Basement finishing · Orem, UT
Most Orem basement jobs start with one question: is this a family space or a rental unit? The answer changes the permit, the parking, and even the doors. We sort that out with you before the first stud goes up.
Finishing a basement in Orem
Orem puts basement finishes on its list of work that needs a building permit. That part is simple. The bigger choice is whether the space stays part of your home or becomes a separate apartment, because Orem treats those two jobs very differently.
A family room, a guest room, or a playroom is a standard finish. It still gets framing, wiring, and plumbing inspections, and every bedroom needs a proper egress window. An apartment with its own kitchen, bath, and bedroom adds a second set of city rules on top.
So we ask how you want to use the space in five years, not just this year. If a rental might come later, it is cheaper to frame for it now. A fire-rated door at the stairs or a spot for a second meter is easy to plan on paper and hard to add once the drywall is up.
"I had Dakota do a basement finish for me and he did an awesome job from start to finish. Great pricing, communication, and craftsmanship."
Jesse Smith · Basement finishWhat goes downstairs
Open space for movies and game nights. Orem's checklist for basement apartments lists a 7 foot minimum ceiling, and low ducts can eat into that, so we measure early.
Each bedroom gets a window big enough to climb out of. Orem's handout asks for a 5.7 square foot opening on a deep basement window and a well at least 36 inches each way.
A full or half bath downstairs. New drain lines are plumbing work in Orem, and we plan where the water heater and softener sit so nothing blocks them.
A sink and cabinets for a bar, or a small kitchen. A kitchen plus a bedroom and bath meets Orem's definition of an apartment, so we ask how you plan to use it.
Quiet rooms with extra insulation in the walls and ceiling. Adding insulation alone needs no Orem permit, but the framing and wiring around it do.
A legal unit inside the footprint of your home. Orem posts a public list of approved accessory apartments, with about 860 addresses as of July 2026.
"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 from basement finishes in homes a lot like the ones in Orem.
"Dakota and his team proposed options specific to her needs and left her with a beautiful finished product. Pricing was fair for the high quality. If you want clean work, a smooth process and no headaches, Lynnwood is your spot."
"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."
"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."
Orem apartment rules
Orem City Code 22-6-9(I) allows one accessory apartment in an owner-occupied, single-family home. It is not allowed in the R5 zone or in planned residential developments. The city was writing new ADU rules in 2026, so we confirm the current code before you commit.
You have to live in the house or in the apartment. Orem's checklist also asks the owner to sign a promise not to rent both units. A son, daughter, or other relative living there does not count as the owner.
The code wants at least one extra paved stall, 8 by 16 feet, outside the front setback. A two-car garage and the driveway in front of it do not count, so some homes need a wider driveway.
A new outside door for the apartment cannot face the street. Inside, doors in the shared walls need a 20 minute fire rating and a closer that shuts them on its own.
Orem caps a home with an apartment at two meters each for water, gas, and power, all in the owner's name. We mark meter spots before the walls close.
"After a flood in our basement, they completely transformed the space. Dakota coordinated everything and made the process so smooth. Their pricing was honest and fair, no surprises, just great work at a reasonable cost."
Misty Gallegos · Basement after floodHow it works
Dakota walks your Orem basement, talks through the layout, and gives you one honest price in writing.
We lock the layout, help you pick finishes, and pull the Orem City permit.
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 finishOrem & nearby
Orem sits right in the middle of the valley, so we are close by no matter which way you look. See our full Orem remodeling page or our basement finishing service, or find your nearby city below.
"Hired Kota to do a remodel for us and very glad we did. He was very on top of the project, always making sure we were updated. The quality turned out excellent."
Tyler Thomas · RemodelOrem is a short drive up I-15 for us. We finish basements all over Utah County, so wherever you are near Orem, odds are we are already working nearby.
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