help picking out colors and making decisions. After a couple of years and after working with a different contractor for a different project, I look back on the experience with a lot of appreciation. I highly recommend this company
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steven Hinckley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Millgate Homes finished our basement and it was a great experience! They helped us work out a floor plan to maximize the use of space, everyone was friendly, did a great job, and they finished on time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karthik Kasiviswanathan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When we decided to finish our basement, we received many bids from various contractors. Eric from Millgate Homes stood out because he was very professional and he gave us a very competitive and detailed bid. Eric is very knowledgeable and he guided us on different options through out the project. Eric has a wonderful team of subcontractors who are very professional and did a great job. Eric and Mitch were very responsive to all the questions we had. Also, Mitch gave us periodic updates on the cost and kept us informed. Towards the end some the subcontractors fell sick, but Eric made sure the work got completed on time. We are glad we chose to work with Millgate Homes and would highly recommend them!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lana Schultz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been delighted with our remodel and have told everyone about it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Sorensen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We received bids from a number of different contractors and not only did Millgate provide the most comprehensive, but it was also very competitive. Our neighbors chose another contractor and started a month before us on their basement finish and Millgate finished a month before them! We would definitely recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kathy Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric has been amazing. He's replied to emails, given me estimates that were very reasonable. Some had ranges and he explained what the range included. I've been very impressed with his professional service.