Basement finishing · American Fork, UT
American Fork has a big run of 1970s homes and another big batch from the 2010s, and their basements finish very differently. The city also has its own accessory apartment code if you want a rental downstairs. We plan for both before any framing starts.
Basements in American Fork
Census numbers show about 1,860 American Fork homes were built in the 1970s. That is more than the 1960s and 1980s put together. Another 2,770 or so went up from 2010 to 2019.
In an older basement, the permit can reach upstairs. American Fork's basement checklist says every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the existing home gets upgraded, and you may have to bring other parts up to code, like egress. That cost belongs in the price on day one, not at the final inspection.
The plans need window well sizes, window types and where each window sits. They also need a project value and a full subcontractor list with license numbers. A plain basement finish skips the city's Zoning Clearance Letter. A basement apartment does not.
"It was a blank slate and we were unsure how to proceed. Dakota and his team proposed options specific to her needs and left her with a beautiful finished product. If you want clean work, a smooth process and no headaches, Lynnwood is your spot."
Kiko Quintana · Basement finishWhat we build downstairs
Big open living space for movie nights, the kids, and game day.
Legal, safe bedrooms with code egress windows and wells installed.
Add a full or half bath downstairs, plumbed and finished right.
A bar, sink, and cabinets, or a full kitchenette for a rental setup.
Home theaters, a gym, or a quiet office that actually feels finished.
Separate-entrance suites and income units, built to code.
"Dakota was extremely professional and outstanding finishing my basement. His professionalism carried over to his finish work and gave us the exact outcome we wanted in our basement."
Jaden Russell · Basement finishVerified Google reviews
These are real, verified 5.0-star reviews, and most of them are basement projects.
"Dakota just completed our basement project including complete drywall install and did a fabulous job. He and his crew were prompt, professional, thorough, and were able to do the job ahead of schedule. Price was fair and competitive."
"I had Dakota do a basement finish for me and he did an awesome job from start to finish. Great pricing, communication and craftsmanship."
"Dakota did a fantastic job finishing our basement. Helpful with his valuable inputs, timely communication, and completed within our budget. All his trade people are excellent and finished with great quality."
Renting the basement in American Fork
American Fork calls a basement rental an accessory apartment, and the rules are in Section 17.5.134 of the city code. The copy the city posts comes from Ordinance 2016-06-31, and state law has changed since. Confirm current rules with the city before you build.
The owner on the Utah County tax rolls has to live full time in the main home or in the apartment. Renting out both levels is not allowed. When you apply to rent, city staff can ask for ID to check that you live there.
The 2016 city text asks for two extra off-street spaces on top of the home's two, and tandem parking in a driveway counts. State law, now Utah Code 10-21-303, lets a city require only one extra space for an internal unit. Ask the Planning Department which number applies to your lot.
The apartment shares your house number. The main home is unit A and the apartment is unit B, posted where it can be seen from the street. Separate utility meters are allowed, but each one stays in the owner's name.
At an August 2026 work session, city staff said they check whether a basement remodel creates a self-contained unit. A separate kitchen and fire separation can turn a basement finish into an accessory apartment. Say so early if a renter is the plan.
"By the time we ran into a problem, he already was churning up a solid permanent solution. Already hiring him again for our basement finish. The craftsmanship shows it."
Sinjun Halladay · Older home, basement nextHow it works
Dakota walks your American Fork basement, talks through the layout, and gives you one honest price in writing.
We lock the layout, help you pick finishes, and pull the permit with American Fork City.
Framing through finish work, on schedule, site kept clean, and you updated the whole way.
Final inspection, a walkthrough with you, and we stand behind the work.
"They did a great job finishing our basement on time and with the best quality. Reasonable price."
Taylor Fox · Basement finishNear American Fork
American Fork sits right between its neighbors on I-15. Learn more about our work, or see the same basement finishing in the cities next door:
"Dakota was recommended to us. And we will pass that recommendation on. He gets things planned, scheduled, and done."
Lyle BinghamLehi is just west on I-15, Pleasant Grove is right to the east, and Orem is a short drive south. We finish basements in the north county all the time. Don't see your city? Just ask.
Get a free estimateGood questions
"He knows what he is doing, shows up when he says he will, and his pricing is very fair. I refer him to numerous clients and have for years."
Aren BybeeGet a free, in-writing price from Dakota. No pressure and no commission salesman. Most Utah County homeowners hear back the same day.
Get My Free Estimate or call (801) 515-3594